The FIM wants to turn down the volume of bike sport
The FIM has confirmed it is working with manufacturers and promoters to reduce sound emissions, signalling a shift as the sport faces growing environmental scrutiny.
The sound of racing motorcycles is one of the sport’s defining traits, and, for many fans, the appeal is as much about what you hear as what you see. But the FIM has confirmed that reducing noise generated by motorcycle competition is now firmly on its radar.
The topic was addressed during the federation’s first Board of Directors meeting of 2026, held in Lyon on February 4 and 5, where officials were updated on measures being developed alongside manufacturers and promoters to reduce sound emissions in both circuit racing and off-road events.
Few concrete details have been announced at this stage, but it seems as though the wheels are now in motion, as motorcycle sport continues to face pressure in some regions over its environmental impact. Governing bodies are increasingly aware that long-term access to circuits and riding areas may depend on keeping local communities onside.
That presents a balancing act. Noise is deeply woven into the DNA of racing, from the high-pitched scream of supersport bikes to the roar of a V4 MotoGP machine. Any move to stifle that inevitably raises questions about preserving the spectacle.
While the noise discussion is likely to attract attention, it was just one item on a wide-ranging agenda as the FIM looks ahead to the coming seasons.
On the sporting front, the Board reviewed promotion contracts for several championships, including the Bagger World Cup, QuadCross World Championship, E-Bike Enduro World Championship, E-Bike City World Cup and the X-Trial World Championship. Plans to make the FIM Bajas World Cup more visible were also presented, featuring a new logo and an upgrade for the Trail category.
Looking further ahead, the second edition of the FIM Intercontinental Games is scheduled for 23 January 2027 in Kuwait City. Supersport and Sportbike classes using Yamaha R7 and R3 machinery will return, while motocross joins the programme for the first time with an MX2 class.
Safety remains a central focus. Helmets meeting the FRHPhe-02 standard will become mandatory in all FIM World Championships and Prize events from 2026. The specification is strongly recommended for Continental Championships next year, before becoming compulsory in 2027.
Financially, the federation reported a solid position after reviewing the 2025 closing accounts and forecasts for 2026.
Off the track, the FIM confirmed its new Racing Motorcycle Museum will open on 18 February 2026, featuring exhibits centred on “Heroes”, “Technologies” and “From Race to Road”, alongside simulator zones and a paddock-style café. Structural tweaks were also made to the Technical Certification Committee, while the FIM Academy introduced She Leads, a mentoring programme aimed at supporting the next generation of women in the sport.
The Board also approved amendments to the Disciplinary and Medical Codes, reviewed digital performance and marketing plans, and shared updates on relations with national federations. Looking ahead, the next FMN and CONU Secretaries General meeting will take place in Cairo this October, while the 2026 FIM General Assembly and Awards are scheduled for November 27 and 28 in Monte Carlo.
Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!