How Loud Is a Motorcycle? (80–105 dB)
Quick answer
80–105 dB
A motorcycle measures 80–105 dB depending on the exhaust and engine speed. Most jurisdictions cap roadside noise around 80–86 dB, and aftermarket exhausts routinely exceed that by 15–20 dB.
80 dB (stock bike idling) to 110 dB (aftermarket exhaust at full throttle)
measured 7.5 m away, roadside standard
About 2 hours at 90 dB; under 15 minutes at 100 dB.
30 dB
60 dB
85 dB
120 dB
How a motorcycle compares to other sounds
| Sound source | Decibel level | Relative loudness |
|---|---|---|
| Stock motorcycle idling | 78–85 dB | |
| Stock motorcycle accelerating | 88–95 dB | |
| Aftermarket exhaust, full throttle | 100–110 dB | |
| Wind noise in a helmet at 100 km/h | 95–100 dB | |
| Electric motorcycle | 60–70 dB | |
| Passing car at 7.5 m | 70–75 dB |
Wind noise is the hidden hazard
Riders often assume the exhaust is the main risk, but at highway speed wind turbulence around the helmet produces 95–100 dB regardless of how quiet the bike is. That alone exceeds the safe unprotected limit after about 15–30 minutes.
This is why long-distance riders develop hearing loss even on quiet, well-muffled bikes. Foam earplugs under the helmet are the single most effective intervention.
Legal noise limits
European type-approval limits sit around 77–80 dB for new motorcycles measured under a standardised drive-by test. Many regions enforce roadside stationary tests instead, typically in the 92–100 dB range at a fixed distance and RPM.
Replacement exhausts marked 'not for road use' commonly add 10–20 dB, which is where most enforcement action originates.
Protecting your hearing while riding
Protection does not reduce your ability to hear traffic — it improves it by lowering the wind noise that masks other sounds.
- Wear foam or filtered earplugs on any ride over 20 minutes at speed
- Choose a helmet with good aerodynamic sealing around the neck
- Fit a taller windscreen to move turbulence away from the helmet
- Keep the stock exhaust or a road-legal replacement
How loud is your own room right now?
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Start measuringFrequently asked questions
How many decibels is a motorcycle?
A stock motorcycle measures 80–95 dB, while bikes with aftermarket exhausts can reach 100–110 dB at full throttle.
What is the legal decibel limit for motorcycles?
It varies by country. New motorcycles in Europe must typically meet a 77–80 dB drive-by limit, while roadside stationary tests often allow up to 92–100 dB at a specified RPM.
Do motorcyclists need earplugs?
Yes. Wind noise inside a helmet reaches 95–100 dB at highway speed — enough to cause hearing damage in under 30 minutes, independent of the exhaust.
Related sound levels
Decibel figures on this page are typical published values and vary with distance, equipment, and environment. Readings from a phone or laptop microphone are estimates, not certified measurements.