Motorbike exhaust catalyst: what is it and what is it for?

Motorcycle and engine enthusiast: this is an in-depth look for you.

Today, we will try to clarify your understanding of the motorbike catalytic converter and find out together what it is, what it is used for and why you need to install it.

The function of the catalytic converter

The motorbike catalytic converter serves to reduce pollutant emissions produced by the engine.

In practice, it functions as a filter that transforms harmful exhaust gases into less environmentally damaging substances such as carbon dioxide and water vapour.

This is possible thanks to the presence of a catalytic material inside that reacts with the exhaust gases, facilitating their transformation into less harmful substances.

This component works by converting hydrocarbons into nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide compounds into water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

These gases, which are less harmful, are then released to the external environment through the exhaust of the motorcycle.

What other effects does the catalyst produce?

The catalytic converter, together with the motorbike's exhaust, reduces exhaust noise and thus the decibels emitted.

The catalytic converter also helps protect the environment and improve air quality, which is why it is compulsory to ride on the road and to have the motorbike in compliance with the regulations on pollutant emissions.

It may sound strange, but thanks to the counter-pressures created inside the exhaust system, the catalytic converter manages to increase engine performance, especially at low to medium revs.

Without the aid of the catalytic converter, on the other hand, you might get a slight loss of torque at low revs, compared with a greater explosiveness at high revs.

What do you need to know about the catalytic converter and type approval?

It is important to know that, from 2003 onwards, all motorbikes have a catalytic converter inside the exhaust system, the purpose of which is to reduce pollutant emissions.

Some motorbike models have the catalytic converter in the headers, while others have it inside the final silencer.

If you decide to replace your motorbike's original exhaust with a sports exhaust, check if it is originally fitted with a catalytic converter and if the component you are replacing removes the original catalytic converter.

If the answer is affirmative, the optional catalytic converter must also be purchased in order to circulate on the road legally.

Does Roadsitalia also sell catalytic converters?

Yes, within each product sheet of the Roadsitalia sport exhausts you can see immediately if there is the possibility to purchase the optional catalytic converter.

You will find a specific drop-down menu that will allow you to add or not the catalytic converter in the order of your new sports exhaust.

If you would like to view dedicated sports exhausts for your motorbike, click on the link below and select the make and model of your motorbike.

You will find a list of all exhaust models compatible with it:

ROADSITALIA SPORT EXHAUSTS FOR MOTORCYCLES

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