Quietest motorcycle possible...

[superclass9]

Hello everyone! My first post!

First of all, I know most people like their ride the louder the better. However, I have a hearing condition (tinnitus) that I don't want to get worse.

I also know the most important noise factor when riding is wind, and for that I already have the best noise cancelling helmet (allegedly), the Schuberth C3 PRO, and I always wear earplugs.

But to be even safer, as I'm considering a new ride and I can't find any info about noise on the internet, I come to you with the question

What would you say is the quietest possible bike? (if there is such a thing) What type?
For reference, the models I'm considering are Yamaha MT-07, Kawa ER6N, Suzuki Gladius 650, Honda CB500F and the like, but I'm open to anything, at least for debate.

I know stock motorcycles have noise standards they can't max and stuff, but anyway, I guess some bikes are quieter that others, bone conduction is a thing so vibration is a factor, etc. Just your personal input will be invaluable.

Thanks a lot!!

[DrSnoosnoo]

At speeds over 40 mph, my helmet whistles louder than my bike.

Bike "loudness" won't make a difference. Get yourself some good quality earplugs.


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I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R

[Rogerborg]

Agreed, the sound from any modern 500-650 commuter bike is going to be insignificant compared to wind noise. It's a common complaint.

If I were being very picky, I'd look for one with a proper sticky-out the back exhaust that exits well behind me, which would mean the Suzuki or Honda.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[flikers]

Go electric. https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/eu/

[Ribenapigeon]

I noticed recently when belting along behind a Honda NCX700 it was very quiet compared to my Yamaha XJ6.

[G]

While I wouldn't go with Zero, electric should solve engine related vibration issues and some more noise.
However, don't expect electric to be completely silent - you may well get some decent whine. However, if it was really a massive issue, you could no doubt get a belt or hub drive electric that was as quiet as you could tell.

[1198]

Would a decent sized full fairing not help in tipping air and so the noise of buffeting over the rider?

[talkToTheHat]

Unless you put a 'performance' pipe on the bike, it will be irritatingly quite. I suspect the result of such pipes is mostly an improvement in musical performance, unless you fit something that is not for road use, remove baffles and/or remove catalytic converters. All of this will likely result in requiring remapping of your ecu.

You will probably hear more induction noise than anything else from the bike. Earplugs are reasonably adept at dealing with this.

Chin curtains and the likes on a helmet make a significant difference to the amount of wind noise. Intended purpose of helmet makes a difference too, my Shark Speed R is relatively quiet sat up, but gets louder with my head down, and sportsbike fairings seem to interfere with the aero and make it louder still. Conversely my HJC FG-15 was at its quietest tucked in on a sportsbike.

Modern bikes are quiet. Too quiet.
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Bandit. does. everything.

[Rogerborg]

[blackbosh]

Have a go on a BMW F800GT, massive fairing no wind noise and the exhaust is huge so only sound comes fom engine vibrations.

[Northern Monkey]

Have you got one of those Windjammer things 'borg?

I find sitting on my NC750x very loud as the screen directs air at the bottom of my helmet.

The MSX is very quiet in comparison, with no screen and a stock exhaust.

I'd never ride without foam earplugs though.
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Fisty: after polishing the tank with the glistenng beads of sweat from my full hot scrotum, I filled the headrace bearings with 10cc of my manmilk

[Rogerborg]

[G]

Actually yes, screen does make a big difference.

140mph behind a double bubble with ear plugs feels slower and quieter than 85mph on KLR650.
Police weren't impressed by this, however!

[skatefreak]

I will mention I bought a 95 import cbr600f3 with a silly loud Yoshi on it. I got a stock pipe (tenner from a breakers) and it was serious sad face! Barely knew the thing was running
Don't dispare tho, rebuilt the yoshi and it's all antisocial smiles again
Don't think you'll get much quieter than stock.

-Jvr

[ScaredyCat]

Use foam ear plugs all the time.

Also use the free Suzuki neck scarf thing that they gave out.

Tried the windjammer which just makes putting the helmet on more difficult and I'm not convinced I was getting any benefit from it.

Similar problem for me with tall screen on NCX, going to put the small one on for summer and see how that goes.
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Honda CBF125 ➝ NC700X
Honda CBF125 ↳ Speed Triple

[superclass9]

Thank you all for your input!

[G]

[andyscooter]

Suzuki burgman with a tall screen
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gilera runner vxr200 (chavped)
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[Rogerborg]

[The Wobbly Orange]

Bike engine noise when compared to wind noise is so negligible anyway it should not influence your decision. As others have said pick a quiet helmet and good quality earplugs. For the bike, let your heart choose.




(Does BCF sell Nobcat earplugs?)
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[andyscooter]

[Rogerborg]

[struan80]

[tomupcraft]

What ear plugs do you use? if its the generic £5 ones you can pick up anywhere you should invest in some molded ones that are designed to cancel noise. Luckily I get mine through the NHS for swimming as I can't get water in my ears, so they're not designed to reduce the noise, but because of the fact that they are molded makes it pretty darn quiet inside my helmet.

Musicians earplugs are the ones that are molded and designed to cancel noise of all frequencies evenly. I think they're around £100 but will last years and personally, I think they are a pretty good investment to reduce noise and protect your hearing.
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CBF125

[G]

I find that foam ones can be more effective than moulded ones; however the moulded ones should be more comfortable for extended periods.