The California Air Resources Board (ARB) announced on Thursday, March 7, that it has fined Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan $3,020,000 to settle violations of California regulations related to off-highway motorcycles. The violations are due to failing to comply with requirements for dual calibrated emissions systems.
Off-road biking is very popular in Bakersfield, Kern County, and the San Joaquin Valley, which currently has some of the worst air quality in the nation.
Dual calibrations within the emission control system allow owners to add aftermarket devices to alter engine controls for higher performance. However, this also increases emissions that can form smog. The systems are prohibited in California if they are undisclosed to ARB prior to sale and if they are easily accessible by the owner.
Suzuki officials themselves initially reported the problem to ARB and have cooperated to resolve the matter. As a result, ARB will suspend $1,812,000 of the fine as long as Suzuki does not produce vehicles with undisclosed calibrations for two years and completes two vehicle emission reduction programs to offset the additional pollution from the dual calibrated vehicles.
The monies collected will be used by ARB to further air quality research.
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