[SIKSUKR]

Saw this article on WMUR's website:

Bikers Revved Up Over Pipe-Muffling Bill
POSTED: 10:32 am EST January 22, 2009


CONCORD, N.H. -- The state wants to muffle loud motorcycles, but riders said the bill will cause them hardship.

State Rep. Judith Day, of North Hampton, N.H., said she sponsored the bill after 1,000 voters in her town signed a petition asking for further limits on motorcycle noise. Current law says motorcycles can produce up to 106 decibels, but the new law would limit the noise coming from the tailpipes to 99 decibels. The fines would also increase from a maximum of $300 to $1,000.

About 120 people showed up to the bill's public hearing on Wednesday, most of them against the change. Opponents said the new limits would cost bikers and dealers money to change their motorcycle tailpipes and could hurt Laconia's annual motorcycle week, a major economic event for the Lakes Region.