The California 2 Stroke (no it's not some new stupid dance)

[Corsair]

What makes a California certified 2 stroke, certifiable. Why are some 2 strokes allowed but not others? What are their standards?

[Drumwoulf]

What makes a California certified 2 stroke, certifiable. Why are some 2 strokes allowed but not others? What are their standards?

Less pollution...

[illnoise]

What makes a California certified 2 stroke, certifiable. Why are some 2 strokes allowed but not others? What are their standards?

To keep it simple (I'm sure it's pages and pages of regulations), California has had more stringent environmental standards than the rest of the country for many years. In fact, Vespa pulled out of the US in the 80s mainly because they couldn't meet California standards, and California is a huge market because of the weather and hipsters and traffic.

So it doesn't specifically outlaw 2-strokes, but it sets limits on emissions, and 2-strokes burn oil with the gas to lubricate the piston, so by nature, they emit more dangerous gasses. Most 50ccs meet their standards, so they're allowed. A higher-displacement 2-stroke with (hypothetically) electronic fuel injection, a catalytic converter, and other high-tech emissions reduction, could conceivably pass their standards, but a Stella, for instance, uses older technology that pollutes quite a bit.

The benefit of a 2-stroke engine is simplicity and power, but no one cares about simplicity anymore, and a modern four-strokes are reliable and powerful, so most manufacturers have phased out their bigger 2-stroke engines because the EU and California and other places have much tighter emissions standards than they used to. Dirtbikes and MX bikes, for instance, used to be exclusively 2-stroke engines, but they've switched over in the last several years. Even Taiwan recently improved their standards, so you'll likely see fuel injection on next year's Buddy models.

Bryan

[gt1000]

Even Taiwan recently improved their standards, so you'll likely see fuel injection on next year's Buddy models.

Really? Seems sort of a shame. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for more precise fuel delivery and cleaner air, but FI on a Buddy (or any small scoot) seems like complexity overkill. FI makes things very tough for the home mechanic and effectively eliminates the kick start option.

Also, a lot of folks with fuel injected motorcycles still seem convinced that many companies have not perfected the fine art of fuel injecting motorcycles. Throttle response can be abrupt or non-linear and the need for high output fuel pumps increases the possibility of fuel leaks. Personally, I would not buy a new fuel injected model in its first year or two of production.

[kazoo]

So then, what's the story with the Rattler 110?

Much thanks,

Kaz

To keep it simple <edited by Kaz>

[BGK]

So then, what's the story with the Rattler 110?

Much thanks,

Kaz

To keep it simple <edited by Kaz>

It passes as well. If it didn't pass, they can't legally sell it. The Rattler is a fun bike stock but you can tell it's just a tiger waiting to get out of the cage due to the efforts to get it approved. I've heard good things about the pipe, but I think with some real tuning with the intake and exhaust it could really fly.

[illnoise]

It passes as well.

Yep, that was the "hypothetical" bike, ha. I knew there was at least one that passed, but I blanked out.

There might be other exceptions too, but in most cases, if you see an over-50cc bike advertised as "CA legal," it's a lie.

Bb.

[nissanman]

There is another bike too, the Daelim Delfino I think. It's a 100cc 2t. Jason from the Motorcycle Shop in San Antonio TX has a modified Rattler. Larger carb etc, says it flies off the line. He wants to put some different gears in it to get a higher top speed.

[ericalm]

Why not 2-stroke Stella in CA?

From what I've heard, it's not the emissions. It's mechanical. CA has some requirements (like the evap hose, etc.) that the Stellas hasn't yet implemented. But could. And should...