Let’s be honest, nearly every rider loves the sound of a great exhaust. Whether it’s the deep rumble of a V-twin, the high-pitched wail of an inline-four, or the burly growl of a parallel-twin, a motorcycle’s soundtrack is a huge part of its character.
And for decades, aftermarket exhausts have been the go-to upgrade for riders looking to enhance not just performance, but also the soul of their machines.
Personally, I’ve never owned a bike that didn’t get an exhaust swap. Stock pipes are fine—practical, quiet, and, well… a little too polite. But the right aftermarket system? That’s where the magic happens. A well-tuned pipe can transform how a bike feels, making every ride more engaging. There’s nothing like the snap-crackle-pop on downshifts or that perfectly tuned burble as you roll on the throttle. It’s not just about the sound—it’s about the experience.
But as much as I love a good exhaust note, I also get why rules exist. Noise pollution is a real issue, especially in cities where excessive noise on the part of motorcycles can turn public opinion against riders. Governments and regulators have been cracking down on loud pipes for decades, and now, with the latest amendments to UN Regulation No. 92, the net is tightening even further.
The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) has been actively involved in shaping these new anti-tampering rules, working alongside policymakers and the aftermarket industry to ensure a balanced approach. Their stance? Aftermarket exhausts should still be available, but they need to comply with stricter noise and modification limits. This regulation, for now, is focused on Europe, but with global motorcycle regulations often aligning over time, similar measures could spread to other markets in the future.
Now, let’s get one thing straight. This isn’t a ban of any sort. In fact, the ACEM and policy-makers are working with aftermarket exhaust manufacturers to establish the standards for certification. But nevertheless, it’s clear that regulators are pushing for quieter roads. The days of wild, ear-splitting exhausts are already numbered, and the gap between stock and aftermarket sound levels is shrinking fast.
So where does that leave the aftermarket industry? Brands like Akrapovič, SC-Project, Yoshimura, and Arrow have spent years developing performance exhausts that balance sound, weight savings, and power gains. But as the rules get tighter, their ability to innovate shrinks.
Sure, there will always be demand for legal aftermarket pipes that look good, save weight, and maybe squeeze out a little extra performance. But the signature sound—the thing that makes an aftermarket exhaust worth it for so many riders—is facing an uncertain future.
So here’s the question: How much longer can exhaust manufacturers keep adapting and innovating as noise regulations get closer and closer to stock form?
Source: ACEM
