Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Honda Shadow Exhaust, honda shadow spirit, safety margins

Question
I have an '02 Honda Shadow Spirit 1100, I've owned it since '03 and it's been a wonderful bike.  But it's EXTREMELY quiet...  I don't necessarily want a roaring boom from it, but i want it a bit louder so cars hear me more.. I've been cut off so many times, and almost every time i fallow them and get my few words in, they tell me they didn't know i was there and that they couldn't even hear me.  What can i do to make the stock just a bit louder? without paying out the ass for a new system.  

Thanks
    Parker

Answer
Parker, I also ride an EXTREMELY quiet bike and I am hardly ever cut off, even in heavy traffic. The solution to your problem may not be  a louder exhaust system. Riders with the loudest of exhaust systems are cut-off as well, as drivers don't know exactly where the sound is coming from. The reason you are cut off is not that other drivers don't hear you, they don't SEE you. You should work harder at making yourself more visible and increasing your safety margins. Positioning is one of the most valuable tools in your defensive riding tool chest. You may also try wearing brightly colored and/or reflective riding gear and a white helmet(as it is most visible for day or night riding). Confronting other road users will not change their driving habits and may even put you in further danger, your concern may be mistaken for "road rage". Improving your own riding strategies will produce immediate results in your safety and riding enjoyment. For more information on being more visible do an online search on increasing motorcycle visibility or visit your local bookstore.

Start Smart, Stay Smart, Ride Smart
Steve