There’s an old saying in the motorcycling world: “Loud pipes save lives”. The idea is simple, if your bike makes enough noise, other road users will hear you coming and give you space or at least not cut you off. But is there any truth to it, or is it just another bit of biker folklore that’s been around for decades?
Let’s start with the logic. A louder motorcycle does get noticed. When you’re filtering through traffic or sitting in a driver’s blind spot, the rumble of your engine might just grab their attention before they make that fateful lane change. Some riders swear that their noisy exhaust has saved them more times than they can count. And there’s a psychological element too: a throaty exhaust note makes your presence feel bigger, which can influence how drivers react around you.
But here’s the kicker, sound doesn’t always travel the way we think it does. Most of your exhaust noise is blasting out behind you, not in front where the danger usually lies. Car cabins today are designed to be so quiet, thanks to incredible soundproofing and seals, that prevent many drivers from hearing your bike until you’ve already passed them. In other words, by the time your “safety feature” kicks in, the moment of risk may have already passed.
What you might argue is that electric motorbikes, being super quiet, are harder to notice. They have no presence, and like a cyclist, appear only when you’ve just cut them off. The lack of noise is a danger in our modern age society, people everywhere glued to their smartphones like zombies.
But then there’s also the not-so-small matter of the law. Some bikes are running around close to racetrack volume and countless complaints are forcing intervention. Many places are now cracking down hard on loud exhausts. Cities across Europe, Australia, and the US have started setting up noise cameras and issuing hefty fines. So while you might cool or extra safe, you might just attract too much attention. And let’s be honest, nobody likes that rider who sets off car alarms at 2 am.
On the flip side, there’s no denying that sound contributes to awareness. Humans are wired to respond to sudden noises, and if even one distracted driver looks up from their phone because they hear you, maybe it was worth it. But relying on noise alone? That’s a big gamble.
What’s actually been proven to keep motorcyclists safe is visibility and rider anticipation. High-viz gear, well-placed auxiliary lights and even reflective strips, all boring compared to a V-twin’s thunder, but far more effective at catching eyes where it matters. And above all, defensive riding: assuming nobody has seen you and preparing to react when they don’t.
Defensive riding courses are inexpensive, will improve you as a rider and the skills they teach can actually save your life.
So …. is it safer to have a louder motorcycle? Maybe. But it’s no silver bullet, and it definitely shouldn’t replace good riding habits or smart gear choices. A loud bike might turn heads, but it won’t always stop bumpers. If upgrading your exhaust is both performance enhancing, has the potential to increase your presence and makes the engine soundtrack more pronounced, then it’s seems worth considering.
At the end of the day, the safest rider is the one who’s alert, visible, and prepared, not just the one who rattles windows. A great sounding bike, that’s not excessive, will only improve your overall riding experience, and if it also helps get a little more attention, then for me it’s a no brainer.
