New Hampshire Urged To Delay Sound Laws

Monday, January 26, 2009

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The current proposed legislation is very strict, not allowing any modification to the stock exhaust.

The Motorcycle Industry Council has urged the New Hampshire House Transportation Committee to postpone pending loud pipe legislation until early spring when a new stationary sound test is available. The MIC and the Society of Automotive Engineers are finalizing this test, SAE J2825, which will provide a quick, easy, economical, and science-based tool for accurately identifying motorcycles with excessively noisy exhaust systems.

The House Transportation Committee held a hearing yesterday on the proposed legislation, HB 95. The bill would prohibit modification of exhaust systems in any manner, prohibit operation of motorcycles without stock mufflers, require that every bike has a functioning tachometer, and also lower the allowable sound limit.

"Our goal is to provide a consistent tool nationwide for identifying excessively loud exhaust systems without failing those that pass the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency federal sound limit," said Pamela Amette, vice president of the MIC. "This sound test will effectively achieve the sound control goals of New Hampshire, and other states and municipalities, and more so than some of the proposed legislation currently being considered. On a national level, it will eliminate a lot of the confusion and frustration for motorcyclists when they ride through different jurisdictions."

Amette said that California, numerous local jurisdictions, and Canada have expressed interest in the new test that was developed through extensive sound testing during 2007.

The MIC's comments, submitted to the House Transportation Committee in advance of the hearing on January 21, requested the following: that action on the legislation be postponed, that the legislation be amended to permit aftermarket systems, that there be no requirement for functioning tachometers, and that the sound test limits and procedures specified in the bill be revised.

The committee took no action on the legislation at the hearing on January 21, but did create a subcommittee to study the issues more closely and make recommendations.

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Comments

jimbo -the sooner the better June 30, 2010 09:36 PM
Type all the protests you like. Within my lifetime loud bikes will be eliminated from the street and the sooner the better. If I was king the bikes would be crushed in front of the rider. But I'll be more realistic: the state immediately confiscates the illegal property (the bike). If the bike has enough value to justify the cost, the state makes the bike stock, sends the bill to the owner and gives him 72 hours to pay up. (This will cost several thousand dollars including fines and penalties, all new OEM parts and professional labor at union rates). If the owner fails to pay up in cash, the bike is sold at auction to pay for the owner's sins. If the bike has too little value to justify the above, it is crushed and the bill for the crushing is sent to the owner. If he does not pay he looses his license to drive. Screw every one of you scum bags riding such bikes.

just a resident of laconia -to darn loud April 6, 2010 10:36 PM
I hate to say this but Harleys are the loudest and most annoying bikes around. If theres ever a bike thats so anti social its a Harley I beleave in time the green movement we are in right now is a number of things in respect to our enviroment its sound its chemicals we use its mpg we get out of any vehechel times are changing and in order for us to all co exsist we must respect our space for each other and our earth.

Duc Duc Goose -NH Sound Laws for MCs February 6, 2010 05:36 PM
(SoNH - 56yrs old) I do have an aftermarket exhaust on my european motorcycle, frankly because "new" original mufflers weren't available at the time. Straight pipes (IE; no baffles)... while I agree it's someones choice, why is =/>115db at 2500 RPM really necessary? That choice may be the reason why this whole thing started in the first place. To you sonic challenged riders (and you know who you are) thanks alot! I'll admit, my bike has race cans installed (103db @ 2500 rpm), I don't abuse it, nor do I ride up and down Main Street rev'ing my engine thinking I'm cool, or believing chicks like that sort of thing. Trust me 98% don't think it's cool, unless they're under 20. Who cares about a helmet, don't wear one, it's your right... but so is becoming a vegetable after that nasty accident with a driver who was on a cell phone. I wear a helmet and that is my choice!!! I also have a 0-60mph in 3.5 second machine, but I can also ride it at the speed limit. Imagine that! How is that possible? LOL, I guess that's my right too! Motorcycles are "invisible" to drivers in cars who use cell phones, laptops, or have their stereo cranked up while driving, basically not paying attention to their driving. FIX THAT ISSUE too and maybe we can all get along!!

Canuck motorcop -safe Rider January 13, 2010 01:27 PM
Hahn is flawed in his theory....sound travels at 750 miles per hour in all directions from the 360 degrees source. Wow ya hear him coming from a mile away, wow I heard the train before I could see it Yes I can hear then screaming on the rooftop. Mmmmmmm Think a while on it and get back to me.

Canuck Motor Cop -Safe rider January 13, 2010 01:21 PM
Hey loud pipes do notify people all around you that you are there. Sound travels in a circle 360 degrees away from the source...Like the song says "I hear that train a coming". Any moron that believes the sound comes out of the pipe and travels backwards failed physics in grade school. Now there is a difference between loud and obnoxious, I get cut off all the time on my police Bike and I wear a very hi visibilty uniform and have all the latest gear. I get cut off less on my own bike which is louder than my own bike but conforms to the noise law in my Province.

Redneck -Loud noises October 5, 2009 06:10 PM
I am for lowering the noise on some motor cycles, also sterios( Boom Boxes] loud trucks & etc. It seems to me that the only way that you realy no that a motor cycle is loud is when they are breaking the law by reving the engine or speeding; especialy in low speed limit areas. If the lay enforcement would not sit on the side of the road or at coffee shops or in the station and write these people tickets their would not be a big problem.

BanIgnorance -Buy a Clue... September 21, 2009 02:47 PM
You say you are "a lobbying body for requiring EPA labels on all pipes". Does that mean you will require EPA labels for ALL MOTOR VEHICLES including AUTOMOBILES and TRUCKS, just as the EPA had originally intended during subsequent implementation phases of the Noise Control Act?

If not, then you are guilty of discrimination.

Discriminatory also is your so-called data about individuals with loud pipes. I've seen data that points to high income levels. Nice to know that uneducated people with tats can be successful contributors to society, eh.

The Hurt Study only says that loud pipes are not predicted to correlate to safety, but no follow-up was ever done and there is no practical way to measure accidents that did not occur.

If you were so certain of the ease of your job you wouldn't be here trying to tell us. We see right through you.

Quiet as a mouse -Loud pipes are not a right. August 3, 2009 06:10 PM
EPA label requirements are coming to a State near you. trust bikers, every unecessary twist on the throttle at every stop sign just makes you more hated. I hope you do it more. What's funny is how there is data that shows that lower education and tattoos are a direct correlation to individuals with loud pipes.

Just like driving is not a right, nor is annoying everybody in your neighborhood with your obnoxious pipes as you announce having a small johnson a right......

Do yourself a favor and read the Hurt Study. Loud pipes don't save lives. And oh yeah, if you don't wear bright clothes and a helmet, you may as well shut your pie hole about safety.

Crank 'em up, just makes my job easy. And by the way, I am a lobbying body for requiring EPA labels on all pipes. Just a matter of time. tick, tock, tick, tock.

SOULFLY -P!PES May 22, 2009 05:13 AM
If they are for sale, then you should be able to put them on whatever you ride. Those 'Honda' exhaust are annoying. Lawnmowers are annoying. Leafblowers are annoying. Tractor trailers are annoying. People who don't ride motorbikes are annoying. This subject is annoying.

Man Baby -People don't see where this kind of legistration will hurt everyone! February 3, 2009 04:03 PM
Why are the people in favor of noise control so loud? Why are they angry? Why do they resort to name calling and that demonstraes hatred? Who really are the babies here? Do they hate the 4th of July also? I can here the jake brakes on the trucks using the highway all day long(louder than any harley I've heard)and the highway is 1 mile from my home . They run over the lane grooves cut in each side of the highway all day long(talk about loud noises). Harley hater wrote: Statistically most will end up as roadkill anyway but not soon enough. STOP ANNOYING PEOPLE WITH YOUR STUPID BIKES YOU MAN BABIES. Man Baby responds: You should not express feelings that wish death to fellow Americans. Not only do you sound foolish but remember, what goes around comes around.

dd -Exhaust noise February 2, 2009 12:46 PM
While I agree with non riders and riders about noise pollution. I do not agree with disabling after market (none OEM) products that include but not limited to exhaust systems. Harley Davidson company offers a wide choice of exhaust systems that are either 48/50 state legal and some that are not legal on the street. Many After market manufacturers of exhaust are now catering to "less noise" exhaust systems. There are more that has exhaust that will enhance the sound but not be disrespectful. Then there are some that causes this issue but they are not alone. there are many that do not ride that is adding to fire for one reason or another. Devices that has to be purchased and then workers (officers)that need to be trained which will add to tax dollars being spent. Almost all states are getting hit with less tax money being paid due to lay offs. I only ask to be open mined in this area as the results will not be good for anyone in the long run.

mike -noise February 2, 2009 12:30 PM
No doubt some are too loud, but also propose that you have to put a oem exhaust on your suv at 4 times the price of aftermarket. Freedom of choice!

Fed up -Loud Motorcycles February 1, 2009 05:48 PM
Why can't motorcyclists consider other people's "rights" to sleep, watch tv or have a conversation in their home without being constantly interrupted. If you are concerned with safety, buy a horn and use it when you need to to get someones attention. It is telling when I can hear no traffic noise in winter, but as soon as warm weather arrives and the bikes come out the area sounds like a drag strip - almost entirely due to Harleys with illegal mufflers. The area consists of residential areas, George Washington's estate, and a national park area. The nearby Harley dealership describes the mentality of most bikers very well with their advertisement, "Maybe you just want that awesome earth-quaking, window-rattling exhaust that sets off car alarms as you ride on by. Want to make men dive out of the way and women grab their children and head inside and lock the doors? We can help with that too!" Does anyone realize that there are literally hundreds of articles and studies which document the health effects of this type of noise on the people who are forced to listen to it? This is why laws, like the long standing federal laws, were designed and put in place. They were well considered to protect the general public. Why does the EU have a lower decibel limit than the U.S. - who supplies all of those parts? Boom / Bass cars are the same difference, the Harleys have them outnumbered by about 50 to 1 - that is the reason to focus on motorcycles. www.motorbyte.com/mmm/pages/safety/safety40.htm Pat Hahn of the state of Minnesota's Motorcycle Safety Center says he understands individual expression. But he says the idea that loud pipes save lives is a myth. Hahn says there's a problem with the safety theory because the pipes direct the sound backwards.

Griff -Hey Harley Hater February 1, 2009 04:40 AM
Statistically you are wrong, Maybe you are confusing us with the sport bikes that pass you at 100+ on the highway, weaving in and out of traffic. I guarentee you I spend more of my time and money doing charity rides and fund raising events in one year than you do in your lifetime. If you think I should be roadkill, fine, but what a sad world you live in.

nick@nite -bike exhaust January 31, 2009 07:16 PM
Just what NH needs no more Laconia Bike Week.............Yep thats good for the Economy........ Goddam Yuppies, pretty soon we will be wearing Hockey Pads.... Let Those Who Ride Decide!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Viffer93 -Just Feel Good legislation January 28, 2009 09:02 AM
As a NH resident I believe this to be another piece of "feel good" legislation that will not be enforced unless a more serious offense has occured. AKA "While I have you stopped for speeding, I noticed a noise problem". We have so much of this kind of legislation in NH and the Police just don't have enough resources to deal with this. Ask us about our speed limits on our lakes or about the minor laws that the Police let slide during bike week. I support our Police 100% but they will tell you they need to focus on bigger things. The bigger concern about this is, it is just the begginig if we don't squash this now. Next it will be helmet laws (I wear a helmet but believe it should be a choice), Engine size restrictions, ZX-14 don't go 160+mph without a rider twisting the wrist or we will have to wear those reflective vests. Nothing against the vests but someone in the legislature is going to think it should be manditory for everyone. As riders, we also have to be responsible. I have an aftermarket (loud) exhaust on my bike but I try not to rev it up when I ride through Portsmouth on bike night. Portsmouth by the way has an ordinance already about "loud" exhausts and I have never had an issue because the Police have bigger problems to take care of. Ride Safe

acecycleins-guy -your missing the point January 28, 2009 06:25 AM
It's not just Harleys. NH wants to eliminate the entire aftermarket parts supply. The way the law is written it will put a stop to all but OEM exhaust systems. Do you not want to personalize your bike? Many do. I have a Supertrapp system on my bike that would be outlawed under this proposal. It's not loud. But it's not stock. For some reason NH lawmakers believe that the systems are louder and dirtier than the OEM units. They are ill-informed prudes that are picking on the smallest segment of motorist because there are not enough of them to put up a "news worthy" fight of discrimination. If this law passes then other states will follow. It will kill of an entire industry and put tens of thousands of people out of work. NH moto: Making life greener by putting you in the unemployment line. BTW- Tessier, On the bright side you have a wonderful state fill with riding enthusiast. Too bad there are only 1400 full time residents and they seems to be getting their way and picking on you.

Harley hater -Harley idiots are the real problem January 27, 2009 01:34 PM
Loud pipes DO NOT save lives. They do point out who the morons are though. Think about it... loud pipes spit out noise to the rear. It does nothing for a car or truck coming at you and will most likely startle someone and actually cause them to hit you. The end is coming to these anti-social dentists, accountants and other goatee wearing fat guys that think they're tough riding on 20k dollars worth of chrome and 50s technology. Statistically most will end up as roadkill anyway but not soon enough. STOP ANNOYING PEOPLE WITH YOUR STUPID BIKES YOU MAN BABIES

Trish -to t-moisy reply January 27, 2009 09:15 AM
How about a law against the loud booming bass speakers in cars and trucks?? They are ear damaging, more frequent than motocycles and REALLY annoying-especially if you have to st next to them at a stop sign?

Trish -Mufflers etc January 27, 2009 09:12 AM
Well, I had stock mufflers. Too quiet for inattentive drivers. I got a bike with louder mufflers. I NEVER rev them just to rev them. I like my engine too much, and see no need to make noise for it's own sake. I DO rev them when a driver is obviously not looking in my direction before pulling out. With music going in their cars,they don't notice the horn (which is as loud as a car's horn and sounds like one)They WILL look after a quick rev and refrain from proceeding. I originally got my bike to cut gas consumption, and will us as primary commute vehicle. My husband who rides a Honda (mine's a Harley)is getting louder pipes now that he has seen how many times I've been able to avoid a driver caused accident with them. Amusingly in California there is a drive to FORCE ELECTRIC cars to make noise because they are considered too quiet. How much do you want to bet the same people are for that? Motorcycles are used in most countries as a primary or major transportation source because of gas costs.I get 60mph. My Camry 30mph,and my Tundra 18mph. My commute is 44 miles round trip. If car drivers were more attentive,less passive-aggressive and less like the previous commentator loud pipes woundn't be such a necessity. Beside's I really hate it when people get self righteous about telling others what to do for their own convenience but have faults of their own they ignore and defend.

t -noisy bikes January 27, 2009 07:19 AM
loud harleys are the problem. what is wrong w/the system that allow this to happen? if i had a car that was as noisy as most harleys, i'd get a ticket! put a muffler on it you morons.

Tessier -Don't worry January 27, 2009 04:22 AM
As a resident of New Hampshire and owner of multiple bikes I am almost certain that this legislation has no possibility of getting passed. What is happening is on legislator who comes from a beach front community is up in arms that loud bikes are disrupting her community. The problem is New Hampshire has more bikes per capita then any other state. Like most people in New Hampshire I believe that any restriction on almost any right isn't tolerable. There is a reason why Live Free or Die is our motto.