Spark Arrestors
 

What's the score with spark arrestors in the US? We'll be shipping our bikes (BMW X Challenge and X Country) into the US and then riding up into Canada and then down to south America.
The standard exhausts including catalytic converter have been removed and a open/race can fitted, will this cause us a problem?

Cheers
Pete

Open/race can
 

Not legal for off road in Montana. Great for getting negative attention of cops in most lands. Will help build a negative image for motorcyclists. Noise is often cited for land closures around here.

You're fine unless you go off road, in the US at least. Don't know about Canada. The spark arrestors are a forestry service thing, they don't want sparks from your exhaust, however unlikely, to start a fire. If you're staying on public roads your existing cans are fine. Honestly, you could most likely get by without them if your current exhausts are somewhat close to stock noise levels, but for the sake of karma, if you're going offroad I'd suggest getting some cheap take-off stock exhausts for that portion at least and getting rid of them when you're done.

Some not-too-fascinating, but applicable reading-

An Introduction to Spark Arrestors SPARK ARRESTERS AND THE PREVENTION OF WILDLAND FIRES

Spark Arrester Law

US Forest Service OHV Regulations in Colorado

Thanks for the replies guys. The aftermarket cans are only just over standard noise levels, they were installed to remove the cat and save a heap of weight.
Is it possible to purchase "add on" arrestors to fit to existing cans?
Cheers
Pete

You can make one as all they are is a wire mesh, l used JB welded to fix a fine stainless steel mesh across a seation of the removable baffle on my arrow exhaust.

I didn't realise that's all they were :blushing: I go find some mesh (what is holes/how fine?)

You must have the factory label with the Forest Service approval stamped into the spark arrester or it is not legal.


Currently, a significant number of States, municipalities, federally managed lands, and all USDA Forest Service regions require that all internal or external combustion engines must be equipped with a spark arrester that meets the requirements established by the SAE Standard J335 or USDA Forest Service Specification 5100-1. The Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR 261.52, and orders written by USDA Forest Service line officers explain the requirements.