AMA Proposes New Sound-Level
Standards For
Pro & Amateur Racing Events
Pickerington, OH (3/23/2007) -
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."
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Fighting for your
Rights
All Terrain Vehicle Association
P.O. Box 800
Pickerington, OH 43147-0800 |
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