Emissions Inspections

[thai guy]

For those of us subjected to emissions inspections, I'm wondering how the various engine modifications have affected the outcome.  In my case, this is specific to AZ, though it seems we tend to follow CA's example by a few years.  My past bike was a fairly heavily modded Hayabusa, but I was always able to pass the inspections by simply adjusting the Power Commander just prior to the inspection. 

It seems that their are various options for adjusting the "brain" of the Ducatis, from simple plug in resistors to Power Commanders, re-flashed ECU's, etc.
 
Also, I know the emissions inspectors conduct a visual inspection on cars/trucks to check for removed cats.  Do you know if this is the case with bikes as well?   I'm wondering if removing udder by installing a different pipe (or at least a new mid-pipe) will have negative effects come inspection time. 

[ducatiz]

Given the design of bike catalyzers being all over the place (some are in a separate can, some are in the mufflers, etc) it would be impossible for them to know every brand's design.

[Privateer]

For those of us subjected to emissions inspections, I'm wondering how the various engine modifications have affected the outcome.  In my case, this is specific to AZ, though it seems we tend to follow CA's example by a few years.  My past bike was a fairly heavily modded Hayabusa, but I was always able to pass the inspections by simply adjusting the Power Commander just prior to the inspection. 

It seems that their are various options for adjusting the "brain" of the Ducatis, from simple plug in resistors to Power Commanders, re-flashed ECU's, etc.
 
Also, I know the emissions inspectors conduct a visual inspection on cars/trucks to check for removed cats.  Do you know if this is the case with bikes as well?   I'm wondering if removing udder by installing a different pipe (or at least a new mid-pipe) will have negative effects come inspection time. 

maybe I misunderstood your post, but motorcycles are exempt from biennial emission testing in California.

[scduc]

I've never had to test my bike in Wisconsin.

[red baron]

Oh good lord, don't let that shit over here!!

[Randimus Maximus]

maybe I misunderstood your post, but motorcycles are exempt from biennial emission testing in California.

He's in AZ.

In certain counties (Maricopa mainly - Phoenix area), motos are subjected to e-tests.

I never passed mine when I lived there with my 996SPS.

I just kept buying the 1 day temp tags (that were actually good for 3 days) for $1 anytime I didn't want to ride dirty. 

[thai guy]

I was specifically speaking about Maricopa county in AZ, but I assumed that California, and possibly some other states, also did the emission testing.   Ducatiz mentioned that there are too many possible location options for cats (valid point) but I know for certain that visual inspections of the exhaust systems are conducted on cars/trucks.  As I mentioned, I was able to pass on my previous bike relatively easily by adjusting the Power Commander just for the test (no visual inspecton, or at least no problem then - 5 years ago though).  However, it doesn't seem that this type of device (Power Commander) is the preferred method for altering the ECU on the Ducatis. 

Soooo, my original post was with the hope that there was some specific experience out there that provided a direction to pass the sniff test, as well as a definite yes or no on the visual inspections. 

Lacking that, I would "tweak" this post to ask the question "knowing that I will have to pass an emissions test, what system would provide the best/easiest adjustability for the fuel/air.

[ducatiz]

You could absolutely tweak the ECU for that purpose.  There are buttons on the side which allow you to trim fuel, but you should know how to use it.  I think the testing will be at the low end of the RPM range?  You can beep down the fuel mix right before the test.   Easier would be to tote around a laptop with the maps and connector if you can. 

If there is a visual, just make sure you have e3/DOT-marked cans on the bike.

What year/model is your bike?

[Privateer]

I was specifically speaking about Maricopa county in AZ, but I assumed that California..

we are usually the first to do stupid shit, but looks like some have us beat this time.

[rule62]

I'm here in Phoenix. '04 M620 and '98 748
No visual inspection for catalyst.
Local guy (Mesa) tomsitaliantuneandservice.com has a sniffer and can do repairs/adjustments if you fail your initial test.
Otherwise get a Power Commander.

[IZ]

I'm in Gilbert.  Take the bike to Tom if you have any issues.  He's in Mesa..Val Vista/Southern.  My high mileage '03 620 with mods has never failed.

[thai guy]

Ahhhh, muy bueno!  That's what I'm looking for; both some information on (temporarily) adjusting the ECU and a local resource in case that doesn't work. 

I just purchased an 05 S4R.  I immediately did the emissions testing to get the AZ plates (bought it in CA), so passing this time was no problem (it's basically stock).   I know that I'll have the pipe replaced by the time testing comes around again next year along with the necessary ECU mods, so I'm looking ahead.

BTW, the emissions test consists of idling and also holding steady at about 2500 RPM - although I will say that is has changed (become stricter) at least twice in the last 10 years.  Hell, last year my truck (2000 Dodge W/ V10!!) failed because of a "bad gas cap".  In the larger scheme of things not a big deal.  $12 for a new cap and I passed, but that gives you an idea of the anal approach.  On vehicles they will also fail you if you have any "check engine" lights on, regardless of how clean the your engine is running.

Oh BTW, cars can get emission tested every 2 years, but bikes are required to have it done every year.  Yeah, because my 1000cc V-twin will potentially pollute more than some ass-clowns 73 pinto

[ducatiz]

Oh BTW, cars can get emission tested every 2 years, but bikes are required to have it done every year.  Yeah, because my 1000cc V-twin will potentially pollute more than some ass-clowns 73 pinto

Just fyi, vehicles are only subject to the year of manufacture, so a 73 pinto doesn't even have any emissions controls except for a PCV.

your new bike has a cat if it was made after 2006 or so.  nothing to check on the pinto.  plenty to check on your bike.