stu8319

Just bought my new Rebel 2 weeks ago. Lovin' every minute of it! I've noticed people not seeing me and now I understand why people say you need louder exhaust. Anyone have suggestions? I like the look and sound of the Jardine slash cut, what are everyones' thoughts?

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cagie

People won't see you. period. Loud pipes won't make a difference when everyone has a cell phone glued to their ear or the stereo plying at 170db. Wearing bright colors and riding like you are invisible will increase your chances of survival.

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

JunkyardDog

Right. "loud pipes save lives" is just a myth, and was thoroughly debunked in The Hurt Report, something EVERY motorcyclist should read.

If you like the Jardine pipes, get them. But do not expect people to notice you any more, because they won't. I wear a bright orange road construction vest (one of the good ones, not those cheap mesh things) and a solid gloss white full face helmet. It seems to help a little, but most cage drivers still don't see you. Hell, they don't even see each other. They don't see red lights, stop signs, pedestrians, bicycles, 18 wheelers, they don't see anything but the cell phone or other handheld electronic device they are using while they are SUPPOSED to be driving. On a bike, you are on your own. Ride like you are invisible, because for all intents and purposes you are. You are the one who has to look out. Assuming someone else will see you will get you killed. And I have 35 years and over 400,000 street miles to back up what I just said. I have yet to have an accident. But riding through traffic is like riding through a combat zone, and EVERYONE out there is your enemy. You have no backup. Jerry.

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flitecontrol

Welcome to the forum. X3 on the loud exhaust. You, and the folks behind you will hear it more than the folks in front. Invest in high visibility riding gear (helmet, jacket, pants) if you want to be seen. If you haven't taken the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider Course, I urge you to do so as soon as possible. It will teach you things to keep you alive and a better rider.

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Fridgitator

Ditto. Also consider that aftermarket pipes are not as good quality as the factory double wall pipes. They will discolor, and won't last as long as stock. If you decide to go with Jardines, or any others, keep the stock pipes in case you change your mind. They are expensive to replace.

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Guba

Welcome to the forum. I just gotta say that when I'm in my cage I have my tunes playing and don't hear squat outside the vehicle. Vehicles are more sound proof now a days too. The only thing loud pipes will do is give you a false sense of security. Just my 2 cents. I'm not trying to put you off, just stating facts.

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Some days beer tastes good...other days beer tastes better!

'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles

wannabeyooper

I wear a bright orange helmet sometimes. I have a pink jacket and chaps (guys won't wear that i know but it works for me). I also have a white helmet. I do get noticed with the colors often but not always. People just don't always pay attention so you have to drive defensively and wear bright colors.

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JunkyardDog

I specifically chose the orange vest and white helmet, because road workers here wear orange vests and white hard hats. And the Phoenix area is the road construction capitol of the world. All building construction has stopped here, but road construction continues at a frantic pace. And cage drivers are used to seeing road construction workers, you can't drive a mile in any direction from any place and not run into a construction zone. Jerry.

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stu8319

Thanks guys! I'll keep all that in mind. I've really noticed more and more how bad people are at driving!

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JunkyardDog

Most cage drivers have always been bad, but these days they are much worse than before. They could do at least a little better if they would put down whatever electronic device they are using, and at least try to drive. Jerry.

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