In the April issue of
Cycle World, editor in chief David Edwards exposes the hypocrisy of the California Air Resources Board. Chopper builder and Monster Garage TV star Jesse James was fined 271,250 dollars for the sale of 50 bikes not in
compliance with
California emissions standards, which has the toughest standards in the nation. This from Edwards piece: "Emissions data shows an
uncertified engine in a motorcycle can emit up to 10 times more pollution than a certified one" Which is a damning bit of evidence......... if they had actually tested any of James' bikes......... which, of course, they didn't. James himself had them tested, and they were found to run clean. This from James: "One of my non-compliant bikes has the same emissions as a
Prius" James offered to retrofit the bikes with the needed parts (different exhaust system and fuel
evaporative recovery system) to bring the bikes into compliance, but
CARB refused. James said in a statement that the board was only interested "in the cash settlement". You see, they don't want cleaner running bikes, they want the money. As soon as the fine was paid, the bikes registrations were reinstated, and the bikes were then California legal. With no additional modifications. Doesn't it give you a warm feeling inside to know that people of such high character are looking out for your welfare? It's kinda like the Mafia, you better pay the tribute to the
greenie weenies if you want to do business in California, or they'll whack your business. Thanks to Cycle World and especially David Edwards for showing
CARB to be what it is, a money grubbing, hypocritical,
bureaucratic fraud.