Haha, I remember this thread, and its absurdity. It's funny how so many people were die-hard that loud pipes save lives, when there's no scientific evidence to back that up. In fact, at 60 MPH with road noise, I'd like to know how a motorcyclists rear-facing pipes are going to make sure I hear a bike coming up on me to pass (the answer is, I don't).
And I say that as a rider myself. Guess who also say that? Both the riding instructors I've met with in the past, each with over 40 years of riding experience, including racing, both agreed that "loud pipes save lives" is, to quote one "the silliest argument ever concocted by people seeking the dumbest of reasons for a personal choice."
The closest information to the contrary is the popular Hurt Report, which simply says that modified bikes are over-represented in accidents while big, quiet bikes like touring bikes are under-represented (Goldwings, and the like). This does not lend any correlation to loud pipes making things worse, but the fact is simple physics, common sense, and a little brain power are all that's needed to dispel this silly notion, especially considering that 77% of all accidents happen in *front* of a motorcyle, not behind.
The level at which motorcyle publications, lawyers, and seasoned veterans of the motorcyle world attempt to dispel this myth is on the same level as those trying to dispel racism in the south. It's nothing more than an old myth propagated by the same group of people into the new group of people.
Instead, simply admit that you have loud pipes because they're cool! There's nothing wrong with that, but don't try to make "rational" excuses for it. I didn't put louder pipes on my truck because my truck needs more help being seen.
If people wore full face helmets, and full riding suits, there'd be a lot less serious injuries on motorcycles, and that is something statistics *does* prove.