Think you need to be loud to get the most power from your ATV? Some pro racers standing on the victory podium would disagree.

The ATVA announced earlier this year that it would enforce a 102-decibel sound limit on Pro racing machines during the 2005 ATVA/ITP/Moose Grand National Championship Motocross Series. The ATVA tested almost 30 machines before the start of Pro racing at the series' first race at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California, February 5-6.

The riders who finished up front were on machines that easily met the sound test. They finished ahead of other racers who had to change their pipes and be retested after failing the sound test the first time.

Factory pilot Tim Farr (above), aboard a Honda TRX450R, took the holeshot in both motos and powered his way to victory both times, running a White Brothers Racing Carbon Pro pipe that produced 99 decibels during ATVA testing.

Suzuki/Yoshimura's Doug Gust, the defending GNC MX champion, finished the day second overall, while his factory teammate, Jeremiah Jones, took the third spot. Both Gust and Jones rode LTZ400s equipped with Yoshimura pipes that tested at 99 decibels.

"Farr, Gust and Jones all proved that fast machines can have quiet pipes," Morris said. "It really is cool to be quiet."

Morris noted that sound issues are causing problems for ATV riders around the nation. Several jurisdictions have rejected proposed ATV tracks or restricted ATV riding because of noise issues.

Holding the Pro class to a 102-decibel limit is just the start, Morris said. A sound limit will be established and enforced for all classes next year.
AMA Pro Racing is also enforcing a 102-decibel limit at this year's THQ AMA Supercross Series and AMA Motocross Championship races.