The European association of motorcycle manufacturers ACEM welcomes the new anti-tampering provisions for the non-original replacement exhaust silencing systems for motorcycles.

When an aftermarket silencer is fitted the sound may not exceed that of the bike with the original silencer. There are many silencers on the market that can be adjusted, for instance by a valve that can be opened or closed. Within the bandwidth and in the gears that are used with the type approval test, the valve is closed and the silencer does not exceed the sound limits. However, these silencers are programmed to have the valve opened outside this bandwidth and in other gears and then make much more sound.

ACEM acknowledges the concerns of citizens, policymakers and regulators regarding the impact of noise on daily life. Motorcycle sound emissions have been regulated in the EU for decades, with maximum permitted levels defined through European type-approval requirements since the 1990s. In 2023, ACEM, in collaboration with the aftermarket exhaust industry players and the International Motorcycle Manufacturers’ Association (IMMA), published a set of guidelines supported by several European stakeholders to address these concerns. These guidelines have further contributed to the discussions leading to the newly adopted anti-tampering provisions by the UN Contacting Parties.

‘Any ambition to reduce limits by 5dB is a scenario that is simply unrealistic.’

	Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said: “The adoption of the new anti-tampering provisions marks an important step in ensuring that motorcycle non-original replacement exhaust systems meet the current regulatory standards. This positive step ahead will reinforce measures against excessive noise addressing concerns raised by citizens and policymakers. ACEM remains committed to supporting harmonised implementation, working alongside authorities and industry stakeholders to ensure compliance and preserve responsible motorcycling.”
	Olea Anett Kvalsvik, FEMA President: “A small group of riders still thinks it is acceptable to remove their dB-killer or to mount an illegal exhaust pipe. That will hurt us all. For FEMA the standards do not need to be lowered again, but excessive noise harms us riders as well. Too much noise leads to annoyance, health complaints and eventually to counter measures, like closing off roads or even towns for motorcycles.”
	Wim Taal, FEMA’s General Secretary: “The European motorcycle manufacturers’ association ACEM stated earlier, that even a 2dB limit reduction would be technically and economically very challenging for manufacturers. ACEM even called any ambition to reduce limits by 5dB a scenario that is simply unrealistic. FEMA supports this view.” Wim continues: “A FEMA survey showed that a large majority of European motorcyclists (74%) do not believe that it makes sense that roads are closed for motorcyclists when motorcycle noise leads to complaints. Simply banning motorcycles from the road is not the answer to perceived nuisance by passing motorcycles. The results of the survey strengthened us in our opinion that there is no justification for stricter legal sound limits for new motorcycles. A large majority of European riders use legal exhaust systems and lowering sound limits do not solve anything. It is FEMA’s believe that there is a lot to gain by constructive co-operation between the authorities and riders’ groups. Raising awareness among motorcyclists might be a much better way forward than simply banning bikes or considering new noise emission limits.”

Where do the rules come from?
For sound level and anti-tampering rules of motorcycle exhaust silencers, the EU type approval framework Regulation (EU) 168/2013 mandates the application of UNECE Regulations no. 92 (aftermarket silencers) and no. 41 (original motorcycle). These Regulations were developed and are maintained by the Working Party Noise and Tyres (GRBP), under the World Forum for the harmonization of vehicle regulations (WP.29), operating within the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). In September 2024, UNECE GRBP adopted the new requirements during its 80th session and followed by the final adoption at the March 2025 sessions of WP.29 as 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 92.

About ACEM
The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) represents manufacturers of mopeds, motorcycles, three-wheelers and quadricycles (L-category vehicles) in Europe. ACEM also represents 19 motorcycle industry associations in 17 different European countries. About 300,000 jobs depend on the L-category industry in Europe. There are more than 39 million motorcycles and scooters on Europe’s roads (2024 estimate).

Also read ‘Sound is a sensitive issue in our motorcycle world’.

Source: ACEM

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