A shift in testing methodology will see motorcycles in Europe get quieter under UN-ECE Regulation R41.05. Instead of lowering the noise threshold, testing conditions are now revised with the aim of reducing exhaust noise in both urban and rural areas.
Previously, manufacturers were allowed to conduct internal noise testing, allowing for “an artistic interpretation of results,” as reported by online portal Visordown. With the introduction of UN-ECE R41.05, the regulation is intended to reduce the noise of motorcycles while accelerating.
The 2025 testing procedure will see motorcycles measured at up to 80% of the maximum engine speed and in a speed range 10 to 100 km/h. Testing also includes taking noise measurements through all the gears for motorcycles equipped with a manual gearbox.
This is opposed to the previous testing method where noise measurement was taken with the motorcycle stationary and the gearbox in neutral. Additionally, independent bodies will be used to conduct random testing instead of relying manufacturers in-house test results, with numbers compared to the manufacturer’s to determine accuracy.
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