The California exhaust law has been in effect for decades. In most areas of the United States, vehicle emissions must meet a certain standard if the owner wants to purchase his or her new car. In the case of California, a law passed in 1969 mandates that all vehicles, including motorcycles and cars, be equipped with a certain amount of “exhaust-only” exhaust system.
California law also requires that all automobiles, including motorcycles, conform to state law with regard to loud noise emissions. These regulations are designed to protect people and property from noise pollution caused by engines that are simply too noisy to live with. If you own a motorcycle in California, your exhaust has to comply with these regulations.
In the interest of safety, and to ensure compliance with California law, you must maintain your motorcycle’s exhaust properly, with the correct exhaust kit. The state law requires that motorcycle exhausts contain a certain number of baffles, each of which corresponds to the number of cylinders in the engine.
With each cylinder opening into a baffle, air is forced through a pipe at the back of the engine, pushing back on the cylinders and reducing the engine’s horsepower. When it is time to install your exhaust, make sure you remove all mufflers and any other parts that aren’t being used, and check the law for the type of exhaust required for your model.
The first step in installing your exhaust kit is to install the box. Be sure to follow the exact specifications for the model of your bike, and use the correct number of pipes.
Once you have installed the box, it is time to install the muffler. To make the installation easier, use a long screwdriver so that you don’t accidentally break the pipe while installing the muffler. If you break a pipe, you need to replace it with another one of the same size and shape so you can continue to use it.
You can then install the muffler by removing the old muffler and putting the new one. Using a wrench not larger than the length of the pipe, connect the muffler to the box and tighten it together. It is important to make sure you have installed all of the bolts. before turning on the ignition.
If you need to make a change, you can do this easily enough without the assistance of a mechanic because most motorcycle exhaust systems come with the necessary instructions on how to make a quick change. After installing, you may find that you need to add a new muffler and new pipes. As long as your motorcycle meets the state requirements, it should be ready to go for another ride!
Another thing to take into consideration is if your exhaust system has been retrofitted with aftermarket parts. Some companies make aftermarket kits that will work with older bikes that don’t have an original exhaust system. Make sure you check to make sure the aftermarket parts are compatible before installing your aftermarket system. The kits will also help keep the overall look and feel of your bike authentic.
If your exhaust is in good condition, it is time to get out there and ride! A well maintained exhaust will help save you money in fuel costs and keep you from having to constantly buy more gas!
Although California’s exhaust law doesn’t require an exhaust filter or muffler installation, it is still a good idea to always have one installed. It is much easier to replace a broken exhaust than it is to have a muffler that doesn’t work.
Remember that an exhaust system is not just about looks, it’s about performance. So, whether you want to add some spark to your bike’s engines, or you just want to keep your noise level low, invest in an exhaust kit.