Harley Engineer to Offer Sound Advice at Engineering Conference

The unmistakable, unique sound of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle will be the topic of a presentation at the Society of Automotive Engineers Noise and Vibration Conference.
Deane B. Jaeger, manager of Sound and Vibration Technology for Harley-Davidson, will address a meeting at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, Michigan, May 5 – 8.
The SAE Noise and Vibration Conference and Exhibition is the premier event for passenger vehicle noise and vibration practitioners in the world, and is expected to attract over 1,700 engineers and technical managers from around the world to northern Michigan.
Jaeger will give a presentation to the assembly on “The Acoustical History of Harley-Davidson,” an historical review of Harley-Davidson will include a look at a long line of air-cooled V-Twin engines.
Starting with the first V-Twin in 1909 and progressing through the years with the Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, and Blockhead designs.
Harley-Davidson was founded in 1903 and this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Over the past century the sound of a Harley has been refined, but remains relatively unchanged is linked tightly to the American icon. In recent years, a tremendous amount of engineering has been required to achieve the distinctive Harley sound while meeting ever tightening environmental noise regulations, increasing customer sound quality expectations and community noise requirements.
Jaeger will share some of the “secrets” of establishing and maintaining a truly trademarked sound.
In addition to 42 technical sessions and three keynote speakers, the 10th annual SAE Noise and Vibration event includes an exhibit containing displays from 120 companies, more than a dozen SAE Professional Development seminars, an acoustical materials workshop, and a Monday golf outing to benefit the SAE Foundation’s Ralph K. Hillquist Scholarship. Motor vehicle noise and vibration engineers and technical practitioners evaluate all measurements related to chassis, body, and interior construction in order to reduce levels of squeak, rattle, wind noise, brake noise and vibration, powertrain noise and vibration, and environmental noise in today’s vehicles. Sessions will cover all aspects of measurement, materials application, and construction related to vehicle noise and vibration.