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Motorcycles are an enjoyable and purposeful machine when operated properly. In America, new motorcycles are built to federally mandated noise control standards. What makes motorcycles noisy is when riders modify the muffler tailpipe or install an aftermarket exhaust system that is not street legal.
A roaring exhaust system can be heard and felt over a wide distance, rattle windows and travel through walls. Millions of people are adversely affected by this noise.
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Straight-Pipe Exhaust SystemAn exhaust system that no motorcycle manufacturer ever installed on a production motorcycle directly from the factory. These straight-pipes are designed to make noise, and possess noise levels far in excess of current EPA manufacturing requirements. |
Noise pollution is unwanted human-created sound that has the effect of being annoying, distracting, painful, or physically harmful. People exposed to noise pollution suffer from hearing loss, sleep deprivation, chronic fatigue, anxiety, hostility, depression and hypertension. World Health Organization, National Institutes of Health, United Nations and numerous scientific and medical publications recognize noise pollution and its deleterious effects.
The intense sound caused by loud motorcycles easily triggers an involuntary stress response commonly known as "flight or flight." This results in the secretion of adrenaline, with ensuing spikes in cardio-respiratory rates, muscle tension, and elevated blood pressure. Vibroacoustic Disease is a cumulative and chronic disease caused by exposure to infrasound. Infrasound is low frequency sound energy that affects the nervous system and prolonged exposure can lead to progressive medical conditions.
Riders often claim that "loud pipes save lives" - that they are more likely to notice the attention of distracted motorists when they are on the road. There is no study on record or statistical correlation between the noise level of a motorcycle and its ability to reduce accidents.
It should be noted that motorcycles are also equipped with horns, just like automobiles.
The largest manufacturers of motorcycles are Harley-Davidson Motor Company (H-D), Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, and BMW. The largest manufacturers of aftermarket exhaust systems are Samson Motorcycle Products, Vance & Hines, Yoshimura, D&D, and Kerker.
The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) are industry trade groups representing manufacturers, dealers and installers.
They have lobbied against proposed noise-pollution ordinances in communities across America. SEMA created the 'Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus' enlisting members of congress to support their agenda. They also enlist local motorcycle enthusiast clubs to lobby on their behalf on political issues that might affect their industry.
With increasing negative news stories and noise code legislation targeted at the motorcycle community, H-D discontinued manufacturing non street-legal exhaust pipes using the brand name 'Screamin' Eagle.'
Ken Schmidt, a former H-D executive once described the sound of his product in three words: "Voice of God." He went on during a speech at a business conference, "Noise is good. Noise is the foundation of your business." H-D had attempted to trademark the noise from its V-twin motorcycle engines.
Motorcycle riders join political action groups in an effort to combat increased legislation. These groups include the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). Another group calls itself ABATE, depending on the chapter, the acronym stands for 'American Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education' or 'American Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments.'
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A simple and effective regulatory measure for states and municipalities to control motorcycle noise by utilizing the EPA's dormant "label match-up" program. |
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.
Riders can legally buy and install aftermarket exhaust systems, however most models sold by retailers are not street-legal and intended for off-road or professional track use only. It does not have the EPA label stamped on the exhaust pipe.
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.
Traditional rider destinations such as Daytona, Florida, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Laconia, New Hampshire, held public hearings aimed at banning the annual motorcycle events in their community because of the noise and increased crime. Many affected residents abandon their own homes during the event because of the deafening noise.
The AMA published a position statement calling on riders and the industry to self regulate excessive motorcycle noise. The 'Motorcycle Sound Working Group' comprised of the AMA and industry representatives published an analysis on motorcycle noise, referred to as "excessive motorcycle sound."
The AMA has lobbied to defeat legislation at reducing motorcycle noise in cities including Detroit, Chicago, and New York City. In 2002, the AMA and other motorcycle groups lobbied Albuquerque, New Mexico, legislators to abandon label match-up enforcement.
In 2007, in spite of vocal opposition from motorcycle groups and riders, the city of Denver, Colorado, passed legislation using label match-up enforcement.
In 2008, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed motorcycle label match-up legislation and will no longer host motorcycle rallies. Affected residents successfully lobbied the City Council to ban the rallies because of the noise, traffic congestion and unruly behavior. According to the Mayor of Myrtle Beach, John Rhodes, the motorcycle rallies also drove away visitors. In early 2009, the City Council repealed the legislation.
In 2009, the Boston City Council passed a motorcycle noise ordinance that imposes a $300 fine on bikers caught with pipes that are not EPA-stamped. The legislation is designed to prohibit motorcycles with illegal straight pipes.
In 2009, Arvada, Colorado passed motorcycle label match-up.
In 2009, Green Bay, Wisconsin passed a new noise ordinance that allows citizens to take down information, like make, model and license, and email it to police via their website. From there, officers can learn who is the owner of the motorcycle and pay them a visit at their house. They either listen to the vehicle or have them bring the motorcycle to the police department and take a reading with a decibel meter. The police have mechanics check for modified mufflers and an EPA stamp. If there's a violation, they issue a ticket.
Several more cities are now considering stronger motorcycle legislation.
SEMA successfully lobbied to rewrite the noise code in California that has stifled law enforcement, as it now forces police officers to measure exhaust noise than effectively abate it. Officers must 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.
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California Communities Warns Against Motorcycle NoiseThis posting warns motorcycle riders to ride quiet or be cited for noise violations. This campaign was launched in Malibu and Santa Monica Mountains in California as a cooperative effort between government, law enforcement and civic groups. |
Do not approach or attempt to reason with riders. When possible, take down their license plate number and call the police.
Learn the existing noise codes in your community and how it applies to motorcycles. Lobby officials for a stronger noise codes against motorcycle noise.
Lobby police to increase patrols and fines for offenders.
Talk to your neighbors and organize; work with community groups and raise the issue of motorcycle noise.
If you see a motorcycle shop opening up in your community, organize with community groups and send a clear message that the sale and installation of non street-legal exhaust systems will not be tolerated.
Responsible riders and motorcycle clubs should advocate the use of legal exhaust systems.
Bikers Beware - Citizens are Taking the Community Back
Distribute flyers in your community and raise public awareness. Post them on bulletin boards (work, supermarket, library, school campus, coffee house, house of worship) and pass them out at community meetings and public spaces. Send copies to your local elected legislators and the media.
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