My question is if there is any increase in performance when taking off the fuel vapor canister? I know it looks better without it, and people take them off for that reason, but is there any noticeable difference in the ride?

 

nope.

 

So it's a benign part? Is there anything bad that is possible from its removal, doesn't seem there could be.

 

Are you required to have it for vehicle inspection in CA?

It only comes on CA models.

 

We don't smog bikes in Ca. So there is just an initial inspection. If you buy one from a dealer then its done though them.

 

just be sure to plug the hose connectors.

 

No performance gains at all..purely for looks. The tank still needs to vent though, so make sure you dont plug all the hoses.

 

Don't throw it away. Make sure you save it for the inevitable day that they start smogging bikes. CA cant pass up the $7-8 they could get from every bike on the road every 2 years...

 

mine is an "01 and the PO removed it, wish It was still there. the canister is a cool contraption, when you roll your bike into your garage now after a ride and close the door' come back to the garage 15 minutes later you don't smell fuel, take the canister off and you will get the vapors in the garage. I say just leave it!. it's not likely youll get laid/thumbs up for someone noticing the canister is removed.