Fact or Fiction? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

ptp39 · 10-11-2006, 02:32 AM

My brohter said I should get some deer whistles for my bike. Said it would keep the deer and other animals out of harms way. I had already had a few beers so I thought he was just messing with me but he swore he was serious and that he has seen them. Is this true and if so do they work?

trooper113 · 10-11-2006, 02:40 AM

I dunno. Some people seem to think the powered one's work somewhat, but the unpowered ones don't work at all. Most studies say none of 'em do anything to reduce deer crashes.

T113

Ultra89Rider · 10-11-2006, 03:08 AM

I was born and grew up in Tennessee. The whistles do work. They emit a high pitch sound that animals hear before the motor sound. The high pitch can be heard farther than lower sounds, even loud pipes. It is good for when you ride in a wooded area. If you use one, make sure they are mounted in the direct wind so they can produce the sound.

YankeeBob · 10-11-2006, 10:16 AM

I have them on my bike. I haven't hit a deer yet. So, they MUST work!

trooper113 · 10-11-2006, 10:37 AM

For whatever it's worth.....

http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublicatio...77/eb1677.html

http://www.ibmwr.org/prodreview/deerwsle.html

http://advance.uconn.edu/2002/021118/02111812.htm

Most of the positive responses I found while searching were from folks who were selling the whistles.

T113

xxxflhrci · 10-11-2006, 11:24 AM

I have worked numerous deer/auto accidents involving cars with deer whistles on them. I hit a deer on my bike. I had a free deer whistle on it that my insurance company gave me. Personal experience shows me that they don't do much.

JamieWG · 10-11-2006, 04:15 PM

The Ohio state patrol did an experiment with deer whistles. They installed them on half the cars. A year later, the cars with the deer whistles had hit more deer than the cars without.

route66paul · 10-11-2006, 04:26 PM

Having the deer scatter could have them running onto the road, particularlywhen coming into a blind curve. you are going east, the deer hear and run, you curve to the north, just as he is running across the road. I don't think there is an answer other than giving out more tags at hunting season.

davukmer · 10-11-2006, 04:41 PM

Follow manufacturers installation instructions exactly.
Putting these on backwards causes them to attract deer.

14-O · 10-16-2006, 04:17 PM

Nothing works on deer as well as good old caution. They're pretty unpredictable.

MFouts · 10-17-2006, 12:38 AM

Had them on my truck but when I hit the deer they got knocked off!!

Chickenman · 10-29-2006, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFouts

Had them on my truck but when I hit the deer they got knocked off!!

Now that is funny.................I don't think they work but that is just my

twinV · 10-29-2006, 08:37 AM

I now a couple people that hit dears, and they were using whistles.

IMO they don't work.02

Cdouthitt · 10-29-2006, 10:07 AM

I live up in the north woods of Michigan...where we grow large deers...I wouldn't waste my money on them...Just be cautious and have loud pipes...

David III · 10-30-2006, 03:29 PM

Missouri Conservation department did a study on deer whistles last year, didn't come up with anything conclusive, ended up not recommending them.
I've never tried them and have so far, only hit one deer with my diesel truck that has no muffler at all and can be heard for miles (except by the deer that ran out in front of it).
Maybe if the whistles had grenade launchers in them?