Why is it the people LEAST concerned with safety are the ones repeating the mantra "loud pipes save lives"?

[Magz™ AMCNAS leader]

When evidence shows the contrary, that the volume of the pipes has little to do with the statistics of motorcycles involved in accidents.

Gear saves lives (this has been proven again and again) yet people who repeat the mantra about loud pipes are the ones who ride without any gear on...(jeans t-shirt, sunglasses, no helmet, no protective or reflective clothing)

Doesn't this sound more and more like an excuse to be loud and obnoxious more than a genuine safety concern?

[w61earl]

No. From experience, I can state positively that letting your presence be known is a life-saver. Sorry, but you know what they say--Lies, Damn lies, and statistics...

[jay]

well I do think loud pipes would alert other drivers that a motorcycle is around but that was the first time I heard that one. I'm sure loud pipes have saved lives but helmets and gear do to.

[Mad Jack]

I agree that the Loud Pipes Saves Lives saying is a myth.

The most important safety item resides between your ears, your brain.

Riding stupid is the most dangerous thing on a motorcycle. Doing wheelies, speeding, splitting lanes, weaving in and out of traffic, etc.

All motorcycle riders must remember that stupid hurts.

[Todd L]

(jeans t-shirt, sunglasses, no helmet, no protective or reflective clothing)
Your right, all of this equipment is going to make it easier to see or hear a bike coming up on you. I believe that loud pipes save lives, how many loud bikes do you see getting into accidents and how many other quieter ones do you see in accidents. Go crunch those numbers and we will see if it is correct.

[mybuttstinks2008]

You must ride a sport bike.
Don't stereotype riders unless you want to be lumped into a stereotype yourself! Should I ask why people who wear full gear think they can weave in and out of traffic at high speeds and give all riders a bad name!
Loud pipes DO save lives. When you are cruising down the freeway, CARS DO NOT SEE BIKES and tend to change lanes into you. When this happens, I always grab my clutch and a hand full of throttle. It gets their attention WAY MORE than a horn.