Sidecar Flip
Living Legend
There was some discussion a while ago about the proposed SAE noise standard/enforcement for motorcycles and the ongoing research.
In the January 2010 edition of the American Motorcyclist on page 16, there is an in depth discourse about just that issue and how it will pertain to motorcycles in general.
In part..
A new SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) sound test procedure SAE J2825 'Measurement of exhaust sound pressure levels on stationary on-highway motorcycles, addresses the issue. It's a tool that law enforcement agencies will employ to enforce noise abatement laws already enacted in many communities...and get into your wallet and possibly add points to your operators license with the resultant insurance increase as your risk ratio increases.
I was developed for roadside sound measurement and control of excessively loud motorcycles with significantly modified exhaust systems. According to the author, only motorcycles with very loud motorcycle exhaust would fail the procedure. I can't see that. Read on...
The new procedure sets a decibel limit of 92 DB(A) for all motorcycles at idle. Motorcycles with three or four cylinders (us) have a decibel limit of 100 DB(A) at 5,000 rpm or 75% of maximum rated engine speed, whichever is less, when using what is known as the 'set rpm' test or for a 'swept test' which involves slowly accelerating to the specified rpm.
The 100 DB(A) test is with your ear 20" away from the exhaust pipe, not a sidewalk café, addressing the source of many citizen complaints about motorcycle sound...according to the author.
How to conduct a sound test...
1. Find a clear test site. No sign or wall within 8 feet of the motorcycle.
2. Decide whether you want to use the idle, set rpm or swept test.
3. Have someone hold the motorcycle in the normal riding position with one or both feet on the ground. Or, you can put the motorcycle up on it's center stand (if it has one) or put the front wheel in a restraint to hole the motorcycle vertical. To conduct the idle test, you can put the motorcycle on it's side or center stand without someone sitting on the bike.
4. Set the sound meter for 'A' weighting and slow dynamic response for the idle test. For the swept test the meter has to be in fast dynamic response....Here's the rub....'Hold the sound meter microphone 20" from the exhaust outlet at a 45 degree angle to the normal line of travel of the motorcycle and at the same height as the exhaust outlet.
5. If the motorcycle has more than one exhaust outlet, repeat the test on each side that has an outlet.
6. Take 3 readings to confirm your data.
There has been quite a bit of talk between governmental agencies about the certification procedure and though the author expounds this as a simple test, I can't see it as simple, nor can I see it as anything other than a way for the local Barney Fife to vacuum money from your wallet.
Additionally, the talk has been about certification of exhaust systems to factory stamped or aftermarket certified systems with agency certification.
While I don't condone loud pipes, I don't believe this new standard will do anything to alleviate the obnoxious exhaust. It will, however, alleviate your money from your wallet and possibly (if the Agency Certification) standard is adopted as well, cost you plenty in replacement parts.
All this because HD riders want to make noise. The noisier the HD, the slower it is.
If this becomes law (and I'm reasonably sure it will simply because one, it's a great source of revenue and two, it appeases the citizens), Preds, Jars, Bubs and even TORS will become a thing of the past.
Coming to a local police department near you.......................
In the January 2010 edition of the American Motorcyclist on page 16, there is an in depth discourse about just that issue and how it will pertain to motorcycles in general.
In part..
A new SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) sound test procedure SAE J2825 'Measurement of exhaust sound pressure levels on stationary on-highway motorcycles, addresses the issue. It's a tool that law enforcement agencies will employ to enforce noise abatement laws already enacted in many communities...and get into your wallet and possibly add points to your operators license with the resultant insurance increase as your risk ratio increases.
I was developed for roadside sound measurement and control of excessively loud motorcycles with significantly modified exhaust systems. According to the author, only motorcycles with very loud motorcycle exhaust would fail the procedure. I can't see that. Read on...
The new procedure sets a decibel limit of 92 DB(A) for all motorcycles at idle. Motorcycles with three or four cylinders (us) have a decibel limit of 100 DB(A) at 5,000 rpm or 75% of maximum rated engine speed, whichever is less, when using what is known as the 'set rpm' test or for a 'swept test' which involves slowly accelerating to the specified rpm.
The 100 DB(A) test is with your ear 20" away from the exhaust pipe, not a sidewalk café, addressing the source of many citizen complaints about motorcycle sound...according to the author.
How to conduct a sound test...
1. Find a clear test site. No sign or wall within 8 feet of the motorcycle.
2. Decide whether you want to use the idle, set rpm or swept test.
3. Have someone hold the motorcycle in the normal riding position with one or both feet on the ground. Or, you can put the motorcycle up on it's center stand (if it has one) or put the front wheel in a restraint to hole the motorcycle vertical. To conduct the idle test, you can put the motorcycle on it's side or center stand without someone sitting on the bike.
4. Set the sound meter for 'A' weighting and slow dynamic response for the idle test. For the swept test the meter has to be in fast dynamic response....Here's the rub....'Hold the sound meter microphone 20" from the exhaust outlet at a 45 degree angle to the normal line of travel of the motorcycle and at the same height as the exhaust outlet.
5. If the motorcycle has more than one exhaust outlet, repeat the test on each side that has an outlet.
6. Take 3 readings to confirm your data.
There has been quite a bit of talk between governmental agencies about the certification procedure and though the author expounds this as a simple test, I can't see it as simple, nor can I see it as anything other than a way for the local Barney Fife to vacuum money from your wallet.
Additionally, the talk has been about certification of exhaust systems to factory stamped or aftermarket certified systems with agency certification.
While I don't condone loud pipes, I don't believe this new standard will do anything to alleviate the obnoxious exhaust. It will, however, alleviate your money from your wallet and possibly (if the Agency Certification) standard is adopted as well, cost you plenty in replacement parts.
All this because HD riders want to make noise. The noisier the HD, the slower it is.
If this becomes law (and I'm reasonably sure it will simply because one, it's a great source of revenue and two, it appeases the citizens), Preds, Jars, Bubs and even TORS will become a thing of the past.
Coming to a local police department near you.......................