In 2013, Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 extended the number of L categories and updated the implementation dates of the Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards. The updated regulation explicitly applies to hybrid vehicles. The regulation sets stricter emission standards for hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). Euro 4 also introduces Level 1 OBD requirements for motorcycles and tricycles. The declaration of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as part of the type-approval process is now mandatory. Gradual introduction of Euro 5/6 requirements. A number of requirements have been added or modified after the original Euro 5/6 validity date. Several sub-steps of the Euro 5/6 standards can be defined, including: emissions tests. Emissions are tested via the Worldwide harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC) chassis dynamometer, which replaced the previous NEDC test.

Real driving emission (RDE) requirements were phased in from 2017 to control real-world vehicle emissions through emissions testing outside the laboratory. Update of the ICCT Directive of the European Motor Vehicle Directive: The proposed emission standards for two- and three-wheeled vehicles in Europe Euro 4 entered into force on 1 January 2017 for all new models, while existing models have been given an additional year to be updated to meet changing standards. The 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 (left) is Euro 5 compliant, with an updated 955cc V-twin engine and a silencer with “major improved sealing catalysts”. However, the engine of the 2020 Panigale V4 S and R models is unchanged and they are counted as Euro 4 compliant return models. However, the biggest blow will likely come 12 months later, as existing models will need to be compliant from January 1, 2021. At present, the EU does not say whether companies will get exemptions – a grace period to sell a limited number of older non-compliant models. Under the Euro 4 standard, the EU granted a two-year exemption period after it came into effect in January 2017, meaning that motorcycles like Suzuki`s non-compliant Hayabusa would remain in showrooms until the end of 2019. There is no doubt that a similar regime will increasingly be requested under the Euro 5 standard as the transposition date approaches. The new rules actually stem from the same piece of legislation that introduced Euro 4; Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 on the approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles.

It was adopted in early 2013 and established a tiered route to reduce bicycle emissions over a period of several years. In January 2016, Euro 4 rules applied to all newly homologated motorcycles. In January 2017, the same rules applied to existing models – although bike manufacturers managed to use the so-called “exemption” to get another two years of leniency to continue selling a small number of Euro 3 bikes until the end of 2018. “The problem is temperature control. At the beginning of the test cycle, you are working on a cold bike, so warming up an air-cooled engine takes longer than a water-cooled bike with a thermostat that can shut off the flow of coolant to the radiator. Once an air-cooled bike starts moving, you have 100% cooling, so it takes longer to warm up. Even in the later stages of the test cycle, when the motorcycle warms up, it is also unable to control the upper temperature limits, so it starts producing more NOx when the combustion chamber reaches higher temperatures than the corresponding water-cooled engine. Under the Euro 4 standard, motorcycles needed an OBD-I system that monitors the circuit and emission control system failures. Euro 5 prescribes OBD Stage II, which adds misfire detection and oxygen sensor deterioration. Euro 5 also proposed adding monitoring of catalytic converters, but this has been postponed until 2025. “To reduce these hydrocarbons, you do as much as possible with the catalyst, because it`s a nicer solution and when the catalysts are hot, they get a very high conversion efficiency. They can easily have over 95% conversion efficiency, which is great.

But before they get hot, you really struggle. Learn more about Bennett`s bike insurance and, if you own more than one bike, check out our multi-bike insurance, which allows you to cover up to four bikes. NOx emissions must be measured for all Euro 6 vehicles – passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. On-road PN emissions are measured for all Euro 6 vehicles for which a PN limit is set (diesel and RIB).