Originally Posted by
David13
I thought 2 stroke anything was banned in California long ago. 4 stroke with pollution devices can run very clean. But, of course, only if running properly.
dc
Right -- but, apparently, the standards are more slack, and they usually don't even get tested.
Third hit on Google:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsup...ry/463709.html
Motorcycles and scooters that meet EPA emission standards are still more polluting than cars because the federal emission standards are more lenient for motorcycles.
The maximum emission standard for motorcycle hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide is 2.25 grams per mile, compared with .098 for cars, meaning a motorcycle can emit 23 times more ozone-forming pollutants as a car does and still meet EPA standards. The carbon monoxide standard for motorcycles is about six times higher than a car's standard.
Although I've never seen a catalytic convertor on a motorcycle or scooter, it's probably only because I haven't looked closely enough -- there are some models out there so equipped (even 2-stroke versions).
Honda's spec sheet for their Silver Wing scooter (their top-line model) simply says, under Emissions, "Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards." However, I'll bet that it's not cleaner-running than any of their cars.