CANADA - Loud pipes can save a motorcyclist's life..

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http://www.canada.com/Loud+pipes+save+motorcyclist+life/4783779/story.htm
Loud pipes can save a motorcyclist's life


By Iain S. Smith, The Daily News May 14, 2011
I am writing to you today as an avid motorcyclist in the city of Nanaimo.
A co-worker of mine spoke with the RCMP today about the program started at the Nanaimo Detachment to test and fine the owners of motorcycles with loud pipes.
While I admit that the pipes on my motorcycle are loud, I do believe that they have saved my life more than once on the roads and highways on Vancouver Island. I feel that this program is discriminatory and therefore unconstitutional.
One of the concerns that was brought up to the RCMP Traffic Division was the fact that my particular style of motorcycle, and many others, do not come with stock tachometers. Without this on a motorcycle there is no way to definitively determine where half throttle is on a bike.
We were told the determination would be made by a full quarter turn on the throttle as the determined rate. This is not scientific at all. Everyone's judgment differs and if it is simply left to the RCMP, they could tell you to continue turning the throttle until the decibel reader goes over 91, which is not really that high by the way. Also it is important to note, that a quarter turn of the throttle could be less or more than half throttle depending not only on the make and model of motorcycles, but also the specific bike. There are many legal modifications that can be made to a motorcycle that would change the throttle range, such as air or fuel intake kits that allow for better fuel economy. Their simple quarter turn will simply not work in a legal sense to me.
Secondly, the RCMP were asked about a rider refusing to take part in the testing of the motorcycle as this is in no way a scientific test. We were told that if we refused, our bikes would be immediately towed as unsafe on the road. I would really like that clearly defined as the bike must be safe for a rider to get on it unless he does not care about his life.
Finally, the RCMP were asked about providing a venue for citizens to bring their motorcycles to be tested. The RCMP are always talking about being community minded. This would be a great proactive approach to allow riders to know where they stand. They said that they had talked about this and decided against providing this service and that it was not their job.
I am disgusted with their attitude and discrimination that they are clearly willing to show to motorcycle enthusiasts.
Iain S. Smith
Nanaimo