Currently, I think the big difference is in the aftermarket. Just about anything that changes a/f mixture or emissions isn't allowed in California, and apparently your Gestapo is enforcing that. Some of the manufacturers have paid some pretty big fines.

Here's the latest one I could find:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=474

SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today announced that Ed Tucker Distributor, Inc. has been fined $500,000 for violations of air quality laws related to the sale of illegal aftermarket "emissions critical" parts in California.
An ARB investigation discovered that two Tucker companies, Tucker Rocky Distributing and Biker's Choice, sold, advertised and offered for sale aftermarket parts that replaced original emissions-critical components, such as catalytic converters, on highway motorcycles. California anti-tampering laws prohibit the sale, distribution and installation of parts that modify the emissions control systems of vehicles unless the modifications are proven to neither reduce the effectiveness of those systems nor cause excess emissions.

ARB investigators found that between 2009 and 2013, Tucker Rocky Distributing and Biker's Choice failed to take advantage of an industry-requested regulation that provided aftermarket motorcycle exhaust manufacturers, distributors, and retailers a way to legally sell their products. This regulation allows modifications to emissions control systems once they undergo an engineering evaluation to ensure they are durable and continue to meet applicable emission standards. Parts successfully completing this process receive an Executive Order exemption that allows their sale and installation on pollution-controlled motorcycles.

and Vance and Hines....

http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/newsrelease.php?id=440

SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today announced that Vance & Hines Performance LLC has been fined $500,000 for violations of air quality laws related to the sale of illegal aftermarket motorcycle exhaust systems in California.
In late 2012, an ARB investigation discovered that Vance & Hines sold, advertised and offered for sale motorcycle exhaust systems that replaced original emissions-critical components, such as catalytic converters. California anti-tampering laws prohibit the sale, distribution and installation of parts that modify the emissions control systems of vehicles unless the modifications are proven to neither reduce the effectiveness of those systems nor cause excess emissions.

 

the answer would vary by model year- the CA Evos were 45 HP stock vs 49 State 55 HP- due to cam.

as above the major difference in current model years ( 2010 and up) is the charcoal canister-
this does not in any way impact power or performance. fumes which might otherwise make you garage stink, are held by the charcoal, then burned once the bike is running.

so answers would be; sound same, power the same- and not more plugged up vs current 49 State models

mike

 

All three of my bikes are 49 state and had no problem registering them here. 7500 miles = golden. Even had a Florida "special construction" bike registered here with just a safety inspection from the CHP. My Jeep was also a 49 state with alot of modifications (401/cam/holley), a little more hassle going to Referee but got it registered. There are no smog inspections on bikes in Ca., yet. I am surprised how far behind others are behind and afraid of emission controls when I travel around?? I am kind'a happy it keeps backwards folks out our wonderful state.