basic questions and answers
Thread Starter
|
Banned
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 4
From:
basic questions and answers
to EPAS regulations concerning motorcycle emissions.
It is illegal for an owner to remove (etc) any emissions device installed by the manufavturer.
does a muffler fall into this catagory? can anybody supply actual proof of this (government
website link).
Muffler is at end of exhaust stream, how would it affect the pollutants emitted?
Perhaps by changing back pressure, which inturn could affect the air fuel ratio.
But HD says if you change mufflers only no changes are reguired to ECM to regulate the AFR.
But is noise pollution included in the clean air act?
I know there are regs on noise pollution but is it under a separate act.
But my main concern is mufflers and the sert. the sert does change emissions, but is it included
under the owner changing or modifying the manufacturers product?
It is illegal for an owner to remove (etc) any emissions device installed by the manufavturer.
does a muffler fall into this catagory? can anybody supply actual proof of this (government
website link).
Muffler is at end of exhaust stream, how would it affect the pollutants emitted?
Perhaps by changing back pressure, which inturn could affect the air fuel ratio.
But HD says if you change mufflers only no changes are reguired to ECM to regulate the AFR.
But is noise pollution included in the clean air act?
I know there are regs on noise pollution but is it under a separate act.
But my main concern is mufflers and the sert. the sert does change emissions, but is it included
under the owner changing or modifying the manufacturers product?
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: basic questions and answers
I'd have to do a search but I did list the web site somewhere several months back.
According to the EPA changing the Mufflers is not necessarily illegal. The deal is that there is a stamp on the mufflers thatstates that the mufflers meet the EPA noise standards. According to the documentationyou may change your mufflers "as long as" they meet the same noise standards as the stamped ones (I think it is about 80 db).
Now there is a caviat to this EPA listing. 1) There is a section that gives local gov't the right to use the stamp to enforce the standard. Which is exactly what Denver, COis doing. So in Denver if it does not have a stamp it is not legal. Does that mean you cannot change your mufflers? No. It means that if you change your Mufflers they must be stamped with the EPA Noise Stamp.
California has CARB according to that if your Mufflers do not have Emission system parts inside they may be changed. So with the 02 sensors in the headers you can change the muffler (though the muffler has a Catalyst it is not a catalitic converter). If you want to change your pipes (headers) it would be perfectly legal so long as the emmisions system parts are there. (e.g. you change to headers that contain the 02 sensors)
For those with older bikes your good to go...especially if your stock mufflers do not have the EPA stamp.
Hope that helps.
According to the EPA changing the Mufflers is not necessarily illegal. The deal is that there is a stamp on the mufflers thatstates that the mufflers meet the EPA noise standards. According to the documentationyou may change your mufflers "as long as" they meet the same noise standards as the stamped ones (I think it is about 80 db).
Now there is a caviat to this EPA listing. 1) There is a section that gives local gov't the right to use the stamp to enforce the standard. Which is exactly what Denver, COis doing. So in Denver if it does not have a stamp it is not legal. Does that mean you cannot change your mufflers? No. It means that if you change your Mufflers they must be stamped with the EPA Noise Stamp.
California has CARB according to that if your Mufflers do not have Emission system parts inside they may be changed. So with the 02 sensors in the headers you can change the muffler (though the muffler has a Catalyst it is not a catalitic converter). If you want to change your pipes (headers) it would be perfectly legal so long as the emmisions system parts are there. (e.g. you change to headers that contain the 02 sensors)
For those with older bikes your good to go...especially if your stock mufflers do not have the EPA stamp.
Hope that helps.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
RE: basic questions and answers
California has updated its restrictions through the CHP to raise the allowable noise standard, including aftermarket pipes, to 95 db. from 20" away of a 3000-rpm idle.
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From:
RE: basic questions and answers
Technically anything you do that changes the emissions is illegal. That would include efi map changes-unless those cjanges are approved by the air resources board(I am speking for Calif.)-most other states have similar laws. If you have a catalytic converter inside the muffler then removing the muffler would be illegal unless the replacement is ARB certified. Some of the newer SE mufflers are approved. With that all said-as of yet they are not doing smog tests on motorcycles-so there is no enforcement. In my opinion the cops do not have knowlede enough to enforce emissions changes on a traffic stop. They are NOT smog licensed. They can ticket for noise standards. I run an auto repair shop in Calif.-so I am not just guessing.
Thread Starter
|
Banned
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 4
From:
RE: basic questions and answers
My apologies two different questions in one subject
emissions pollutants and noise pollutants.
since EPA says it is illegal to remove, modify, tamper, alter or bypass emissions control
devices............
Since the ECM is the main emissions controller on the new motorcycles, would doing any of the
above be considered illegal.
Now I understand aftermarket suppliers of fuel controllers etc, must get an E.O. number before
they can be installed on a street licensed pollution controlled M/C certifying that emissions
have not been adversely changed to be outside of EPA limits.
And the SERT has a disclaimer race only not for pollution controlled M/C (vehicles).
So if you or dealer installs the SERT and do not certify emissions are within range, would the installation be illegal?
Again looking for links to Government certified decisions and rules on this
emissions pollutants and noise pollutants.
since EPA says it is illegal to remove, modify, tamper, alter or bypass emissions control
devices............
Since the ECM is the main emissions controller on the new motorcycles, would doing any of the
above be considered illegal.
Now I understand aftermarket suppliers of fuel controllers etc, must get an E.O. number before
they can be installed on a street licensed pollution controlled M/C certifying that emissions
have not been adversely changed to be outside of EPA limits.
And the SERT has a disclaimer race only not for pollution controlled M/C (vehicles).
So if you or dealer installs the SERT and do not certify emissions are within range, would the installation be illegal?
Again looking for links to Government certified decisions and rules on this
Trending Topics
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From:
RE: basic questions and answers
Go to epa.gov and have fun searching thier laws an regulations section.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 1
From: Grand Island , New York
RE: basic questions and answers
Put loud pipes on and ride the friggin thing , who gives a sh*t what the epa says. Just think probable 90% of all Harleys have aftermarket "racing , off road" pipes. Hell even the rice Harley want -a- be 's are loud now.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
RE: basic questions and answers
Once again it is nice to live in Idaho. We have no inspections or emissions tests on Motorcycles. They are still regulated like a recreation vehicle. No difference in laws between your fourwheeler, boat or Motorcyle. Therefore you can do pretty much anything you want to your bike and no one would be the wiser. Atleast not from a regulations stand point. I guess if it is too low you will upset the LEO's and they might say something but then it is your word against there if you fight the ticket becuase the bike cannot be confiscated and there is no way for LEO to road test for sound yet. Atleast not in Idaho. Sometimes it is noce in this little one horse town. Ride on.
Malac
Malac