Do silent motorcycles exist?

You may be thinking, “quiet motorcycles…how is that possible?” In fact, they already exist—but you might have trouble getting a Harley-riding neighbor to embrace them. For many bikers, noise equals power. But in the case of electric motorcycles there is reason to believe that quiet is powerful too!

Why are motorcycles allowed to be so noisy?

The idea was that a loud bike would immediately direct attention to the biker which, in turn, would make car drivers give them the space they need in order to ride safely. Nowadays, motorcycles are custom-built to have louder engines and exhaust pipes as both a style and a safety issue.

Do motorcycles have to be loud?

Contrary to popular belief, motorcycles are not manufactured to be loud. When motorcycles come from the factory, they are reasonably quiet–because they are factory- equipped with effective mufflers.

Are BMW motorcycles quiet?

BMW is probably the only major motorcycle manufacturer that's proud of being quiet, the idea being that you don't have to incur hearing damage to have fun.

Why can motorcycles be so loud but not cars?

Their exhaust system is small

The sound from a vehicle's engine travels down its exhaust system. And with larger vehicles, there is room to add some noise-reducing kit, such as mufflers, catalytic converters, and exhaust baffles. But a motorcycle's exhaust is on the small side, compared to say, a car.

Why DON’T These Amazing Motorcycles Exist..?

How loud are motorcycles allowed to be?

Vehicles under 6000 pounds that are not motorcycles must be quieter than 95 decibels, and motorcycles must not exceed 85 decibels. For comparison, 95 decibel sounds are about as loud as a power lawnmower or jackhammer.

How loud is the loudest motorcycle?

"The loudest bike we tested measured 119 decibels with the engine revved, and the recommended exposure time at that level is only 11 seconds. "Potentially, the vast majority of motorcyclists could be exposed to dangerous levels of noise," Colle said.

Does Harley-Davidson make a quiet motorcycle?

However, Harley engineered an effective silencer, and the resulting bike became known as The Silent Gray fellow. Its relative quiet contributed to its reputation as an elegant, advanced machine and helped distinguish Harley-Davidson Motor Company from dozens of rival American motorcycle makers.

Are Harley-Davidson motorcycles loud?

Anyone who's ever witnessed a poker run knows that Harley-Davidson motorcycles are really, really loud. And since not everyone thinks that's a good thing, in recent years, there have been efforts to stifle them.

Is it bad to ride a motorcycle without a muffler?

By removing your muffler you increase your chances of burning your exhaust valves, melting plastics or your boots due to the change in heat distribution, and possible backfiring. Why risk harming your engine to make your bike louder?

Are loud motorcycles illegal in California?

Motorcycles have their own exhaust noise standards but are considered “motor vehicles” by the state and can be issued a ticket for noise. Motorcycles manufactured after 1985 may not exceed 80-decibels.

Can you hear your passenger on a motorcycle?

Using a motorcycle helmet communication system is, by far, the easiest and most effective way to keep in touch with your passenger, particularly on a longer ride. That's because even at such close ranges, helmets and highway noise will usually make it almost impossible to hear your passenger's voice un-amplified.

How do I deal with my neighbors loud motorcycle?

You can always try talking to the owner. If he's just riding to work every morning, there's not much he can do about it. Some motorcycles are just loud. You could ask him to take it easy when he leaves though, just go easy on the throttle.

Why do people like loud cars and motorcycles?

A Thrilling Drive

The louder the sound, the greater the thrill. They know their vehicle is standing out. The engine noise also gives them something to play with and feel sporty even if they're just driving through traffic. To achieve this, some individuals even attach a performance exhaust to a regular car.

Why do some people like loud motorcycles?

Because many think that this makes them somehow more macho, manly, tough, faster, more powerful. And some even believe it makes them safer on the road because cars can hear them coming.

Which motorcycle is the loudest?

1. Honda RC166 250 – aka the Honda Six. If you've been lucky enough to hear a Honda Six warming up at a classic bike meeting or show, congratulations, you have experienced the best noise a motorcycle can produce.

Why do Harleys sound so deep?

As a result, after the first cylinder fires, the second has to wait until the shaft has completed 315 degrees of rotation. Then there is a 405 degree gap until the first cylinder fires again. This asymmetrical arrangement is what gives Harley engines their distinctive, deep bass rumble.

Are noisy motorcycles safer?

And one that persists is the notion that 'loud pipes save lives. ' I.e., the louder your motorcycle's exhaust is, the safer you'll be. But a new study has thoroughly debunked that.

What is the most silent Harley-Davidson?

The LiveWire: Harley-Davidson's whisper-quiet electric bike.

Are Harleys loud from the factory?

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.

Why do Harleys sound like Harleys?

That shake is a byproduct of the two-connecting-rods-one-crankpin arrangement. This design makes is near impossible to counterbalence the engine to smooth things out, so instead of trying, Harley leans into it.

What motorcycle has the best sound?

Which bike has most powerful sound?

What is the loudest street legal exhaust?

The Flowmaster Super 44 produces a deep and aggressive exhaust label. It is much louder than standard mufflers and can still be heard from inside the car.