System Tests

dB Reference Series

Measured on the bike, not in a showroom.

The System Tests section documents real-world audio testing on Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles. Instead of showroom impressions or marketing demos, every test is run on a real bike with defined equipment and a consistent method, so you can compare one build against another and see what each setup actually delivers.

Why the numbers line up

Each article focuses on measurable performance: rider-position sound pressure level (dB), the system configuration, and the exact test conditions. Every bike is measured the same way, so the numbers are directly comparable across builds.

Method

How we test

Every system test follows the same reference method so results are directly comparable.

The rigMicrophone and settings

Microphone: a calibrated miniDSP UMIK-1, with its calibration file loaded, on-axis, on a fixed tripod, on the bike’s centreline, at the head height of a 182 cm rider, pointing forward — so the reading is what the rider gets at the seat.
Settings: C-weighted on FAST response, with two figures logged — a 5-second Leq as the primary comparable number, and a max-hold peak for the loudest level the system reaches.

The runSignal and conditions

Signal: gains set with a 1 kHz test tone at −10 dB, output measured at the system’s clean maximum, plus a pink-noise RTA to check frequency balance rather than judging by the loudest dB alone.
Conditions: engine off — any idling test is recorded separately — the same controlled workshop, marked bike and tripod positions, and three runs per configuration.

Where a test differs from this method, the difference is explained clearly within the article.

Read this first

Important notes

What these figures are, and what they are not.

Indoor referenceHow to read the figures

These are indoor reference measurements. Room reflections can lift the reading slightly, so the figures are best used to compare builds measured the same way in the same room, not as an outdoor absolute.

Results also vary with bike configuration, environment, tuning and installation quality.

Not a listening levelHearing, and what we are claiming

The dB figures are short-duration, maximum-output measurements, not a recommended listening level. Wear hearing protection for sustained high-volume riding.

These tests are comparative reference data, not guaranteed performance outcomes.

Want your Harley added to the dB reference list? Get in touch and we will measure your current setup and map out the ideal upgrade path based on real numbers.