Louder Exhaust? By DrRocco (Read 1,378 times)

[DrRocco]

Dang, my scoot is quiet.  That's just fine with me.  I didn't buy it to rattle windows and sound awesome.  That being said I've been wondering if it might be wise to make the scoot louder so that drivers are more likely to notice me.  Have any of you made any mods to add a little volume to the exhaust?  Is there even an easy way to do this?  Is it worth the trouble?  Hell, maybe I'll just install one of those bird-chirpy things the golf carts at the airport have.  

[richardv]

I usually don't notice Harleys until they have already past and a noisy scooter is just obnoxious.
But seriously, have you heard that the feds are considering having electric cars have a noise maker installed. They're so quit they sneak up on people.

My vote is keep it quit and get a horn.

[cyborg]

mine is way outta line quiet also

[twowheeler]

Its cool for a minute then youll be wishing that drone was gone. Do not drill holes in your muffler unless you can plug them or youll be stuck buying a new one when you tire of it.

[jvino]

You could get a louder after market horn. I really not sure if they sell a louder exhaust for that scooter. Luke posted one he has on his scooter think it cost him like 38 dollars dave said you can get them at auto pats store for 20 dollars or so.

I don't recommend like earlier thread ride invisible use your best judgment always be care full at intersections and ride in the view of mirrors on vehicles so they know your there.

[richardv]

Always ride like you are invisible to them. Most drivers only see what there looking for and mostly that's two tons of steel and glass and there radios, etc. are louder than you scooter will be.
High visibility clothing may not be stylish but it is your friend.

[jct842]

The ones that usually hit bikers are driving in a daze and it takes more than the noise of a harley to wake them up. And if harleys with loud exhausts were the answer they would never get hit by a car.

[DrRocco]

I just like to gain every advantage I can. I do all the things you guys are talking about, riding like I'm invisible, staying out of blind spots, giving myself a space cushion, etc...

I know from experience that, especially on roads with many lanes, I've heard a loud bike which has caused me to actively try to find where it is around me. Maybe he's two lanes over and behind me where I can't seem him in my mirror, but after I hear him I know to keep an extra close eye on where he is.

I expected you guys to be somewhat in favor of having a louder ride. If you guys are all in agreement that it doesn't make a difference, then I'll use your collective experience as a guide and not worry about it myself.

[twowheeler]

Trust me, even if it did the tightest fittined helmet is not going to help with the noise! The only solution is to have a tailpipe the goes out another 2 feet!

[jvino]

I would think there is some sort of after market pipe out there for your bike where to look though not sure. I personally like how quiet they are and very rarely use the horn. Be safe and hope you enjoy that new scoot I would think your getting close to your second oil change now.

[DrRocco]

Thanks jvino! I'm getting very close. I'm gonna change again at 300 Km. I'm at like 260 now. The plan is to change it again at 500 and then 1000. I'm just now starting to have fun on it, simply because I was initially scared of the notorious Chinese scoot reputation. Now that I'm gaining confidence in the bike, it's a lot easier to enjoy it.

[jvino]

Glad to hear dr rocco you are right on with your oil changes. I usually change my oil every 500 to 700 miles roughly on my scooter. You probley need to drain your diff fluid at 2000 miles that's what my book called for at least in the book. The oil was pretty dirty actually.

It was a weird process I went to right aid and bought a baby syringe It took like 15 minits to do with such a small tool to put the oil in the diff glad I did it though. My scooter is getting close to 2400 miles now. I just go out and puts around the area and get a little lost.

Also have a friend that I go riding with its fun to ride with someone you might get lucky and meet someone with a scooter if your out riding around.

Happy to hear your enjoying your scoot it is not even broken in yet ride it easy. Scooters are generally rode pretty easy any way. There's not much room for speed with a little engine and throttle. But are fun to puts on my opinion.

[novaraptor]

I added a radio to mine to be more noticable. I think loud exhaust just irritates motorists, usually cause it drowns out their stereos in the car and usually only when stopped at lights. Reflective striping and road awareness serve you better.

[kz1000st]

It all falls on you really. Cars are insulated steel boxes with sound systems. Unless you're making the sound of a ground-bound jet fighter no one will hear you. Let's amend that then for clarity. You have to ride like every driver on the road is blind and deaf. Bright clothing and loud horns and exhaust only help with people who see or hear you already.

[richardv]

Let's not forget the ones that will see you - and enjoy the fear in your eyes.