With the sound protection levels in modern cars loud pipes are an exercise in "my peepee is bigger than yours." Only other people that hear them are the other poor unfortunate bikes stuck riding behind and the civilians in the residential neighborhoods that are ridden through.
It's the residential neighborhoods that rose up in Maine.
The let's see if I can make the windoes rattle on the buildings on both sides of a narrow street. Let's see how loud we can make it riding under a highway bridge.
Consequently Maine passed a Loud Noise Law, pretty much directed and MCs. The law purposely did not define a Db Level. It also does state "Must Have Mufflers or something that has the appearance of a muffler. Straight Pipes with Baffles are not acceptable.The LEOs can make their own decision as to what is loud. In May this year Maine made a slight modification. If stopped and issued a sumons, you can now go to select inspection stations and take the DOT tests. If found to be 95 Dbs or less under the test conditions, then you are good to go. If not, you will pay a $135 fine.
This past summer Spyderman was behaving as sensible as one can regarding the Loud Noise Law. He was still questioned once or twice by the LEOs. In his case he has a CA plate and riding in ME, so no summons was issued or major problems encountered.
I do support one's right to make their own choices as long as they are willing to accept the consequences.
When I get ready to boot up my 03 SERK Power, I am considering this combination.
V&H Power Duals
http://www.vanceandhines.com/store/touring/headers/16759coupled with
SuperTrapp Stout 4” Slip-Ons
http://www.supertrapp.com/product_sections/cat.asp?CatID=85SuperTrapp Stouts are
SAE-J2825 sound compliant - They will pass Maine's Loud Noise Law.
At 95.6 dB @ 2,000 rpm, or 2.4dB over stock 2010 Exhaust
DR