Reducing Motorcycle Noise: A Few Easy Tips

Even though the roar of a motorcycle engine is music to our ears, there's a big difference between good noises and bad noises. Excessive exhaust noise is a nuisance for other motorists and it’s bad for our hearing. It’s also usually a symptom of engine problems. Fortunately, there are several easy and affordable ways to reduce engine noise without sacrificing performance. In fact, they can even significantly improve your horsepower. Here are a few easy tips to follow for a quieter and more comfortable ride. For more information visit us at Interstate Cycles in Lake City, Florida, serving Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida.

Upgrade Your Muffler

Any good bike tuner will tell you that the right aftermarket muffler is money well-spent. If you’re buying a new bike you can usually count on having a state-of-the-art muffler that’s specifically engineered for that particular model. But if you’re buying a pre-owned bike or interested in upgrading your current bike a new muffler is a great place to start. Review the specs on all the mufflers you’re considering and decide if you want to use a single-chambered or dual-chambered exhaust. Either one can improve horsepower and dual-chambered exhausts are particularly effective at exhaust noise reduction.

Add a Muffler Silencer

A muffler silencer is another great way to reduce engine noise. It inserts into your exhaust to reduce the size of the exhaust hole. It’s an inexpensive aftermarket part and it exponentially reduces the amount of noise your engine makes. Be sure that the silencer you buy is the right model for your exhaust system and keep your exhaust pipe clean. You don’t need any special training to clean your exhaust pipe, and it only takes a matter of seconds to clear most blockages.

Check Your Muffler for Leaks

A heavily damaged muffler is usually cheaper to replace than it is to repair, but sometimes all it needs is a small patch or repair. The important thing is to patch up small exhaust leaks before they become large ones. Keep your muffler free from rust and corrosion, and use a larger patch than necessary to fix rusty areas as a preventive measure.

Improve Your Carburetion

Your carburetor and air filter are there to ensure a steady supply of clean air gets into your engine's combustion chamber. Proper combustion produces water and carbon dioxide, but if there’s not enough oxygen solid carbon soot can form deposits. When that solid material forms it creates engine knocks and makes other noises. Most of these problems can be solved with fuel additives and a new air filter, but if the problem persists take your bike into the shop for further investigation.

Visit us at Interstate Cycles in Lake City, Florida, serving Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida for more information and to see our current inventory of new and pre-owned motorcycles for sale.