Chris Real Administers SAE J1287 at NOHVCC Workshop
OP ED
I believe agency adoption of the SAE J1287 20 inch sound
test @ 96dBA for OHVs is the single most important factor in the land-use
equation as it relates to sustainable motorized recreation on public lands.
QWR/D36 Sound Tech Station @ 2016 Fools Gold Enduro
As a member of the 2002 California State Park OHV Sound
Working Group, I commend that diverse interest group (which included representatives
from the OHV Industry, motorized organizations, environmental groups, land
agencies, and the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division) that came
together to address the number one user complaint at the time which was
excessively loud OHVs.
OHV Sound Education Day @ Carnegie SVRA
(circa 2003)
2003 CA OHV Sound Law
While working the sound/spark arrestor tech station at
the 2016 Fools Gold Enduro, I discussed the progress made over the last 13
years on the “sound issue” with AMA District 36’s sound guru, Ed Santin.
Agency Staff Practice SAE J1287
2014 OHV Workshop - Foresthill OHV Area - Tahoe NF
Both of us agreed the OHV community has largely embraced
a “quiet ethic” when operating a motorized vehicle on State Park, Forest
Service, and BLM lands in California. This
has resulted in the “loud OHV” complaint being reduced to a non-issue in California
and other states that have adopted a reasonable sound law.
Our collective success can be attributed to the following
factors; OEMs producing high quality sound compliant exhaust systems, outreach
by land management agencies, peer pressure, law enforcement, OHV sound education/tech
at events, training of certified personnel, and availability of sound compliant
aftermarket mufflers.
Quest Type 1 Law Enforcement Grade Sound Meter
In closing, I must give credit to Chris Real who is the
go-to-guy when it comes to OHV sound technology and who also certifies both
civilian and agency personnel to administer the SAE J1287 Sound Test.
Sound Certification for Don Amador
I also want to thank the dedicated trail advocates, FS,
BLM, and State Park staff that I have had the privilege to work with over the
last 18 years on sound compliance issues and application of the SAE J1287 Sound
Test.
THANK YOU!
Lastly, I want to thank all my sponsors and supporters
who have helped me develop my skill-set in the field of OHV sound. I think the OHV community has a lot to be
proud of. The work we have done to
address what once was the number one complaint against OHV is a major factor in
helping create a positive future for motorized recreation in the 21st
Century.
Don Amador is President of Quiet Warrior
Racing/Consulting. Don is also a
contractor to the BlueRibbon Coalition and serves as their Western
Representative. Don writes from his
office in Oakley, CA. Don may be reached
via email at: damador@cwo.com
