Hello guys,
Very interesting read.
So, for my bike, as I mentioned, the MOT tester and I did a complete calibration of the standarised microphone/noise tester according to regulations, and then a set up of the area: no walls, no grass, no traffic, no wind, and so on.
Then there are 3 methods one shall follow described well in the law regarding this.
So, we did, for example the "standstøjsmåling" is measured nearly how Lothar describes. I believe this is a consequence of Denmark being a small country, and we often look to Germany's rules and regs. Anyway, these are ow the EC rules (scr.. the ec), and for certain years there are certain numbers. For example, mine is a 1986, so that means that according to the new rules per 1'st of March 2022, there is no demand of original parts, no demand of "ec" marked parts, no demand of a catalyzer, and the SFC1000 may make 84db + 3db as it's a used bike, so 87 db. We made all the measurements according to rules and setup and got 81,6 dba (not the 81,4dba I wrote earlier).
Regarding the rpm on that test, it must be performed at s/2, meaning s = engine rpm at max engine power, divided by 2. My bike is not developing power at 8900 or what ever, but standard at 7500 rpm according to original Danish reg. papers. The Service manual says at 8000, so we measured at 4000 rpm. even slightly more.
Another of the test methods that have to be made is a passing by with strict rules of positioning the microphone, angles, distances etc. Same result.
All tests must be done at least 3 times, and the highest value counts. If a value deviates with more than 2 db, all tests are nulled and all must be repeated until a satisfactory result can be obtained, including a recalibration of the microphone device, of which there are strict rules of which one etc.
So, same result.
Personally, I think it's a loud motorcycle if at standstill nailing the gas, or if accelerating hard till 8000 rpm, but it can also easily be driven much more silent and non-intrusive, which is what I do. Always.
On a second note, I spoke to a gentleman from UK based exhaust company, which a while ago introduced sound devices for electric and hybrid cars, not to make loud noise, but because it lowers the accident rate. They sell a lot of these. Again, they cannot make loud noise, but the add a reasonable level of sound to avoid accidents.
So, for example I have read all the hundreds of pages of the new law, and for example I can lawfully install 4 pot Brembo calipers, as long as they are not on a bracket, which they are, and as long as they are made in at least 400 pairs.
I can then legally install the brackets as long as they are Brembo brackets or if they are made by someone else, as long as they are made in 400 examples or more. So, the popular brackets by for example Stein-Dinse in Germany, are legal, as long as they made 400 sets or more.
One off parts related to exhaust, smog and brakes, as well as suspension, have to be tested according to a very thorough testing system, including hard acceleration, deceleration and skidding tests etc. That is a whole other situation, unless there is a EC test and acknowledgement or German TÜV papers. then it's legal.
I can also install other clipons, and so on. New bikes? That is a whole other ballgame, with MUCH stricter rules.
Fut funnily enough, there is a law against aftermarket cone filters. I run original Laverda filters anyway, so no problem.
Just to be clear: this is in Denmark and to some extent according to EC rules, but each member-country can have stricter rules, not sloppier rules. And in most cases, Danish rules are much stricter.
You Brits are SO lucky. And Swedes have a great system with one-off builds, that is legalized. Perfect. Some of the same CAN be done in Denmark, but it is very very expensive to have these tests done by an approved technical company, and it also includes a reevaluation of the 180% tax that was paid when the bike was first registered in Denmark. That usually means a new 105% tax have to be paid, which is pretty much money even by todays level. That will make the bike really expensive, and will probably surprise all of you abroad. I mean seriously expensive. Same for cars.
There are though some examples of lesser new tax, if only a smaller part has been changed, and the general identity is not changed. Say for example tax that amounts to 4000 euro for a complete brake change.
The evaluation of that tax are not according to a strict specific law, but is undertaken by a committee of special appointed persons within the Danish tax-system. So there is no general rules for this, but instead is is estimated by these persons, who, sorry to say so, don't know jack s..t about say a Laverda.
Such is life. Very expensive country to live in. And if someone thinks we make millions in salary, think twice. Last time I looked, the level of salary was some 20% higher than Germany for the average worker. All this is not a criticism, but a description what we are up against here in Denmark.
Willy nilly.
Cheers,
Jacques