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Ruined By Yoshimura
Blog Date - 11 January 2017
I fear I may make myself look like a wet behind the ears namby pamby good boy motorcyclist here. The good thing about being a little older is I'm not quite so concerned about my level of street cred any more so stuff it.
While my 500 was having a dose of looking at the kindly folks of Wigan Honda let me out to play on their CRF250L demonstrator rather than hang around making their showroom look untidy. I'm not going to review the CRF250L as that's already been done (Test Ride Review Of The CRF 250 L). I climbed upon the high seat and started the engine up - POP POP POP POP POP!!! Dammit, it's been fitted with a stupid aftermarket end can hasn't it.
It's embarrassing. I sound like I'm about to attempt a 40ft high aerial stunt show in a massive arena not gently depart the traffic lights at an appropriately safe speed. I sound like I'm at Weston-super-Mare's beach races not delicately negotiating a mini roundabout in Standish. People stare at me as I ride by POPPOPPOPPOPPOP. Kids action me to wheelie while I'm wearing a hi-viz jacket and white helmet. This really isn't me at all.
POPPOPPOPPOPPOPPOP!!!
I turn into my back street between the terraces, the POPPOPPOPs reverberate and rattle up and down the alley. I can't imagine how the neighbours would feel if I did this at 0530 if I'm on an early start. I make a note to push the bike up to the main road before I start it later. There's a time and a place for loud pipes, racetracks, motocross tracks and arenas come to mind not narrow streets between terraced houses.
I recall when I was a younger man and my street cred was much more important. I never did achieve "cool" status but not for the want of trying. I came across a set of "shotgun" silencers that would fit on my CB250T (yes, "T" as in Dream, the forerunner to the "N" as in Superdream). Thinking I was the big man I fitted them post haste and was soon cruising the streets sounding something akin to a helicopter landing in a warzone. It was great for the first week but at the time I was a dispatcher for my sins. 4 hours on a motorway into Yorkshire and the ever present ear ringing din started to wear very thin. My Motad silencer was soon refitted much to the relief of my neighbours, my ears and my sanity. Lesson learned.
Who's that young chap? He never will achieve "cool".
The Yoshimura pipe is not horrendously loud like my shotguns were, it's just louder than this hopefully polite and courteous rider wishes to impart to anyone within earshot.
As I return to collect my suitably silenced 500 I get to thinking as is the way. This pipe makes me think of hooligans on stolen motocross bikes blasting around slag heaps and being chased by the police. When I hear loud screaming 4 cylinder race pipes I think of one piece race suits tearing across The Cat And Fiddle or the A24 near Ryka's cafe. If a Harley goes by with booming pipes I think of ageing business executives in fresh leather cut offs and chaps. Of course these are stereotypes and preconceptions but they're there, in my mind. Why?
I get back on the 500 where tranquillity and anonymity are returned. I realise 2 things. Firstly I'm not into loud pipes. If you are then that's great but you have to accept that not everyone wants to hear your beautiful motorcycle, especially at 0530. Secondly I still think the CRF250L is a lovely machine but the comfortable seat, big fuel tank and spaciousness of my CB500X are more suited to my own personal needs. I think I made the right choice.
Aaahhh, peace and quiet and a big fat seat.
Reader's Comments
Bob said :-
I've been down the loud pipes road in the past. But now all my bikes have the original silencers fitted. I don't worry so much about what other people think of me, it's more a case of a quiet pipe lets you get away with more. A loud pipe announces your presence and everybody is aware of your actions, with a quiet pipe you can slide about unnoticed . I also do think that I ride more aggressively with a loud pipe.
12/01/2017 12:29:13 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
If I were to be riding somewhere I ought not to be I wouldn't want to advertise the fact with loud pipes. If you go quietly you may pass by unnoticed and untroubled. Much like at school, I kept quiet and respectful and got away with much more than the "bad boys".
I can understand the thinking behind "loud pipes save lives" although I'm not convinced it's a fact. I think sensible speeds and good observation save a lot more.
13/01/2017 18:20:53 UTC
Latchy said :-
Ah ha now I see you, I thought it was a photo of two girls.
But seriously I know what you mean Ren, the triumph dealer tried to persuade me to go down that route with an arrow can, all that extra din and annoyance for the sum of £600, no thanks.
14/01/2017 10:22:43 UTC
Ian Soady said :-
"I can understand the thinking behind "loud pipes save lives" although I'm not convinced it's a fact. I think sensible speeds and good observation save a lot more. "
Couldn't agree more. What loud pipes definitely do is to irritate and annoy people (even dedicated motorcyclists*). An irritated road user is likely to be less caring and careful than otherwise would be the case. Or maybe it's just an age thing.....
*On the other hand, the sound of a Manx Norton or MV4 on full song on open pipes is a delight - but only in the right place.....
http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/galleries/soundfiles/1958%20B%20Mckintyre%20Manx.mp3
http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/galleries/soundfiles/1958%20JS%20MV4.mp3
14/01/2017 11:10:07 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Ian, I guess a fair chunk of what we find offensive or indeed enticing is due to our culture and experience. Harleys seem to get away with loud pipes along with classic machinery yet modern kit doesn't. It'd be interesting to see how they all compare with a decibel meter.
Latchy, you're just jealous of my boyish good looks.
15/01/2017 18:30:52 UTC
Tom McQ said :-
Old gits ??????
23/01/2017 22:59:11 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Tom you're an old hit trying desperately to cling to his youth. Now shhhh!
23/01/2017 23:46:11 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Git not hit.
23/01/2017 23:46:39 UTC
Tom McQ said :-
I'm a Quinquagenarian who wants a bit of fun! :-)
24/01/2017 08:40:59 UTC
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