Motorcycle Noise

Motorcycles are growing in popularity, especially as the cost of gas increases. But with the growing use of motorcycles comes the growing concern of their noise.

Not all motorcycles are noisy and most new motorcycles are built with federally mandated noise control standards. When a motorcycle is noisy it is due to the rider’s modification to the muffler tailpipe or an aftermarket exhaust system that is not street legal. Such modified exhaust systems can be heard and felt over a wide distance, rattling windows and traveling through walls. In the end, millions of people are adversely affected by this noise.

So if the motorcycles are so noisy, why do riders modify them? Mostly it is due to the fact that riders feel their sound will make them more heard by other motorists, which in turn will keep them safer. But this may be more a myth than truth. The American Motorcycle Association discourages cyclists in modifying their exhaust systems and have gone so far to create a creed that reads:

• All motorcyclists should be sensitive to community standards and respect the rights of fellow citizens to enjoy a peaceful environment.

• Motorcyclists should not modify exhaust systems in a way that will increase sound to an offensive level.

• Organizers of motorcycle events should take steps through advertising, peer pressure and enforcement to make excessively loud motorcycles unwelcome.

• Motorcycle retailers should discourage the installation and use of excessively loud replacement exhaust systems.

• The motorcycle industry, including aftermarket suppliers of replacement exhaust systems, should adopt responsible product design and marketing policies aimed at limiting the cumulative impact of excessive motorcycle noise.

• Manufacturers producing motorcycles to appropriate federal standards should continue to educate their dealers and customers that louder exhaust systems do not necessarily improve the performance of a motorcycle.

• Law enforcement agencies should fairly and consistently enforce appropriate laws and ordinances against excessive vehicle noise.

• The motorcycle industry and the safety community should educate customers that excessive noise may be fatiguing to riders, making them less able to enjoy riding and less able to exercise good riding skills.

To help combat noise problems, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets noise emissions standards for motorcycles. The standard for street-legal exhaust noise emissions is 80 dB(a). All motorcycles are required to display an EPA label on the chassis and exhaust pipe. The "label match-up" program was designed as regulatory measure for states and municipalities to control motorcycle noise.

Yet, the United States allow higher noise levels for motorcycles than in other regions and countries, notably Europe and Japan. In Australia, label match-up is also used in addition to annual inspections.

Affected residents are speaking up about the problem of motorcycle noise and lobbying their elected officials for better protection. There is increasing motorcycle restrictions on public lands, private roads and gated communities.

In California, police officers are forced to measure exhaust noise with a decibel meter using the dB(a) standard, which does not measure low frequency noise.

Citations are often challenged in court because the meters must be certified and calibrated for its readings to be used as evidence. In addition, police officers must be properly trained to use the expensive equipment. The result is that fewer riders are cited for noise violations.

Another enforcement measure is called 'plainly audible standard' that allows an officer to determine noise levels. In New York City, noise offenders can be cited if the motorcycle exhaust noise is plainly audible at 200 feet.

Because the problem has not been completely solved, residents of communities who have a larger than normal amount of motorcycle traffic are making efforts to help sound proof their homes. But in the meantime, maybe as motorcycle usage increases so will conscientiousness.

Rate Article

Related Videos
Play Video How to Brake on a Motorcycle	Play Video How to Start and Stop a Motorcycle	Play Video How to Ride a Motorcycle	Play Video How to Power-walk a Motorcycle	Play Video Motorcycle Tutorial - The Friction Zone

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Home Improvement" article category.

People interested in the above article "Motorcycle Noise" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 

Dealing With Hail Damage

Hail is a storm condition that may not happen frequently. But when it does, causes a great deal of damage. It is a solid form of precipitation that is created from frozen water. Hail storms happen fast, often without warning, and usually lasts 3 to 15 minutes. They most frequently occur during a thunderstorm. Meteorologists across the country report hail sizes varying from the size of a pea to as large as 5 inches. Imagine the damage done to a home pelted with hundreds of 5-inch diameter hail balls!

Having Your Ducts Cleaned

In homes heated by forced air, the duct system is an important component of the structure and should be kept clean and free of debris. Duct cleaning is sometimes viewed as a controversial issue. Most agree that even if the results are minimal, it may still be a good idea to ensure the ducts are empty and free of mold and allergens. It can be difficult for a homeowner to evaluate or clean the ducts on his own, so an annual professional cleaning is a maintenance item that may save money and headaches over time. With an annual cleaning of the duct system, you can discover problems early and have them fixed before they are serious and costly.

Cleaning Up After Smoke Damage

Fire is one of the greatest fears of homeowners. The damage left in the wake of a fire can leave an emotional scar long after the home is cleaned and the property restored. Once a fire emergency has passed, call on a reputable restoration company to assist you with the safety and aesthetic aspects involved in the clean up of a fire.

Why You Need Professional Cleaning After a Crisis

No matter how you prepare, no one expects an emergency or crisis to affect their lives. However, circumstances occur and you may find your home in a state of chaos and disrepair due to any number of events. Weather is often the cause of flooding and fire, vandalism can create exterior damage, and human error could trigger any number of problems. While safety should be the first concern, following the event you will need to clean the damage and return your space to its previous condition. Relying on the services of a restoration company will ensure each of the steps is done completely and competently.

Dealing With Water Damage in Your Home or Business

Few things are worse than realizing your home or place of business has experienced water damage. Flooding leaves your belongings damaged, and it can lead to additional issues that may harm the health and well-being of your family or employees. Finding a company that can help you with the clean up and restoration of your property is not just a convenience, it is a necessity.

Does My Home Have a Mold Problem?

Mold is a problem that occurs in many homes and buildings, and if treated properly and professionally, is relatively easy to solve. The important thing to remember about mold is its ability to spread rapidly. The sooner you deal with it, or circumstances that can lead to it, the more likely you are to avoid serious problems. The presence of mold creates poor air quality and can lead to breathing problems, allergies, and severe health problems. The spores act as allergens and irritants, and left untreated, they produce mycotoxins and bacteria endotoxins

The Technology of Professional Cleaning Services

Those in need of the services of a professional cleaner will want to choose a company that offers the latest in state of the art technology. It should be one that uses high-tech mounted and portable water extraction units to ensure the quickest and most thorough extraction possible. If the flood situation in your home is exceptionally deep, they use gas-powered, submersible pumps that allow for continuous pumping. Their moisture detection equipment is able to measure the amount of moisture that remains after pumping and draining, ensuring the area is cleared of moisture and humidity. This is imperative in ensuring future mold problems will not arise as the result of a flood.