The debate about illegal and excessively loud exhaust systems installed on some motorcycles continues to be interesting. I have been following it online as well as in print. As a result, I believe that motorcyclists who are trying to justify the use of such an exhaust system must never before had to debate the issue with anyone other than those within their own ranks.

I cannot conceive of their arguments having merit among the general populace. Arguments such as: They are necessary for the safety of the rider; police officers do not possess the skills to properly interpret or enforce laws that outlaw them; the laws concerning them can be “skirted around” so why bother having them; the “crime” of operating with them is too small a crime for anyone to be concerned with; a “custom built” motorcycle’s exhaust is somehow exempt from the inspection laws concerning them; they are no more a community nuisance than a neighbor’s lawn mower; the only people who think they are a community nuisance are “flatlanders from out of state”; the Constitution of the United States guarantees a right to operate those systems.

Those on the other side of this issue argue: The exhausts are illegal, excessively loud, a community nuisance, and that the existing laws outlawing them should be complied with and enforced.

It is clear to me which side’s arguments are based in reality and on fact.

Rob Graham, Turner