Why are motorcycles allowed to be louder than cars?

A muffler is what deadens the sound that is coming out of the engine through the exhaust. Motorcycle mufflers are much smaller, usually no longer than several inches long. That is the biggest reason why motorcycles can be a lot louder than other vehicles. Motorcycles just don’t have the room for a bigger muffler.

Is there a noise limit on motorcycles?

The outcome will for (almost) all motor be something above 50, which means that the sound limit for motorcycles is 77 dB(A).

Why do American police use Harleys?

Harleys have a much lower center of gravity than the competition. This makes them easier to maneuver at slow speeds, which is where most of their riding is done. Harleys are extremely comfortable machines. This is important if an officer is going to ride one for 8–10 hours per day.

Are all Harleys noisy?

Factory-produced Harleys are loud, yes, but not louder than is permitted under the law. Federal law stipulates an 80-decibel limit for all motorcycles. Harley-Davidson has to comply with this law, and every bike coming out of an H-D factory is not louder than 80db.

Does a Harley Davidson motorcycle have to be loud?

No, it doesn’t. Factory-produced Harleys are loud, yes, but not louder than is permitted under the law. Federal law stipulates an 80-decibel limit for all motorcycles. Harley-Davidson has to comply with this law, and every bike coming out of an H-D factory is not louder than 80db.

Do motorcycles have to have a noise emission label?

Motorcycles registered in the state that are manufactured on or after 2013 or have an aftermarket exhaust system manufactured on or after 2013 must have the federal EPA noise emission label affixed to it in order to be operated, used, or parked in the state.

How far away can you hear a motorcycle exhaust noise?

If we can hear it from a distance of 50 feet, at freeway speeds, with our windows rolled up, and it is still uncomfortably loud, that is enough for us to stop that motorcycle for excessive exhaust noise. ASK A COP: Why Deafeningly Loud Motorcycles Not Cited? Be respectful. This is a space for friendly local discussions.

What is the noise limit for a motorcycle in California?

California Vehicle Code sections 27201 and 27202 established the following: A noise limit of 92 decibels applies to any motorcycle manufactured before 1970. A noise limit of 88 decibels applies to motorcycles manufactured after 1969 and before 1973; 86 decibels applies to motorcycles…