According to the LA Times blog:
Introduced in late February, Senate Bill 435 targets bikes with illegally modified exhaust systems and would go into effect in 2012 if passed and signed by the governor. ...
In pursuing bikes of 280 cc and above made in the 2000 model year and beyond, SB 435 attempts to home in on the size of motorcycle that is more likely to have a modified exhaust system, and an era of bikes equipped with catalytic converters. Motorcycles that employ catalytic converters are more reliant on them to reduce emissions and are at greater risk of becoming gross polluters when those systems are removed.
RoadRacerX has a long article on electric motorcycles that also touches on the smog issue:
Tuesday the L.A. Times reported that CARB—the California Air Resources Board—has decided that motorcycles made after 2000 will now have to be “smogged.” That is, they’ll periodically have to pass an emissions test in order to be registered for use on the street.
All of which makes me wonder: will dual sport bikes be targeted by the proposed law? I have an aftermarket White Brothers exhaust on my 2001 XR650R. I suppose it's "modified", but it's not "illegal" and the bike never had a catalytic converter. Anything can happen, though, as the bill winds through the Legislature. Here's a link to the current text of SB 435, which is worthless since all legislation gets amended. Nevertheless:
This bill would require the department to include Class III model-year 2000 and newer motorcycles in the smog check program beginning January 1, 2012. Because violations of smog checks for motorcycles would be a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. ...
As used in this section, "Class III motorcycle" means a motorcycle containing an engine with a displacement of 280 cubic centimeters or greater.
I've been thinking of getting a DRZ 400, but maybe I'll reconsider and look for a 250-class bike. Here's a review from Rider Magazine: Honda’s 2008 CRF230L, Yamaha’s 2009 XT250, and Kawasaki’s revamped 2009 KLX250S.
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