Ohio motorcycle laws

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Aug 13, 2012 | 06:14 PM

#21

Loco

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Joined: Aug 2012

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From: Ohio

I'll be 44yrs old this month. I've had way to many run ins with the law throughout my life and I'm just tired of it. Want to stay as far away as possible and do everything right if ya know what I mean. With that being said...I'm gettin my bars whether they like it or not! I live in America and if it's available I should be able to have it! I'll be nice about it until it's time not to be nice!

Aug 13, 2012 | 09:16 PM

#22

lupus

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Oct1949 thanks for that link. Looked up my state and read this:

No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle or an off highway vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the motor of such vehicle above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle. The original muffler shall comply with all of the noise requirements of KRS Chapter 224 and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. No person shall operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system so modified.

I don't like the way this sounds. What constitutes the 'original muffler'? The OEM HD one or the upgraded VH 'stock' pipes?

Aug 13, 2012 | 09:30 PM

#23

Scuba10jdl

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Quote:

Originally Posted by lupus

What constitutes the 'original muffler'? The OEM HD one or the upgraded VH 'stock' pipes?

Umm, OEM = original equipment manufacturer.

Is this a serious question?

Aug 13, 2012 | 09:42 PM

#24

lupus

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba10jdl

Umm, OEM = original equipment manufacturer.

Is this a serious question?

It is. The statute doesn't state OEM. It says original. Original could be interpreted as the original state of the pipes (meaning unmodified) which my VH are as I didn't modify them. Or it could mean OEM pipes (I know the O is original) which would mean all after market pipes are illegal in KY. That seems unlikely.
However reading it again it states 'muffler originally installed'. I guess that means all aftermarket pipes on all motor vehicles are illegal in KY if they're louder than the stock pipes.
Sigh.

Last edited by lupus; Aug 13, 2012 at 09:49 PM.

Aug 14, 2012 | 12:13 AM

#25

Scuba10jdl

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You seemed to have figured it out, but...

Original = OEM = what came on the bike from the factory. It's pretty clear.

If you had to unbolt a single damned bolt, then it is no longer "original". Vance and Hines is not a division of Harley-Davidson, and therefore is not original equipment. Not sure what the confusion is here...

Aug 14, 2012 | 03:36 AM

#26

jreichart

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Joined: Mar 2011

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From: Heber Springs, AR

Quote:

Originally Posted by lupus

And yes, in most states any exhaust louder than stock is not compliant with noise statutes. Most laws range from 80-85 db @ 50-75 ft @ 40-60 mph. Just for a benchmark, 80db is an average telephone dial tone, and 85 db is city traffic from inside a vehicle. Here's a little chart for your viewing pleasure.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled program......

Aug 14, 2012 | 01:09 PM

#27

cosshog

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From: C-bus

Don't worry about it. Not going to be an issue. I have 16" bars never a problem. Most LEO's would not say anything unless there is a reason to, trust me on this one.