How loud is a motorcycle?
A motorcycle is about 95 dB, with a typical range of 80–110 dB. CDC lists motorcycles and dirt bikes at 80–110 dB.
That is about 11 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 3.16e+03 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 95 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of 48 minutes; at the top of the range (110 dB) it is 1.5 minutes. Wear earplugs or earmuffs, keep your distance and limit time near the source.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as a motorcycle
At about 15 m.90 dBDog barking
Large breeds barking at close range can exceed 100 dB.90 dBJet hand dryer
A 2019 study measured up to 110 dB at a child's ear height.90 dBLarge waterfall
Standing near the plunge pool of a big fall.95 dBCoquí frog
Puerto Rican coquís call at 90–100 dB at 0.5 m.95 dBPower drill
At the operator's position.95 dBSubway train
On the platform as a train arrives.99 dBWater boatman (Micronecta scholtzi)
A 2 mm insect that 'sings' by rubbing its penis on its abdomen – loudest relative to body size.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 89 dBA | 3.2 hours | 9.2 hours |
| 92 dBA | 1.6 hours | 6.1 hours |
| 95 dBA | 48 minutes | 4.0 hours |
| 98 dBA | 24 minutes | 2.6 hours |
| 101 dBA | 12 minutes | 1.7 hours |
NIOSH: 85 dBA for 8 hours with a 3 dB exchange rate; OSHA: 90 dBA for 8 hours with a 5 dB exchange rate. General information, not medical advice – see a hearing professional about ringing ears, muffled hearing or pain.
More recordings elsewhere
- Motorcycle ride by roman_cgr – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- police motorcycle sirene clean .WAV by ikbenraar – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Motorcycles by soundskeep – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- motorcycle sprint.WAV by Anton – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Motorcycle Drive By by blimp66 – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is a motorcycle?
About 95 dB, with a typical range of 80–110 dB.
Is a motorcycle louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while a motorcycle is about 95 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.