Has John Hennessey ever found a fast car he didn't think he could make faster? His next target is the McLaren MP4-12C, which he's planning to turn the power dial up to a stonkin' 800 hp. Better reach for the fireproof suits, boys, because the flames are comin' this way! More »
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Hennessey Wants To Boost McLaren MP4-12C To 800 HP [Mclaren Mp4-12c]
Taking Your Wife To Work Isn't Always A Good Idea
As a driver for the Action Express Grand-Am team, Joao Barbosa gets paid to drive race cars at speeds that would make most sane individuals clutch upholstery, if not curl into the fetal position (as much as lap and shoulder belts allow, that is).
His Corvette Daytona Prototype car is capable of speeds in excess of 185 miles per hour, and a typical day at the office for Barbosa (when testing, at least) probably involves hours of time spent at triple-digit speeds.
For Barbosa, who knows both his own limits and those of his car, this is business as usual. For Barbosa's wife, who got to accompany her husband on a few high-speed laps of Daytona, it appears to be a lesson in terror, even if he isn't driving flat out.
We've given enough high-speed rides to the uninitiated to know there's a fine line between thrilling a passenger and terrifying them. For all the drama and screaming, we'd be willing to bet that Barbosa's wife really is having a good time.
To be on the safe side, however, we'd also recommend that Barbosa remove all the sharp objects from his house, and sleep with one eye open for the next few weeks. Experience tells us that spouses and partners can have a long memory when it comes to practical jokes.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Matte Black Lamborghini Aventador
 |
The Lamborghini LP700-4 Aventador just made its way over to the US market and, from the two units ever seen in Miami one is painted in a very cool matte black color, or as it is officially names on Lamborghini configurator: Nero nemesis. We don't actually care how it is called, we just like that it made the Aventador look like a little monster.
The Aventador is powered by a new 6.5-liter V12 engine with an AWD layout that produces 700 HP at 8,250 rpm and 509 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm. This output is just enough to sprint the car from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds while blasting off a top speed of 217 mph.
This video has been shot by DLM Photos and we have to admit that they did a quite an impressive job.
Original Page: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/video-matte-black-lamborghini-aventador-in-miami-ar123765.html
Friday, January 27, 2012
Nissan Leaf Sales Numbers
What's up with the sales, orders and reservations of the Nissan Leaf? Nissan loudly trumpeted the 20,000 reservations it originally collected back in September, 2010 and Nissan's Mark Perry recently told AutoblogGreen that, since then, that number has climbed to around 26,000. Where do things stand today? That's not exactly simple to figure out. Here's what we know:
Nissan's Katherine Zachary tells Autoblog that the company doesn't share cancellation data, so it's not possible for outsiders to know exactly how many of the 12,400 have raised and then lowered their hands. Zachary added, "We have new people coming into the process every day, so it's really a moving target." Still, somewhere out there, there could be 12,000 people who are patiently waiting to snatch up Nissan's 2012 Leaf production. Even if 50 percent of them cancelled, that still leaves many months of strong sales coming for Nissan in the U.S. this coming year, even as production ramps up.
- Number of accepted Leaf reservations: 26,000
- - Number of Leaf models sold: 10,000
- - Number sold in January: 800 (estimate)
- - Number sold in February: 800 (estimate. Perry recently said these two months were sold out or nearly sold out)
- - Number of people who haven't had a chance to order because they live in a state where the Leaf is not yet for sale: 2,000 (according, again, to Perry)
- - Number of people who cancelled (unknown)
- = 12,400 people or so
Original Page: http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/a-word-on-nissan-leaf-sales-orders-reservation-numbers/
Barrichello next F1 driver to follow Lotus to Indy?
There once was a time when Indy was considered not just a stepping stone to F1, but a viable alternative. Those were the days when proven grand prix drivers looking for a new challenge - drivers like like Nigel Mansell, Emerson Fittipaldi, Graham Hill and Mario Andretti - could take to America's fastest ovals and obtain glory on par with Europe's finest circuits. Those days may seem long behind us, but they could be coming back around.
The road to Indy's revival as a premier racing series is being paved with a number of developments. The reunion of the IRL and ChampCar series was one major stepping stone. The arrival of multiple engine suppliers this year is another. But what Indy really needs is big name talents instead of losing its stars to NASCAR. And it just might be getting what it needs, thanks in no small part to Lotus.
After bringing former F1 driver Takuma Sato to Indy, Lotus announced it had signed notable former grand prix pilots Jean Alesi and Sebastien Bourdais to IndyCar contracts as well. So who's next? Rubens Barrichello.
The elder statesman of the F1 grid, Barrichello was left without a ride when Williams showed him the door in favor of fellow Brazilian Bruno Senna. Now reports indicate that he is gearing up for a test drive with KV Racing, the team with which Lotus returned to American open-wheels a couple of years ago.
While Rubens has no oval-track experience and reportedly promised his wife he wouldn't try it, the 2012 schedule - having come a long way from the oval-dominated days of yore - includes only four speedways (those at Indianapolis, Texas, Iowa and Fontana, California), leaving Rubens with a real opportunity to contest the remaining dozen road courses and street circuits on the calendar.
Original Page: http://feeds.autoblog.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~3/_udp464cMOE/
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Camel crossings and old Russian cars in Kazakhstan
The ambulance above may not be as old as we think. UAZ introduced the 450 series forward-control vans (nicknamed the Loaf) and pickups (nicknamed the Tadpole) in 1958 and restyled them in 1966, but they've remained largely unchanged since then and remain in production today. Originally designated 452, the four-wheel-drive ambulance versions like this were redesignated 3962 in the mid-1980s.
In the capital city of Astana, he stumbled upon a museum dedicated to the Soviet era that had these two cars parked outside. On the left, we see a GAZ M21 Volga Series 3, while the copper colored car appears to be a ZAZ 965.
He noted plenty of the motorcycle-based delivery vehicles in the rural villages. "If you look at the handlebars on the trike, you'll notice the hand warmers," Mike wrote. After that, we see a IZH 2715 van, introduced in 1972 and produced all the way through 2001. On the far right, we see another UAZ, this one a hardtopped 469, which has an official designation of 3151. Like the 452/3962 above, UAZ is still producing the 469/3151 today, though under the name Hunter. The eagle-eyed among you may note the similarity between the 469/3151 and the Beijing Jeep (BJ212) – indeed, the latter is a direct copy of the UAZ.
And finally, one of the more unusual sights from his trip, a camel crossing sign. Which brings up the question: How do the camels know to cross there?
[...]
Original Page: http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2012/01/26/camel-crossings-and-old-russian-cars-in-kazakhstan/
Spotted: Nicely Modded Mitsubishi Montero
Back when I owned a DSM, I considered an older Montero as an adventure vehicle. At the top of my list has always been a 60-series Land Cruiser, but the Mitsubishi still has a look and reputation years later that I just can't ignore.
via West County Explorers Club: This first generation Montero, a 1990 LS model, has been transformed from stock into a fantastic looking overlander with very well-thought-out features that I haven't seen on other trucks. To say I "spotted" it though is to give myself too much credit. Greg showed it to me when Natalie and I met with him in San Francisco to discuss our then upcoming Overlanding in the Land of Twain trip. I was immediately impressed. Here's what Greg has done.
Original Page: http://www.expeditionportal.com/vehicules/58-other/736-spotted-nicely-modded-mitsubishi-montero.html
MG's new BTCC entry
The field of cars entered in the British Touring Car Championship has grown incredibly in the last year or two. But as quintessentially British as the series is, few of those automakers represented on the grid are actually, you know... British. But that's all about to change with the latest entry from MG.
Now you might look at MG's current line-up of ho-hum Chinese econo-boxes and lament at how far the brand has fallen since its heyday of building quirky yet iconic roadsters, but MG is pulling all the stops with its touring car effort. The cars - based on the MG6 GT five-door - are being prepared by Triple 8 Race Engineering, the outfit responsible for turning Vauxhall into a powerhouse that dominated the BTCC for years.
If that's not enough to get the job done, the Sino-English automaker has also retained one of the very best drivers in the series. You may know the name and face of Jason Plato from Fifth Gear, the British motoring show he co-presents. But he's also a two-time BTCC champion, winner of 68 races and holds the records for the most fastest laps, pole positions and podiums in the history of the series. Poached from Chevrolet, Plato will be driving alongside up-and-coming talent Andy Neate.
All in all, MG KX Momentum Racing is shaping up as a force to be reckoned with, so the other 22 drivers on the grid had better take notice as the series gears up for its 55th running. Details in the press release after the jump.
How Not To Pull Your Truck Out of the Ice
Never Thought This would have happened, but then again I have no idea why they were pulling it out like this??
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Baptising the Adventure Rider
I yearn for the day I have the time to get out away from civilization, even if only on the piste. A friend of mine has this bike and has put it through its paces. I'll stick with my street-biased V-Strom for now...
So, I've always wanted a BMW F650 GS Dakar because they always seemed nice and the perfect size for someone just starting out.. also, never really thought i'd find one in my price range. A week or two before Chistmas that all changed, and fast it did. Shoot, i don't even have my street license yet! (no extra time!)
I stumbled upon a freshly listed 2002 with 17,000 miles on it on CL one morning that had been posted late the night before. Fresh tires, Remus exhaust, soft panniers, trunk box and a Wolfman tank bag. Well treated and garage heated. Came with tubes, heated grip parts, some misc stuff/old exhaust and all the paperwork/books.
After all was said and done the bike ended up coming home.
The prepping, baselining and studying for my permit began. The modifications, farkles and rear tire purchasing ensued. I also took the Remus exhaust off and opted for the stock original exhaust. The bike was ready to hit the dirt and so was i.
Taking my time and riding my own pace, i made it to the end of the canyon. Under that helmet housed a huge grin. I was having a blast.
After this point we headed down a section of trail that was harder than i anticipated. It was muddy, rocky, slippery and rutted. I kept telling myself it was just like riding a mtn bike. I had a few close calls, but made it through unscathed. Here's a video clip of the ride from the GoPro.
[...]
Original Page: http://www.adventureduo.com/2012/01/baptising-adventure-rider.html
Hand Laying Carbon Fiber Cloth in a Kayak
Laying carbon fiber is not that different from fiberglass accept that it is black, and stays black. Where fiberglass starts white and becomes transparent when saturated with epoxy, carbon fiber stays opaque, so it can be tricky to tell if it is fully saturated. Where bubbles under glass are clearly ...
By: Guillemot
Continue Reading »
Sometimes my transportation attention gets distracted by things which have no wheels. I've been a avid canoer in the past, then picked up a nice sit-on kayak a couple of years ago. Applying carbon fiber to a kayak peaks the gearhead in me.
Shoichiro Irimajiri: “There was something exhilarating about the six-cylinder CBX…”
Shoichiro Irimajiri (above), a brilliant engineer who worked on Honda's GP racing bikes of the 1960s, was also the man responsible for the mighty CBX1000
The Honda CBX1000, with its six-cylinder engine, remains one of our most favourite motorcycles from the 1970s/80s. The Honda CBX was in production from 1978 to 1982 and a total of only 40,000 units were ever produced.
The Honda CBX1000, with its six-cylinder engine, remains one of our most favourite motorcycles from the 1970s/80s. The Honda CBX was in production from 1978 to 1982 and a total of only 40,000 units were ever produced.
[...]
Original Page: http://www.fasterandfaster.net/2012/01/shoichiro-irimajiri-there-was-something.html
I think the Horex VR6 is a natural evolution of the inline design in a more compact package. I have no yearn for a bike with more cylinders than necessary, but love seeing the CBX in its shiny glory every time the topic comes up.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Coffee Hauler: 1974 Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG 406 For Sale
This 1974 Mercedes Benz UNIMOG 406 has been given an impressive restoration by the current seller. He used it as a promotional vehicle for his Coffee Company, and amazingly claims to have driven it from British Columbia to Southern California at one point. We like his auction description, realizing that he likely has far more into this truck than he will ever recover, so he is offering it at no reserve. Find it here on eBay in Quesnel, BC, Canada.More: Coffee Hauler: 1974 Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG 406 For SaleThe video above comes from the seller. Skip to 2:40 for action footage and the Nathan Locomotive air horn at full volume. How can you not smile?
These early UNIMOGs have nicely rounded hoods and grille styling as compared to the later models which are produced to this day. This massive Warn winch works well, as does the silver paint and black accessories. The extra clearance provided by the portal (edit) axles is nicely visible below.
The truck was given paint inside and out, something we don’t see on the quicker UNIMOG clean-ups. It is powered by a 6-cylinder Diesel, but little info is given about the powerplant or drivetrain.
[...]
Racing Dreams documentary premiering on PBS in February
Racing Dreams is an award-winning documentary that follows the racing exploits of three go-kart racing youths chasing an entry into the world of NASCAR. As we reported before, when Racing Dreams took the podium at the Tribeca Film Festival, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson got behind this project as executive producer, and now this documentary is making its broadcast premiere on Thursday, February 23 at 9 PM on Public Television. The PBS documentary series POV (Point Of View) will also stream the movie on its website for a month following the debut.
The idea of a karting documentary may not sound immediately captivating to anyone but the most hardcore of racing fans, but the story of Annabeth Barnes, Josh Hobson and Brandon Warren (11, 12, and 13 years old, respectively), has a track record of surprising viewers. It's more than just the story of how entry into professional auto racing of any sort increasingly starts even before adolescence, it talks about how the experience of fierce on-track competition colors the already-bewildering arrival of adolescence. Indeed, racing isn't the kind of subject matter you'd expect to find on PBS, but director and producer Marshall Curry has woven a story that's been rewarded with honors at many film festivals around the United States. Racing Dreams is a story about life that happens to have racing figure into the plot. Check your local listings to catch the documentary on your PBS station, and after checking out our gallery, you can watch the trailer and read the official press release, both posted after the jump.
Continue reading Racing Dreams documentary premiering on PBS in February [w/video]
Saturday, January 21, 2012
WRC Monte-Carlo Day Four Highlights: Loeb Poised to Win
With just one short stage remaining on Sunday, Citroën's Sébastien Loeb looks set to claim his sixth victory in Rallye Monte-Carlo, the opening round of the FIA World Rally Championship.
The Frenchman has a commanding two minute 41.6 second lead, with Dani Sordo and Petter Solberg in second and third respectively.
Today's two loops of two stages were classics of the event, including the run over the legendary Col de Turini, with the second loop run this evening in darkness.
Original Page: http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/wrc-monte-carlo-day-four-highlights-loeb-poised-win
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Toyota begins testing new hybrid LMP1
The sudden departure of Peugeot from the Le Mans racing scene came as quite a shock, we know. But don't count the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship - or the famed 24-hour race at its center - out for the count before it's even started, because another powerhouse is already gearing up to take Peugeot's place. And that powerhouse is Toyota.
The Japanese auto giant announced its plans to build and campaign a new LMP1 racer at Le Mans and the WEC back in October. Toyota Motorsport GmbH (which ran the company's F1 team until its withdrawal in 2009) then set about designing the car, partnering with Team Oreca to help with the logistics of entering the pinnacle of endurance racing, and hired three top pilots to, you know, actually drive the thing.
With all those pieces in place, the Toyota team began testing their new prototype racer last week at the Paul Ricard test track in France. Toyota itself didn't release much in the way of details, but Alex Wurz was said to have led the shake-down, with his team-mates Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima on hand to share in the driving duties as well.
And while no "official" photos were "officially" released, Toyota PR rep Scott Brownlee tweeted a couple of snapshots to whet our appetites. The result looks, predictably enough, much like the latest LMP1 racers fielded by Audi and the departed Peugeot, but as with most things, it's what's underneath the surface that will count the most. In Toyota's sake, that would be a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain of some sort, but we'll have to wait a little while longer - as the next round of testing and the car's anticipated debut at Spa come May approach - to find out more.
Original Page: http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/toyota-begins-testing-new-hybrid-lmp1/
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Take a Look at Some of Japan's Weirdest Looking Tuned Cars
So you think your local car club has some bizarre creations, do you? Wait until you take a gander at the parade of modded cars in two videos that follow after the break.
If the findings of our basic research on the subject are right (if not, leave a comment and we'll make a correction), these strangely modified vehicles filmed on the occasion of last weekend's 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon are named "bōsōzoku style" and belong to a Japanese subculture with roots to motorcycle clubs and gangs.
Read more »Monday, January 16, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Kenny from the Block and his Tracked STI Soob
KEN BLOCK'S TRAX STI CAR - YouTube:
On the heels of Ken Blocks insane Gymkhana videos and the groundbreaking snowboarding/rally part to close out DCs MTN.LAB 1.5 video, the DC Co-Founder and Rally Team Driver has joined with Subaru to make the worlds fastest cat track operation automobile for backcountry access for snowboarding. Dubbed the TRAX STI, this is a new teaser video from the test session for the highly-modified, snow-ready (to say the least) car. Full specs and the full story at dcshoes.com/auto.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
For reasons that still remain unclear, BMW chose to drop its hugely successful 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' tagline and replace it with the 'JOY' campaign when it launched the Z4 roadster back in 2008. In fairness, BMW never formally stated that it was completely abandoning the tagline, which can be found in BMW ads...Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
JK Habitat Deployment
Finally available in the LWB model JK, this overlander Jeep looks just about right. It's almost enough to make me want to buy an American-made vehicle again, almost...
JK Habitat Deployment - YouTube:
JK Habitat Deployment - YouTube:
Amazingly quick set up from rolling into your campsite to full set up.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Loud pipes save lives - is that true?
The answer is a firm NO. In some instances a car driver may indeed notice you, such as when you're riding next to a car which has the driver's side window down. Situations like this one are extremely rare. Most dangers to motorcyclists come from the front, where your loud exhaust can't be heard; the sound waves from the exhaust pipe(s) propagate backward. The driver of that car about to make a left turn in front of you (by far the largest cause of motorcycling deaths) simply will not hear you. Think about it: picture yourself in a car, with the windows up, the A/C (or heat) on, and the radio at a comfortable level. Just how much outside noise do you think YOU hear? Especially the noise traveling away from you, where only the few sound waves that bounce back are even capable of being heard in the first place... How loud exhaust can actually be dangerous to you
Loud pipes lose rightsNoise coming from customized exhausts is one of the major public relations issues for motorcyclists. You have to remember that your average legislators and voters do not ride. These people already have a bias against motorcycling, and antagonizing them even further is a bad idea. Organizers of various motorcycling events can already feel the animosity by being turned away from parks and other preferable locations. Right now we, the motorcycle riders, enjoy numerous benefits, such as lower tolls, preferred parking, or the right to use carpool lanes. If we behave irresponsibly we may well lose those benefits. This doesn't even include targeted enforcement: just think how bad it would be if cops started pulling over everyone on two wheels.
|
Even 250 riders get it, so why doesn't the cruiser set? Are they just d-bags, or are they really that oblivious to the obvious situation and perception of others? I know I get the attention of cagers just fine with a 139db airhorn and stock pipes. I only make noise when it's appropriate, and I think that non-riders appreciate that much more, making my position better for the two-wheeled segment than the cruiser guys.
NoiseOFF - The Coalition Against Noise Pollution - Foreward
"Loud pipes save lives". The statement would seem to be axiomatic based on the sheer volume of its repetition. On the surface it seems obvious that the noise emitted by loud motorcycle exhaust systems would aid in conspicuity and cause more watchful driving by other motorists. Yet not a single thoughtful study has been done that supports the theory. To the contrary, the two types of bikes that most often use loud pipes (cruisers and sport bikes) are significantly over represented in crash data (accidents per type vehicle mile).
And what about hotrods? Surely their hulking size and eye-catching flame paint jobs don't need help from loud exhaust systems to be noticed. Do drivers of cars with booming sound systems have safety in mind? Aside from showy cosmetics and oppressive noise emissions, one thing that the owners of these vehicles have in common is an aggressive, even anti-social presence on public road ways; most notably a constant revving of the engine, particularly under heavy throttle load.
The mechanism that binds the various people and their behaviors is a physiological condition known as acute stress response or "fight or flight" response. Most often induced by loud noise, flight or fight is an involuntary reaction that cannot be controlled by conscious thought. When triggered, release of the stress hormone cortisol causes an array of metabolic changes including an instantaneous increase in cardio- respiratory rates and muscle tension. The state of arousal is perpetuated by a release of dopamine, endorphines, norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline). Most importantly chemical releases (catecholamines) suppress activity in the area of the brain concerned with short term memory, concentration, inhibition and rational thought; 'flight or fight" reactions require spontaneity and aggression. Is this really the optimum state of mind to be in while perched atop a machine that can abruptly reach triple digit speeds with the jerk of a wrist?
The high motorcyclists get from stress response may be the perfect elixir to get them in the mood for a Sunday afternoon romp around town. Unfortunately, though, the metabolic spikes are most unwelcome to anyone trying to relax or sleep or even engage in the ordinary activities around the home. Left in the wake of a typical loud pipe ride are hundreds or even thousands of citizens who are literally made ill by the toxic effects of stress response.
One of the more intriguing aspects of flight or fight is the compulsion to goad others by abrupt stimulation. Any martial arts combatant knows that a loud, piercing scream can thrust his opponent into a physiologically induced state whereby the opponents' actions may be manipulated and/or impulsive. This, even though the opponent is trained to expect the ploy. Is it wise to create a stressful driving environment when surrounded by vehicles many times your size and mass?
Loud Pipes Save Lives or The Madness Behind the Myth
Supporters of the idea seemed to consist for the most part of folks that either sold (loud) aftermarket pipes, or folks who road bikes with loud(er) aftermarket pipes. Yet these same folks could not provide any hard facts to back up their claim, the best they could come up with were rather vague statements about how if they make lots of noise "(car drivers) are sure as heck gonna hear me!" or claims that loud pipes give the other motorists ample warning of the approaching biker as they cruise up from behind. These statements seem to presuppose several assumptions that; 1) the other driver is not only going to hear the biker, but take the time to identify their actual location, 2) drivers in general rely on sound as much as vision to locate and avoid obstacles (in this case the motorcyclist), 3) the other driver gives enough of a damn about motorcyclists in the first place to do (1) and (2) above, and 4) that sounds emanating from a motorcycle's exhaust travel equally in all directions from the source. These seem, to me, to be a rather risky set of suppositions with little, if any, basis in fact. It is well documented that vision plays a much bigger role in operator safety than sound. Think about the last time you heard a siren, were you able to identify the location of the approaching vehicle by the sound alone or did you not in fact have to wait to make visual contact with it before you could precisely identify its location relative to you? Do proponents of loud pipes really believe that other motorists are going to concentrate on locating the approaching motorcycle and keep it in view till it is well past them and out of harms way? Where is the evidence to support such a claim?
An article in the Concord Monitor (Sunday, October, 2002, by Sarah M. Earle) quotes one mechanic at a local Concord bike shop as stating that the other driver cut off 80% of his customers who had been involved in an accident. Sounds reasonable and that is indeed what the Hurt report found in it's study. Unfortunately he then goes on to state that this justifies his customers modifying their exhaust (to something louder) to ensure that they will be noticed in the future. He further states that changing out the exhaust is done purely for safety reasons. I'm sorry, but I just don't believe that, nor do I really believe he does either. That sounds too much like an attempt to justify something that's done for entirely different reasons, i.e. they just like the louder sound.
On the other hand The American Motorcyclist Association, The Hurt Report, and many riders and bikers themselves seemed to be of the opposite opinion. The AMA has gone so far as to make a policy statement on the issue which reads " The [AMA] believes that few other factors contribute more to misunderstanding and prejudice against the motorcycling community than excessively noisy motorcycles". They then go on to say, "Shifting blame and failing to adopt responsible policies on a voluntary basis can only result in greater prejudice and discrimination against motorcycling. The consequences of continuing to ignore this issue will likely result in excessively rigorous state and federal standards, ……[and] abusive enforcement of current laws and other solutions undesirable to riders and the motorcycle industry"
[...]
Loud Pipes Save Lives Myth, STFU
In motorcycling, the topic "loud pipes save lives" never seems to die. Chances are you've seen the biker stickers and patches with this phrase. But is it myth or truth? The phrase is related to two extremes of an argument. Some argue that loud motorcycle pipes prevent accidents and so save lives; others argue that the loud noise is merely a nuisance.
Many cities and communities in the United States have banned motorcycles because of residents complaining about the noise from motorcycles. And before I became immersed in motorcycle culture, I would have probably supported a city ordinance banning motorcycles if the noise bothered me.
But on todays' crowded highways, at a time when more and more things are competing for your attention as a driver, it's easier to notice a loud motorcycle. It's even almost impossible to miss a very loud one, whether its in your blind spot, in front or behind you. I can't think of another method that increases visibility of motorcyclists, without them being visible per se.
So, loud pipes make motorcyclists more visible to others on the road, and this increases safety. Now how much this contributes to saving lives is difficult to measure, but you might say that increased safety reduces the chances of serious accidents. There's your answer: "loud pipes save lives" is truth.
A question then comes to mind:
Does this mean that the rest of humanity has to cope with the noise?
Hey! Harley guy. It's me. Your neighbor. The one with the bike that rides every day. The bike you don't hear when I leave for work in the morning because I have quiet, stock exhaust. I am trying to put my baby down for a nap this afternoon, again. You work nights, so I respect you and keep it down when I know you sleep. Please think of someone else for a change and return the courtesy.
I'm a motorcyclist. I ride every day. Every. Single. Day. I love it, but I don't find it fun or necessary to disrupt the lives of an entire neighborhood every time I go riding. I give others the respect that you give to no one.
I hope someday the weekend warriors with the shiny bikes will get it, but given that you already ride without a helmet, I rather doubt it. Loud pipes don't save lives, they just piss off your neighbors. Really. STFU.
New Suzuki V-Strom accessory packs
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS tourer motorcycle launched earlier this year can now be had with three new accessory packs catering to needs of the owners of the V-Strom ranging from daily commute, weekend getaways or continental tours.
Owners looking for enhanced practicality can now choose from the new 'Tourer Pack' which includes a knuckle guard set, a 14 litre magnetic Tank bag, Tank protector, styled Under Cowling, Accessory Bar and a branded chain guard.
For owners looking to cover larger distances on their Suzuki V-Strom 650 there is the new 'Adventure Pack' includes all the features of the Tourer Pack minus the Tank Bag but includes a Vario Touring Screen which allows the rider to set the level of the weather protection suit and a 42 litre Top Case.
The there is the 'GT Pack' which gets everything from the above mentioned packs along with an additional luggage space of 70 litres in the form of side cases.
These new optional packs are available at all Suzuki dealers who sell the V-Strom motorcycle. All the three optional packs come with a two year unlimited warranty
I already have a K5 DL1k, mostly set up for ADV abuse. The new 650 would make a nice urban commuter to compliment my existing Suzi.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
2013 Dodge Dart: This Is It
It doesn't really look like a modern Dart should, but it's nice to see the classic moniker revived. I wonder if it will come with optional front bench seats, or maybe a smallblock V8? It's probably front-drive, so it may not be worth much attention either way...
Friday, January 6, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
2011 Trans-Africa trips by Toyota and LR
I love our Land Rover, but would still live to have a 60- or 80-series Land Cruiser. I've loved the FJ62 since I was a kid.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)