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California Tries to Restrict Aftermarket Pipes

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

FMFs 999 Apex mufflers are our favorite modification to the new R1. Not only do they reduce the level of exhaust heat but they make the bike sound like Rossis MotoGP ride!

Riding a motorcycle equipped with an aftermarket exhaust system could warrant a hefty fine in California if cops nab you according to Senate Bill 435 that could become law if governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs off on it.

“The noise caused by illegally modified motorcycle exhaust systems is a major quality of life issue across the state,” said the bill's sponsor, Senator Fran Pavley (Democrat). “Basic common sense and decency dictates that when a motorcycle drives by and sets off every car alarm on the street, that is too loud.”

If signed off by the governor it would require motorcycle owners to use federally required emissions equipment featuring an Environmental Protection Agency compliance stamp affixed to the exhaust of all 2013 and new motorcycles.

If you think this bill is as ridiculous as I do, email the governor or contact him him via the information below:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-558-3160

Post Tags: California Attempts to Restrict Aftermarket Pipes

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Comments

Gwatson -Stupid October 11, 2010 04:43 PM
Some of the dumbest comments I have ever read like "Loud Pipes LOSE Rights!".. lol All they need to do is enforce the laws that they have. I ride a Harley and I don’t knock out the baffles. Their are douche bags who rev for shits and giggles like little kids. And there are over sensitive jerks who think all bikes are to loud. It isnt about a cool sound or if loud pipes save lives which they do. Its about the government chipping away at our small freedoms. And it doesn’t stop there. For those who dont ride these are small steps that will affect your freedoms in the long run. Stop being sheeple (Sheep people) Are there other laws better suited for discussion like talking or texting on the cell phone while driving. I never knew a loud pipe to kill anyone.

Jeff -Cali September 13, 2010 01:41 PM
After reading through the majority of the comments I was astounded that the majority of the noise complaints generate in So-Cal. I ride a Harley with Screamin Eagle pipes which are baffled and Im sure from time to time Ive made someone, overly noise sensative, pissed off...Too Bad. Now whether "Loud Pipes Saves Lives" I dont know...I doesnt seem to stop people from pulling out in front of me or changing lanes into me. Usually when that happens I get next to thier window and crack the pipes open to get their attention. The problem isnt the pipes...the problem is the person riding the bike hitting the RPM's just to do it...I dont ride through my neighborhood nailing the throttle...no point to it. I do agree that individuals are excessivly noisey but dont condemn the whole community because of the idiots or the noise police. California has FAR more problems than the decibles comming out of my pipes. Hell, for all you noise police, why dont you go after the stock import car with the ginormus muffler sticking out of the back sounding like a single bee swarm or your overly sensative car alarm or how about banning the train that comes down the track blowing his horn at 4am (I live 3 miles from the closest train tracks) or how about banning police, ambulance or firetruck sirens. Now we all know you wouldnt ban emergency vehicle sirens, but thats the mentality this sort of bill would lend its hand to...where does it stop

Motorcycle neighbor -Get rid of loud aftermarket mufflers September 12, 2010 02:35 PM
The Gov should crack down. I hate loud motorcycles. They are for the racetrack. What's the point on public streets -- to gratify the ego of the cyclist by making it impossible to ignore his presence? There's no other logic. A guy with an extremely loud Ducati recently moved into my neighborhood and I have to listen to his bleeping bike every time he comes or goes. Extremely irritating.

CS -uhh.. September 3, 2010 12:03 PM
I for one do not agree with this law i agree with the people who say enforce the laws that are already in place. To everyone who is hating on the govenator for being a liberal democrat you're an idiot in 2003 Arnold was elected governor as a republican and re-elected in 2006 as yup you guessed it a republican

RENDELL -common sense September 3, 2010 08:22 AM
If you support this bill, you are wrong. Next it will be restricting horsepower to 100 like they do in France. Then it will be reducing engine CC displacement like they tried to do in the 80s. It won't stop there either. Liberals won't stop until motorcycles are outlawed or we are all on electric mopeds like Al Gore envisions.

Enforce the laws that are already on the books.

Common sense prevails.

Not only have I e-mailed the Gov I have also called his office. I recommend you do the same. Next, dump these liberal democrats on election day.

DJ -Not Ridiculous September 3, 2010 07:39 AM
I don't think this is a ridiculous bill. I support setting maximum decibal levels on exhaust systems. Loud exhausts are annoying to everyone but the person on the bike. And most people could get a better increase in hp per pound and torque per pound ratings when they are on the bike by simply losing weight.

Noise-Hater -I support this bill September 2, 2010 10:05 PM
EAB and JSH, I'm with you. The "loud pipes save lives" crowd are a bunch of obnoxious, spoiled brats who have ruined the aftermarket exhaust market. I, too, would rather see this law passed than have to listen to these selfish idiots ride thru residential areas setting off car alarms and scaring little kids. It's just too bad they couldn't have latched on to some other sport/pastime to ruin other than motorcycling. These "rumbling sound of freedom" clowns are a bunch of clones who don't have a clue of what independence is. I suppose if they had adopted American muscle cars, they'd be sawing off the mufflers in the name of "freedom".

EAB -I am for all of it September 2, 2010 06:50 PM
Sorry, but I am for all of it. Noise ordinance, helmet laws, graduated licensing, the whole bit. This whole idiots to ride and ride to be an idiot sh*ts gotta stop somewhere. Wheelies at 100MPH and packs of straight piped hardleys ridden by lawyer posers. F**kin stupid, all of it.

KT -Senate Bill 435 September 2, 2010 02:23 PM
I don't live in Cali but I wrote the govonator anyway because most states are copy cats. If Cali passes the law, whos to say they won't try and pass it here in Texas. Das some straight BS!!!

jay -motorcle loud pipes are just the beginning September 2, 2010 02:04 PM
if you think that by making bikes quieter that there will be less laws agains motorcyclist in general you are dreaming.

the crowd that says "when the loud pipes go, then people will like us" are smoking something illegal.

sorry but most people hate motorcyclists because they are not cars simple as that, this is the first step in getting rid of motorcyclists trust me more laws will come after this to eliminate more motorcycles from the road period, one way or the other.

Sactown -what a cop told me September 2, 2010 12:55 PM
I despise jerks with load pipes in residential areas. I rent Harleys (Screamin Eagle pipes) with my friends, but own a 76 KZ900 (with a 4 into 1). I do not set off car alarms. A local officer of the law said he will not ticket load pipes, because he (and half of his friends on the force) own Harleys with load after market pipes. I hate them in my neighborhood on a weeknight at 3am, but this law will NEVER HAPPEN. Too bad that self-centered people ride as if the rest of their neighbors do not count.

Don -citizen rider September 2, 2010 12:39 PM
"The problem is this is a Federal law that is not enforced at the local level. What California is doing is simply making breaking federal law a violation of State law."

OK JSH, This is exactly what Arizona is trying to do with SB1070 and look what a s**t storm that has caused. Maybe the Federal Government will sue California over this?

dirtyj -mr September 2, 2010 11:58 AM
outlaw the car alarms. cars to.

JSH -Hope it passes September 2, 2010 10:41 AM
The elimination of loud pipes will be the best thing that happens to motorcyclists. This is the number 1 reason that the 99% of the population that don't ride motorcycles hate motorcycles. Loud Pipes LOSE Rights! As others have said, there are already laws on the books that deal with this issue. It is a violation of the Federal Clean Air Act to modify or remove any part of a vehicles exhaust unless the replacement component is EPA certified. The problem is this is a Federal law that is not enforced at the local level. What California is doing is simply making breaking federal law a violation of State law. I'm not sure why so many people think is is their "right" to break the law. Noise ordinances are not an effective way to deal with noise pollution. It is very difficult to enforce noise ordinances that set a maximum decibel level. In order enforce this type of ordinance police need to buy decibel meters, train the officers, and conduct noise test of a vehicle in a controlled environment. This simply is not practical. On the other hand, California's law is very easy to enforce. Police simply have to look at an exhaust to see if it is stamped "DOT" or not. If this passes, the aftermarket will simply change. They will sell a small number of "Competition Only" exhausts to those that actually race and use their motorcycles at the track. People that ride on the road will buy "DOT Approved" exhausts that are tested and comply with EPA regulations. BTW here is a link to the actual bill: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/1140/files/sb 20435.pdf

RENDELL -!!!!!!! September 2, 2010 07:32 AM
EVERYONE, WRITE THE GOVERNOR!!! This is why I don't like liberals, they want to regulate your life so they can tax and fine you. Of course it is supposed to be for our own safety, and the environment right? Hypocrites...

Don't re-elect any of these parasites.

EAB -Story is wrong, inaccurate September 2, 2010 07:21 AM
The law does not restrict aftermarket exhaust. It restricts illegal exhaust, IE not EPA compliant, "off road use only" exhaust. As long as the aftermarket is EPA approved, press on. I don't mind an honest debate on this subject, but the least the author could have done was read the friggin bill before he goes off half cocked.

Joe Blow -Stop Crying September 2, 2010 02:58 AM
California has always been progressive in their Laws and Restrictions. (See emisions testing as an example.) If they get this bill passed, other states will follow. It's a no brainer for them, they need money. Another ticket or fine to be paided by the motorcycle minority. While I do not like what is about to happen, the general motorcycle comunity has been preaching to keep motorcycles quiet for years. Everybody knew this day was going to happen. This is the backlash from people not listening to that logic. You people know who you are, why did you ruin it for the rest of us?

Cb -? September 1, 2010 09:06 PM
Rather than passing a blanket law that covers all bikes. Simply enforce existing laws. If a guy is running open pipes, obvious noise violation, target him. This just makes everyone on a bike a target, whether they are being a nuisance or not. Stock pipes are not realistic on all bikes. Take for instance a dual sport that needs an after-market pipe to get a spark arrestor, to comply with one law I have to violate another. This is a tertiary response to super loud pipe crowd. Thanks again Fags (southpark reference)

AZ Jason -Another good reason not to live in CA September 1, 2010 07:27 PM
This is exactly why I left that land of fruits and nuts more than 15 years ago. I don't even admit to being born there, any more. I feel for all the people still stuck in the People's Republic of Cali-fornicate you-a.

Arizona may have banned illegal aliens, but not bike exhaust systems. Whooya!

fjhfran -pipes September 1, 2010 07:23 PM
LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES.

Jimbosidecar -California new lawa September 1, 2010 05:09 PM
Just more of the "Nanny" government trying to control all aspects of life to suit their whims.

Maxx -That's All Cali has to Worry About September 1, 2010 02:09 PM
Cali is not the only place to jump on line with this type of legislation more and more cities are tightening up there ordinances. I can remember getting hassled about my car stereo and I knew it was just a matter of time before bikes were next on the hit list. But a lot depends on the COPS and not the politicians.

kevin -might awesome one. September 1, 2010 01:45 PM
Sent my email to the Gov!!!! Send yours, too!

Bob -Not true September 1, 2010 01:24 PM
"Jcm - My opinion September 1, 2010 01:17 PM
Loud pipes save lives there's nothing else to say"

If that were true, all vehicles would be supplied with loud pipes...by law. But since it isn't true... Trust me, I'm just as invisible on my FXDX with Hooker header.

Jcm -My opinion September 1, 2010 01:17 PM
Loud pipes save lives there's nothing else to say

iliketoys -I completely agree with you Bob September 1, 2010 12:06 PM
I also think all motorcyclists need to band together and resist ANY additional laws restricting our beloved sport and pastime. Personally, I'm still running my stock exhaust, and I don't have any plans to change that, however, I understand that simply because a specific law doesn't intrude on me today, the one that comes next just might. What this does is unfairly target motorcyclists. If we continue to let laws like this pass (or WORSE - SUPPORT them?!?), it will begin to erode public support for motorcycling. In a country that (supposedly) believes in their individual freedom, we sure do everything in our power to control others around us. It's truly depressing that so many people can reconcile this with their moral code. Every motorcyclist who supports a bill like this needs to step back and be honest with themselves. What if the next bill directly affected your particular riding style? What if eliminating splitting lanes in California is next? What if barring off-road motorcycling is next? Types of motorcycles? What happens when the safety police finally sway public opinion, and our favorite modes of transportation are deemed too unsafe for use? Getting on board with silly laws like this, all because "noise makes me mad - grrr," is just fellow motorcyclists keeping other fellow motorcyclists down. I hate the "cool guy" constantly revving his engine down main street as much as the next guy, but we need to stop and think before we grab our pitch forks.

Bob -Why? September 1, 2010 10:22 AM
There are already existing laws on the books that say it's illegal to modify an exhaust system on any vehicle if it's under a certain age. And even if a vehicle is over that age, there's a law that says exausts must comply to DOT standards. That should be good enough, rather than adding specific laws for specific problems. All this "stacking" of one law on top of another just makes things more difficult to pass or repeal if need be.

Cknugget -Only in California September 1, 2010 10:08 AM
This makes little sense. Any community bothered by it can just put a noise ordinance on the books. There is one on the books of the city I live in to deal with nuisance parties but cars and motorcycles get hit by it also. At over $600 USD per violation its a good reason to keep a stock setup or low rpm's.

That would take sense which seems to have vanished from California lately though.

Concerned Citizen -Mr September 1, 2010 09:49 AM
Why does everybody feel the need to introduce a specific piece of legislation to target a specific problem. There are noise ordinances which should just be enforced equally be it a bike, car, truck, noisy neighbor.

Brandon -This is what happens September 1, 2010 09:44 AM
This is what happens when bikers fail to police themselves, the straight-pipe crowd ruins it for everyone else.

JJ -Wheelie King September 1, 2010 09:17 AM
How about you put a email link to the Governor? Herre is Senator Fran Pavley's FB page (sponsorer of the bill)

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1192823952&ref=ts

Baggerchris -Loud Pipes September 1, 2010 08:09 AM
I did email and urged Arnold to sign the bill.

I'm sick and tired of these guys with loud pipes ruining our sport and reputation.

Oh, for the record, I own a 1997 flstc; 1972 Honda 90 and a 2006 BMW F650GS and have owned HD for over 40 years. (I'm on my 6th one)

brent -The Governator September 1, 2010 07:53 AM
I seriously doubt Ahnold will sign off on this bill. He's probably got a bunch of Harley's and Indians with loud pipes.

wparker -after market pipes. September 1, 2010 06:22 AM
Stock pipes are the first things to go to uncork the cool sound...hope this bill does'nt pass..

KK -Cali September 1, 2010 05:29 AM
Cali, one of the greatest places to own a sports car or motorcycle and also one of the most strict places on the planet. thats such crap. oh and maybe ppl shouldnt have super sensative car alarms...in my book those are just as annoying going off all the time.... (btw im from nj :D )