How Loud is the Alienhead, You Ask?

[danath 34]

Im sure someone has done this before, but I did a little test.

I am no expert at this, so take these values with a grain of salt.

I borrowed my work's decibel meter today to see how loud the Alienhead really is at different RPM ranges. This is what I found:

~16 inches (measured with my finely calibrated eyeball, the right one to be specific) from tip of exhaust:

idle: 89 dBA
midrange (4000-4500 rpm) 108 dBA
upper end (I simply revved it quickly to 10-11k rpm and used the max feature on the meter): 123-125 dBA :oh:


Rider's head area (note: there is a slight increase in dBA when going from the rider's head area to the passenger's head area. I measured this, but did not take separate measurements, as it was typically 1-2dBA higher):

idle: 79 dBA
midrange: 98 dBA
upper end rev: 118-120 dBA


so there you have it folks! Again, I am no expert, and this test was a quick rough 5 minute test, and not nearly as stringent as an emmisions sound test would be... But it gives you an idea of whats going on. In my opinion, the idle and midrange isnt terribly loud, but if you find yourself spending a lot of time in the upper rev range, you may want to look into earplugs...

 

[Big Bo]

So do you wear earplugs when you ride?

 

[danath 34]

I dont, but I have been considering getting a set of those real good sound isolating ear-buds that are almost like earplugs with speakers...

*edit*
also keep in mind, sound level isnt the only thing to consider. Duration of the sound is also a key factor. A few short seconds at a high sound level isnt nearly as bad as a few hours (or more) at the same sound level. So earplugs would also be more important if you are riding longer distances.

 

[Big Bo]

Don`t tell anyone, but the foam earplugs work fantastic. I get them at work. I keep earplugs in all of my jackets. I prefer the Howard Leight (MAX) by Sperian, the corded type. A very soft material. We buy them at Grainger, and or AirGas. A box of ???? 250 pr for under $30. Use one day and toss them.

I use Sony or JVC earbuds with the different sized foam insert pieces (4 or 6) to semi-custom fit the individuals ears. $20 to $30 at WalMart or BestBuy.

 

[dadofthree]

The Brocks sight use to state 109 for the short meg.

Looked for that info last night for someone and couldn't find it.

 

[danath 34]

The Brocks sight use to state 109 for the short meg.

Looked for that info last night for someone and couldn't find it.

yeah, and I think its at 5500 rpm. That about matches what I saw.... It will definitely be quieter at lower rpm and louder at higher.

 

[Ludicrous Speed]

Too loud, IMO.....