Tag Archives: spark arrester
Sound – Winter 2014 Update
FAQs
1. What are the road side or trail side sound test procedures?
The sound test procedure for Motorcycles, ATV’s, ROV’s and MUVs is SAE J1287. This is a stationary testing method where the measurement is taken close to the vehicle.
This procedure is outlined in numerous vehicle operational codes and in sporting regulations.
On Highway Motorcycles and Dual Sport Motorcycles – These vehicles are becoming very popular. The testing procedure for these on highway legal vehicles is covered in the SAE Test procedure, SAE J1287.
On Highway Motorcycles “Street Bikes” – Be advised that an SAE test procedure has been developed specifically for On-Highway motorcycles. The test procedure is SAE J2825.
(Technical report issued, summary available upon request) (Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KdYUhH3JSo)
2. Are new designs of vehicles required to be noise compliant?
Yes, Side by Side ATV’s also known as ROV’s “Recreational Off Highway Vehicles” / MUVs “Multi Use Vehicles” are becoming very popular.
These vehicles are subject to the same noise and spark arrester regulations as other OHV’s and the test procedures and sound limits apply.
It is possible that these Off-Highway vehicles may have On Highway / limited street use privileges in some communities, therefore, noise control levels for street registered vehicles apply. (Video Available)
Other Street / On Highway registered vehicles such as Jeeps and Sand Rails and Hot Rods must conform to noise control and adequate muffler requirements.
Refer to the appropriate vehicle code sections. The sound measurement test procedures are published by the SAE.
For California and many other states and sections of Canada the common automotive roadside sound test methods for automobiles are SAE J1169 or SAE 1492, or the ISO counterpart. This is a 20” test method and is very similar to the sound testing methods utilized for Off Highway Motorcycles and ATVs / MUVs. (Video available)
3. Are Mufflers and a Spark Arresters the same thing?
No, Off Highway Vehicle exhaust systems have several components. First is the Muffler. The muffler is for reducing the sound level.
The second component is often a Spark Arrester.
The Spark arrester is intended to minimize the potential for discharging particulates that can be an ignition source. These are individual components often. Each component requires maintenance to function properly.
4. What are the sound measuring equipment requirements?
For Enforcement purposes, an ANSI Type 1 instrument is needed. The “evidence level” instruments require calibration to be utilized for evidence gathering purposes. When selecting instruments, be sure to consider the required performance level and calibration maintenance costs. The evidence equipment calibration term is yearly.
For Awareness measuring purposes, an ANSI Type 2 instrument is suitable. These instruments are frequently utilized by trail volunteers and clubs. These instruments when calibrated and used by trained personnel provide reasonably accurate data. These instruments have a recommended calibration term of every other year.
5. Are sound measuring equipment programs available?
Yes, several equipment programs are available, ranging from equipment accuracy verification programs (Calibration) and “loaner” equipment kits for special events.
Complete sound measuring instrument kits are available for purchase.
6. How do you get more information or training?
Instruction and training for noise control is available. DPS Technical coordinates these training sessions. Currently a schedule of live on location classes is being developed for the season.
A web based training module is available as well as several field training refresher and outreach sessions.
In the event your agency needs people trained please send an e-mail to us and we will send you the training schedule.
It is my hope that this information is beneficial. In the event you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Respectfully,
Chris F. Real, CLS
President, DPS Technical, Inc.
Chris.Real@DPSTechnical.com
Resources
DPS Technical, Inc.
- WSL Water Safety Rescue Demonstration: Tahiti 2017 – VIDEO courtesy of CR
- Media Release from DPS Technical, Inc. – “Sound Measuring Equipment Program” Vehicle Noise 12/02/2011 – VIDEO courtesy of CR
- On Assignment with Chris Real – 2014 ASP Billabong Pro – Teahupo’o, Tahiti – courtesy of CR
- International Environmental Protection 2009-2014 – courtesy of CR
- Winter UPDATE (2014) – Sound Testing & Spark Arrester FAQs – courtesy of CR
- ATV Loading Info – We Want You to be Safe, Not a Statistic – courtesy of CR
- DPS Technical Projects (2013) – courtesy of CR
- Tech Tip – Spark Plug Removal (09/06/2012) – courtesy of CR
- Tech Tip – Air Filter Cleaning – Pro Honda Bio Oil (04/2004) – courtesy of CR
- Tech Tip – Gooey Old Grease TF – (C) 2000-2013 – courtesy of CR
American Motorcyclist Association
- AMA Competition Rulebook 2014
- AMA Sound Advice
- How to Perform an SAE J2825 Motorcycle Sound Test (03/10/2010) – YouTube Video feat. CR
American Motorcyclist Magazine
- American Motorcyclist (02/2018) – Sound Kits Available – courtesy DPS
- American Motorcyclist (03/2013) – Sound Kits Available – courtesy DPS
- American Motorcyclist (04/2012) – Ground Zero Sound Battle
- American Motorcyclist (02/2012) – Cover Photo – where’s CR?
- American Motorcyclist (01/2012) – Motorcyclist of the Year, Fighting the Lead Law
- American Motorcyclist (11/2011) – Sweet Sound Of Motorcycling
- American Motorcyclist (10/2011) – No MCs Allowed / Maine Sound Testing
- American Motorcyclist (02/2011) – A Better Alternative – feat. CR
- American Motorcyclist (12/2010) – CA Serious About Sound / AMA Awards Sound Meters – sound meters: courtesy DPS
- American Motorcyclist (01/2010) – Sound Guru Chris Real Explains the New Streetbike Test
- American Motorcyclist (09/2009) – Sound Management (SAE-J2825) – w/ note from CR
- American Motorcyclist (11/2008) – Reformed On Sound – letter ref. CR
- American Motorcyclist (08/2008) – 2 Questions with Chris Real, On the Front Lines of the Sound Battle
- American Motorcyclist (01/2007) – Sound Decisions – w/ CR
- American Motorcyclist (09/2005) – Sound & Fury- Loud Pipes and the Future of Motorcycling
Arizona Roddin’ and Ridin’
Auto Week Magazine
- Auto Week (12/10/2007) – First Drive: ’08 Subaru WRX STI – sound testing by CR
ATV
- ATV Action (02/2006) – First Test: 2006 Honda Rincon 680 4×4 – CR cover shot (and pgs. 46/49), Technical Liaison
- ATV Action (09/2003) – Ride Clean with ChemHelp
- ATV Magazine (09/2003) – ChemHelp Service Center
- ATV Rider (11/2006) – LT-R50 Pipe Test – sound testing by CR
- ATV Rider (03/2006) – Exhaust Pipe Shootout – SAE J1287 sound testing by CR
Cycle Magazine
Cycle News
- Cycle News (2003) – 10th Annual Bass Lake 250 Dual Sport Adventure – Honda Rider’s Club assistance & sound checks by CR of ChemHelp
- Cycle News (12/12/2002) – Los Angeles Barstow to Las Vegas Dual Sport Ride – racer assistance by CR
Dealer News
- Dealer News (02/2006) – Noise Can Kill An Industry – “Retailers, Take the Lead” – comments by CR
Dirt Bike Magazine
- Dirt Bike (09/2011) – Real Life Honda Projects – DPS Technical Project Honda CRF-250R (#94) ; dyno testing by CR
- Dirt Bike (08/2004) – CRF 250x Quiet Pipe Shootout – sound testing by CR
- Dirt Bike (04/2005) – The Truth About Noise – feat. sound testing by CR
Dirt Rider Magazine
- DirtRider (07/2014) – CARB Emission Testing of Off Highway Motorcycles
- Dirt Rider (03/2014) – 2014 Dirt Rider Torture Test – sound testing by CR
- Dirt Rider (12/27/2013) – 2013 Dirt Rider Torture Test – sound testing by CR; (website)
- Dirt Rider (12/2013) – FMF-Q4 Hex Muffler – quotes by CR
- Dirt Rider (03/2013) – Sound Advice – Dirt Rider Attends a DPS Sound Class
- Dirt Rider (09/2011) – Quiet Cores – submitted by Ed Santin, AMA District 36
- Dirt Rider (03/2011) – Your Mechanic Shouldn’t Swear – editorial response w/ contribution by CR
- Dirt Rider (07/12/2010) – 2010 Exhaust Pipe Buyers Guide – sound testing by CR; (full website article)
- Dirt Rider (04/2010) – Supercross Factory Bikes – “Sound Test” – sound testing by CR – with data attachment
- Dirt Rider (03/2010) – 450MX-Shootout – sound info by CR
- Dirt Rider (08/2009) – 2010 Exhaust Pipe Buyers Guide – sound testing by CR
- Dirt Rider (02/24/2009) – Sound Testing The Big Four Strokers – feature review w/ CR; (website)
- Dirt Rider (06/2008) – Dropping In On Chris Real
- Dirt Rider (05/2008) – Torture By Tests – “Real-World Sound” – sound testing by CR
- Dirt Rider (07/2006) – The $45,000 Test – “More on the Sound Test” – sound testing by CR
- Dirt Rider (01/2006) – Sound Advice – photo of CR; “Silencer Repacking 101” – DPS mention
- Dirt Rider (07/2004) – Honda CRF 250R Exhaust Test – sound testing by ChemHelp
- Dirt Rider (12/2003) – 250cc Class MX Shootout – “Sound Testing” – sound testing by CR
Dirt Wheels Magazine
- Dirt Wheels (08/2004) – YFZ 450 Exhaust Shootout – sound testing by CR; (website article</a
EPA
Honda Red Rider
- Red Rider (11-12/2004) – How Off Road Noise Limits Affect You – CR interview
- Red Rider (10-11/2004) – Chris Real Helps Riders Meet Noise Limits – featured article
- Red Rider (11-12/2003) – Environmental Update – “Meet the New Golden State OHV Noise Standards” – CR interview
- Red Rider (09-10/2003) – Environmental Update – “Protecting Our Earth with ChemHelp’s Help” – CR interview
- Red Rider (05-06/2003) – “Ride for Kids” – Honda Rider’s Club/ChemHelp event support; “Ask the Experts” – cleaning foam air filters w/ CR
Motorcycle Consumer News
- Motorcycle Consumer News (09/2001) – Motorcycle Chain Lubricant Review – lube testing by CR
Racer X Illustrated
- Racer X Illustrated (06/2006) – Sound And Fury – “What Next?” – ref. DPS Technical
SAE
- SAE J2825 Development Published in SAE Journal (08/2011) – co-authored by CR
Side x Side Action Magazine
- Side x Side Action Magazine (07-08/2007) – Sound Does Trespass – sound testing by CR; interview w/ CR
Sound
- Acoustics Today (10/2013) – Noise-Induced Hearing Loss In Teenagers
- Sound Meter Program Media Release (12/02/2011) – video, courtesy DPS
- Edmonton Sun (06/02/2011) – Police Set to Ticket Noisy Motorcycles – officer sound training by CR
- Long Beach Police Department SWAT (11/20/2007) – Thank You Letter re: Sound Testing – firearm sound testing by CR
Torco Oil
- Horsepower From Lubricants (2001) – by Chris Real, Certified Lubrication Specialist; (website article)
King of the Motos – 2012
INFORMATION RELEASE
RE: 2012 King Of The Motos February 8/9, 2012
In conjunction with the King of the Hammer’s off road event an extreme off road motorcycle race took place, “King of The Moto’s”. This race was by invitation only and was attended by many of the top international off road racers. For information on the KOH event visit www.ultra4racing.com. This is truly an amazing world class special off road event.
DPS Technical provided environmental protection and technical inspection for the 2012 King Of The Motos extreme off road motorcycle event.
As one of the service providers we performed the sound check and spark arrestor inspection portion of the technical inspection on each motorcycle and coordinated the remote fueling areas.
Technical inspection was held in the K.O.M sign in area. Each motorcycle entered received a vehicle inspection that included a visual inspection of safety related components and controls. We performed an inspection of the muffler and spark arrestor and conducted an SAE J1287 stationary sound test (96 dBA Maximum limit). No vehicles were allowed to start without passing technical inspection.
At the conclusion of the event finishing motorcycles were inspected for compliance. Our inspection noted that none of the motorcycles had been tampered with and all were found to be in compliance.
As part of our service we instructed each rider on the required remote pit stop fueling procedure. We also provided verbal instructions to each fuel pit team and provided written instructions and the procedure for each Pit Captain on how the fuel area was to be setup and managed.
I personally visited a fuel pit area and observed the fueling areas and I am satisfied that the fuel areas were properly managed. It should be noted that land management staff also viewed several of the fueling areas and observed the procedures and had no negative comments.
I am looking forward to next year.
Chris F. Real, CLS
President, DPS Technical, Inc.
Spark Arrestor Inspection (Performed by Chris Real)
- Visual inspection and probe check. Qualified USFS / USDA Spark arrestors only.
Sound Test (Performed by Chris Real)
- SAE J1287 (20” Method) 96 dBA Maximum to start. Instruments were calibrated ANSI Type 1 instruments.
Fuel Staging & staff training area.
Fuel Stop
Rider’s procedure meeting.