Db levels - V&H, Stock, SE

[John D'Agostino]

I have a 2002 HD Fat Boy, Fuel Injected. I have a set of Vance & Hines Big Shot Staggereds with a Power Commander. The sound level is a little bit loud for my neighbors and I have started getting some complaints.

I am thinking about changing over the the "quiet baffles" V&H offers. I see that the pipes produce 92db with the quiet baffles, 98db with the standard baffles, and 104db with no baffles.

My questions are:

How much of a difference is the 6db?

Would this require any Power Commander changes?

Lastly, does anyone know the Db levels for the stock mufflers and the Screaming Eagle slip ons? (I used to have each of those on this bike, so it will help me get a feel for the difference.)

Thanks, John

[fbomer]

Send an email or PM to Audible... he is an Audiologist and can likely answer all of your decible questions...

Maybe he can recommend some good ear plugs for your neighbors :whatever:

[Wind]

I wouldn't think 6db would make much difference to your neighbors.
I got to ask, What are you doing? Do you sit in the driveway and rev your engine? Are you taking off and coming in as fast and as loud as possible? Are you making too much noise late at night? Do you think a little change in behavior would satisfy the neighbors?

[John D'Agostino]

I wouldn't think 6db would make much difference to your neighbors.
I got to ask, What are you doing? Do you sit in the driveway and rev your engine? Are you taking off and coming in as fast and as loud as possible? Are you making too much noise late at night? Do you think a little change in behavior would satisfy the neighbors?


I didn't think it would make much of a difference either. It has not been so much that they are complaining, but they have asked about the difference in sound level. I am jusy a bit conscious about it. Thanks.

[Dyna Jim]

John,

I got your email, and will answer it as best I can here. 6DB will deepen the sound of your bigshots considerably. It will take quite a bit of the pop out of them, and deepen the tone as well as reducing the output of noise somewhat.

The unfortunate part is the quieter baffles have been on backorder for some time now. I am hoping we will receive anothe shipment in soon.

Jim

[Ejectr]

I know 6 db in the electronics world means a loss of half the level of original power.

[kirkv]

Actually, 6dB (or 12 = the difference between V&H unbaffled and the quiet baffles) can be pretty considerable.

For example a small prop. airplane flying over at 1,000 ft is about 88dB. A jet flying over at 1,000 ft is 103dB.

On the dB scale every 10 dB increase is a relative doubling of loudness. For example, subjectively 100dB is twice as loud as 90. One more example: normal conversation is about 60dB. 100db is approximately 16x louder.

My V&H Long Shots are currently unbaffled and can set off car alarms at idle (grin). I've been *patiently* waiting for V&H to fill my order for the quiet baffles, and can't wait to hear the difference in sound. The "popping" that DynaJim mentioned is the really annoying part to me.

On the other hand, you own a Harley. Loud is good! Relax and tell your neighbors to do the same.

Cheers!

[Ammoman]

Actually, 6dB (or 12 = the difference between V&H unbaffled and the quiet baffles) can be pretty considerable.

For example a small prop. airplane flying over at 1,000 ft is about 88dB. A jet flying over at 1,000 ft is 103dB.

On the dB scale every 10 dB increase is a relative doubling of loudness. For example, subjectively 100dB is twice as loud as 90. One more example: normal conversation is about 60dB. 100db is approximately 16x louder.

My V&H Long Shots are currently unbaffled and can set off car alarms at idle (grin). I've been *patiently* waiting for V&H to fill my order for the quiet baffles, and can't wait to hear the difference in sound. The "popping" that DynaJim mentioned is the really annoying part to me.

On the other hand, you own a Harley. Loud is good! Relax and tell your neighbors to do the same.

Cheers!

Great explanation, Karma to ya man!

[John D'Agostino]

Excellent explanation. Thanks!

[Audible]

Well done.

Audible :bounce1:

[Audible]

Most cities have set noise levels that are legally acceptible. Call your city code enforcement office and ask what the law says. Most are 80 - 110dBHL. This will help you in your dealings with your neighbors.

Audible :wave:

[kirkv]

Most cities have set noise levels that are legally acceptible. Call your city code enforcement office and ask what the law says. Most are 80 - 110dBHL. This will help you in your dealings with your neighbors.

Audible :wave:
Good point. In WA state, I believe it's something like 96dB (my bike is technically illegal), but I doubt many stater's carry around sound meters when they pull you over...

Here's a site that has some of this info for each state:
http://home.ama-cycle.org/amaccess/laws/result.asp