How Loud Is a Motorcycle?
What does 80–110 dB sound like?
A motorcycle at cruising speed typically produces 80–90 dB. Sport bikes at full throttle, and Harley-Davidsons with aftermarket exhausts, can exceed 100 dB.
How it compares
Riders face additional wind noise at highway speeds, often pushing in-helmet noise above 100 dB. Long rides without hearing protection are a leading cause of noise-induced hearing loss among motorcyclists.
How to protect your hearing
- Wear foam earplugs or custom filtered plugs under your helmet
- Choose a full-face helmet with good aerodynamics to reduce wind noise
- Avoid modified exhausts that push output above legal limits
Measure the actual dB level of your environment with our free online decibel meter, or estimate your cumulative daily exposure with the noise exposure calculator.
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Related sounds
Frequently asked questions
How loud is a Motorcycle?
A motorcycle measures 80–110 dB. A motorcycle at cruising speed typically produces 80–90 dB. Sport bikes at full throttle, and Harley-Davidsons with aftermarket exhausts, can exceed 100 dB.
What is the safe exposure time for a motorcycle?
The recommended safe exposure time for a motorcycle is 15 minutes or less at 100+ dB.
How does a motorcycle compare to other sounds?
Riders face additional wind noise at highway speeds, often pushing in-helmet noise above 100 dB. Long rides without hearing protection are a leading cause of noise-induced hearing loss among motorcyclists.
How can I protect my hearing from a motorcycle?
Wear foam earplugs or custom filtered plugs under your helmet Choose a full-face helmet with good aerodynamics to reduce wind noise Avoid modified exhausts that push output above legal limits