catalitic converter

[gary lester]

what are the pros and cons of removing this unit?

[JCSMOKE]

More polution, less heat. Not sure if changed need to be made with engine.

[gary lester]

thanks smoke I wonder what the dealer would say about this. From what I'm told you pick horse power and fuel gets better. Thanks Gary

[boborgera]

thanks smoke I wonder what the dealer would say about this. From what I'm told you pick horse power and fuel gets better. Thanks Gary

Any dealer would be a fool to condone removing the cat; Its called Tampering with a federal emissions device.
Very stiff finds if caught. That said some do it.

[flybuddy]

Wonder what the laws are regarding catalytic converters on motorcycles?? I was at a Bike Night yesterday and there were lots of new bikes that I couldn't see a cat having been installed.

[Grandpa Spyder]

I really don't know anything about it but it is MHO that the Cat. is for places like CA. and other states that have high standards for air pollution. As someone said most MCs do not have them.

[Bootie]

what are the pros and cons of removing this unit?

Don't get caught in California with it removed. Even an aftermarket exhaust is a no no. That said, I'd go ahead and modify things and hope I didn't get caught.

[gary lester]

I'm not sure but is there any other motorcycle out there with a cat? I know what everyone is saying about getteing in trouble but also think about some of the new cars out there that have removed the cat. I guess my main question is will I have to do anything spacial once the cat is gone?

[SilverSurfer]

I'm not sure but is there any other motorcycle out there with a cat? I know what everyone is saying about getteing in trouble but also think about some of the new cars out there that have removed the cat. I guess my main question is will I have to do anything spacial once the cat is gone?

I'd leave it alone, dude. Your engine and O2 settings are tuned to accommodate the catalytic (correct spelling) converter. And, like somebody else said here, it's there by law. I won't say all, but MOST of the folks I know who have modified their exhaust systems to gain an hp or two have suffered in fuel mpg. That's their choice, but few if any have ka-bashed the cat. The Spyder is different and more complex than many motorcycles insofar as its electronics, ignition and computer. Unless you have a shop, all the equipment and testing instruments ... and the skill to un-screw what you may screw up, I'd walk away from this plan. I doubt you would ever get the return on hp or whatever you think you're going to get by removing the cat.

Taking off cats was something people used to do in the 70s at the onset of unleaded fuel, because they were poorly designed, restrictive and, moreover, so drivers could burn leaded fuel. Then those same people started having problems with valves and timing. It was because leaded fuel burned hotter and the timing, depending on the car, needed to be advanced or retarded somewhat.


So, it's 45 years later now. Catalytic converters are generally efficient and you're not going find leaded fuel, let alone burn it in your Spyder... so I'm tellin ya ... It's not worth it. Finally, if you were to ever have to sell your spyder or take it to another state it would never pass an inspection.

~ Surfer

[dgnspyder]

what are the pros and cons of removing this unit?

Bike sounds much better and engine more responsive. Haven't found any cons yet.

[NancysToy]

I'm not sure but is there any other motorcycle out there with a cat? I know what everyone is saying about getteing in trouble but also think about some of the new cars out there that have removed the cat. I guess my main question is will I have to do anything spacial once the cat is gone?

Lots of motorcycles have cats.

[gary lester]

I can see everybodys views and I do believe your all right. At this age you tend to not reason things out. The thing is that if I do this I will also void my warrenty . Thanks for everybodys input, I guess this is why we have this forum. I know there are lot smarter people out there than I am. I guess BRP made my spyder this way for a reason and leave it alone. Thanks again Gary