Some Information on the Hindle Exhaust Noise Level and Bylaws

[StanTheMan]

I was curious about my local bylaw regarding motorcycle noise levels. I was only able to find a general statement for my area. (...must have an effective exhaust or intake muffling device in good working order and in constant operation").

In researching, I've discovered some municipalities clearly define acceptable noise levels for motorcycles.
in this example (92 dB):
http://www.town.caledon.on.ca/conte...aitems/2010-117MotorcycleNoiseby-lawFinal.pdf

Out of curiosity, I wanted to know the Hindle's noise level (I'm sure it's posted somewhere, but was unable to find it)...so I purchased a basic unit for $50.
http://www.thesource.ca/estore/product.aspx?product=1219799&language=en-CA

Here are my initial findings (98 db)* (see attached photo):


Accuracy of my $50 meter aside, the noise level fluctuated 10% depending on where I positioned the meter.

I've concluded my Hindle meets my local bylaw :thumbup:; but may not meet other, more restrictive municipal bylaws :lecturef_smilie:. Based on my limited observation, unless you are riding, acting or using an exhaust that attracts attention, LE are generally lenient on the exhaust noise.

Just thought I'd share. I hope this helps.

 

[SethO]

that is some good info, I wonder what the sound of the crack pipe exhaust I had on for the salt flats was.

 

[bone crusher]

I doubt any municipality is going to send someone to stand next to your bike and measure the decibel level unless someone or many people are complaining. There are some pipes that you can hear 3 blocks down the road...can't do that with the hindle. I think it's great to know that the decibel level is under 100 +/- 10%...this is a good to know. More importantly, the hindle wears the Can-Am logo and most people probably think that it is the stock pipe. More attention will be given to other pipes if they obviously advertise their logos as you go down the street waking people up...

Oh, I love my hindle!

 

[DocRags]

The LEO that taught the local motorcycle safety course told us he's never heard a muffler that was too loud...if they HEAR you hopefully they will SEE you. We've never had any problems with our Hindle, even during our 7000 mile summer trip, but we did hear of fines around $150 somewhere we were at in Quebec. When we first got our :spyder2: I was worried about riding around with the Hindle since it clearly says it's not street legal on the BRP site, but I've calmed down about it after 19000+ miles without a problem...other than the effect on our hearing. (That's why they make ear plugs). I can always blame the Hindle for not hearing Erags, right?! :roflblack:

 

[docdoru]

In Florida:

Sound level limit: Speed 35 mph or less: 78 db A (82 db A for speed over 35 mph).
"Sound level" means the A-weighted sound pressure level measured with fast response using an instrument complying with the specification for sound level meters of the American National Standards Institute, Inc., or its successor bodies, except that only A-weighting and fast dynamic response need be provided.
MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES: The measurement procedures may include adjustment factors to be applied to the noise limit for measurement distances of other than 50 feet from the center of the lane of travel.

 

[daveinva]

What Bone Crusher wrote. :agree:

The Hindle is about the quietest (relatively speaking) aftermarket exhaust one can get. That, and the Can-Am logo that makes it look OEM will likely preclude you EVER having an issue with it.

Now, if you live in a gated community with a bunch of tightwads, YMMV, but for the 99% of the rest of us, the Hindle can fly under the radar.

BTW, just as an unrelated aside, did you know that it's against the law to wear earplugs on a bike in Maryland? I *think* the law lets you get away with one earplug-- which is of course pointless-- but having plugs in both ears will earn you a ticket. Which means that if you get stopped in the Old Line State, remove your helmet, AND remove your earplugs, be prepared to pay the piper.

Of course, to me it's a no-brainer... I'd rather cough up the $$$ than lose my hearing!

 

[arntufun]

Maybe half of that number you measured is the heat shield rattle. :roflblack::roflblack: Get rid of that Hindle and get yourself a HMF. A Loud pipe is how I roll. :thumbup: Pssssssssst....... It's less than half the price of the Hindle.

 

[McGone]

sound levels

doc is right that the measuements have to be taken at a measured distance.
Sound decreases at the square of the distance so if your reading 78dBA at 50 feet it would be 82dBA at 25', 85dBA @12.5' and 88dBA at 6.25' and 93dBA at approximately 3 feet. You would have to be riding or revving the engine to the equivalent of 35 mph to get accurate readings.
Most static sound measurements are taken at 21 feet from the source and at four locations around the source then averaged to get a published number.

 

[NancysToy]

SAE J2825 Standard

The location of the test instrument, and the rpm when tested, have been a bone of contention for some time. There is a lot of variation amongst the enforcement agencies. The Society of Automotive Engineers has developed a new testing protocol, in an attempt to standardize such testing. There is a movement to encourage the various states and municipalities that do sound testing to adopt the SAE standard. For more information, see the following article.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/713/3788/Motorcycle-Article/SAE-Releases-Motorcycle-Sound-Test.aspx

"The SAE J2825 on-highway motorcycle sound test procedure is similar to the one used for the SAE J1287 off-highway motorcycle test. The streetbike measurement requires holding a calibrated sound meter at a 45-degree angle 20 inches from the exhaust pipe of a running engine. The procedure spells out how to do the test with the bike at idle, at a predetermined engine speed ("Set RPM Test"), or by slowly increasing the engine speed of the bike, known as the "Swept RPM Test."

The SAE J2825 standard, prepared by the SAE Motorcycle Technical Steering Committee, recommends a decibel limit of 92 dBA at idle for all machines or -- using the Set RPM or Swept RPM Test -- 100 dBA for three- or four-cylinder machines, and 96 dBA for bikes with fewer than three or more than four cylinders."