Cali motorcycle smog tests ...looks like they are really trying to do this

[causeofkaos]

"For those of you living and riding in the state of California, you should be aware of a proposed senate bill that will require smog checks for motorcycles. Senate Bill 435, introduced by California State Senator Pavley on February 26, proposes smog checks on motorcycles, beginning January 1st, 2012, for all motorcycles model year 2000 or newer. All motorcycles had previously been excluded.

SB 435, as introduced, Pavley. Smog check program: motorcycles. Existing law establishes a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program (smog check), administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs, that provides for the inspection of motor vehicles upon registration, biennially upon renewal of registration, upon transfer of ownership, and in certain other circumstances. Existing law exempts from biennial inspection all motorcycles until the department implements test procedures applicable to motorcycles. Violations of smog check requirements are a crime. This bill would require the department to include model-year 2000 and newer motorcycles in the smog check program beginning January 1, 2012."

ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY....sons of pregnant dogs

[Embyr]

Oh... not cool. California should be encouraging MOre people to ride to reduce emissions and make room on the overcrowded freeways. This is short-sighted, IMO. 'Green' choices that help with our clogged infrastructure shouldn't come with disincentives...  stupid bankrupt state. 

[Statler]

green choices?   arrows and termis etc. are hardly green.     

I don't like the idea either, but we need better arguments about why to not do it than it will catch us with our illegally modified motorcycles we've been enjoying for so long now.

[Porsche Monkey]

Dude that sucks. They don't even smog our cars yet down here in San Antonio. Either way I'm a licensed state inspector in Texas so all my cars always pass. Hope this bill doesn't make it. 

[derby]

green choices?   arrows and termis etc. are hardly green.     

a slip-on should be no less green than the stock system unless it's a bike w/ the cat in the cannister.

tune your fuel injection w/ a power commander, even with a stock system, and you could probably run afoul of a smog test.

it'd be just as easy to have a "clean" map for the smog test and a performance map for the other 364 days of the year.

[bluemoco]

I suspect that this bill is a back-door way to address motorcycle noise emissions, rather than greenhouse gas emissions.  Loud moto exhausts are a hot-button issue everywhere, and this is one way to tackle it.

I have no evidence (yet), but that's what my gut tells me.  

[herm]

i fear its about revenue...
seems like every level of govt is looking for a way to supplement the falling failing tax base.

[bluemoco]

i fear its about revenue...
seems like every level of govt is looking for a way to supplement the falling failing tax base.

Is smog-checking a big revenue generator for the state?  I'd be surprised if it was.

Here in MN, we abolished smog checks for autos in the early '90's.   IIRC, the state found the smog-checking to be very costly, and they were unable to recoup the costs via license renewal fees.  [But I suppose if you jack the fees up high enough...  ]

[sugarcrook]

If you live in CA, here's where to find the address to write to your local senator/representative:

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html

[TiAvenger]

Enforcement for this will be *harder* 

Its much easier to throw on stock pipes, ecu and emission equipment over the course of 2 hours on a bike, unlike a car.

[silentbob]

They are going to smog diesels now in CA too.  It's all about money.

[Old-Duckman]

  It's all about money.

Isn't it always ??

[EvilSteve]

We should be fighting for equal rights and responsibilities, ultimately we can't expect the same rights without the same responsibilities. If this proposed law puts additional restrictions on bikes beyond what applies to cars then we should fight for equality. Exemptions, be they formal or informal, to pollution (noise or emissions) laws are ultimately indefensible. Fight now for what we deserve as motorcyclists which is equality.

[bluemoco]

They are going to smog diesels now in CA too.  It's all about money.

How can the state make money doing smog tests?  Unless they jack up the registration/licensing renewal fees to cover the costs, I don't see how it's a money-maker. 

Not trying to be argumentative (and I'm not callin' you out silentbob  ).  I just have trouble seeing where the state is going to generate any revenue from smog tests.  

What am I missing?

[TiAvenger]

there is an upside to this....

More motorcycle dynometers around