How does the Honda SFA 150 inform the ongoing discussion about motorcycle noise in the urban environment?
In many cities, motorcycle noise has been a divisive issue, with some residents complaining about how loud the exhausts are, while riders' claim it's part of one's right to be heard in order to be safe. Honda SFA 150's unique underseat exhaust design could change the game in terms of noise output as well as directionality. This opens up interesting questions about urban soundscapes and the part vehicle noise plays in the city. Would the SFA 150’s quieter potential operation establish a new standard for urban-focused motorcycles? What does that mean for the "loud pipes save lives" argument? Could quieter bikes lead to greater adoption in noise-sensitive areas, or perhaps be less likely to be noticed by distracted drivers?
For urban riders, this could be a game changer. The quieter the bike, the less angry neighbors are and the more acceptance there is in city centers. Win-win!
Loud pipes do save lives, no way. Just making bikes quieter is going to hurt more riders who cars don't see.
I doubt it'll be as quiet as it sounds. I like that underseat exhaust look, but it might just send the noise up instead of back.
I'd definitely take a fleet of these over the obnoxiously loud bikes that wake me up every night if I lived on a busy street. Manufacturers should start taking noise pollution seriously.
You all think it will be quiet. If Honda goes the other way and makes it sound like a futuristic spaceship, will we be able to cope? Even worse than traditional exhaust notes could be that.
I believe that this design could open the door to some innovative exhaust technology. What if they could tailor the sound to be detectable to nearby vehicles but less obtrusive to the rest of the world?
The type of riders who are going to insist on having loud pipes on their bike aren’t going to be interested in this anyway; let’s be real. Clearly it's aimed at a different market.
I’d love a quieter bike as an urban commuter. I worry about safety, though, and now with all the silent electric cars on the road. Something has to be in the middle.
For motorcycle-based businesses like food delivery, this can be great. They might be able to use quieter bikes later into the night without bothering residents.
What I'm more interested in is how it sounds to the rider. The engine noise is half of the fun of a motorcycle. If it's too quiet, you'll feel like you're riding a bicycle with a motor.
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Discussions and Questions How Does The Honda Sfa 150 Inform The Ongoing Discussion About Motorcycle Noise In The Urban Environment
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