"Loud pipes save lives" is a divisive statement, even in the motorcycle community. I believe, under certain circumstances, loud pipes could actually prevent some accidents and potentially death. In Ireland, where I spent my formative years riding, lane splitting is legal, but motorcycles aren't common, so drivers aren't always on the lookout for us.
I've seen plenty of wayward tires cross back over to the correct side when they heard my loud exhaust.
I've also lived in Thailand, where lane splitting is expected by all, and loud exhausts are purely for the enjoyment of the rider. But if you were to bring even a hint of this motorcycle culture to Switzerland today, you could be fined up to €10,650 ($11,000).
