Bikes and Noise

[redbirds_imp]

We recently returned from a one week vacation on Manasota Key, FL. Stayed at a nice resort right on the gulf and had a great time save for one thing, the almost constant noise from the "Loud pipes save lives" jerks, profiling up and down the island on their "life style accessory" Harleys.

Is it any wonder that bikes are banned from some resort areas. This is not meant as a put down on the Motor Company. Their bikes come equipped with mufflers. However, seems that many HD riders equip their bikes with the loudest exhaust systems they can buy then parade around in herds for no other purpose than to draw attention to themselves and sounding all the while like a convoy of ragged out dump trucks.

I'm sure the real motorcyclists that ride HD are not among this rabble.

[grover_imp]

http://youtu.be/xGyKBFCd_u4


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[ClassicVW_imp]

I'm not in support of LEOs targeting bikes, but people spend a lot of $$$ and many only get 1 chance to get away each year and deserve some peace and quiet if that's what they want on vacation. In this case I would love for the local Smokeys to hand out some revenue generators for the town.

[DAC]

I'd send a note to the local chamber of commerce down there stating that you won't be back and why. They get enough of those and ordinances will be passed. Even the AMA supports noise measurement and enforcement.

[flynrider]

I like quiet. The CB1100 is the quietest bike I've owned and that suits me fine. I particularly like the fact that when I have occasion to pour on some power while riding in town, it does not attract the attention of every law enforcement officer within a 1/2 mile radius

Our V-twin brothers are not the only culprits. Around here, race pipe equipped crotch rockets can be just as bad. The other day I was at a light behind an open piped Kaw 600. When the light turned green we took off at a brisk, but not unreasonably fast rate. I couldn't believe how much noise that thing was making while accelerating just slightly faster than the surrounding cages. It was bad enough that I backed off about a half block just to spare my ears.

I actually dislike loud crotch rockets more than the V-twins since they tend to produce a higher frequency, ear splitting sound.

[HikerToo_imp]

I think there should be a decibel limit for pipes, obviously some are too loud.
maybe use the Staintune on the CB1100 as a reference point, anything much louder should be illegal, just like cars.

[Randy B]

It is, but RARELY enforced.

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Noise limits are enforced in all Australian States. Here is a short extract from the NSW regulations:

Quoterescribed noise levels for exhaust noise
Exhaust noise from vehicles should not exceed the prescribed noise levels referred to in clause 4 of the Regulation. The levels depend on whether the vehicle is certified to Australian Design Rule (ADR) 83/00 (which came into force progressively from 2005), or to earlier ADRs.

For vehicles certified prior to ADR 83/00, Schedule 1 of the Regulation specifies the prescribed noise levels. For cars built before January 1983, the maximum noise level is 96 decibels and for newer cars the level is 90 decibels. For motorcycles built on or after 1 March 1984, and designed or manufactured for use on a road, the level is 94 decibels. The noise level for other motorcycles is 100 decibels.
The Staintune is accompanied by an official test label that states it tests at 90 decibels. Having said all that there are many bikes on the road that, subjectively, must surely exceed limits. The Police will at times enforce, particularly when they stop groups of bikers for random breath testing and road worthiness inspection. This is a favourite game for Victorian Police when groups travel to events at Phillip Island.

Cheers

[OldF7Guy_imp]

Its just accepted in my area and I used to own one of the loudest you have ever heard. If your not cutting up or doing something stupid the law will leave you alone. Crotch rockets here are just as bad so its not just the V twin guys. Its just part of the culture. I like a nice tone as much as the next guy but its just not that important for me to spend money on anymore and have taken the silent route in my old age.

[Cormanus]

I'm with Flynrider. One reason I got rid of my Shadow and replaced it with the CB was the noise the damned thing made.