Sounding Off About the Motorcycle Sound Law in California

Governor Arnold Shwarzenegger just signed into law a bill that requires motorcycles registered in California and built on or after January 1 2013 to have a label on the exhaust identifying that it has met sound limits. This state law is on top of the 1972 federal Noise Control Act, which required the EPA to set sound standards.

The federal law requires motorcycles to be limited to 80 decibels, which motorcycle manufacturers have been in compliant with for years now and are measured with a ride-by test. The question now is how are they going to enforce this labeling system? How will officers verify that labeling is on the exhausts? Seems a bit of a hassle and hard to enforce. Fortunately the law is a secondary offense so they can’t stop motorcyclists on the sound law itself, however, if a rider is stopped and fails the label law, he can see a fine of up to $100 for the first offense and up to $250 for additional stops.

Want to find out more about the law? Check out California’s Bill on Sound Limits for Motorcycles.

BMW’s New 6-Cylinder Motorcycle Goes Way Beyond the Engine

BMW's new 6 cylinder motorcycle

Yes, we’re talking motorcycles here, not cars. Earlier this month at the Intermot Motorcycle Show in Germany, BMW introduced the K1600, its new 6-cylinder motorcycle.  Those six cylinders bring this bike a smooth running engine and some major power – 160 horsepower and 129 lbs. of torque to be exact.

But surprisingly, that engine and power doesn’t bring an excess of weight. At just over 760 pounds, this touring bike is a thin model of its 900-lb. touring competitors like the Gold Wing. According to BMW Motorrad, the compact construction and reduced width was accomplished by making the cylinder bore 72 millimeters in conjunction with a spacing of just 5 millimeters between the cylinder sleeves.

In addition to its strapping engine, but “slim” touring design, this motorcycle comes packed with some extremely cool features:

• 3 engine modes to alter engine performance – Rain, Road and Dynamic
• Ride-by-wire system which runs the throttle cables to a computer
• Electric adjustable windshield with a memory function
• Adaptive Headlight system that uses a tilting reflector to aim the beam the way you’re leaning
• SB/MP3 and iPod compatibility
• Color display which automatically adjusts brightness to the light
• Optional central locking system for trunk and bags
• Optional Dynamic Traction Control for safety
• Optional Electronic Suspension Adjustment for comfort

The K1600 offers the ergonomic GTL touring model and the sportier GT version. The GTL provides all the comforts for travel and towing with a two-level seat, lower and more forward footrests, and a set-back handlebar to provide a more upright ride. It also provides extra storage and the standard audio system for USB/MP3 style capability.

The sporty GT model keeps travel light. Unlike the touring features of the GTL, this model has a lower riding position and it meant for the solo rider or one who wants a quicker ride.
Whichever model you choose, this new tough, luxurious motorcycle really packs a kick. Check it out.