Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/125727
MORE on Noise As I prepare this column, I am deeply filled with mixed emotions. Although the majority of California motorcyclists have already recognized that noise from motorcycles is our uA-number -1 worst enemy" and have silenced their motorcycles, there are still a few of you 'die-hards' who haven't seen the light. Undoubtetlly, you will be displeased with what I am about to write. To date this year, there have been 18 Bills introduced before- the State Legislature to "eliminate motorcycle noise". Some are fairly reasonable, and some are impossible. As your lobbyist, I have been forced to 'take a position' on this issue. Keep in mind that some of these 18 Bills are going to be passed, whether we like it or not. The general public is too 'up-tigh t' about our noise problem. As I see it, we have two possible courses of action: either to protest any form of legislation and settle for what we get, or propose a logical program and campaign for its passage instead of the unworkable programs. This is a summary of the anti-noise legislation which has been introduced: AB 2389(McAlister) Establishes project to eliminate all soruces of noise. AB 2390(McAlister) Allows local agencies and Dept. of Health to develop noise emission standards for all sources of noise. AB 578(Ryan) Prohibits operation or sale of motor-driven cycles if noise level exceeds 75dbA. SB I 340(Wedworth) Prohibits alteration of any vehicular equipment, including mufflers and exhaust system. AB 1003(Russell) Prohibits operation of vehicles with modified exhaust system which amplify sound AB 1044(Schabarum) Prohibits sales of motorcycles manufactured after specified dates which exceed noise levels. Gradually decreases motorcycles to 70dba. AB 1045(Schabarum) Prohibits m~~r~.[i] from the capitol operation of motorcycles after specified dates with noise in excess of specified levels, gradually decreases to 74dba. AB 1046(Schabarum) Requires CHP to certify mufflers and prohibits use of non-certified mufflers. AB 1551(Badham) Prohibits unusual or excessive noise and extends provisions to "motorcycles operated off the highways". AB 1864(Pierson) Similar to ABI044 but 75dba. AB 1865(Pierson) Similar to ABI045 but 70dba. AB 2365(Foran) Prohibits unusual or excessive noise and extends provisions "to all vehicles operated off, as well as on, the highways." SB 693(Beilenson) Permits local ordinances against motorcycle noise. SB 694(Beilenson) Reduces noise level to 84dba for motorcycles manufactured after Jan. I, 1973. SB 891 (Whetmore) Prohibits operation and/or sale of motorcycles "exceeding specified noise standards of difficult nature. SB 1012(Dills) Prohibits unusual or excessive noise and extends provisions "to motorcycles operated off the highways except motorcycles being operated in an organized racing or competitive event conducted by or under the authority of a recognized sanctioning body". AB 2985(Z'berg) Similar to AB 578 but reduces to 72dba. SB 1187(Carrell) Requirements unknown at this time. Bill not yet printed. This will give you some idea of the legislative hodge-podge with which we and our elected representatives are confronted. The following is the exact wording which I have presented to our legislators, both in terms of explanation and in terms of recommendation: "It is important to us that you understand that the vast majority of California's two million motorcycling enthusiasts recognize that noise is our worst enemy. Most of us have already effected th e restrain ts necessary to achieve favorable public acceptance through respect for other people's rights. There are, unfortunately, a few persons riding motorcycles who have failed to heed our advice. It is indeed unfortunate that we must enact legislation to accomplish the restraints which are necessary for the protection and continuance of our form of sport and recreation. The question that we now face is, which of the prop'osed legislation should we endorse? But, before that question can be answered, we must comprehend the total problem: (a) The Vehicle Code applies only to those vehicles which are subject to registration, i.e., operated on streets and highways. The provisions of ection 23130, 27150, and 27160 should be extended to motorcycles which are operated in an off-road capacity, with the exception of sanctioned competitive events on closed courses. (b) Law enforcement agencies, for various reasons, have grossly failed to enforce the provisions of eCllons 23130, 27150, and 27160. As a resuJt ttl '" .> ::; ~ w Z W ..J U >U AJS WINS AJS WINS Motocross So. Calif. Sidehack Ass'n. Bay Mare Park May 9, 1971 of this lack of enforcement, private citizens complain that motorcycles create too much noise and the reaction of our legislators is to lower the noise level limits. This is not the answer! It only places impossible demands on those of us who are attempting to comply with the law. And those who do not attempt to comply, wiII continue to create the noise until enforcement comes about! 1t is our recommendation and request that all proposed legislation be realigned in this manner: (a) Amend Section 27150 of the Vehicle Code in the manner prescribed by Senator Dills in SB 1012. (b) Amend Sections 23130 and 27160 of the Vehicle Code to apply to all off-road motorcycles (including motor-driven cycles and mini-bikes). Do not change the noise level limits. (c) Introduce legislation in the form of a resolution demanding that all law enforcement agencies throughout the state actively engage in the enforcement of Sections 23130, 27150, and 27160. I am certain that .the experts in this field will agree with our position that this is the only practical me.thod of accomplishing your goals for noise reduction. " And there you have it! The MORE position! I only hope that you will agree with me that this is our only logical answer to this problem. Whether you agree or not, I suggest that you write your elected representatives and let them know your personal feelings on this matter. Please address all comments to M.O.R.E., P.O. Box 26062, acramento, Cal.,95826. Motocross Fresno, Calif. May 2, 1971 250 AM/EX Dean York - AJS 250 SR. Bob Hibner - AJS .------------------------.I I I MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN MOTOCROSS I High Sierra Motorcycle Club presents their annual I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I •__. JUNE 1,9 &20 This. Year featuring a $2,400 Purse Limited entry in all classes. Mail entry opens May 15 and closes June 6. Postmark date determines entry. No early postmarks accepted. North on 395 - Mammoth lakes exit, left on 203. Limed from r Na .. 203 & Old Mammoth Rd. CLASSES: - I I I )une19 Jr. & Sr. 0-125 Jr. 126-250 )une20 Sr. 126-250 Jr. & Sr. 2S1-0PEN Practice: )une18 Friday 1 to 4 pm, lune19 & 20 Sat. & Sun. 7:30 to 8:30 am Riders IIIIl1lng at 8:40 both Sat. & Sun. First heat COIS off at 9:00 a.m. both days. No powdlr puff, clrls will ride with the Cuys. FACILITIES: Campcrounds within \2 mile, motels within 4 ml·les. For accommodations Wrltl .. Call: Mammoth Reservation Service P.O. Box 217 Mall1ll1oth Lakes, Ca. 93546 114-934-2522 Food and beveraclS at track, also more cllan restrooms. Course - loam soi I, sand pit, water Tires - knobbies Number will be assigned with a return acknowledglment of yoII' entry Elevation 8,000 ft. be sure to bring JETS Mandatory Tlch Inspection AmbulanclS In attlndance PRIZES: Jr. Div. Bigger and Better Trophies Sr. Div. 250 and Open 1st. 5300.00 125 lSI. 5200.00 Cycle News Trophy lor all 1 st Place Silencer.~quipped riders. ·11 b de I Awar ds WI e ma at the comp etion of each day's racing. II!III.-U-._,-.. Entry Fee: )r.-$5.oo, 5r.-$1000 and if any available space, Posl-$50.oo. Spectators S1.00 donation, childr., under 12 ITM with an adult. Mail entries to: High Siena Motorcycle Club P.O. Box 482 ·__Mar.!!~~~akes~~a.:..9354!. ~ _ Street - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City - - - - - - - - - - - - - Stal1l _ Age Dlv. (clrell one) JR. SR. Makl of Machine ---,,...-_ cc _ Class. _ Club - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sponsorld by _ Under the rules set forth by the Hlih Sierra Motorcycle Club, I hereby agrM to conform to and comply with rules governing tills eantut, and I further agree to hold blame'ess the High SII"a Motoreycll Club, their respective offlcla Is, servant~agents, lessees, loca Imanagement, entrants, track owners, property owners, and IIrst aid attendants for any loss Dr Injury to myself Dr property, In which I may become Involved by reason of participation In this lvent. I do a Iso agree !o assume ~hole responsl~lIlty for any person~1 d' property damage which I may Initiate and/or ,ncur. My s,gnature on thiS Intry blank, clrtlf,es that I havi read this f.. m In Its entirety and that I agree to all of the above. Signature of entrant _ STATEMENT OF NOTARY (Requirld for riders under 21) I being of legal agl, do hire by certify that I am the _ d - , a min ... I lurthlr sayoth that I herlby give my consent f.. said =:o:=C"C:":= minor to CO~lte inthis HiCh Sil"a Mot..cycll Club Inc. Ivent, hereby rlleasing tile HiC h Sierra Motorcycll Club property owners, and any other person involvld with putting on this event, for any and all liabilities. This statlment valid until January 1, 1972 Dati tills day of 1971 ;:-;=,...=.... STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF On , blforl ml, the undlrslgned, a Notary Public In and for said County and Statl, personally appeared I; Icnown to me to be thl plrson whose name subscribed to thl within Instrument and acknowledged that _ Ixecuted till samo. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I haVI hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal thl day and yoar In ltlo c.tlflcatl first above writtln. Notary Public In and for ~~~~.l..---' ....'-' .... - l - .... ~'_U..l..... _ _ ....... S~!_d"_~O~':.~~~~'"~~_~ _ ...J _