Discussion of motorcycle and related vehicle noise issues, especially related to aftermarket modification (non-original replacement exhaust silencer systems (NORESS)).

Consolidation of draft amendments collected by OICA from various sources, including remarks of contracting parties during expert group meetings and meetings, and from discussions within the informal working group on ASEP. The document has been prepared to encourage discussion.

Proposal to

1. harmonize the definitions of v_BB’ in UN R51
2. clarify the scope of Annex 1, Appendix 2, paragraph 5 by substituting “Running” for “Suspension” to describe the system addressed
3. clarify the procedures for particular cases under Annex 3.

Update on the EU Environmental Noise Directive 2002/49/EC intended to avoid, prevent or reduce the effects of exposure to environmental noise harmful for health.

German authorities have carried out a study to assess the possibility for measuring UN R41.04-approved L category vehicles using typical “roadside check” equipment. The study found that such equipment provides a “lite” version of the UN 41.04 procedures that is useful in evaluating real-world performance. Germany intends to pursue a national “pass-by lite” test directive for UN R41-approved motorbikes and for non-original replacement exhaust silencer systems (NORESS) roadside and periodic technical inspections.

Presentation on the status of the transposition of UN R138 on Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) requirements for quiet (e.g., electric) vehicles into EU law. The European Commission expects publication of the new requirements in the October 2017 Official Journal. The Commission is working on the transposition of the 01 series of amendments (prohibiting driver-activated pause functions).

Presentation on the status of the European Commission-sponsored study to investigate the potential of and develop a proposal for new sound limits of L-category vehicles under Euro 5.

Proposal including indoor testing as an alternative to type approval tests of Annex 3 to Regulation No. 51 including ISO 362-3.

UN R51 allows the use mechanical or electronic devices to control the gear shifting and measures to avoid accelerations greater than 2.0 m/s². However, the measures are not defined and the manufacturer or technical service is not obliged to document the methodology in the test report. This proposal would introduce a table with examples for devices and measures for reference and would require documentation of methodology used.

Proposal to exclude pure electric vehicles, including vehicles with auxiliary electric propulsion, from the scope of the regulation, to include sound-level measurement conditions for powered cycles equipped with compressed air engine and to introduce sound-level limits for powered cycles.