Gary Sebben wrote:
I would think in a case like that the EPA could just do a simple emissions test like any you would get at the DMV in states that require it. How much more testing needs to be done if all you care about it whats coming out of the tail pipe.
It is QUITE different than that. Manufacturers are not only required to meet certain emissions targets, they are also required to have certain mandatory emmissions related design requirements.
Virtually everything sold in the US with a internal combustion engine today has mandatory emission control devices.
It doesn't matter if the manufacturer can hit the emissions goals without this equipment- if it is required to be on the bike, it must be there.
Further, it must be there in the same fashion as what was approved. If some piece of the bike changed that could possibly impact emissions, then they can be expected to have a problem with it. It doesn't matter if the bike still blows clean, if they approved it with one part, and it has a different part or a different design, they must then verify that it blows as clean or cleaner before approving, while also verifying that the part in question does its particular job as well or better than the original part.
LML has been NOTORIOUS for substituting parts without warning. The front brake, shocks, and tires have all changed midyear with no warning on previous models. Olive Stella's were advertised as getting whitewall tires, but in 2009 later runs showed up with the standard tires, no explanation. Stella shocks used to be quality aftermarket pieces (I forget the manufacturer) but were switched without warning to be knockoffs a few years ago.
Assuming speculation that the holdup is related to emissions issues, I would not be surprised to find that this is a result of LML abruptly deciding to throw other parts onto the bike.
Valves are for wussies.
it'd be annoying but i'm going to do it! 
