What is the function of the motorcycle catalytic converter?

Are you undecided about whether to buy an exhaust fitted with a catalytic converter or without one?

In this article we will explain to you clearly and simply what catalytic converters are, how they work, and why they are important for our bikes and the environment.

What are catalytic converters?

Motorcycle catalytic converters are components whose job is to abate harmful emissions of engine exhaust, promoting its oxidation.

Catalysts are devices that serve, in effect, to accelerate a chemical reaction, facilitating it and reducing the energy required to make it happen.

In practice, thanks to the catalyst, the chemical reaction can take place more quickly and with less energy.

What is the primary function of a catalyst?

Motorcycle catalysts are devices installed in the exhaust systems of motorcycles to reduce harmful gas emissions to the environment.

As with car catalytic converters, motorcycle catalytic converters are also constructed from specific materials such as platinum, palladium and rhodium, which can accelerate chemical reactions between exhaust gases.

Specifically, the motorcycle catalyst works through a process of oxidation and reduction that transforms toxic substances in exhaust gases into less harmful substances, such as water and carbon dioxide.

Thereby, thanks to catalysts we are able to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, with the natural consequence of improving the air we breathe.

How are motorcycle catalytic converters made and how do they work?

The motorcycle catalytic converter is placed inside the exhaust system, close to the engine, and functions as a filter that reduces the pollutants in the exhaust gases emitted from the motorcycle.

In addition, the catalytic converter is responsible-along with the motorcycle exhaust-for reducing the noise of the exhaust itself. Not only that, the catalytic converter is able to increase the performance of the engine especially in the low-to-medium rpm range.

In fact, without its use, it is possible to experience a minimal loss of torque at low revs, as well as greater explosiveness at high revs.

MotoDecibel: your shop for motorcycle sports exhaust

Inside the individual product sheets of MotoDecibel sport exhausts you will find the description and technical specifications.

With a couple of clicks you will be able to find out immediately if the exhaust you have chosen for your motorcycle is sold with or without the catalytic converter.

For example, this exhaust GPR Aprilia Leonardo is sold without the catalytic converter.

Also, please remember to read the specific descriptions of individual exhausts: the approved ones in our online store contain the word "Homologated" in the product description.

For any doubts or inquiries please contact us directly: our consultants will be able to give you the answers you are looking for.

You can write us via WhatsApp, or you can forward us your request by filling out the form at Contact.

We look forward to seeing you in MotoDecibel!