Why are motorcycles so loud? Here’s all you need to know.

Motorcycles are incredible pieces of machinery.

Their intricate machinery is as sleek as it is thunderous.

So where does that incredible roaring noise come from? 

Here are the reasons why they’re so loud:

• Their exhaust system is small

The sound from a vehicle’s engine travels down its exhaust system.

And with larger vehicles, there is room to add some noise-reducing kit, such as mufflers, catalytic converters, and exhaust baffles.

But a motorcycle’s exhaust is on the small side, compared to say, a car. So there isn’t always enough room for the extras to fit and get to work damping the sound.

Plus, the air rushing out of a smaller 3 ft-4 ft (91.5cm -122cm)  long exhaust has no time to slow down, and an even shorter time for the noise to be absorbed through the machine.

• Their mufflers are on the small side too

A muffler is an acoustic device that is specifically designed to dampen engine noise.

And while a muffler works well to reduce the noise to a tolerable level, its size is limited by the vehicle whose noise it muffles. So yes, a muffler may dampen the noise a little, but it only has a limited capacity in terms of how much sound it can actually absorb.

• The engine is exposed

With a car, the engine is encased in a compartment, which acts as a sound barrier against the noise. But a motorcycle engine is fully exposed to the elements and surrounding atmosphere, which means zero barrier and a very loud sound.

There are steps you can take to reduce the noise coming from a loud motorcycle.

Here are our tips: 

• Check for holes in the exhaust

If you find small holes in the exhaust, they have likely been caused by rust. 

These holes can be sealed easily and quickly by covering them with exhaust tape to seal them. If the holes are on the larger side, they’ll need a bit more attention, but can be sealed using a patch and resin. Check out this tutorial on YouTube to find out how to do this.

• Replace your muffler

Is your motorcycle suddenly sounding louder than usual? 

Your muffler might need replacing. Luckily, mufflers are easy to get hold of and don’t cost too much, so you can replace it with minimal hassle.

Alternatively, you might consider changing the type of muffler you’re using. Most motorcycles come with a standard muffler called a bullet muffler, and they’re well-known for making a motorcycle too noisy.

Resonator mufflers are a great choice for keeping the noise at a low level. These models usually feature fiberglass construction on the interior, making them extra soundproof.

• Wrap the pipes

You’ll be surprised at the effect of pipe wrapping. 

Not only does it reduce vibrations coming from your exhaust, but it also employs durable materials such as titanium, which means it’ll hold up well against the high temperatures coming from your bike exhaust. It’s also pretty affordable and easy to install yourself, meaning you’ll be wrapping your pipes like a pro.

• Invest in an exhaust silencer

A typical silencer works by narrowing the hole of the exhaust using fiberglass wraps, therefore providing a good level of soundproofing.

Again, fitting a silencer doesn’t require any special skills. You just need to get it in place, fasten the screws, and you’re done!

• Switch to new pipes

Sometimes, if there are too many issues, it’s easier to just invest in some new pipes.

If your bike has a dual-exhaust system, it’s a good idea to install crossover pipes. These do an amazing job at suppressing the noise. 

There are also other options to choose from, such as Y-pipe or H-pipe designs. It works by equalizing the flow of exhaust gas coming from the engine, which results in better performance and improved sound quality.