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The Problem

After initial studies, the EPA concluded that a major part of the noise problem with motorcycles was attributed to the following^[1]:

1. motorcycles with aftermarket exhaust systems installed that have poor or little muffling characteristics
2. owner modifications to original equipment exhaust systems (tampering)

The EPA stated that motorcycles with either modification listed above could easily increase noise emissions to over 100 dB(a). They also realized that although motorcycles account for only two percent (2%) of total vehicular traffic mileage, because they are presently among the noisiest vehicles in the traffic stream, any reductions in motorcycle noise would have a greater impact on overall traffic noise than might normally be expected^[2].

The noise problem identified by the EPA in the 1970s is still prevalent, if not worse, today. The type of motorcycle (cruisers) that typically uses loud aftermarket, competition-use exhaust systems currently represents over forty-five percent (45%) of new motorcycles sold today^[3], as compared to just twelve percent (12%) at the time of the EPA studies.

1. Environmental Impact Statement for the Noise Emissions Regulations for Motorcycles and Motorcycle Exhaust Systems, p. 3 (EPA 1980).
2. 45 Fed. Reg. 86694, p. 20.
3. “New Model Forecast Statistics,” Dealer News (Vol. 41, Issue #6, p. 92, May 2005).