Posts
1478
Joined
8/2/2006
Location
Wheaton, MD
US
Pdub
4/17/2007 5:07pm
4/17/2007 5:07pm
Edited Date/Time
1/27/2012 2:49am
Can we stop pretending that noise "pollution" is the reason behind track closures?
Sure, that's what our opponents hang their beanies on NOW (along with increased traffic, dust mitigation issues and other crap), but the fact is that they JUST DON'T LIKE MOTORCYCLES. And they REALLY don't like people racing them.
I contend that if the OEMs were able to make racebikes COMPLETELY SILENT, we would still have to go to hearing after hearing to defend our right to ride.
Now, I'm not saying that we shouldn't put effort into bringing down the noise levels, but we shouldn't fool ourselves into believing that quieter bikes will shut the haters down.
Sure, that's what our opponents hang their beanies on NOW (along with increased traffic, dust mitigation issues and other crap), but the fact is that they JUST DON'T LIKE MOTORCYCLES. And they REALLY don't like people racing them.
I contend that if the OEMs were able to make racebikes COMPLETELY SILENT, we would still have to go to hearing after hearing to defend our right to ride.
Now, I'm not saying that we shouldn't put effort into bringing down the noise levels, but we shouldn't fool ourselves into believing that quieter bikes will shut the haters down.
And I think it's one of... or maybe the only item the manufacturers, FIM and AMA, can control. So yeah, something needs to be done about it.
Definitely the easiest to measure, and no doubt it irritates many.
But it's not the only one the OEMs and the sanctioning bodies can control. Image control should be the AMA's strongest hand, and the manufacturers used to spend plenty in that department. Making friends out of enemies and addressing hidden concerns should be as much a priority as mechanical solutions. There's a lot at stake for the OEMs, and they're already spending millions "selling" us on their products; they need to revisit their earlier efforts to "sell" the American public on the good aspects of motorcycling... AND motocross racing.
"You meet the nicest people on a Honda"... remember that?
But right now, they seem content to let the public image controlled by the X-Games and those purveyors of Monster Truck Madness...
bottom line this is california, its not like it was in the 60's and 70's
camping, good times the good ol california way. the state is filled with tree huggers and people sueing each other over stupid things.
My favorite is when people buy a house near a track, and then complain about the noise.
There's a reason that the house was such a "good deal."
The Shop
Same thing when people buy under a flight path by an airport.
Back to original post, quite bikes is just one thing we can do to make it better.
Post edited by: oldx, at: 4/18/2007 6:20 PM
Post edited by: KxRider86, at: 4/20/2007 3:23 AM
I live in Orange county, California...we used to have approx., 10 actual race tracks...not practice tracks, but real racing. Today, we have only one race track in Orange county, and it is a 200 yard Oval, Speedway track.
All we can do is hope for those guys to learn how to balance, and buy a two wheeler.
I'd gladly give up a horse power, or two, if everyone else did the same...at least we will have a place to race for few more years.
What's next ?
Do we start racing those electric things ?
Bingo. So, where is the AMA on electric motorcycles?
As far as noise troubles go, this is one that we have been struggling with in Minnesota. Almost all our district tracks have gotten complaints about noise in the past 12 to 18 months. Many of these same tracks have been around for longer than I have been racing, and I started in 1976 with no trouble to speak of in the past 30 years.
If you think noise isn't a major problem for us, my opinion is you are mistaken. It's important that we are able to show the local city govenments and neighbors to tracks that steps are being taken to lower the noise levels. At least at that point, even if they don't like it they understand something is being done.
As racers, many see little to no value in reducing the sound. Many have expensive exhaust systems and don't like the thought of leaving them in th e trailer.
Hopefull the manufacturers and after market people will get firmly behind getting the sound in line.
My point is that the public will tolerate noise if they like what's causing the noise. Some of us don't like airplane noise, but we like cheap fares better. As a motorcyclist, I just feel that we need to address ALL of the issues that cause others to want to legislate us out of existence, not just one or two at a time.
Moto cross bikes are not an accepted type of recreation by the non motorcycle public.
Fair or not, \"we\" have to deal with that and try to make it work.
As you mentioned there are many other things to consider, but this is an area we can all have a direct positive impact on today.
Post a reply to: Noise really doesn't matter