By Bill Shaw, member of MOA

I recently read several online editorials about how motorcycles produce significantly more greenhouse hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide than cars do. One article in particular, replete with supporting data, suggests that bikes create disproportionately more pollution than other vehicles and are an extremely “dirty” presence in our society. My initial reaction was one of disbelief and indignation as I worried about the negative impact these articles may have on our image as responsible and conscientious riders. So, I decided to dig deeper.

I was surprised to learn that carbon monoxide emissions from motorcycles (and scooters) are, in fact, considerably worse than cars. And while there have been improvements in the last 15 years to control and curb these toxic emissions, they still pale in comparison to cars because of the lower pollution standards imposed on motorcycles and a lack of enforcement.

But these articles rarely tell the whole story. Environmental impact, as I also learned, is not just about emissions; the total carbon footprint of each type of vehicle must be considered. For example, the impact we have on our infrastructure is significantly less because motorcycles are smaller and weigh substantially less than a car, SUV, or 18-wheeler. Bikes also make up the smallest fraction of registered vehicles in the U.S. – less than 1%. And although the EPA lists transportation as the primary source of greenhouse emissions in the U.S. (29%), cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes are named, but not motorcycles. Additionally, we have the advantages of mobility, parking, and lower operating costs, particularly as it relates to fuel consumption. Another environmental benefit is that it requires fewer materials to build a motorcycle than a car or truck.

Motorcycle manufacturers continue to work towards decreasing greenhouse emissions through technological advancements. Fuel injection, ride-by-wire, 3-way catalytic converters, electronic rider aids and On-Board Diagnostics monitoring systems are just some improvements made to increase efficiency while simultaneously lowering emissions. And as advancements in battery technology continue to improve, electric motorcycles are becoming a more attractive option for riders. The European Union also implemented its more stringent Euro 5 emission standard on newly certified motorcycles to further lower carbon greenhouse gasses, which includes BMWs produced after January 1, 2020. This is noteworthy because the Euro 4 and 5 standards have had an impact on other international bike markets like India, Japan and China, as well as the U.S.

So, is it fair to compare my F 850 GS, which weighs about 500 pounds and averages 54 mpg, to a Peterbilt 579 semi-truck, weighing almost 9 tons and getting 10 miles per gallon (sans trailer)? A prudent and reasonable person wouldn’t think so.

In spite of evidence to the contrary, there are those who are attempting to tarnish our image by insinuating that motorcycle riding is still more toxic to our environment, literally and figuratively, than most other forms of private and public transportation. And while the “loud pipes save lives” crowd, squids with less-restrictive mufflers, and those who illegally install exhausts that circumvent catalytic converters aren’t doing us any favors, the truth is that riding on two wheels is more environmentally responsible than riding on four, six or eighteen.

There’s no denying that humans are responsible for climate change and that extreme storms, droughts, floods and wildfires will continue for the foreseeable future. This is a complex issue that has been generations in the making. Though our contribution to greenhouse gasses might be small in comparison to other sources, we need to be aware of how we’re perceived and understand the impact our avocation has on the environment. I’m satisfied knowing that the motorcycle industry is at least going in the right direction by reducing greenhouse gasses. It’s also good to know that BMW will continue to spearhead this effort while simultaneously producing the most technologically advanced motorcycles in the world.

 

Published with kind permission of the Editor of the BMW Owners News, Journal of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (MOA) and with kind permission from the author, Bill Shaw.