We have brought up the idea of saving money on gas by riding a motorcycle or scooter a few times now, and invariably, we get comments which state that motorcycles are worse for the environment than cars. Is that true? Not necessarily. Exhaust emissions are calculated in parts per million, and more parts per million of harmful particles in the exhaust is bad. This is often cited in defense of cars, as motorcycles often have worse ratings in parts per million that autos. But, what about the difference in total amount of exhaust? The smaller the engine, usually the less total exhaust comes our the tailpipe. So, motorcycles with smaller engines may or may not be better for the environment that automobiles. Note, too, that most modern motorcycles are equipped with fuel injection and modern computer controls in addition to their necessary catalytic converters (click for a test in 1999 - warning: .pdf), all of which make quite a difference in overall harmful emissions. Remember, the worst polluters are the old 2-stroke bikes, which are not sold really in America anymore.

But, what about electric motorcycles? Here is one made by Lightning Motors. The bike is based on the Yamaha R1, which, at 1000cc, does not have a small engine from the factory. The R1 is one of the highest performing motorcycles on the roads today, and is a bit of a status symbol. The conversion is slightly ungainly, because of the box-like lithium ion batteries hanging from the frame spars. The article also speaks of charging the bike using solar panels, which is an intriguing possibility for an electric cycle, as they should need fewer hours of charging for the distance required to travel in comparison to a heavier, more powerful electric car.

[Source: LA Times]

For some, motorcycling is not just a hobby, but a way of life. And, there are quite a few, especially lately, who choose to make motorcycles their living. There were over a million motorcycles sold in 2005, which marks the 13th straight year of sales growth. So, the argument that the EPA should leave motorcycles alone is without merit, even though they probably pollute less than cars. And, we have seen that the authorities-that-be are willing to crack down on builders, even if they only make a few bikes per year.

So, it would be smart for owners of bikes and builders of bikes to know what the rules pertaining to the modifications of their bikes are. As this article points out, ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law. The brief version is this: the emissions of motorcycles are being forcibly reduced for the first time since 1980. If you are going to build a motorcycle, you only can do it once in your lifetime without getting it emissions certified. If you want another custom bike, you will need to choose an engine that has already been certified, or pay to have your own certification done (at least $25,000!). If you already own a bike, any modifications done to it that could alter the emissions are illegal. The state's authorities in which you live are responsible for enforcing these laws.

As a motorcyclist myself, I can appreciate that it may be hard for some to comply with these updated laws. However, one reason I like to ride my bike is for the great gas mileage and reduced emissions compared to cars. I'm glad that I can have my cake and eat it too for once!

Related:

• Jesse James & West Coast Choppers fined $271,250 for smog violations
• More on Jesse James, his CARB settlement and his hydrogen-powered land-speed car

[Source: Motorcycle USA]