New exhaust fregregs 2025 meet bikers - who is really behind it

If regulations are more important than driving pleasure

Since March 2025, new regulations for retrofitting silencers have been in the case of motorcycles in Europe. The decision goes back to the 80th meeting of the UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe), where international regulations No. 41 and 92 were revised. Objective: In the future, motorcycles should no longer be able to be made so easy by the expansion of DB killers as legally allowed.

Who is behind it?

An international interaction of political and economic actors is responsible for the new regulation:

1.  UNECE - United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

• Seat: Geneva
• Official impetus: 80th session of the Grbp specialist group (NOISE & TYRES)
• Task: Development of technical vehicle regulations-including rule 41 (vehicle noises) and 92 (retrofit silencer)
• Validity: not only in the EU, but also in Switzerland, Japan, South Korea and partly in the USA

2.  WP.29 - World Forum for the harmonization of vehicle regulations

• Technical working group of the UNECE
• Responsible for the global recognition of vehicle standards
• In March 2025, the new rule was officially validated here

3.  Acem - Association of European motorcycle manufacturers

• Seat: Brussels
• Members: UA Harley-Davidson Europe, BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Honda, KTM, Yamaha
• Goal: Uniform and right-wing retrofit solutions in accordance with the UNECE Type approval in order to relieve the manufacturers of liability risks.
• Role: Active co -developer of the new rule

4.  IMMA-International Motorcycle Manufacturer Association

• Worldwide advocacy of the motorcycle industry
• Participation in an advisory function during development

The EU Commission also plays a major role because it supports the implementation at the national level. In Germany, the topic lies with the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV).

At first glance, this looks like a well -coordinated measure of everyone involved. But from the point of view of many motorcyclists - enclosed me - another question arises:

Is not over -regulated here?

Sure, manipulation of exhaust systems is not a new topic. For years there have been DIY instructions in the scene, such as DB-Killer removed to make the bike sound. It is nothing new that this is not officially allowed. But instead of checking and targeting outliers, the entire motorcycle community is now being obliged.

The new rules will make it difficult to offer retrofit manufacturers in the future to offer customizable, legally usable exhaust systems. Individuality is slowed down - and in a scene that lives exactly from it.

Why do associations take part in such rules?

1. Industry wants to plan and uniformity

ACEM members such as Harley-Davidson, BMW, Honda, Yamaha & Co. want clear, uniform framework conditions in order to be able to offer their products across the EU across the EU -without having to fight with 27 national regulations.

Example: Better a uniform unec rule for all of Europe, than different decibel limits, TÜV requirements or route closures in every country.

2. Protection against wild growth in retrofitting products

The manufacturers have been annoyed by "cheap accessories" , that:

• no real exams goes through
• can be easily manipulable (e.g. DB killer with Allen screw)
• ensures complaints, image damage and admission problems

The aim of the associations: Better a controlled, certified retrofit industry that is integrated into the type approval - even if it means less scope for customizing.

3. Acem does not want a flat -rate driving bans

Acem and Imma see what happens in Tyrol, the Black Forest or on Lake Garda: driving bans from 95 dB , sometimes also for admission -compliant serial bikes. ACEM thinks strategically: If we participate early , we can binding, technical solutions - instead of simply making politics tight.

4. Political pressure & "green acceptance"

The motorcycle industry is under pressure: EU emission goals, CO₂ fleet rules, Euro 6e, e-fuel vs. electromobility. For many, steering in noise regulations is a kind of "political fig leaf" to prevent tougher bans in other areas. It is better to help shape your own solution rather than endure an outside , one could say in a simplified manner.

More consideration - but at what price?

Of course, motorcycles shouldn't be rioters. But you should also see how many people are affected by these new regulations, while the origin of the debate is often limited to a few hotspots in the Alps or suburban areas. Instead of regulating with a sense of proportion, it is now being tightened across the board - with the argument that "wanting to make the streets quieter".

Effects for you as a driver:

Does existing protection apply to existing exhaust systems? Yes - basically protection applies! If your exhaust was legally approved before the new regulation , you can continue to use it.

But: You must not change (e.g. removing DB killer), otherwise the operating license goes out → then there may be fine or decommissioning . It is not the old system that is the problem - but a changed system.

What threatens to manipulate or noise pollution?

If you change an exhaust system illegally or are louder than permitted , the following can happen:

• Fine of up to 80 euros (with noise pollution)
• Stopping the vehicle (if the operating license is lost)
• TÜV paddling or deficiency card

B esonly are controls z. B. in Tyrol, South Tyrol, Black Forest, Lechtal and in cities with noise action plans.

Customizing is restricted - but not prohibited

Right: The new rules make it more difficult to design retrofitting output systems individually. Manufacturers have to adhere to strict guidelines- plug-and-play systems with easily removable DB killers are in fact no longer any approval . But: You can continue to install exhaust systems if they meet the new regulations - many providers such as Jekill & Hyde, Kesstech or Penzl already adapt their products accordingly.

Penzl, for example, offers the ELO armoring kit, which enables mechanically adjustable PM exhaust systems to convert to electronic control. This system is suitable for motorcycles with a CAN bus or diagnostic plug of the Harley-Davidson brands and has an EC operating license. 

Why was the whole thing toast?

1. Increasing symptoms from the population

• Many citizens - especially in tourist Alpine regions (Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy) - have complained about loud motorcycles
• In places such as Seefeld, Kochel, Lechtal, Timmelsjoch or Tyrol, there were already driving bans at over 95 dB stand noise

2. Political pressure from environmental associations and municipalities

• Examples: German City Day, VCD, BUND, noise league
• These groups raised noise as an environmental problem - similar to fine dust or CO₂

3. Technical progress in silencers

So authorities say: why then tolerate manipulation? Today, industry can build quieter exhaust systems without at least lost performance.

My opinion!

And what about the streets itself?

In my eyes, the potholes, bitumen strips and at 30 km/h are only much louder than any exhaust for motorcyclists that have not been repaired for years. Security begins in the condition of the street. If you are traveling often and a lot, you will quickly notice: the focus is often no longer on the essential.

Instead of guiding bikers because of a few decibels, one should rather ensure that roads remain safe - for everyone. The fact that some sections with poor road surfaces are more reminiscent of off-road tours seems to have slipped far down in the list of priorities.

The new anti-manipulation control for exhaust systems is another step towards more regulation in the motorcycle area. Anyone who deals intensively with customizing will feel this clearly. It remains to be seen whether the measure really ensures more calm - or just limits individuality and driving fun.

What we need instead is a fair compensation: consideration yes, but please with a sense of proportion. And above all: investments in safe and functioning street infrastructure - instead of always new rules on paper.

Text & Image: Harleysite - errors and changes reserved.

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