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[moscooter]

 
I've been a member (Charter member now) of the AMA since the late 60's.  You had to join up back then to participate in Enduros and hillclimbs and other sanctioned events.

Over the years,  they have been very active in individual States fighting against local laws that descriminated against motorcyclists.

Legislation that goes against our freedom as riders continues to pop up in various States around the country.  If you don't join the AMA,  at least pick one of the others that are available that fight against the same issues.

It will go much further than bitching about x, y, or z law or ordinance you don't like and think by posting it here and/or on some other Bike forums that that will bring about change.

[08glide]

one thing for certain, as in any organized group ( CVO,HOG CMA, AMA, Abate, even local church), it's only as good as the members who participate. the 2 verbs there are: join, and participate.

[CVODON]

You know back 40 years ago when only a few of us had really loud motorcycles I participated and thought it was OK. Now I have to agree with AMA for the most part, loud pipes are a problem. There are to many of us with them and the population has increased so much that people are everywhere and for the most part they do not like loud pipes. And for some reason the complainers get more notice than us. So, in my opinion, AMA making people aware that not all bikers approve of loud pipes makes it better for all of us. IMHO. AND I have never agreed with the loud pipes save lives deal. I have been riding as long as almost any of the folks here and I have never had my life saved by a loud muffler, a few times a air horn has helped. But you control that, a loud pipe is just that, loud.

[2 ROSE]

Hey CVODon,
Not real sure about the air horn or any type of horn logic. Usually, unless you go around continuously blowing your horn all the time, they don't do a whole lot to make people aware that you are around. Fact of the matter is bout time you sound the horn the perceived danger has usually already passed. Dangerous conditions that we as riders do not see coming tend to be upon us before we know giving you no time to blow the horn because instead you are too busy trying to save your own ass by taking evasive action. People usually sound their horn immediately after the danger has passed because they are pissed.
As far as the statement of never having your life saved by loud pipes...I could argue that maybe you have and just don't realize it. People don't just jump up and down out of their cars screaming as loud as they can “HEY YOU ON THE HARLEY, I HEARD YOUR LOUD PIPES AND THEY SAVED YOUR LIFE...IF IT WAS NOT FOR YOUR LOUD PIPES I WOULD HAVE RUN YOU OFF THE ROAD”. The fact that you are still here after all of your years of riding may be evidence otherwise.
I do have an after market exhaust and I am not saying it has saved my life but it is just one more advantage to help me be noticed. The ways a driver will notice you is through sight, sound or feel...and we do not want to be noticed by feel.
Stay Safe!!!

[moscooter]

 
"I do have an after market exhaust and I am not saying it has saved my life but it is just one more advantage to help me be noticed. The ways a driver will notice you is through sight, sound or feel...and we do not want to be noticed by feel.
Stay Safe!!!"

I could argue both sides of this deal.  The "operative" words from the above statement are.........."to help me be noticed".

Most (after market) exhaust systems give off a louder more throaty sound that goes well beyond "stock" mufflers........I have a set on mine too.

The real problem arises with the di*k heads that are too much into the (I want to be noticed) scenario.  They like drag pipes with absolutely no baffles whatsoever along with a tendency to constantly rap the throttle at every stop lite.  To me, these are the air heads that cause the general public to be down on us all for "loud pipes".

[2 ROSE]

Hey CVODON and Moscooter,
I agree with both of you. Loud pipes are obnoxious as is the immature rider that needs to be noticed while stationary “masturbating” his throttle. I guess what is in question here is ones definition of loud pipes. I have V&H Big Radius on my CVO and although I may agree they might be on the edge, to me I would not consider them as loud pipes.
But be careful what you wish for. You read all the time of states or the federal government wanting it to be against the law to modify a motorcycle exhaust from stock. I for one would not want that to be the case. Lets not let the occasional young immature whippersnapper with the straight exhaust be the cause of such a law being approved. After all, like CVODON eluded to, most of us who go through the loud pipes phase, like our exhaust, tend to mellow out as we get older...however not sure if I am completely there yet.

[harleyteam]

That's exactly what I meant when I said the AMA took the "Loud pipes risk rights " slogan.   mine aren't real loud, but when you can physically see people ahead of you checking in their mirrors, you know your loud enough.

When they give their ok on knocking loud pipes, it won't be long before someone tries to legislate it out.  I still wear a helmet in NY because it is law,  but when I have a choice ,  mostly go without unless I'm in heavy traffic areas.
IMHO, the AMA took the first step in letting exhaust laws get on the books.

[LARK]

Lifetime member here. Started when I raced enduro's and motocross as a kid. Still play off-road and they are instrumental in keeping government from shutting down off road access in many areas. Also legislate against motorcycle only checkpoints. They also provide organized racing for several motorcycle types, flat track, motocross, road racing, etc. They are huge in amature racing for kids of all ages and skill levels. Great benefits for all riders of all types .

I think what you described above pretty much nails what the AMA is today, at least in my mind. I've been riding for almost 40 years but didn't join the AMA until 3 years ago. I do like their approach to anti motorcycle legislation and their support of public land use. I've got to be honest I find their magazine pretty boring. I read all types of motorcycle publications, usually cover to cover. I really have to force myself to read my AMA magazine completely. If I was into some form of organized motorcycle racing or rode dirt bikes in the desert south west I'd probably think differently. Even their rider skill and technical articles are very pedestrian. I appreciate the AMA honoring motorcycle history but I can only read so many articles on old guys giving other old guys awards. Heck I'm an old guy but enough is enough. Oh well it's like the NRA, I may not like everything about the organization but it's the best game in town to help protect my rights.