Posted April 27, 2006

Ask the Experts

I got a ticket riding in the forest because of my exhaust and I need to know what I should do. I don’t think this is right.
John Marshall
Canton, Ohio

John, you didn’t give us much information to work with so we will have to approach this from several different angles and not only help you out but hopefully everyone else out there who rides on public property so they don’t get tickets.

Tickets for exhaust normally fall into one of two categories: too loud or the spark arrestor has been removed or tampered with.

If you we were using your stock exhaust and muffler, then my guess is that you removed your spark arrestor.

This will cause two problems, First, you are most likely exceeding the designated sound limit for the area. Many states and the U.S. Forest Service hold OHVs to a 96-decibel sound limit. Secondly, you could have possibly started a forest fire and if you do you could be held liable for thousands, if not millions, of dollars in damages to fight the fire.

Every ATV we know of comes from the manufacturer with a U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrestor muffler that is quiet.

Many mufflers are sealed and are relatively maintenance free. Some have a spark arrestor that can be removed so you can keep it clean and working properly.

On other stock mufflers, to keep them clean and working properly you place a shop rag over the end of the muffler and rev the engine after you have removed a plate or plug. Then don’t forget to reinstall the plate or plug. If you don't, your spark-arrested muffler won't work properly and will exceed the sound limits.

The other problem you may have is that you have removed the stock muffler and head pipe and installed an aftermarket exhaust system.

You need to make sure before you buy an aftermarket exhaust that it is clearly stamped with a U.S. Forest Service stamp of approval. If there isn’t one, then you are most likely back to the same two infractions—no spark arrestor and too loud!

Just about every aftermarket exhaust company makes and sells an exhaust that is U.S. Forest Service approved and will meet the 96-decibel limits.

All aftermarket exhausts will require maintenance to keep them quiet and the spark arrestor working properly. Before you even get started, stop by your local ATV dealer and pick up a packing kit, made for your brand of exhaust. It will contain the correct material and the correct amount and instructions to repack your muffler.

Many exhausts have bolts that hold on the end cap. Others have pop rivets that you will have to drill out. After removing the exhaust core, follow the packing material instructions and put your exhaust back together.

If the pipe you are considering buying doesn't meet both of these requirements—U.S. Forest Service approved and quiet—don’t spend your hard-earned dollars. All you will be doing is spending more money later on tickets.

Even if you never cause a forest fire, your loud exhaust can be all it takes to get ATVs banned from our favorite trails.

Doug Morris is director of the All-Terrain Vehicle Association and has a lot of experience working on quads. He firmly believes in quiet pipes.

© 2006, All Terrain Vehicle Association