It's a fine line a lot of times. As a rider (I have a metric cruiser), I want to swap out my pipes, air system and re-jet the carbs to get better performance out of the bike (that's why most people change their pipes - not just for the exhaust note, but for the performance). But I have to balance those desires with the note of the pipes (because I don't want to set off car alarms and I like long rides where more vibration = bad) and the decibel restrictions of the state.
I, for one, enjoy loud pipes (up to a point), although the whole "loud pipes save lives" argument never made much logical sense to me. I also know the majority of riders with whom I hang out and who have custom exhausts don't "get on" the throttle in residential areas, especially at odd hours (most of them are parents too, and understand how annoying it can be). Just like anything, a few bad apples, etc. etc.
I get worried when the state starts talking about restricting the decibel output to 80-82db. I have stock Honda pipes on my bike which are absolutely NOT loud and they wouldn't pass that test right now. The goofy Honda Civics with the soup can mufflers are much louder than my bike. Those pickups with the fancy exhaust are significantly louder than my bike. The data center where I work wouldn't pass that test with the AC running. A group of people I ride with did a decibel test at a dealership and pretty much no one would pass these new decibel requirements, even sport-touring bikes that are some of the quietest on the road.
Also (and you guys will get a kick out of this, as its similar to what MA tries to do with anything gun-related from out-of-state), the state wants to start forcing exhaust manufacturers who want to sell parts in MA to start stamping their exhausts with MA-specific decibel level requirements. That's right, change your manufacturing process just for MA. Yet another way for MA to start interfering with interstate commerce.
Anywho, just wanted to bring up some other points to chew over. There's really no defending some of the crazy exhausts that are out there, and the same can be said for many cars and trucks sportin custom exhausts these days. Just so you know, not all of us bikers are out to set off car alarms and scare children (although I do freak out my nieces with my goatee: apparently goodnight kisses are rather scratchy with the crazy goatee, hehe).
