Say it Ain't So: Motorcycles Pollute 10 Times More Than Cars!
Susan Carpenter of the LA Times is apologetic, for she bears some bad news for those wrongly under the impression that motorcycles are win-win regarding all things environmental. Though bikes can be twice as fuel efficient as cars, Carpenter's column elucidates the fact that the ability of bikes to extract more power from gasoline also means that they emit more smog causing oxides of nitrogen.
John Swanton of the Air Resources Board is quoted as saying, "The emissions picture [for motorcycles] is fairly grim," but he goes on to say that "we think it's fair for where motorcycles are today." With Euro III and CARB restrictions already clamping down on bike emissions and the EPA setting tougher standards that will take effect in 2010, the article suggests there are no immediate plans for further government regulation.
As I've stated before, I can't attribute the fact that I ride to a noble, earth-saving instinct, but I'll also admit that this news comes as a bit of a surprise to me. How about you?
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Comments
We are all going to be like the Amish if this going green keeps up. Where is it going to stop. Here I am riding my bike to help and now that isn’t good enough. The picture really helps with all the smoke.
For years, EPA has cited motorcycles as being more polluting than cars. Catalytic converters and emissions compliance are a fairly new thing on motorcycles. The vast majority still don’t have anywhere near a modern automobiles emissions control equipment.
And with a considerable number of motorcycle owners removing emissions equipment (PAIR and catalytic converters) and installing aftermarket exhaust systems… the reality is a bit harsh.
Well, unfortunately this is true. if we think that a motorbike consumes and emits almost as a car, even if it is 5-6 times lighter in terms of weight, you need to wonder…
however, you also need t count in the fact that with a bike you save time – thus you save fuel – as you can skip traffic.
You need to think about the whole picture.
I wonder as well if a 600cc motor actually pollutes more than a 1.8L LEV / ULEV car motor – or – if it pollutes more by displacement – thus actually pumping far less than a car in to the atmosphere?? Fer damn sure it pollutes a lot less than a 400″ V8-osauros!
I think before they start bitching about bikes, let’s get the Hummers, Escalades and Aviators off the road.
And what idiot though it was a good idea to use the photos with the TIRE smoke?? Let’s have a litlle honest reporting…
Not sure but I believe motorcycles of any displacement pollutes more than any passenger automobile.
I think light trucks are applied different standards so the same statement cannot be applied to to this class of vehicle.
The emissions standards for motorcycles are simply more lax than for passenger autos. Emissions standards are measured in grams per kilometer so I think displacement is not a factor.
I would really like to see the numbers. It is not hard to believe that a bike can put out more pollution in PPM, but with cat converters starting to be the norm more than the exception and most bikes being in good state of tune, I really wonder.
I also noticed the comment about what oxides of nitrogen are emitted. It seems that there is some similarity between fertilizer and oxides of nitrogen. And if I remember right the main issue here is acid rain. If so, go look up what information you can find on the EPA’s own 10 year $300,000,000 study of acid rain. You won’t find it on the EPA site because the real research information didn’t fit their preconceived answers. If you want the real stuff Google “the EPA vs Ed Krug” and find out what was conveniently buried.
By the way, one document from 1989 found no deaths caused by sulfur dioxide pollution, I wonder if it’s the same for those oxides of nitrogen.
Look, I’m a big fan of the air cooled v-twin, but it’s a no brainer that it’s spitting out a lot more junk than than a modern automobile engine.
Folks,
Regarding the picture, it is intended to be a comically overstated image rather than a literal representation of the story… lighten up, fer Pete’s sake!
Basem
m.c.s, as they come from the factory are quite good as they do comply with the epa standards. However when I tried to get more out of my V-Max I had to change the pipe and jetting and use my exhaust gas analyzer to get that engine to put out more CO. It’s not easy or cheap to get your bike to pollute the way you want it to do.
Basem,
Where are the numbers? Where is the data? The source, or are you just parroting some urban myth?
Have you compared the ULEV, LEV2, BIN8, EU II/III and US regs for car vs. bike?
OR, is this an exercise in hyperbole?
Seriously. Let’s see the math.
- I have a calculator and I’m not afraid to use it.
Hello Incredulous,
The source– the LA Times– is linked within the first line of the post. I do not claim to have made the calculations myself; I am citing the Times story.
Basem
That is why we need CHP and local police to enforce and ticket illegal exhaust systems for motorcycles and cars. They make too much noise and they pollute the air. Let’s get the bad guys and not critize everyone.
Bottom line, don’t replace the original exhaust. Illegal exhaust are legal to sell but illegal to use. Big business is still allowed to make money even though they know that these modified mufflers are illegal.
Our government only cares about making money and taxes. Stop illegal modified mufflers.
Susan, are you serious?? when did this discussion become about banning illegal exhausts… Anyways, sure I believe that motorcycle pollute more but like was mentioned in a comment above, If more people rode motorcycles, that would equal less traffic, thus creating less pollution in the long run. Also, we have to look at it this way, by using fuel efficient vehicles, ie motorcycles, we are prolonging our fuel resources =) So I figure by riding, Im doing my part…
This just sounds like another anti motorcycle BS artist safety pin head spouting more anti motorcycle propaganda! Hey, ignoring a problem and acussing those who disagree works for me!
Oh yeah, important point, do they mean per vehicle or per cubic inch of engine? It would make a big differnce and it’s important to know exactly what they are talking about.
Sounds like a plot from the BIG oil companies to keep people off MCs and in gas guzzler cages. What’s next – lawn mowers, chain saws, weed eaters, ……??? Extremist LA going for the finger pointing.Too many bikes splitting traffic and getting through faster than their Porsche and Lamborghini, how do we get them off the road? Come up with some hype that they pollute more than cars?
The Japanese are trying to patent a water powered engine, Honda no less, Maybe it will make it to motorcycles before the SUVs.
I feel this is more conjecture than real “facts” and a push by the same folks that market catalytic convertors. “follow the money trail” on this one… especially since it came out of LA, Califonyus!
The environmental fascists will never be happy. Even if we all end up Amish, as suggested before, they’ll be after us regarding the methane produced by the horses. My bike gets four times the gas mileage as my pickup does, and they’ll still tell me I’m evil. I will happily direct them where to insert their concerns…
Just more people jealous because they don’t have a motorcycle, or their mother would not let them ride one,or they can’t even balance a bicycle. In other words just plain bull****.
Why don’t you guys just leave us alone and go after some real problems … SUV’s for example… they consume 3 to 4 times more resources (gas, tires, etc), use at least 10 times more road and parking space and usually carry only one person…
Get a life!
if you think that a motorcycle pollutes more than a car you are an idiot plain and simple. ratios play a huge factor into the distortions they are reporting on and they fail to even mention that fact. i do not even ride a motorcycle and i am aware of that. volume of pollutants actually spewed forth is the key and not ratios between ppm and displacement. by the way for all you idiots going “green” with hybrid cars, why don’t you compare the damage the factories inflict upon our enviroment making the charging systems for those vehicles if you are so concerned about the enviroment. if you did i am sure you would shocked and angry.
Well, the Honda CB600F Hornet (2007) has a catalyst installed from factory. So Susan didn’t spoil my day after all.
Could be true with some, not true with others. The Honda Goldwing (and some other makes) is already 50 state EPA approved, and gives about 44 MPG. But any EPA rating can be defeated with a wrench.
ARE YOU SERIOUS?!
What happened to “Per capita” ratings?!?! Not to mention I don’t think people are looking at the WHOLE picture..
Fact 1) bikes pollute more than cars..
Reasoning) Perhaps! But how many people ride bikes Vs cars?!?! How many miles anually are covered on average Vs Cars?! Is it Really even a valid arguement??
Fact 2) Bikes are twice as fuel efficient
Reasoning) YES THEY ARE!! Although emissions are greater, they are easier on natural resources, They pollute LESS “PER MILE” not per gallon, and overall are a solution.
Fact 3) NOBODY EVER STRINGENTLY REGULATES AIRCRAFT OR HEAVY INDUSTRY!
Reasoning) When’s the last time you heard of a Catalytic converter for a jet engine or commercial air craft or even a refinery?!?! If the punch to going green relies impacting our emissions in a positive manner, you should impact the things that have a larger contribution with a larger possible rate of correction! END OF STORY!
Leave the dirt bikes, Street bikes, Quads, and lawn mowers alone and go mess with the main contributors, THEN come talk to me about pollution control on smaller things.. Idiots..
Amish? But their horses and cows, and pigs do pollute right, remember the fart study on european cows?
My Yamaha has a catalytic converter and O2 sensor. It tunes itself constantly. I can tell by the smell it puts out a little more then the corolla, but less than the crown victoria , and lots less than any diesel, or full sized vehicle. Then there are buses and trucks.
How about the planes that dump fuel before landing…? Who’s crying about that? Wonder what that oily coating is on your car sometimes?
Please people get a life. My husband has an older yamaha and it does not smoke, you know why; he and I are responsible bike riders. We care about our bikes. We take care of them. There will always be idiots who don’t give a crap, but we ae not one of those. It’s just another way to control people. And cars smoke WAY MORE than the worst bike.
Scooter Kat in Washington.
My 09 Street Glide is 50 state epa street legal. O2 sensors, catlytic converters in the manifold, so I can change the mufflers if I choose to do that. Bring on your stupid smog test.
Lets not forget that if it wasn’t for LOUD PIPE’S,some of us wouldn’t be here because of the people who should be paying attention while being behind the wheel are still on their damn cell phone’s instead of looking in the mirrors. My loud pipe’s have save me a number of time’s. I bet our govenator will keep his bike loud,oh wait,he can’t ride he doesn’t have a bike license.As for the smog test,my bike is 50 state epa street legal.