Proposed inspection changes

[kbroderick]

Haven't had a time to read 'em yet, but they are taking public comments.

http://dmv.vermont.gov/dmv_info/rules

[Uncle Snake]

It is 118 fucking pages long!

[markbvt]

The changes are outlined in the first few pages. The most onerous change is this:
Reject vehicle if:
4. Any exhaust system manufactured after December 31, 1982 fails to be labeled in a readily visible position that it meets Federal EPA noise emission requirements.

A lot of bikes' stock exhausts don't have the label in a "readily visible" position, so this clause is bullshit, and people should make use of the public comment process to tell the Powers That Be so.

--mark

[Kurlon]

Maine tackled that a different way, no exhaust system can be louder than what shipped on the bike stock.

[markbvt]

With so many states adding these types of regulations, I'll be curious to see whether aftermarket exhaust manufacturers respond by offering quieter replacement exhausts.

It's a bit ironic that Vermont is including this in the inspection manual, as I'm pretty sure there's no sound level regulation in the general highway code.

--mark

[NobodySpecific]

I sent in a comment since it's nearly impossible to read the stamp on my exhaust, and it is 100% stock. With that proposed wording I believe my bike would possibly fail inspection.

[drop]

With so many states adding these types of regulations, I'll be curious to see whether aftermarket exhaust manufacturers respond by offering quieter replacement exhausts.

won't be too hard. all they have to do:

- take existing aftermarket exhaust design
- include silencer tip to meet dB requirements
- secure the tip's mount bolt with a small, easily removable tack weld
- continue selling legal parts

this is already done on akrapovic's factory exhausts that have emissions/epa stamps on them. if the buyer chooses to remove the tip, that's their problem.

[Kurlon]

won't be too hard. all they have to do:

- take existing aftermarket exhaust design
- include silencer tip to meet dB requirements
- secure the tip's mount bolt with a small, easily removable tack weld
- continue selling legal parts

this is already done on akrapovic's factory exhausts that have emissions/epa stamps on them. if the buyer chooses to remove the tip, that's their problem.

Won't work in Maine, as per the inspection book a 'baffle' does not constitute a muffler.

And what Akra's are EPA approved?!

[markbvt]

I sent in a comment since it's nearly impossible to read the stamp on my exhaust, and it is 100% stock. With that proposed wording I believe my bike would possibly fail inspection.

Same with my V-Strom -- in fact, I think the EPA compliance notice isn't even on the exhaust, but on a sticker affixed to the frame. On my Honda, it's a sticker attached to the rear fender. Obviously it would still be there if I changed the exhaust... but not if I left the stock exhaust but got an aftermarket fender.

--mark

[soloithtz]

I've been running a straight pipe all year and have had no issues with the police. I think that the local town cops don't have the db test meters available too them and if they do, don't know how to legally perform the test. As long as you keep it down on the roads you consistantly travel on around where you live you should be fine. I'm more cautious around the state troopers, but most of the time they are bombing past me pushin 90 anyway. I don't see these proposed laws going into effect anytime soon just for the simple fact that there are so many aftermarket slipons and exhausts out there already, it would be too much work for them to bust everyone. Think they would rather stick to hitting up the local D&Ds and cruising the local highschools for chicks!

[NobodySpecific]

I've been running a straight pipe all year and have had no issues with the police. I think that the local town cops don't have the db test meters available too them and if they do, don't know how to legally perform the test. As long as you keep it down on the roads you consistantly travel on around where you live you should be fine. I'm more cautious around the state troopers, but most of the time they are bombing past me pushin 90 anyway. I don't see these proposed laws going into effect anytime soon just for the simple fact that there are so many aftermarket slipons and exhausts out there already, it would be too much work for them to bust everyone. Think they would rather stick to hitting up the local D&Ds and cruising the local highschools for chicks!

This has nothing to do with the police at all, this is about being denied an inspection sticker (potentially for bogus reasons).

[soloithtz]

I know I was just trying to relate

[SVenpointsixtwo]

There's a really easy solution to this... someone just needs to print up some stickers that can be slapped on the aftermarket exhaust of your choice. Insta-EPA approval! The inspection says nothing about actually performing a db test, just looking for the label.

Edit: Since when is the Environmental Protection Agency so concerned about noise emissions anyway? I wasn't aware that dbs killed trees.

[keeena]

And what Akra's are EPA approved?!

Yeah, there are some that are street legal; have one on my RSVR:
Akra slip-on
Akra full sys

Both have catalytic converters and meet dB limits w/ the baffle. Baffles remove in a minute btw - just 1 screw and it pops out. Not obnoxiously loud with the baffle out...I doubt anybody would feel provoked to test it.

[NobodySpecific]

I know I was just trying to relate

Except in your example you said it would be too much work to bust everyone, but that's because they would have to take the time to pull you over, test your exhaust, write the ticket, and possibly defend it in court. The inspection station just has to look for the label and issue a rejection sticker. There is no long drawn out process, since we have to go to them, they don't have to come after us.

[markbvt]

The inspection station just has to look for the label and deny you an inspection sticker.

Fixed that for you -- no such thing as a rejection sticker, obviously.

--mark

[RandyO]

There's a really easy solution to this... someone just needs to print up some stickers that can be slapped on the aftermarket exhaust of your choice. Insta-EPA approval! The inspection says nothing about actually performing a db test, just looking for the label.

Edit: Since when is the Environmental Protection Agency so concerned about noise emissions anyway? I wasn't aware that dbs killed trees.

EPA is not around to protect trees, its here to protect us from ourselves

long term exposure to sound levels over 85db cause hearing damage

if sound levels can damage human hearing just think what it will do to wildlife hearing

[NobodySpecific]

Fixed that for you -- no such thing as a rejection sticker, obviously.

--mark

Well whatever, I've only ever failed inspection in MA with my car and they most certainly do give you a sticker with a big fat R on it.

[markbvt]

Well whatever, I've only ever failed inspection in MA with my car and they most certainly do give you a sticker with a big fat R on it.

Oh. Here they just tell you you've failed and don't give you anything. I don't think they're allowed to charge you for the failed inspection either -- at least I've never been charged, and I've had both cars and bikes fail.

--mark

[catamount]

Oh. Here they just tell you you've failed and don't give you anything. I don't think they're allowed to charge you for the failed inspection either -- at least I've never been charged, and I've had both cars and bikes fail.

--mark

They are allowed to charge you for their time. And many will.

[Chippertheripper]

if sound levels can damage human hearing just think what it will do to wildlife hearing

Deaf deer will be more apt to wonder right into the path of the unsuspecting motorcyclist. Same goes for cats, possum, raccoon, squirrel, children, bear, and chipmunk. Let's not forget the hearing impaired turtle.

[sandros]

Just posted feed back in the form of the following:

"Given that most motorcycles use noise output as a form of SAFETY, it would be unsafe to add Point #4 under Section 5 (Exhaust System). The noise made by a traveling motorcycle on a highway or a road during the day OR at night can provide protection from motorists, wildlife and pedestrians who typically look past motorcyclists (and bicyclists). Please remove this point for the safety of those that ride. Thank you - Steven Perrins, Class of 2011, UVM College of Medicine, Burlington, VT."