Q. What is the "emissions system"? How does it work?
A. Technically, the "emissions system" is best called an "evaporative fuel vapor control system". It is a set of parts on nearly all fuel injected (and most carburated) vehicles worldwide. The system is designed to reduce the amount of fuel vapor (gasoline fumes) that is released into the air. Refer to the included diagram to better understand how the system works. Gasoline fumes are sucked out of the tank through the GAS TANK VENT HOSE. The fumes are "stored" in the CANISTER. The canister is packed with an absorbent material, which is usually activated carbon. Under certain engine conditions, the stored fumes are sucked back out of the canister under engine vacuum. The fumes travel through hoses to the intake ports, where the fumes are mixed with the engine's normal fuel-air mixture.
Q. Why is it on my bike? Is it illegal to remove it?
A. Simply put, the system is required by California law. Since Ducati (or any other bike/car manufacturor) doesn't want to make a different version of every bike to sell in each state, they build their U.S. bikes to the strictest emissions standards in the U.S. Since California has the strictest emissions laws, all Ducatis sold in the USA are built to California specs. Similar situations are true for other countries. For the USA, it is perfectly legal to remove the emissions equipment if you live in any state but California. Technically, it is illegal to remove the emissions equipment in California, if you use the bike on public roads. However, this rule is very rarely, if ever, enforced.
Q. Why would I want to remove it?
A. There are several reasons. The most common reasons are weight savings and cosmetics. Simply put, the emissions control equipment is ugly to many people. There are several feet of black vacuum hoses as well as various hose fittings and the infamous "emissions canister" (can) that clutter up the clean lines of the bike. As well, performance-minded people see the emissions equipment as un-needed weight. Removing it makes the bike slightly lighter, which means you can accelerate faster and turn harder. There are other reasons too; for example, many people find that it's more difficult to work on their bike with all this extra equipment in the way. Another important reason is reliability. (See below)
Q. Why will removing the emissions system improve the reliability of my bike?
A. Vacuum leaks! As any experienced mechanic knows, vacuum leaks can be a major hassle when it comes to getting your engine running at its best. A minor leak will cause rough running and poor fuel economy. A major one can result in stalling, lugging, surging, or worse! A vacuum leak occurs where there is a broken hose, leaky connection, or some other "hole" in the intake of the bike that is open to the atmosphere. If you have a vacuum leak for a long time, foreign material such as dirt, sand, etc. can be sucked into the engine which will cause it to wear out very quickly. The emissions system on the average Ducati presents a HUGE number of potential vacuum leaks. There are several feet of hoses that could deteriorate and leak. There are numerous hose connections and hose fittings that have the potential to come loose or leak. There is also the possibility of the emissions canister itself failing. In fact, if it weren't for the emissions system, it would be impossible for the bike to develop a vacuum leak, unless there was a catastrophic engine failure! If you have an older bike with many miles on it, there's a chance you have a leak already. Properly removing the emissions equipment will solve this problem.
Q. I have heard that the factory emissions equipment can cause problems with a very full gas tank. Is this true? Will removing the emissions gear fix that?
A. Yes. If you fill up your tank "too full" (or sometimes just "full"), it is common that the emissions canister will become flooded with a lot of gas. This will then make your bike run very rich until the excess gas is "used up". While this will probably not damage your bike, it will make it run rough, and if it happens a lot, can contribute to excess carbon buildup in the cylinders and exhaust ports. Properly removing the emissions equipment, such as using our kit, will ELIMINATE this problem.
Q. Will removing the emissions equipment affect how my bike runs?
A. Not at all! The emissions equipment has nothing to do with the normal function of your engine. If properly removed, you will NOT harm the performance of your bike in the slightest. In fact, you can actually IMPROVE it slightly. Note that we said "properly removed"! Like any work performed on a vehicle, it is possible for an amateur job to cause problems. We sell a kit designed to do a professional job when removing your emissions gear. It has the directions and parts needed to do the job right. If you are a performance enthusist who likes to keep your bike tuned for maximum performance, removing the emissions equipment can allow you reach a higher state of tune than you could previously. It removes a lot of the randomness and sensitivity to enviornmental conditions which can cloud Dyno readings or negitively impact engine adjustments. This is a must if you are a racer and are trying to squeeze that last little bit of power out of your engine.
Q. Is removing the emissions equipment difficult? Will I mess up my bike?
A. If you can use basic hand tools, such as a screwdriver and a wrench, you should have no problem removing the emissions equipment. The key is to work slowly and carefully. Special tools an procedures are NOT required. If you follow the directions then you will not have any problems.
Q. I notice that you are selling different kits to remove the emissions system. Do I need one?
A. Technically, it is possible to remove the emissions equipment without a kit of any sort. You will, however, require some parts (such as hose, some kind of plugs or sealant, etc.). If you do not buy a kit you are on your own with locating the correct parts. The kits we sell offer several advantages over the average amateur job. First, they include complete instructions. Second is attention to detail: By using the kit you will save the maximum possible amount of weight. As well, our specially machined plugs enable you to remove the emissions hoses all the way up to the intake ports themselves. This not only maximizes weight savings, but it is MUCH more reliable than simply plugging hoses or capping fittings. We include a special sealant to ensure that these plugs will never fall out and will never leak--even after years of hard service on the street or on the track. All the materials used in the kit were chosen by an engineer for this exact application. There is nothing that can rust and thereby affect the appearance of your bike. All the materials are heat resistant and will survive vibration, weather, and chemicals (oil, gasoline) they will be exposed to.
