Aftermarket pipes

[wasiler]

I am planning to ship a bike to NZ from the U.S. sometime in May or June. I read online that the bike will need to go through a Custom's inspection and exhaust noise is one of the items that must meet N.Z. standards. I gutted my pipes and they are a little loud but, not as loud as some Harleys (i don't think). Does anyone know if they actual measure the sound level with a meter or do they just look for a stamp? Since I gutted the pipes, the outside muffler shell still has the EPA and noise rating stamp on it. Has anyone ever gone through one of these inspections?

Also, do you guys ever have any legal problems with using aftermarket pipes on your bikes?

[sharp2183]

I am planning to ship a bike to NZ from the U.S. sometime in May or June. I read online that the bike will need to go through a Custom's inspection and exhaust noise is one of the items that must meet N.Z. standards. I gutted my pipes and they are a little loud but, not as loud as some Harleys (i don't think). Does anyone know if they actual measure the sound level with a meter or do they just look for a stamp? Since I gutted the pipes, the outside muffler shell still has the EPA and noise rating stamp on it. Has anyone ever gone through one of these inspections?

Also, do you guys ever have any legal problems with using aftermarket pipes on your bikes?

They probably will check it, they are pretty detailed with their tests. But if it's not that loud and you have the stickers on then you may be fine.

A lot of new bikes come out of the shop with OEM exhausts that would be a bit suspect (think Termignoni Ducati - the desmo in particular) and they make it through. I had my 996 with Termis vinned and it was fine.

Someone on here will have gone through the exact scenario you have so they may have a different opinion.

[SMOKEU]

Also, do you guys ever have any legal problems with using aftermarket pipes on your bikes?

If an exhaust is either noticeably or significantly louder than standard then it needs a cert. Most sports bikes in NZ have an uncertified aftermarket exhaust which is significantly louder than stock, yet few of them have any issues getting a WOF or with the police. A cop doesn't need to test the exhaust to give you an infringement notice and green sticker for a noisy exhaust - they just have to look at it and if they decide it's "too loud", then your bank account will be lighter. It is highly unlikely that you'll ever get in trouble for an aftermarket exhaust unless it's extremely loud like if you remove the muffler completely or if the cop is a complete tosser, or if you've done something to piss the cop off.

[bogan]

Can't you just repack it (or get somebody else to repack it) before sending it over?

If an exhaust is either noticeably or significantly louder than standard then it needs a cert. Most sports bikes in NZ have an uncertified aftermarket exhaust which is significantly louder than stock, yet few of them have any issues getting a WOF or with the police. A cop doesn't need to test the exhaust to give you an infringement notice and green sticker for a noisy exhaust - they just have to look at it and if they decide it's "too loud", then your bank account will be lighter. It is highly unlikely that you'll ever get in trouble for an aftermarket exhaust unless it's extremely loud like if you remove the muffler completely or if the cop is a complete tosser, or if you've done something to piss the cop off.

Where are you getting your info from? There is no such thing as an exhaust cert according to the lvvta threshold document.

[SMOKEU]

Can't you just repack it (or get somebody else to repack it) before sending it over?



Where are you getting your info from? There is no such thing as an exhaust cert according to the lvvta threshold document.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/vi...haust-v4a2.pdf

[bogan]

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/vi...haust-v4a2.pdf

Interesting, the lvvta site says a cert is never needed, and that it just has to meet the in-service requirements. Just aim for less than 97dba sounds like the go; which is pretty fucking loud anyway.

People who break that limit need a good punch in the face imo, as it is pretty much always done by just opening up the pipes, lets all the raspy crap out too. Gotta have some civility guys, a nice 85dba rumble beats an 105dba fat man chilli fart any day.

[SMOKEU]

Interesting, the lvvta site says a cert is never needed, and that it just has to meet the in-service requirements. Just aim for less than 97dba sounds like the go; which is pretty fucking loud anyway.

People who break that limit need a good punch in the face imo, as it is pretty much always done by just opening up the pipes, lets all the raspy crap out too. Gotta have some civility guys, a nice 85dba rumble beats an 105dba fat man chilli fart any day.

I wouldn't be surprised if many aftermarket bike exhausts are well over 100dB. 97dB isn't that loud. I had a car once which tested at 108dB and that was about as loud as some of the Harleys I've heard.

[bogan]

I wouldn't be surprised if many aftermarket bike exhausts are well over 100dB. 97dB isn't that loud. I had a car once which tested at 108dB and that was about as loud as some of the Harleys I've heard.

Sounds like a few people need some face punches then!

From OSH 97 dba is permissible for 3 hours per day without hearing protection, 100 is 2, 105 is 1 and 110 is 0.5. Seems pretty fucking loud to me, dunno why you would want to inflict that crap on everybody you go ride past.

[SMOKEU]

I'd love to have a screamer pipe on a bike. The sound of a wastegate venting straight to atmosphere is enough to make me jizz my pants.

Something like this here would be perfect http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=456523447

[onearmedbandit]

Waste of time unless you're constantly above 200km/h.

[wasiler]

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/vi...haust-v4a2.pdf

Thanks, that was a great link. I was wondering if they actually pull out a decibel meter and take the measurement. If they don't, I doubt they will make me jump through hoops with this. If they do use a sound meter, then I will look into getting it checked out before I head out there. It is really not that loud at idle but, when you get up in the RPMs it starts to get deafening (wear hearing protection on the track). I think I can pick up a pair of stock mufflers cheap on ebay and keep them for a back up to get me through the any test.

Sounds like a few people need some face punches then!

From OSH 97 dba is permissible for 3 hours per day without hearing protection, 100 is 2, 105 is 1 and 110 is 0.5. Seems pretty fucking loud to me, dunno why you would want to inflict that crap on everybody you go ride past.

Yep, the harley argument will be one I will use because I think they are probably louder than my bike. I don't really care to have the pipes loud. I do it for two reasons... 1. to let other cars know I am in the area (most harley riders use this excuse)... 2. I modded the bike for better performance. This will probably be my future track/street bike. I won't go into details about emissions or other stuff. I will just keep my fingers crossed. If all else fails, I will have a bike dedicated to the track only. .... and i don't ride like an ass-hat on the street either

[bogan]

I'd love to have a screamer pipe on a bike. The sound of a wastegate venting straight to atmosphere is enough to make me jizz my pants.

Something like this here would be perfect http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=456523447

I think that would sound like a pack of chiwawas chained up to a pole, on a tram-car, which is out of control running down a gravel hill, knocking over steel fencing as it goes, and at the bottom of the hill is a bell factory.

Volume isn't an effect substitute for note, just as power isn't an effective substitute for skill. Though I guess if you lack any idea on what the later means, the former is an attractive choice?

[bogan]

Yep, the harley argument will be one I will use because I think they are probably louder than my bike. I don't really care to have the pipes loud. I do it for two reasons... 1. to let other cars know I am in the area (most harley riders use this excuse)... 2. I modded the bike for better performance. This will probably be my future track/street bike. I won't go into details about emissions or other stuff. I will just keep my fingers crossed. If all else fails, I will have a bike dedicated to the track only. .... and i don't ride like an ass-hat on the street either

In my experience, all the noise goes out the back, so it doesn't make much difference to things not seeing you from the front. And an oval can with straight through perf pipe give good performance and impeccable sound too!

[wasiler]

In my experience, all the noise goes out the back, so it doesn't make much difference to things not seeing you from the front. And an oval can with straight through perf pipe give good performance and impeccable sound too!

If a car is in the area and hears you at a stop light or traveling in the same direction, then you are letting him know you are in the area. Any extra attention is welcomed when surrounded by cages.

The perf pipe with muffler wrap is basically what I did. It is not just a straight solid pipe with no sound deadening material. Tell you the truth, I like the sound except when you get up over 8000 RPMs. Then it is just too loud. I gutted the R1 pipes with perf pipe and wrap, removed the CAT with a "Y" pipe, removed the air pump and put in a power commader with a custom map for this configuration.