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
NIOSH guideline: about 2–2.5 hours at 90 dBA; about 15 minutes at 100 dBA.
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 studies of helmet noise report wind turbulence of roughly 95–100 dB at highway speed, regardless of how quiet the bike is. Under NIOSH's occupational guideline, that range uses up a full day's recommended dose in roughly 15–50 minutes.
That is why riders can accumulate a high noise dose even on quiet, well-muffled bikes. Earplugs under the helmet are a simple and effective way to reduce it.
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?
Use the free browser-based decibel meter to estimate your room's noise level in seconds. Audio is processed in your browser; readings are uncalibrated estimates that vary by device.
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?
For longer rides, earplugs are widely recommended. Wind noise inside a helmet can reach roughly 95–100 dB at highway speed, which exceeds NIOSH's daily recommended dose in well under an hour — independent of the exhaust.
Related sound levels
Sources
Exposure times follow NIOSH's occupational recommended exposure limit (85 dBA over 8 hours, 3 dB exchange rate). They are guidelines for limiting risk, not thresholds at which injury is certain.
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.