OFF THE WIRE
http://hampton-northhampton.patch.com/articles/motorcycle-noise-testing-this-weekend
Motorcycle Noise Testing This Weekend
Riders can bring their bikes to Seacoast Harley-Davidson on Sunday for free decibel testing.
By Kyle Stucker Email the author July 26, 2011
There is free motorcycle decibel testing on Sunday from 8 to 10 a.m. at North Hampton's Seacoast Harley-Davidson, which will go to trial against the town in 2012 over a motorcycle noise ordinance.
A local motorcycle club, a motorcycle dealership and local police departments are hosting free decibel testing Sunday as part of a continued effort to cut down on illegal exhaust noise.
The Seacoast Harley Owners Group Motorcycle Chapter is hosting the testing, which will be conducted by area police officers, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Seacoast Harley-Davidson in North Hampton.
North Hampton Police Chief Brian Page said his department as well as departments from Hampton, New Castle, Portsmouth and Rye were "invited" to conduct the voluntary decibel testing, designed as a way to inspect the motorcycles of chapter members.
Page said "this type of proactive action and education is a great step in the right direction in promoting compliance with current state criteria as it pertains to motorcycle exhaust."
"All parties involved feel that this is a very progressive step for the Harley Owners Group to take by demonstrating to the public that they are willing to have their motorcycles tested, and if determined to be too loud, will strive for 100 percent compliance with state law," said Page.
Area law enforcement and Seacoast Harley-Davidson have been working together to promote education and compliance with state motorcycle noise laws, something they've been doing recently with roadside checkpoints.
While there has been cooperation, a lawsuit filed by the dealership against the town is still alive and will be heard in Rockingham County Superior Court next year.
Town Administrator Steve Fournier said a bench hearing for the suit, which was filed as a way to prevent the enforcement of a motorcycle noise ordinance passed by voters at the 2010 town meeting, has been scheduled for July 2012.
