Last Updated on January 1, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim
Some of the quietest motorcycles currently available in the market are BMW K 1600 B, BMW S 1000 XR, Honda Gold Wing, Honda CTX 700 DCT, Honda NC 750 X, Honda Rebel 500, Honda Shadow, Indian Scout Bobber Sixty, Kawasaki Ninja 400, Kawasaki Ninja 650, etc.
Key Takeaways
- The engine of motorcycles have a higher power-to-weight ratio and it is one of the main reasons most motorcycles are noisy
- Motorcycles have fewer sound-dampening features therefore motorcycles are very noisy
- Many motorcycle engines are specially designed to create a loud noise
- Newer motorcycles are quieter than older models thanks to the advancements in technology and engineering
List of Quietest Motorcycles
1. BMW K 1600 B
2. BMW S 1000 XR
3. Honda Gold Wing
4. Honda CTX 700 DCT
5. Honda NC 750 X
6. Honda Rebel 500
7. Honda Shadow
8. Indian Scout Bobber Sixty
9. Kawasaki Ninja 400
10. Kawasaki Ninja 650
Why Are Most Motorcycles Noisy?
There are some reasons why a motorcycle is a much noisier vehicle than others. Many users think that the noise should be less because the engines of these vehicles are smaller than others. In this case, it is necessary to consider the functionality and design of motorcycle mechanics.
On the street, it is very easy to notice when a motorcycle is near us. Even when a motorcyclist wants to pass another vehicle the noise level increases and everyone can notice it. If the driver of the car had the windows closed and the radio on, the noise from a motorcycle can be noticed just the same.
A common mistake is to compare the noise level generated by a car and the noise level produced by a motorcycle. Of course, cars have much larger engines and more complex mechanics. In the same way, a car has a much larger muffler compared to those that include a motorcycle.
To establish a certain number we can mention that the muffler of a car is about three or four times larger. Therefore, a larger muffler has a greater ability to function.
In this case, the noise level generated can be reduced in decibels more appropriately. This is because the muffler is the component of the vehicle that is responsible for dumping the noise produced by the engine mechanics.
In this same sense, the mufflers included in most motorcycles are much smaller parts. At best, a good exhaust system with a muffler is a few inches long. Of course, a smaller muffler has less capacity to reduce the level of noise generated.
In this case, there is not enough space to incorporate an exhaust system with a larger muffler. We must also mention the specific length of each motorcycle exhaust pipe.
Of course, this is a much smaller exhaust system when compared to what is included in any car. As the exhaust system is longer, then the level of noise generated can be decreased more appropriately.
Conversely, a shorter exhaust system allows the sound to travel faster through less material. This is why the sound level here increases considerably. To be specific, consider that an exhaust system for any vehicle can be between 10 and 15 feet long.
In turn, the exhaust system that is incorporated into any motorcycle can be approximately 3 feet long. Of course, this length can vary depending on the specific design of the motorcycle. However, the vast majority of motorcycle models cannot have an exhaust system much longer than 3 feet.
So, as a longer exhaust system, the sound must bounce off more interior walls. In particular, these bounces are what allow the speed and energy of the sound generated by the engine to be reduced.
On a motorcycle, the air and sound generated by the engine should not bounce off as many inside walls. Therefore, a greater amount of the sound volume generated by the engine is released producing too much noise.
In this case, we can mention another of the most important reasons why a motorcycle is very noisy. If we analyze the mechanics of a motorcycle we can notice that in all cases the engine is exposed to the air. This does not happen in vehicles, since the engine is usually under a hood and several metal walls.
Therefore, the noise generated by a motorcycle engine is released much more easily from places other than the exhaust system. Of course, a few motorcycles have some coating on the engine. Beyond that, most of these vehicles have the same design with an engine that is exposed to the atmosphere and air.
Why Are Newer Motorcycles Silent?
When we compare an old motorcycle with those models on sale today we can notice that the noise level generated is much lower. Generally, old motorcycles produced noise levels that were too high. In this case, it is necessary to consider all the aspects that have been incorporated into newer motorcycles to reduce the noise level they generate.
In principle, it is necessary to consider that today’s older motorcycles have broken down and failed silencers. That is why they produce a greater amount of noise compared to what they did when they were original and with little use. Just like any other component on a motorcycle, mufflers lose effectiveness over time.
That’s why continuous operation in combination with the air inside the muffler deteriorates the life of the muffler. In particular, the materials used to dampen sound break down and the level of effectiveness decreases.
It is also very difficult to notice this deterioration, as it is a breakdown that is too gradual. Therefore, it is not very common to notice that an old motorcycle muffler has been repaired from time to time.
Of course, the technology used on newer motorcycles is far superior to the technology on older motorcycles. Here, the mufflers have more innovative and advanced technology. This is why the results are more than evident when riding a new motorcycle. Besides, the service life of these components is much longer compared to the old mufflers.
Here, we must also consider the technology implemented in the new motorcycle engines. The extraordinary progress of technology in this area has led to better overall results. Among the main advantages of the new engines, there is a lower level of noise generated from the same operation.
This is why the silencers can cope with a lower noise level compared to the old silencers. On the other hand, it is necessary to consider that a large number of old motorcycles produce more noise than they should. This happens because owners decide to remove the muffler from their old motorcycles.
Of course, this is done to get a much nicer and more classic look. However, the result achieved in these cases is a noise level that is too high. Therefore, this customization of the old motorcycles generates the belief that this is a normal noise level.
What Components Decrease The Sound Of A Motorcycle?
Some key parts can decrease or increase the noise produced by a motorcycle. So, you should know exactly which components to remove or add so as not to increase the noise level even more. We’ve listed some of the factors that help increase the sound of a motorcycle
1. Engine design
2. Cylinder size
3. Late or early valve synchronization
4. Stator
5. Tires with broadband design
6. Flat tires
7. Transmission by chain
8. Squeaky suspension
9. Straight pipe exhaust
10. Sharp plastics
11. Damage to the collector
12. Incorporation of incorrect oils
Of course, most of these components or factors are well-known to several users. Generally, on new motorcycles, most of these problems do not appear. Beyond that, here we can mention the components or factors that allow you to reduce the noise generated by the motorcycle:
1. Engine configuration
2. Small cylinder
3. Excellent valve timing
4. Tires with narrow tread design
5. Excellent tire pressure
6. Axle or belt drive
7. Excellent suspension and silencer
8. Oil and engine in optimum condition
Some of these components will need to be replaced or configured correctly. However, these are aspects that a rider can configure if he wants to get a quiet motorcycle.
References:
https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/quietest-modern-motorcycle-suggestion.1497807/
Hi, I’m Leepu Da Maxim, a dedicated car enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in this field, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with fellow car enthusiasts like you. My journey began in my hometown West Jordan, Utah, where my fascination with the mechanics and design of cars sparked at a young age. Over the years, this passion has evolved into a commitment to providing accurate, insightful, and engaging information about all things automotive through CarsAmazing.
