Modifying motorcycle exhaust sounds will become increasingly challenging due to new international regulations. The motorcycle industry’s advocacy group ACEM and the motorcyclists’ rights organization FEMA have welcomed these changes. The aim of the new regulations is to ensure that aftermarket exhaust systems comply with existing standards.
Stricter Regulations for Noise Control
The new regulations have been approved as part of UN Regulation No. 92, Amendment 03, which applies to non-original motorcycle exhaust silencers. ACEM has expressed satisfaction with these regulations, which are designed to prevent illegal exhaust modifications.
Motorcycle noise emissions have been subject to strict regulations in Europe for decades. Concerns from citizens and policymakers about noise pollution have grown, leading to increased regulatory actions. ACEM has previously emphasized the importance of cooperation in managing noise pollution and has been involved in developing guidelines for industry players.
Perspectives from Organizations
ACEM Secretary General Antonio Perlot describes the new regulatory changes as an important step in combating excessive noise. He states that non-original motorcycle exhaust systems will now have to meet strict standards, aligning with public and regulatory expectations.
FEMA President Olea Anett Kvalsvik highlights that a small minority of motorcyclists who remove dB killers or install illegal exhaust systems create problems for the entire motorcycle community. Excessive noise could lead to stricter restrictions, such as motorcycle bans in certain areas.
FEMA Secretary General Wim Taal also points out that further tightening noise limits for motorcycles is not realistic. According to him, most European motorcyclists already comply with existing noise regulations, and banning motorcycles from certain roads is not a reasonable solution. FEMA emphasizes the importance of collaboration and increasing awareness among riders rather than relying solely on bans.
Summary
The new anti-tampering regulations will make it more difficult to modify motorcycle exhaust systems illegally and help reduce noise pollution. Both ACEM and FEMA have expressed support for these changes, seeing them as a step toward responsible motorcycling. While stricter noise limits are not currently being implemented, it is clear that preventing illegal modifications is crucial to maintaining harmony between motorcycling and other road users.
This also raises concerns about whether noise pollution could become a “trojan horse” for broader restrictions on motorcycling. Could this be used as a pretext to ban motorcycles in certain areas? In Finland, attitudes towards motorcycling are already negative among some people, and this type of regulation might further encourage efforts to limit motorcycling access. My motorcycle has a stock exhaust, so this regulation does not directly affect me. However, it does make me wonder how increased monitoring of motorcycle noise could influence public attitudes in the long run.
What are your thoughts on the impact of these new regulations on motorcycling? Share your opinion in the comments!
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