Spyder Cat bypass question...

[ingramwc]

While I understand the benefit of the bypass, I am concerned about the law. I understood that removal of a catalytic converter from a car or light truck was a $10,000 fine levied by the EPA. Are motorcycles exempt? Hopefully yes. I posted this separately as not to hijack another thread. Thanks.

[Gray Ghost]

No, they aren't exempt. This article is from 2003, in 2010 new rules were phased in that make it even more restrictive. http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/roadbike/420f03045.pdf.

[ingramwc]

Clifford, Thanks for the info. This gives what I was concerned about and that will have me looking at 2014 models instead of 2013.

[bzbaeren]

While I understand the benefit of the bypass, I am concerned about the law. I understood that removal of a catalytic converter from a car or light truck was a $10,000 fine levied by the EPA. Are motorcycles exempt? Hopefully yes. I posted this separately as not to hijack another thread. Thanks.

There are no states that I know of that have emission requirements for Motorcycles, BRP put the cat on spyders only to satisfy federal noise requirements which no one tests for.

[bullant12]

BRP calls it "Primary Muffler" so technically it is NOT a catalytic converter. It is simply, as stated above, an add on from factory to reduce the acoustics.

[ingramwc]

OK, that makes sense on one hand, but why go to that extreme for extra noise suppression? I used to live in MD which has an overly oppressive government, TN not so much.
Sounds like it is safe to go ahead with the bypass. Thanks from the other side of TN.

[Gray Ghost]

There are no states that I know of that have emission requirements for Motorcycles, BRP put the cat on spyders only to satisfy federal noise requirements which no one tests for.

You might want to acquaint yourself with California. Motorcycle manufacturers put on catalytic converters to satisfy federal requirements under the Clean Air Act, which have gotten more stringent over the years.

BRP calls it "Primary Muffler" so technically it is NOT a catalytic converter. It is simply, as stated above, an add on from factory to reduce the acoustics.

A catalytic converter is a catalytic converter however it is labelled. And the main purpose of a catalytic converter is not noise abatement but the elimination of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides from emissions.

The facts of the matter are that elimination, or any tampering with the emissions systems, are a violation of federal regulations that CAN be prosecuted. As others have pointed out it doesn't seem as if the feds or states are pushing the matter very much. Some manufacturers have been fined. So it is possible that an individual eliminating their cat will never face any problems. But telling people that they will never face prosecution is irresponsible.

It is against the law to exceed the speed limit, but thousands, if not millions do it every day and don't get caught. Doesn't change the law and that fact can't be used as an excuse in a court of law. Know what the law is, and if you are willing to face the possible consequences go right ahead, whether it be speeding or deleting your cat.

[ingramwc]

Cliff, that was my original take based on reading the EPA Regs that you sent the link to. Thanks for everyones' input. I'll wait until I purchase the Spyder and see what it is like.

[GunDoctor]

Well, I love my bypass, have to catch me first.......zzzzzzzzzzzooooommmmmm


Another Day To Be My Kid's Dad [emoji379]