AMA Proposes New Sound-Level Standards for Pro and Amateur Racing Events

[Joe_Knesek]

"As part of the American Motorcyclist Association's long-term commitment to racer and fan safety, as well as improving the overall impression of the sport of motorcycle competition, the AMA is proposing a plan to reduce the sound levels at professional and amateur motorcycle racing events nationwide.

The new rules would apply to AMA-sanctioned Supercross, motocross, and all-terrain vehicle closed-course competition events on both the professional and amateur levels.

"Responsible sound management is an important part of the AMA's strategic planning regarding the safety and health of both our competitors and race fans," said AMA Chief Executive Officer Patricia DiPietro. "These measured reductions in the sound limits for closed-course competition at both the professional and amateur levels will not only make race courses safer and more enjoyable for competitors and fans alike, but they will improve the standing of our events among non-race fans who are nevertheless impacted by our sound policies."

In accordance with the rules-making process for AMA-sanctioned competition, both the Racing and Rights Committees will ask the Rules Committees for all professional AMA racing disciplines to pass these sound level standards this year so race teams and manufacturers have time to prepare for the 2008 season. The committees will also propose the same standards to the AMA Congress, which writes the rules for amateur motorcycle racing.

Currently, motorcycles in closed-course AMA-sanctioned motorcycle competition must meet sound limits of 99 decibels (on the "A" scale), measured at a distance of 20 inches from motorcycle's exhaust outlet. The proposed plan calls for reducing the allowable standard to 98 dB(A) for 2008, 97 dB(A) for 2009 and 96dB(A) for 2010.

The current sound testing procedure uses the SAE J1287 stationary sound test, developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Using the SAE J1287, AMA officials and race teams can balance sound testing requirements with the logistical hurdles of testing every motorcycle entered in an event. In this procedure, the motorcycle is brought to a prepared test site. With the engine warm and the transmission in neutral, engine revolutions per minute (rpm) are brought up to the specified test speed (306,000m divided by the stroke in millimeters) and a sound reading is taken. The sound level is measured 20 inches from the exhaust outlet, with the sensor held parallel to the ground and at a 45-degree angle to the exhaust centerline.

"Sound is every motorcyclist's responsibility, because excessive sound impacts every motorcyclist, from competitor to street rider," DiPietro said. "It's important that we continue to move forward and improve in this important area."

 

[Tony Jacuzzi]

The sound level is measured 20 inches from the exhaust outlet, with the sensor held parallel to the ground and at a 45-degree angle to the exhaust centerline.

BING BING BING - NO variannts caused by different sized parking lots, arenas, trees, buildings, ponds etc... soon to be 96 db too, and an approved SAE test method/process . Thanks Joe for sharing this

 

[Don Ferrette]

Thanks for posting this Joe. As you know I have been & still am a supporter of a stationary short distance testing method like this. ZERO pond variables. B)

 

[waltr]

Gang,

Do the hand held RPM guns work with our motors?

Assuming they do,than you can also hold the RPM at a specific desired RPM to read the db just as the bikes do.

Ah...oh..... would the tach need to be calibrated. :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Don Ferrette]

Gang,Do the hand held RPM guns work with our motors?

Assuming they do,than you can also hold the RPM at a specific desired RPM to read the db just as the bikes do.

Ah...oh..... would the tach need to be calibrated. :lol: :lol: :lol:

All you need is a wide open throttle reading for our stuff. Set the meter, stab the trigger, take a reading. If it passes issue a colored sticker or something for that boat. And as far as the notion of tampering after it passes, any boat in question could get pulled for a retest at any time by CD descretion. Not to mention you could save alot of time testing & passing boats at Friday open water. B)

 

[Ray Sametz]

Don, Only problem I see with that is the boat won't come on pipe out of the water. Just asking a question, sound is different on pipe. Ray :unsure: :unsure:

 

[Brad Christy]

Guys,

What a breath of fresh air............

Instead of a "pre-event qualifying" process like Don suggested (at least I tHINK that's what he is suggesting), just have someone monitor an SPL meter as the pitmen pass by on the way to the water to launch a boat. Have it set to lock onto a peak reading. If it spikes above 92dB, issue a warning for the first heat, last place points for second heat IF an attempt to quiet the boat has been made since the first heat (DQ if not), and a DQ for all heats after that. The meter would only need to be monitored until the 30 second mark, where no more boats are to be launched, and infractions could be tracked on the scoresheet. This would require a channeled pathway to enter the launch area, which should be in place anyway: One way in, one way out. Simple.

Thanks. Brad.

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