Your making the assumption that the brapping of the throttle on that bike made the pedestrian change his behaviour. If you watch the video VERY closely, he actually reacts to the first bike passing in front of him before the rider hits his throttle. I see the pedestrians reaction, but to further postulate what he did or why is all just theory.. does the sound on a muffler help in creating awareness of my presence to other humans operating motor vehicles. I still say of course yes. He most certainly reacted to the "brapping". lol
Having said that, I don't subscribe to the notion of loud pipes saving my life. I rely on MY riding skills to save my life. Of course. Stating the obvious a little maybe. Every biker knows this.
With so many drivers distracted and focused on other stuff they aren't going to even your pipes as you approach. This entire sentence is an assumption. How would you know what others are doing? Or what they can and cannot hear? I hear bikes all the time in all my cars. Makes me want to get on my bike..
It is up to the rider to ensure THEIR OWN safety not on some "hope" that another person will react to a noise. Of course. Again..
I believe any thing that prevents me from becoming a meat pancake (including personal skill) should be used. Including sound. Its not a siren. A siren is a noise that our society reacts to knowing an emergency vehicle is coming. A motorcycle makes a very distinct noise. Unless a person has been hiding in caves, you will know the sound of a motorbike.
Think of the last time you were driving in the city and suddenly hear a siren. MANY drivers will react by hitting their brakes and take their eyes off the road while spinning their head around to see where the siren is coming from. If they suddenly hear a very loud noise, (pipes), those less skilled may do the same thing.
You say you don't condone obnoxious loud pipes but experience shows that many who have them act obnoxiously with them. What is the sense of having loud pipes unless you plan to ensure EVERYONE can hear you coming? After all if they can't hear you then how are they of any benefit? Circular logic.
Nothing circular about it. I just wasn't as precise with a definition because I wasn't expecting nit picking.. I do not condone loud pipes that for example have no cat, or make alterations that remove environmental systems for street use (or no muffler at all). Those things substantially alter the DB level of a exhaust. Everyone does not have to hear you, only the people directly around you in traffic. Also you speak of experience again, and then assert those that "have them" behave a certain way with them. It all just wreaks of bias.
