Interesting Report/Study on Noise at state parks.....

[pqsqac]

For those who are interested I have a copy of a study on motorcycle noise in national parks prepared by the Federal Department of Transportation for the Department of Interior. The word doc is too large to load it's 6,643kb but if you want a copy send me a PM. This was provided to me by a friend in state government. Motorcycle noise has been a big issue in many states. Noise issues are often discussed at MRF conventions that I have attended throughout the country. The fact that this study was done on the Blue Ridge Parkway should make those of us in Virginia pay attention. My personal belief is that some complaints about motorcycle noise come from oversensitive individuals who simply do not like motorcycles. However, I also believe that many complaints are valid and that we as motorcyclists bring them upon ourselves, and that we need to do a better job policing ourselves before the government decides to do it for us. Perhaps some of you engineers can explain some of these studies to me because I can honestly say I do not understand many of the tests. However the following excerpt made me wince:

During measurements, numerous park visitors asked research team members what we were doing; upon explaining we were measuring road noise (not specifically motorcycle noise), a majority responded with a comment similar to, “I hope you’re doing something about that motorcycle noise!” Based on these responses and experiencing the noise first-hand, it is concluded that parks could benefit from minimizing loud motorcycle noise, likely caused by equipment modifications and driver behavior.

 

[snuffcityrider]

I'm behaving, no mods. It's Jaxon and Japako making all the noise... ::025::

 

[pqsqac]

Yeah those riders in TX like it loud I hear Jax from here in Central VA. ;D

I'm behaving, no mods. It's Jaxon and Japako making all the noise... ::025::

 

[mykrysys]

When I read your subject I thought it might haver been about all the friggin generators that are running..... ::007::

 

[troll]

We will see steady interest in noise from any infernal combustion machines, many areas already regulate exhaust modifications and all that is really left to do is enforcement. Snowmachines are a real noise issue in central Canada and some cities are enacting noise by-laws, particularly because of motorcycles. ::009:: keep it down

 

[jajpko]

I'm behaving, no mods. It's Jaxon and Japako making all the noise... ::025::

::26:: ::025::

 

[coastie]

Yea, this topic gets me going If they are going to impose noise restrictions it needs to be across the board on all motorized vehicles commercial to private, boats to tractor trailer trucks. Not just one group of recreational users, because if they are just going after bikes with loud pipes they are going after the huge minority, in my opinion. But then I guess that is the easy fight, that will get your name recognized. The minority does not as much money to fight back with. ::009::

 

[jajpko]

Yea, this topic gets me going If they are going to impose noise restrictions it needs to be across the board on all motorized vehicles commercial to private, boats to tractor trailer trucks. Not just one group of recreational users, because if they are just going after bikes with loud pipes they are going after the huge minority, in my opinion. But then I guess that is the easy fight, that will get your name recognized. The minority does not as much money to fight back with. ::009::

::026::
I've heard vehicles that were so loud and blowing black smoke, it was totally obnoxious.. Oh, and vehicles with sound systems that make windows shake. A person could go on and on. I do agree there are some bikes that are past the edge, but apply the law to everyone.. jmho

 

[Kwatters]

I think you are looking for the Harley forum

 

[caillou]

Loud pipes kill motorbikes...

 

[markjenn]

Yea, this topic gets me going If they are going to impose noise restrictions it needs to be across the board on all motorized vehicles commercial to private, boats to tractor trailer trucks. Not just one group of recreational users, because if they are just going after bikes with loud pipes they are going after the huge minority, in my opinion. But then I guess that is the easy fight, that will get your name recognized. The minority does not as much money to fight back with. ::009::

This argument is basically "no matter how loud my noise is, there is somebody louder" and it rings a bit hollow to me. I know that when I'm driving - car or bike - and I notice a vehicle much louder than others, 9 times out of 10, it's a bike. Same with emissions - if there is a vehicle stinking up the road with ridiculous levels of smelly HC emissions, it's usually a bike.

I agree that the laws should be applied equally as much as possible, but I don't think bikes are in the "minority" with respect to this issue. To me, it's a text book example of a few mucking things up for everybody else.

- Mark

 

[Checkswrecks]

Taking a break when riding down Skyline Drive and BRP, the number of loud bikes is really hard to ignore. This has been on the American Motorcycle Assn hit list for some time:
http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/positionstatements/excessivemotorcyclesound.aspx

 

[Kwatters]

Most noise around me is Harlies and crotch rockets. Of course the Harley seems to make up 90% of the bikes on the road. Most people don't put pipes on for performance, they like the sound.
How often do you see a Harley pull up to a light without revving the engine a few times?
In regards to the manufacturer, of course they are covering their butt. That is the legal system we live in. Why does that surprise you?

 

[erenet]

I do like a rumbling sound form a motorcycle, some guys I've gone on rids with have to have them extra loud. DB killer have to be removed, catalytic converter also removed and the engines are super rich. The problem is that they like to lead the rides, stop at lights in front of you, etc. At the end of the day you're half deaf and you can taste the gas as if you were drinking it. These are bikes that have pipes pointing at your face.
HD guys it's another story, if I'm having a conversations with someone on a sidewalk and they're riding by, I usually (have to) pause and give them a little at antention they're asking for.