Key Takeaways
Are slip-on exhausts legal? Here’s what you need to know:
- Different states and municipalities have different noise ordinances. Check your local decibel output requirements to make sure you’re installing road-legal motorcycle exhaust slip-ons.
- The federal Clean Air Act’s anti-tampering law prohibits the removal or modification of your motorcycle’s emissions system.
- Some aftermarket parts are for off-road use only. If you use them on public roadways, you assume full responsibility for making sure they comply with both federal and local regulations.
- The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states that a motorcycle manufacturer cannot deny your warranty coverage just because you installed an aftermarket part. They must prove that the aftermarket part caused the mechanical failure.
- You may need to notify your insurance company of the modification to ensure that it aligns with your policy and its value is covered.
- A road-legal motorcycle exhaust mod must not affect your bike’s safety, must be installed correctly, and must be able to pass periodic safety inspections (if applicable in your state).
Are slip-on exhausts legal? As you can imagine, we get this question a lot here at Boneshakers. The quick answer is that our slip-on mufflers are generally street legal because they keep your emissions system intact. However, it’s very important to check your local noise ordinances.
The following is not legal advice, but these tips might prevent you from getting on the wrong side of the law. Always review your state or county’s individual ordinances.
Know Your Area’s Motorcycle Noise Laws
Noise ordinances vary by state and municipality. If your goal is to make some noise, you’ll need road-legal motorcycle exhaust slip-ons that don't produce volume levels over your local decibel requirements.
Some areas have specific decibel limits. Others leave it up to the officer’s discretion. While exhaust laws aren’t always strictly enforced, don’t give law enforcement a secondary reason to pull you over. Some (not all) officers will let loudness slide as long as you’re riding safely.
Don’t Touch the Emissions System
Are slip-on exhausts legal if you modify or remove the bike’s emissions system? Absolutely not. That’s a big no-no. The federal Clean Air Act includes anti-tampering laws that make it illegal to knowingly alter, remove, or disable emissions controls, such as a catalytic converter.
At Boneshakers, we make road-legal motorcycle exhaust slip-ons that use a cat-back system that keeps your ride’s emissions system fully intact. Besides being law-friendly, our all cat-back system uses the bike’s existing mounting points and hardware for a quick and easy installation. That said, it does count as a modification to existing emissions systems, so you may need to confirm that it meets legal requirements for where you live and ride.
Quick Tips on Warranty & Insurance Coverage
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states that manufacturers cannot void your bike’s warranty coverage just because you installed an aftermarket component. To deny coverage, they must prove the part caused the mechanical failure.
You might need to notify your insurance company of the modification to make sure the value is covered and that your policy doesn’t need to be changed.
Be Ready to Pass Safety Inspections
As long as they’re installed correctly, our road-legal motorcycle exhaust slip-ons shouldn’t cause any issues at safety inspections (if applicable in your state).
Know How Aftermarket Parts Are Classified
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) sets the gold standard for how emissions-related aftermarket parts are classified, and many part manufacturers use their classifications nationwide.
Are slip-on exhausts legal? That depends on how they’re classified by the CARB. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Replacement
- Replacement parts are functionally the same as stock parts. They don’t alter your bike’s emissions system in any way, making them 100% legal.
Executive Order (EO)
- EO parts have been evaluated by the CARB and granted an official pass because they don’t negatively affect emissions.
- EO numbers make these road-legal motorcycle exhaust parts allowed on public roadways, but the legal status may only apply to specific brands and models.
- For example, the EO number for an aftermarket part designed for a Harley-Davidson Touring or Softail model may not apply to an Indian Scout.
Competition Use Only
- Competition-use-only parts are strictly reserved for use during closed-course competitions. If you use them on public roads, you accept all responsibility for the potential legal problems that could occur.
Reach Out to the Community
You don’t need to be a wrencher to be part of the modding community! Bikers tend to be a friendly bunch, and we’re happy to help whenever we can.
If you’re not sure if you’re buying road-legal motorcycle exhaust parts, check with other riders. There are plenty of forums and social media channels where you can ask real riders about their experiences. Feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions.
Buy From a Trusted Source
Are slip-on exhausts legal if you buy from a reputable seller? Yes, buying from an established business is one of the best and easiest ways to protect yourself from legal hurdles.
With that said, it’s important to recognize that the buyer has the responsibility to choose aftermarket parts that align with local rules and regulations. For example, if you hit the highway with parts that are meant and sold for off-road use only, that’s on you.
Shop Road-Legal Motorcycle Exhaust Slip-Ons
Boneshakers is where in-the-know riders get their motorcycle slip-on mufflers. Our cat-back system prevents problems with the law, so just make sure you don’t have unusually strict noise ordinances in your area.
We make slip-ons with three distinct volume levels: Boneshakers are our quietest slip-ons. They still bring the roar, but they’re a great choice if you’re worried about noise ordinances. Bullies are our loudest slip-ons; they’re nearly deafening. Jackhammers sit in the middle.
Call 252-732-0372 or email info@getboneshakers.com if you’re not sure which slip-on exhausts are legal in your area. We’ll help you make an informed decision. Give your bike the rockstar treatment with road-legal motorcycle exhaust slip-ons!