Here in NH there is a bill being proposed that would lower the dBa level that motorcycles could make with an stock exhaust, amongst other things. Click here to get the details House Bill 95. To cut the chase, I wrote a e-mail and sent to my reps voicing my opinion on the whole thing, focusing on testing especially along side busy road ways. Well ye reap what ye sow. Some one has asked me for ideas on how to do this; their thought was should the motorcyclist be taken to one spot in a town or on a highway? or.....

Yup, I haven't a real clue on what would make this easy. So, at my lovely wife's suggestion, I'm asking this august body for your thoughts. I'm thinking that a convenient space such as a parking lot or side road would do or the nearest off ramp or rest area on the highway. In addition I would strongly suggest that the testing device is point away from traffic and any item that may reflect sound. Or am I in correct on sound testing.

I have uploaded my letter as a .txt document. If you want to read my dribble.
Cheers
TTNH

Attached Files

NH_95_VStrom.txt (5.3 KB, 5 views)

__________________
2006 V-Strom 650 Pegasus
Its either: the journey, the destination, or both. Just remember to have fun.
Previous bike: 2000 Kawaski Vulcan 750 - traded for V-Strom

 

There's an SAE standard for noise level testing used by the industry. I don't have the specific number, but a quick test should turn up something.

Also, the Michigan DNR has a published test method for sound testing ORV's at Silver Lake Sand Dunes. They, too, have a specific method for doing so. Personally, I'd recommend the SAE method as most stock vehicles will comply with that standard right from the factory anyways.

Personally, my letter would have been in opposition of a new law though... I suspect SEMA or the AMA might have a few things to say about it.

On that note, the AMA (Or some other Motorcycle Manufacturer's organization) might have some ideas as well. (I know the AMA tends to focus on safety aspects, not necessarily noise).

-Joe

the current NH law is rather liberal, 106db @ 2800 rpm on thumpers & twins and 3500rpm on triples & up

if they enforced the current law, as loud as 106db is, most people would be happy, but they don't, it's easy to find an inspectionstation that will pass you if your louder, if they imposed fines on inspection stations for 'looking the other way" would go a long way to keeping everybody happy


the 95db that they are proposing is not the worse part of the proposal.. they are also proposing tachs as required equipment on ALL motorcycles, because of that, I think the bill will die, as least that part of it.


btw, I plan on going to the public hearing Jan 21, 11:30AM Room 203 in the Legislative Office Building @ 33 N.State St. Concord

anybody else ?

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RandyO
IBA# 9560
07 Strom 1k (54,xxx miles)
99 SV650 (135,006 miles)
82 XV920R
A man with a gun is a citizen
A man without a gun is a subject
http://i427.photobucket.com/albums/p...dStatesMap.jpg

When the wife starts nagging you to take out the trash and the Christmas tree and get the leaky roof fixed and get the garage clean she's tired of parking outside.... Go out and start your bike, rev it to 3,500rpm. if you can still hear her it's not loud enough and you need to get an aftermarket or debaffle it.

Page three "noise standards" outlines how they field test OHV in Nevada.

http://www.co.washoe.nv.us/comdev_fi...info_sheet.pdf

This might give you ideas
http://www.bikernet.com/news/PageViewer.asp?PageID=902

i always thought it was done in an open area with a calibrated audio meter at measure distances behind the machine at the suggested RPM's.

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"Nothings possible until its done!"
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in NH it's 20" from the exaust @ 45° angle on the 'A" scale of a sound meter

__________________
RandyO
IBA# 9560
07 Strom 1k (54,xxx miles)
99 SV650 (135,006 miles)
82 XV920R
A man with a gun is a citizen
A man without a gun is a subject
http://i427.photobucket.com/albums/p...dStatesMap.jpg

It is silly to test for noise under minimal load. Most "air-cooled V-twins twins" can pass a test under no load, but crack that throttle open and you can hear them a mile away (more or less literally). The whole point in my mind is to measure the maximum noise level, and close down those folks who rattle your windows. Personally, I'd like to see a test where there is a fairly steep uphill for a couple blocks or so (I live halfway up such a hill). The rider starts at the bottom, and must accelerate to 45 by the top (measured by radar gun) and the meter is placed 20 feet from the road 3/4 of the way up. Don't know what a reasonable sound level would be, but I'd estimate under 100 dB. I'm guessing this law is intended to quiet down the "air-cooled V-twins". I heard that Denver has a city ordnance specifically stating "air-cooled V-twins" must retain the stock exhaust. Perhaps your legislators should target the problem, rather than painting all bikers with the same brush.

how about right next to the ass hole's house who doing all the complaining.

I'd love to and I know whom is proposing the bill, but I am trying to be diplomatic and a responsible motorcyclists here. I've gotten two replies from my "elected" representatives. On my own I found so materials to pass along and will look up the links posted here. Unfortunately as a teacher the day this is going to be in the open forum I am starting an grade wide "Exit" project. So I can't take of for the day to air my views. I WILL make sure that my elected representatives are aware of my feelings before the date of the forum. Especially those that have not responded.

Please keep the sources, ideas, and data coming. I would like the option to replace my exhaust on the Wee with what I want. Not I found it's current sound and operation bad, but I can from an Kawa Vulcan 750 cruiser. That could get loud if you let it

__________________
2006 V-Strom 650 Pegasus
Its either: the journey, the destination, or both. Just remember to have fun.
Previous bike: 2000 Kawaski Vulcan 750 - traded for V-Strom