Engine Sound

[Cormanus]

I know I shouldn't make generalisations, but look at the image folks who tend to favour loud pipes generally want to create and you'll realise pretty quickly that the hullabaloo is more about intimidation than safety.

[Haggard Rider_imp]

When I suffered my 'mid-life crisis', which fortunately coincided with a surfeit of disposable income, my attention and enthusiasm was directed toward Brit V8 sportscars (TVR Chimeara and Griffith) which was as much to do with sound as anything else (at 250hp, they weren't actually that quick) - but loved that V8 growl - until..... I got a 6 cylinder TVR Tuscan, 400hp of manic pleasure and the HOWL that engine produced at 7k rpm was other worldly (sounded like WWIII had started on the overrun!).

Now, the CB650 I did some of my learning on had some of that same howl as too (the Z650 just rattled and vibrated), to a more muted level, does the CB1100. This is a sound I am more than happy with and do not want to change it by putting on a loud can, for apparent safety, I'd rather put on a SoundBomb or something. Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I'm not too sure loud cans save lives?

For me, the character of the CB1100 isn't one where 'in yer face' is wanted, it is enough 'to be' by virtue of it's presence and yes, I cannot tell you the buzz I get simply knowing I am riding a CB1100, there was no other bike I really wanted and I'm happy with it the way it is - although maybe some RLETs to complete it?

Plus it scared the absolute crap. to the point of almost hysterics, out of my one granddaughter who we lovingly call Godzilla (not her name but you get the picture) - win/win I'd say!

[LongRanger_imp]

I know I shouldn't make generalisations, but look at the image folks who tend to favour loud pipes generally want to create and you'll realise pretty quickly that the hullabaloo is more about intimidation than safety.

Yes, absolutely agree. That why their "loud pipes save lives" justification is so ridiculous.

[tommymck_imp]

Regarding "loud pipes save lives", I agree that it's at odds with some of the lack of precaution that you sometimes see with Harley riders. But I'll say that there have been more than a few times when I've been driving in a car that I've known without looking that a Harley was approaching from behind. In my opinion, it definitely makes drivers more aware. Would they be better off wearing more protective gear and driving more defensively? Sure. Is it obnoxious in general? Probably. But I do think that cars are less likely to change lanes into a Harley than they would be into a quieter bike.

Having said that, I have no interest in riding around on a loud bike.

Regarding the sound of the CB1100, I absolutely love the bike. It's my favorite of all time. But that has absolutely nothing to do with how it sounds. I ride BMW's after all. Until recently, I'd have said that I couldn't care less how a bike sounds. But I'll admit that my Triumph Speedmaster does seem a bit cooler than is justified because of its sound. Not loud at all. Just a nice deep soft growl.

At the risk of over generalizing, I'd say that somebody who puts a premium on the way a bike sounds won't be initially happy with the CB1100. But once you fall in love with the bike, the sound will remind you of it, and you'll love it.

[GoldOxide_imp]

I know I shouldn't make generalisations, but look at the image folks who tend to favour loud pipes generally want to create and you'll realise pretty quickly that the hullabaloo is more about intimidation than safety.

Yes, absolutely agree. That why their "loud pipes save lives" justification is so ridiculous.

Yes, absolutely agree. That why their "loud pipes save lives" justification is so ridiculous.
Maybe closer to the truth is they don't want to take ownership of the fact that their wants are obnoxious to most others. Even closer: They don't care.

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Some might even be okay if they just said, " ... don't care" versus basically a lame excuse or lie.

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Side story:

There is a hamlet about an hour north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada where provincial police have been ticketing bikes violating the noise law for a few years now. Most of them have been HDs. Not a profound statement by no means, but the locals did take the action.

[teamvisegrip_imp]

Well let me chime in on the sounds our bikes make... First I do not like the loud roar of the Harleys. It really can be over the top some times. Yes there are others out there that are loud and not just Harleys.

I have a few bikes some are stock others are modified. My CB1100 is am amazing bike. The smoothest bikes I have ever ridden. But I also love the looks of the Yoshimura full exhaust too! There are people that make these for the old 4 cylinder Hondas and I always wanted to get a Honda 4 just to install the pipe on it. Well the 2014 Honda CB1100 and Yoshimura full pipe solved that desire. What a combination and the look is perfect. It also brings out a little meaner growl with out being annoying. It is actually a very complimentary exhaust system for the retro lovers out there.

I have a 1986 Honda VFR, love the bike. A very long time ago I installed a set or Kerker Slip-On mufflers. What a mistake! It sounded way better with the stock exhaust. So years later I changed it back.

So for me exhaust noise is all part of the beauty of the bike. It has to match it. The Yoshimura pipe on the CB1100 is PERFECT! My VFR stock for me is PERFECT. The XRs Only full exhaust on my 85 Honda XL600R is a sound to love! And lastly... my loudest bike... a modified 1967 Suzuki T-20 with twin chambers is just well just insane! I love pulling up next to a big a** Harley and my exhaust noise from my little bike is louder than theirs! When I leave the house/neighborhood I will idle it till I am well clear then it is game on! LOL!

Still need to find the time to finish my Kawasaki H2 with triple chambers on it. That will be pure heaven! LOL!

So the sound of the bike is up to the rider. For me it has to compliment the bike and add to the overall appeal of the machine. A bike can go from boring to amazing just by adding a pipe and getting the right sound.