Efficient mufflers: a win-win solution

I am writing in response to the motorcycle noise article (“Motorcycles rev up discord,” Monday).

There is a win-win solution to this problem. It is called efficient mufflers. Whether we are talking about motorcycles (of any size), snowmobiles, jet skis or race cars, it seems the users and fans think the louder the noise the more powerful the machine, and the faster they are going.

It is not that hard to build a better muffler, even I have done it. As an example, one can hardly hear a Honda Gold Wing go by. Yes, a quiet muffler may reduce the peak performance of the engine, but hey, look at the alternative. Legislation is often proposed to eliminate the use of these machines just because of noise. Does anyone remember what the non-smokers did to the smokers’ “rights”?

Curt Young

Snohomish