FIM Reduces Sound Levels in Motorcycle Competitions

The FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) has been involved in an initiative aiming at the reduction of sound levels of motorcycles used in off-road competitions for two years, and now it announced the new sound test method (called “2 meter max”) will be applied from 2010 in Motocross, Enduro and Track Racing World Championships.

The new sound level test method is carried out at with the sound meter positioned at the rear of the motorcycle, at a distance of two meters and an angle of 45 degrees from the silencer. The engine is tested at maximum rpm.

The average reduction is between 3 and 6 dB/A. For example, for Motocross and Track Racing, the maximum noise level admitted at a distance of 100 meters will be of 81 dB/A, and in Enduro the maximum noise level admitted at a distance of 100 meters will be 78 dB/A.

"For the past 15 years, FIM has become a leading sporting federation, actively involved in the study and application of solutions to fight against environmental nuisance. The rules of the new sound test method for competition, represents a significant progress. I'm really pleased with the collaboration with our partners to achieve this agreement," said Vito Ippolito, FIM President, in a release.

"A major step has been made with the implementation of this new method, thanks to an excellent cooperation between manufacturers and promoters, not to mention the strong impulse given by the Danish federation (DMU). This is important for the survival of all FIM off-road disciplines. The FIM had to react effectively. 2010 will constitute a first step in the fight against noise nuisances and the results will define the future actions," commented Jean-Pierre Mougin, FIM Deputy President and Chairman.