Is it just our imagination, or have there been fewer really loud motorcycles ripping up the roads this summer?

It seemed that way to some of us, perhaps a sign that changes in Maine's motorcycle noise ordinances that went into effect this summer are having an effect.

The new law makes it easier for police to cite vehicles — not just motorcycles — for excessive or unusual noise that is "noticeably louder than similar vehicles."

Previously, the law made it illegal to modify pipes to amplify sound. So, motorcyclists could argue in court that they added louder pipes to improve safety or performance.

Now, intent doesn't matter; too loud, too bad.

Local police agencies, we are pleased to see, have taken advantage of the new law.

Auburn Police have cited eight people for excessively loud exhaust and 28 have been warned since the new law went into effect. This follows a pledge by Chief Phil Crowell to step up noise enforcement.

Auburn Deputy Chief Jason Moen, meanwhile, serves on a statewide board looking for other ways to solve the problem.

In Lewiston, 32 motorists have been either warned or cited since last summer. Androscoggin County deputies have stopped and warned about half a dozen riders.

Bikers have long argued that loud pipes make motorcycles safer, which many have doubted.

It makes us wonder if that's ever been put to the test. Shouldn't it be possible to compare motorcycle accident rates per vehicle mile traveled by manufacturer?

Some touring bikes — like Honda Goldwings and BMWS — are usually whisper-quiet.

We seriously doubt, however, that their accident rates are any higher.