I believe that loud pipes are a safety device. If they don't see you they will surely hear you!

Loud Pipes on a bike are a must in todays world !!!

Sounds like your personal opinion, nothing based on facts. I would appreciate seeing some specifics, otherwise I would have to think you just don't like loud pipes.

The day has come when loud (illegal) pipes will spell the end of riding in many places. Many areas have enacted legislation to ban all motorcycles because of noise pollution, and more places join them every year.
It is more practical to add a loud air horn that actually broadcasts the sound in the direction you need it rather than annoy those behind you constantly.
If you value your right to ride, please refrain from using non approved pipes on the street. Your neighborhood may be next.

In a residentual area the loud pipes will get attention. Out on the interstate or highways about about 45mph most people will not hear you untill you go by them. I drove a firetruck and ambulance and most people did not hear them untill we were going around them. The lights did not even help. Anything you can do to get someones attention is good.

Hey Vulcanrider06 I just wanted to let you know that my pipes are loud when I get on the throttle but when I am cruising they mellow out so its the best of both worlds. It really helps when it comes time to split traffic. People will actually let you by when you give it a rev.

Don't worry carolmello I keep my baby ROARIN!

Personally I don't think loud pipes do anything other than roar. Bikes with loud pipes are like Helicopters - you hear the thump but you can't tell where they are till it's too late. Secondly if you ride alot and wear a helmet - sittin on loud pipes drives ya nuts after a couple of hours in the saddle.
LAstly if you ride behing a bike with loud pipes - you can barely hear yourself think! Not for me.

For those of you who live and ride in a rural or country setting this may not be a very important topic. I live in Southern California. Population growth and City sprawl have all but comsumed most of the open land here. That means to commute to work or ride to an open country road we must drive on crowded eight lane freeways. Frequently congestion is so bad that it is necessary to split traffic (to keep the bike and your legs from overheating of course). I found that doing so with stock pipes on made me very vulnerable to cars that drifted back and forth to the line. When I put a set of custom pipes (LOUD) on the bike the problem was solved. If they wereen't looking in the side view mirror at least they can hear me coming. All but a very few drivers will yield and give me space to pass. No longer do I get the "HUA" driver who drifts over and nearly collides with my bike.
Darn right - "Loud pipes save lives"

LOUD PIPES do save Lives, Quiet pipes Get AWAY!!!!!!!!!!.. Shshhhh... RDR