Why are motorcycles allowed to be loud but not 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.

Why does Harley have distinct sound?

The exhaust note is basically a throaty growling sound with some popping. The 45° design of the engine thus creates a plug firing sequencing as such: The first cylinder fires, the second (rear) cylinder fires 315° later, then there is a 405° gap until the first cylinder fires again, giving the engine its unique sound.

Does Harley-Davidson have a patent on their sound?

Harley-Davidson does not claim a patent on this century-old engine technology. However, through the attempted registration of its distinctive exhaust roar as trademark, Harley-Davidson attempts to use trademark law to obtain a patent-like monopoly on the engine technology itself.

How many decibels is a Harley?

80 decibels
A Harley out of the factory is 80 decibels. A Harley with straight pipes (no muffler) gives off 100 decibels, the same as a car horn at three feet according Purdue University. By comparison, an idling car emits 35-to-45 decibels and about 70 decibles at freeway speeds. But remember the decibel stem is logarithmic.

Is Harley-Davidson sound trademarked?

Sound logos. However, some brands realize the importance the sound their brand can make and attempt to capitalize on its own uniqueness. A good example is the motorcycle brand Harley-Davidson, which, in 1994, filed a sound trademark application for its distinctive V-twin engine sound.

Is the sound of a Harley trademarked?

On February 1, 1994, Harley-Davidson filed a sound trademark application for the distinctive Harley motorcycle engine. Wording of the sound trademark is as follows: “The mark consists of the exhaust sound of applicant’s motorcycles, produced by V-twin, common crankpin motorcycle engines when the goods are in use”.

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.

Are there laws about motorcycle noise regulation?

Are there laws regulating motorcycle noise? Yes, there are laws (Federal, State, Local) specifically prohibiting the operation of LOUD motorcycles on our public roadways in the United States.

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.

Is it legal to use a muffler on the road?

In addition to the Federal Law, 49-of-50-States have enacted motor vehicle muffler laws prohibiting the operation of LOUD automobiles, trucks and motorcycles on our public roadways.