The California state Senate passed a bill that would make it a violation to ride your "roaring" hog. The idea behind the bill is to make it a more severe violation to remove your standard exhaust and replace it with custom, after-market parts which, in theory, make your motorcycle louder. Avid biker, Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger, has yet to make a statement on whether or not he will sign the bill by September 30th. If passed, the bill would require bikes to have an EPA label that certifies that the exhaust system doesn't exceed 80 decibels (about the same as a vacuum) and is clean burning. They are claiming that first time offenders will get "fix-it" tickets with a fine of $100 that will be voided if the exhaust is fixed, however if your bike doesn't meet standards after the first charge you can possibly pay up to $250. Other major cities have already passed similar laws including Boston and Denver, but most bikers and product manufacturers feel that the change in standards will effect sales and performance of custom bikes.
Imre Szauter, who works for the AMA stated "We're never going to advocate breaking the law, what we're trying to advocate is reasonable choices to allow consumers to customize their vehicles."
The Motorcycle Lawyer appreciates all views on this matter so feel free to let us know what you think.
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