When you think of a catalytic converter, you probably don’t think of a motorcycle since, to my mind, catalytic converters are more closely associated with automobiles than with motorcycles. However, there are a small number of motorcycle owners that don’t use a catalytic converter.
Motorcycle owners should try to obtain newer model bikes that have catalytic converters installed. The purpose of catalytic converters on bikes will be discussed in this article, their operation, how they are maintained, and how to avoid them in the future.
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What Is a Catalytic Converter?
The exhaust system of your motorcycle, car, truck, or watercraft will include a catalytic converter. It catalyzes processes that turn pollution from combustion engines into less hazardous gasses.
When catalytic converters were first introduced in the 1970s, they were referred to as “two-way” devices since they only transformed carbon monoxide and unburned gasoline particles into less damaging carbon dioxide and water.
In the 1980s, “three-way” catalytic converters were developed, cutting nitrogen oxide emissions, one of the most harmful pollutants. Depending on its age, your motorcycle may have one or the other of these problems.
Do Motorcycles Have Catalytic Converters?
Exhaust systems on most modern motorcycles employ catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions. However, catalytic converters are not found on all bikes. However, as global pollution requirements continue to rise, the inclusion of catalytic converters in motorcycles is becoming more and more widespread.
Catalytic converters are widely regarded as one of the most influential innovations in car emissions reduction. Motorcycle manufacturers are being forced to install converters into their exhaust systems as global pollution limits for automobiles continue to rise.
Catalytic converters will be fitted in the exhaust systems of an increasing number of motorcycle models in the future years.
What Is The Purpose Of A Motorcycle Catalytic Converter?
The catalytic converter does not reside in the exact location as it does in automobiles. The cat-converter is located near the headers on bikes. Since the aesthetics of the exhaust are so crucial in the motorcycle business, you won’t find it in the same places as you would at a vehicle dealership.
It works by limiting the number of harmful gases that may enter the atmosphere. The cat-converter reduces the number of hazardous gases by using redox processes. There is a reduction catalyst comprised of Rhodium and Platinum. Reduce the number of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere; it helps. The catalyst removes nitrogen atoms in nitrogen oxide molecules.
Pure oxygen is generated and expelled as a consequence. Then, there is a different process going on at the same time. The other catalyst converts carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide by adding extra oxygen to the molecules. There is no question that carbon dioxide is much less dangerous than carbon monoxide.
Where Are Catalytic Converters In Motorcycles?
Typically, the catalytic converter might be near the pipes or in the exhaust itself, depending on where the motorcycle’s exhaust system is positioned. The exact position of the catalytic converter is determined by the bike’s type and size, as well as the aesthetic impact.
If the catalytic converter is packed with the muffler, the bike’s appearance will be maintained. In other cases, the converter is tucked into the header just before the muffler is installed. Catalytic converters may be placed in the exhaust pipes of larger bikes with a lot of horsepower and CC, precisely as they are in cars.
Alternatively, the converter may be housed in a steel box between the expansion chamber and the exhaust bend. Exhaust pipes may be identified by looking for a box or cylindrical protrusion.
How Much Is A Motorcycle Catalytic Converter Cost?
A catalytic converter for a motorcycle costs roughly $100. A product’s price might rise or fall based on quality and the materials utilized. You may get a terrific price if you go to a scrapyard. Used cat-converters are simple to get by and do not come at a high price.
A catalytic converter may be purchased for as little as $50. However, the amount you pay will be determined by the cost of the raw elements used within, such as Rhodium, Platinum, and Palladium.
Catalytic Converter Safety Tips
A faulty catalytic converter causes air pollution, and it may also affect your vehicle’s performance. Because of this, it is ensuring that your motorcycle’s catalytic converter is in excellent functioning order is essential.
Here are some recommendations for keeping your vehicle’s catalytic converter in excellent operating order:
- In your motorcycle, always use unleaded gasoline. Leaded gasoline may affect the catalytic converter, resulting in hazardous emissions.
- Maintain the engine’s performance. The catalytic converter may overheat due to a poorly functioning engine, causing harm to the converter and the car.
- In a high-temperature environment, the catalytic converter operates. An overheated engine may cause the temperature to skyrocket, damaging the converter.
- Stop riding and switch off your engine if it is misfiring, stalling, backfiring, or otherwise not functioning correctly.
Verdict
Catalytic converters are both necessary and beneficial. As a bike rider, though, you may be irritated by these realities. As a result, you don’t want a cat converter since it reduces the speed and power of your motorcycle. Consequently, you will be causing pollution while gaining greater power from your engine if you don’t have an exhaust system installed.
