California Senate Bill 435 (Pavley, 23rd District, D), if adopted as written, would mandate all model year 2000 and newer motorcycles be smog tested biannually. The smog test would be required despite the lack of any evidence that motorcycles are a significant source of mobile emissions statewide.
The only two counties to ever smog test motorcycles nationwide, Pima and Maricopa in Arizona, have already shown that motorcycle testing leads to no significant reduction in measured emissions levels. Pima County has already dropped their testing program and Maricopa is awaiting EPA’s approval to do the same.
Given the states ongoing financial crisis, especially after the failure of the recent ballot initiatives, the legislature should be looking for ways to cut costs, not take on new expensive programs. The official estimate of the Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary for the DMVs associated computer reprogramming costs to identify affected bikes is at least $430,000. This would be in addition to the estimated administrative costs of approximately $200,000 in fiscal year 2010- 2011, with ongoing costs in the range of $400,000 to $500,000 annually thereafter.
Other important points to consider include:

Motorcycles, because of their relatively low yearly mileage totals when compared to other classes of vehicles, already have the lowest emissions of any motor vehicle category in California.

This bill has no specific information regarding the test method to be used, emissions levels to be enforced or the test’s potential costs to either the state or the individual owners.
California’s motorcycle engine emission standards are already the strictest in the nation, and were just reduced again for model year 2008 and newer motorcycles.

If a smog check program is implemented, motorcycles constructed prior to the implementation date should be exempted from the testing
Senate Bill 435 (Motorcycle Smog Testing Bill) Scheduled for Hearing on May 28th in Appropriations Committee!!

You can find the AMA’s “click to send” message in opposition to this bill at http://capwiz.com/amacycle//issues/a...ertID=12937506. Even if you have previously sent a message please consider doing so again. A phone call, letter or fax to your Senator's office would also be very helpful. Go to http://www.senate.ca.gov/~newsen/senators/senators.htp to find your representatives contact infor