Loud pipes on motorcycles will draw fines in Milford

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I can understand giving fines to the people cranking on the throttle through town but if you are just cruising through at low speed they are no louder than a muscle car or dump truck or hmmmm Police sirens....you know ther ones that they use to get you to move so they can get through a busy intersection . They shouldn't fine everyone, just the idiots that find it cool to rev up for attention. straight pipes can be pretty quiet when you are just rollin through town
- Jay, Jaffrey,NH

What a bunch of narrow minded ignorant people feel the need to comment on this. Yesterday alone I was almost hit by 3 separate drivers that didn't take the time to look where they were going. Young, old, and middle aged drivers fail to look well enough when driving out of side streets, "merging" onto a road, or changing lanes that perhaps if they heard something there it would signal them to open their eyes.

Motorcycles are not dangerous and having a pipe that is a bit louder to draw more attention in the direction of the bike DOES make the driver look.

Don;t get me wrong, the people that find the need to rev for no reason and use their pipes to cause a ruckus should be fined, but a bike just riding through town and adhering to a Decible law then just leave them alone.

Don't complain until you can all open your eyes and look without extra prompting.
- Rob, Hillsborough, NH

Listen I understand, I live by a busy street and my living area windows pick up every noise that comes from that street but they are driving by so as fast as the sound comes it leaves.
As far as what the officer said about the people becoming disoriented because they hear the noise but they cannot see where it is coming from, does this include his police siren or ambulance and fire truck sirens?
No one because disoriented they know what the sound is and the fact that they are trying to find it so they do not hit it, is kind of proving the point!
Anyway, my problem is also the fact that this is discrimination or a violation of our constitutional rights, at least here in NY it is. In NY, the law states that the original pipes must be on your motorcycle that they cannot be removed or tampered with. This to me is a violation of my rights; it is taking away my right to choose. I bought the motorcycle I paid the taxes. Therefore, if I want to make a change with in the law I should be able too. How about if I wanted some after market pipes that were not loud but looked like straight pipes does this mean that although I am not breaking the decibel law I am restricted to keeping the OEM pipes there fore I will be ticketed! It does not seem right I should have the choice! How dare they take away my right to choose!
- Jose, NY

Loud pipes are nothing but "look at me" motorcycle accessories. I've been riding for nearly 40 years and know of what I speak. Been there done that but I grew up and become responsible and realized there are other people in the world besides myself. Loud pipes do nothing but annoy the majority of the public. they should be banned from every motor vehicle.
- Russ, Owls Head, me

Are there any groups organized against loud bike noise in NH, if so how can I get in touch?
The previous comment comparing police and firemen out to SAVE LIVES with the folks who inflict loud noise for their own pleasure is ludicrous. In the extreme. Whatever happened to, your rights end where mine begin? Violating the rights of others to peaceful use of their own property is anti-American.
- susan, conway nh

I replaced the stock pipes on my bike. I don't ride around at night annoying people with noise pollution. However, its nice to hit the throttle to alert an 80 year old bluehair who is about to run me down, or accelerate when entering the highway to alert the inconsiderate drivers who are trying to play "chicken" with me. Its all about being considerate to the other person. Chief Douglas - If you make me change my pipes, I'll need to replace them with a 500db "ah-oog-ah" horn. For the rest of you non-bikers, most of your children and dogs are louder than my pipes!
- Terry, Manchester

As a rider who travels exclusively on my 72 Harley Sportster. I have encountered this situation more commanly, these days.

Yes, mine has straight pipes and if I keep it cranked up, yes it can be loud. However, when motoring thru town, I am not as loud as some of those cars with the stereo cranked up to 10/11 volume.

The EPA changed the law about noise and it effects vehicles built after 78. My 78 Sportster meets that requirement. My 72 was grandfathered in when the law went into effect.

Now I have another town to add to the list of places not to visit. I can understand your concerns, but think, for myself, that you are being shortsighted in lumping all bike into one grouping.

If the law is enforced across the board, that's one thing. Target a specific group, and you are being discriminative. As in race, county of origin, etc.

Most riders are law abiding folks, go after the few who mess it up for all of us.

Thanks for your time, and I won't be bringing any money to your town.
- Randy, Portland, Or

people with straightpipes are ignorant and selfish. bottomline. how could anyone justify that they should empower themselves to interrupt every pedestrian conversation, curbside restaurant, napping babies, sleeping nightshifters etc as they ride down the street. this is a society we live in and these jerks need to respect that. $500 fines are too lenient as a third offense. the license should be taken away at that point.
- phil, raymond

If bikes are so dangerous that they need loud pipes to make them safe, maybe we should return to the laws of a hundred years ago and require that the be ridden no faster than a walk and be preceded by someone on foot carrying a red flag. Why is it that only HD motorcycles need to have loud pipes to be safe? Does this mean that a Honda Gold Wing that makes less noise than my wrist watch is unsafe? This loud pipes are a safety issue is pure BS and everyone on both sides of the issue knows it. When are the police get the guts to face down the biker crowd and get these nuisances off the road?
- SR, Grantham

Let's be fair to all and crack down on all excessively loud bikes and cars.

Just because a person lives in a city doesn't mean that they have to give up the right to have a somewhat quiet environment. It not even good for business...have you ever tried eating at a sidewalk cafe in the city? The whole point to dining outside to to enjoy the sun and ambiance but thanks to the excessive noise there is nothing peaceful about it.

Also, these loud bikes and cars don't just drive in the city they also drive in the country where many people have moved so they can have some quiet. How far should they have to move?

Finally, why, oh why, do loud bikes and cars have to rev their engines late at night or going through a high pedestrian area or residential area? Please have some courtesy. Many of us are courteous of you.
- Sue, Bedford

It's good to hear that Milford is taking the time and man power to enforce something that is only an issue a few months out of the year.
If loud pipes are the issue why are they not targeting cars or trucks that have loud exhausts on them too?

I think it is ridiculous that they are taking the time to enforce something as minor as loud pipes, when it's been all over the news of increasing gang, and drug activity throughout town and along Keys field.

I’m glad they have their Priorities straight!
- Liz, Milford

Amy, to quote the Volkswagen commercial.. "On the road of life, there are passengers and drivers." having you as a driver or passenger of a bike with loud modified pipes is not wanted or needed... Milford will have one less complaint with you not returning there.. Yes you have to deal with noises where ever you live but having excessive noise pollution no one wants... Do you enjoy having some kid in a civic blasting their gangster rap as they roll by your house in the wee hours of the night? I doubt it...
- Brian, Manchester

I would like to start my own blog called C.A.L.M. Citizens Against Loud Motorcycles. I live in a small town, which I moved to for the peace and quiet. I subsequently had neighbors move in with very loud motorcycles. Instead of enjoying the sound of the birds and trees, I am paying a mortgage and property taxes to listen to this idiot's motorcycle. How is this fair? Most people come to our beautiful state to enjoy nature and the outdoors. Nobody is denying the rights of anybody to ride a motorcyle, but how is it ok to take that right and blast your neighbors and anybody else within a mile of the motorcycle. When people move into a wealthy community, one of the things that comes with it is peace and quiet. I beleive that when you are making a noisy neighborhood, you are lowering property values. Who wants to live next to the airport, train tracks,industrial park etc. I support Chief Douglas and his efforts to be fair to everyone in his community. I will be contacting my local police dept. to see if I can get any relief with my noise problem. Remember - C.A.L.M.
- Judi S, Greenville

Whatever, I've been through Milford once in my life and it isn't worth going back anyway. I think they can enforce the laws without having to be jerks about it, law enforcement in this particular town seems to have a chip on their shoulder. I've been a passenger on a bike for the last 19 years and I find nothing wrong with the pipes being modified, there have been times when the pipes have saved my life and other times when it startles the other drivers, let's face it we have BAD drivers in NH that don't pay attention to anything.. stop reading, talking on phones, doing makeup etc and pay attention to the road. I love the sound of a bike anytime day or night if you live in a city you've just got to deal with the noise from all kinds of things.
- Amy, Deerfield

Try walking along the beach in Hampton on a Saturday/Sunday. The loud pipes are too loud and when you live there, the "few bad apples" are everywhere. I agree with one of the previous submittals, "pipes make a statement." While they may be fun for the rider, they are not fun for residents who walk in the wake of the motor-heads. Earplugs are a must. I would like to see a maximum decibel level enforced...and how about a speed limit at Hampton...one that is enforced.
- Ed, Hampton, NH

As is so often the case, there is some truth on both sides of the "loud pipes save lives" argument. Noise the rises above the ambient level attracts attention (Thus sirens on emergency vehicles and the incessant "beep beep beep" when at truck backs up). But how loud do such pipes have to be to be noticed? And at what volume does the sound start to interfere with other's ability to respond properly? If motorcycles were allowed to sound like motorcycles with the pipes that came on them, and not like m'ladies sewing machine, only a small percentage of owners would desire to change them to ones that are excessively loud. That'd not only go a long way to ending this controversy, but it'd save a whole lot of natural materials presently wasted on stock pipes that sit rusting on garage shelves.

-CbD
- chabis benDuvid, Peterborough

I'll join the votes against loud bikes. The justification that they save lives is just a fake excuse to annoy. I can understand how the rumbling might sound nice, but any considerate person would gladly give up some small amount of fun if it annoyed hundreds of others, not to mention the surprise factor. When one of those bikes roars past me on the highway, I can't avoid jerking the wheel a little.

I would love NH to crack down on loud bikes. If you want to ride on through NH, so be it. Your money is not worth the peace you're taking away.
- Marc, Derry

I live on a very popular bike route, about halfway up a HUGE hill. I can deal with the very loud pipes during the day, but in the evening it's just too loud.

I've been riding for 22+ years, and owned a nice Harley Road King. Now, I really like the sound of the V-Twin engine, but there has to be some limit to the noise, especially in the evenings.
- Bill, Deerfield

Good for Milford. What many of the motorcycle owners don't realize is that these pipes not only drown out any noise within 1000 yards, they also drown out sympathies of people like myself who otherwise have no problem with motorcycles.

As for the safety argument, it only holds if the people driving these "ego extenders" are also wearing helmets and full leather gear (not just a jacket). Otherwise, they're just being obnoxious.
- Jason, Londonderry

Rick, I'm with you -- it's nearly impossible to sleep in Manchester on summer nights if you live within a 1/4 mile of a main road. Aldermen, PLEASE adopt a similar ordinance -- blasting pipes after midnight is outrageously unnecessary.
- John, Manchester

I ride a bike (Triumph) , how does ruining one's sleep, peacefulness on a Sunday walk, or just plain common courtesy be justified by some ridiculous claim that loud pipes save lives. I was on a mountain top Sunday and could here these annoying pipes saving lives down below. Get rid of them...
- Mike, hooksett

Many times it is not the pipes that are the issue, but the person riding the bike. Kinda like the "guns don't kill, people kill" argument. You can keep a loud exhaust at resonable levels by not winding out the throttle when taking off. No pipes at idle are really that loud, it's the rider constantly cranking the throttle while sitting at a red light that's creating the noise.
Another problem is when you multiply the pipes by the number of people riding together. Put 5-6 or 30 bikes together and more than half of them are gonna have modified exhausts, it's gonna create a stir.
For me the rumbling sound my bike makes while riding down a nice country road just adds to the pleasure of it. You have to experience it to understand it. It does add to the fun factor and I do believe it helps to alert other motorist your in the area. It's just a matter of learning to understand the limits of it. Just because your speedometer says it can do 120mph, does that mean you ride at that speed, of course not. Understand what your exhausts levels can do and then control it responsibly that's all.
- Moe, Manchester

I do not own a motorcycle. While I do not like the idea of more government, I also do not like the excessive noise by some motorcycle drivers. They are REALLY loud and I find it annoying and distracting to have to listen to when they go by my house as I live close to the street.

I think it is a courtesy issue especially at night. None of us wants to be deafened by the roar of your motorcycle so don't drive it by my house at night or make sure the thing has a quieter exhaust.

I think that is the right and proper thing to do.
- Bob Hoskins, Derry

It's just like anything else. A few bad apples spoil the bunch. Even with a loud exhaust, you still can be RESPECTFUL. That is, when in town/city or enclosed places or at night you don't have to speed, rev up the motor excessively or blip the throttle every second. Keep it mellow, just putt through and then when your in the middle of nowhere have fun.
- Doug Cook, Weare

I was a believer in the “loud pipes save lives” thing when I was 18, I have since grown up. I have found that a nice loud horn is just as effective or even more so. Most of the bikes that I see on the street with extra loud pipes are driven by people without helmets. As far as I am concerned the loud pipe “safety” thing is a cop out to get everyone to look at them and see how cool (or uneducated and annoying) they are. If the loud pipe people were really concerned about their personal safety, they would be wearing full face helmets, boots, gloves, and track leathers (not chaps with tassels). I am totally against a helmet law, but I always wear one.
- Zizzy, Manchester

Ryan- you are kidding right?
You can take your $4.00 that it takes to fill your tank and go elsewhere.
Ya- we are real worried about missing your business here too.
As for your statement about sirens, you haven't a clue.
It won't waste my time explaining it you because you can't hear the sirens anyway.
The only time you'll hear them is when you are laying in the road after pulling some dumb stunt.
- Kristine, Salisbury

Ryan- you are NOT a motorcyclist- you are a biker and yes, you can keep going right by our town too. You are not wanted here.
I challenge you to sit on our main street and count the number of cars with loud exhaust and loud music vs. loud bikes.
I bet the loud bikes counted are 1000 to the car's 1.
Just remember that those loud sirens you complain about are going to be a welcome sound to you when you make that bad decision to pass someone in the breakdown lane and then someone turns right.
- Pauline, Franklin

I think Milford and other towns are well within their right to do something to control those with excessively loud pipes.

That said, I have observed that those with non-stock pipes can be reasonably quiet if the operator uses discretion with the amount of throttle they use. Too many riders have no discretion or respect for others and as a rider I also find this objectionable.

Sometimes you can't fix stupid, but a few fines may help them remember.

PS. I do have a Harley with aftermarket pipes...
- Tom, Amherst, NH

Milford is definitely on the right track with this ordinance. I would like to see this same type of effort in the Queen City. I live on a main stretch and have to endure these inconsiderate bikers at all hours of the day and night. These bikes cause harm to our quality of life as they joy ride up and down the streets. I can live with the respectful bikers who have stock pipes and drive within the speed limits. I cannot tolerate the arrogant riders that feel entitled to straight pipes and a need for speed. The safety issue surrounding a thundering exhaust system on motorcycles falls on deaf ears, literally. Motorcycles are more dangerous than four wheeled vehicles and if you wish to take the extra liability by driving one then so be it. Do not even think about pursuing your activity at the expense of my neighbors or myself. You must be willing to stay within the rules. If you keep to a rational speed and use lawful mechanical equipment then you will receive no complaints from me.
- Jon, Manchester, NH

I've been riding bikes since 1965 and my latest bike has 42,000 miles on it. I don't have straight pipes and they do not save lives. Most bikers that ride with straight pipes in fact are wearing ear plugs because the noise bothers them so they can't hear what is going on around them. Most 4 wheel drivers have the radio playing and they are on a cell phone aka driving distracted. Most people are immune to the noise until a bike is right next to them. The straight pipes are an irritant and nothing else. A biker has to be more aware of their surroundings or they will not survive. If a biker thinks their loud pipes is going to protect them then they will get T-boned at an intersection like several I know of because of their over confidence in thinking a loud pipe will help them.
- Don Armstrong, Henniker

Becky, I ride between 35 and 45 thousand miles a year, all over this country and occasionally others. The biggest problem we have in the motorcycle rights community right now is exhaust noise. Loud pipes not only risk rights, they risk lives. I have ridden with and on all kinds of bikes, including excessively loud bikes. As a motorcycle safety instructor I pay special attention to what is happening on the road. The response from drivers when they hear the noise is frightening. Assuming the drivers actually notice the noise, they are distracted looking for it, and do some pretty screwy things. I have had cars come into my lane because they suddenly heard the loud pipes of the bike passing them. If you want to be safe, learn how to drive defensively. You can control, to some extent, the risks you encounter on the road.

On the highway, the car drivers do not hear the exhaust until you are next to them, a very dangerous time to surprise them. In town, everyone can hear the noise, but they don't know where it is coming from. In the country, there is nothing more annoying than being woken up by a bike at 2am. There is someone that drives by my house on mornings when the weather is good at 5am with extremely loud pipes. I don't need to be woken up at that hour.

New Hampshire has one of the most lenient, yet enforceable motorcycle exhaust noise laws in the country. New Hampshire Motorcyclist's Rights Organization (NHMRO) helped get this bill passed. If your bike fails this test, it is WAY too loud. As long as the Milford Police or any town follow the state rules on testing, I am all for it. Unless you want to see motorcycles legislated out of existence, you will change your exhaust back to stock or at least near stock and respect the rights of other citizens to a peaceful existence.

In other words: "Stop being a jerk!"
- Bob L, New Boston

My motorcycle has had the stock pipes on it since I bought it in 1991. 25k miles, and I am still alive. And I don't wake up my neighbors in the middle of the night.
- Chip, Bow

I ride a street bike but agree that the after-market pipes are too loud. You can make the argument that drivers will know you're there, fine... but let's face it, they are mostly used to be annoying.

I don't think Japanese bikes should be singled out though, Harley's can be far far louder than the modified pipes on the imports.
- Larry, Manchester

I am a motorcyclist and I too think that excessively loud bikes are a public nuisance and should be ticketed statewide. There are laws already on the books to prevent these bikes from receiving an inspection sticker. These should be enforced (like immigration laws...)
- Steve W, NAshua

Ryan,
I hope you all do just pass Milford by and go somewhere else. We do not need you or your very small percentage of business. The families and responsible citizens of Milford are the ones we prefer to serve anyways.
Good by, good riddance...
- Joe, Milford

Pipes with some noise will save the person on the bike. People in cars, SUVs and trucks do not pay attention to bikes and a little rev will get their attention. I have been across the country on a bike a couple of times and it does work. If you don't ride, you don't know. So you don't need scientific evidence to prove it. Everyday on one shows it.
- Becky Mulaire, Berlin

As a Manchester resident who resides roughly 60-70 feet from Hanover Street in Manchester, I can attest how loud these Motorcycles can be. Despite how loud theyare I am not bothered by them during the day.

But after midnight, those same people riding those bikes with loud exhaust become, "idiots". For the life of me, I cannot understand why a person coming down the Hill toward Mammoth road at midnight, 1 am or later...thinks its ok to wind that bike right up for everyone to hear for miles.

On a balmy night when I cannot sleep, I have often envisioned myself sitting at my fence in a lawn chair with a box of rotting tomatoes that I might hurl at these loud bikes as they go by. But, back to reality....Hey you folks that ride these loud bikes....have a bit of courtesy late at night, will you?
- Rick Olson, Manchester

What happens when the ambulance's siren is drowned out by motorcycle noise? Ticket ALL excessively loud vehicles: music, pipes, whatever. The law is the law. Don't like it? Get the law changed.
- Fran Taylor, Concord

Well Chief Douglas, if you think that older drivers can get confused easier by loud pipes on a motorcycle, what ever will they do when one of your police cruisers or a fire truck or an ambulance is barrelling down on them with airhorns and sirens? If a loud exhaust on a motorcycle is going to confuse an older driver, maybe they shouldnt really be driving, huh? How about the kids with the loud exhausts and thumping music, are you citing them as well for excessive noise? Make a public statement and show some stats about the sports cars and loud music that cruise the oval before you cite motorcyclists for passing through Milford. Or maybe we motorcyclists will just take the 101 by-pass and avoid seeing your town and spending our money on fuel and food there.
- Ryan, Litchfield, NH