Interesting thread w/ a broad based series of replies. My 2 cents.
The EPA has won, we just don't know or accept it yet. Emssions, they won hands down w/ only a few objections from the motorcycle community. AMA, ABATE, MRF all fought and that battle's over. Best I can tell is that the only victory in the whole thing was the incremental implementation. Many many many motorcyclists failed to raise their voices and the battle's over. Just a matter of time 'til they're pulling pipes or not issuing tags or whatever form of enforcement they pick. Don't say it can't happen. It's happening now in Ohio and it's going to get worse. Noise thing is very close behind. There are several groups/sites that are only dedicated to the reduction of noise. Yep, we're in their crosshairs. Yep, they're funded. 'Tis only a matter of time. Yep the EPA does consider noise and will soon, My Prediction, be on us like white on rice. Heck, even the AMA' and now we know where Harley stands' aren't going to fight the noise fight.
Those that challenge the industry to step up and meet the challenge just like the car industry did; I applaud you and agree. I hope they do. Harley's doing it w/ the Vrods. The japs, well hell, they're already water cooled. Don't know too much about the two strokes but seems they're on the way out as well. Aren't the dirt bike races now allowing the four strokers in at higher displacement just so that the fours can be further developed? By the way, I just can't find where anyone is really thinking that the air cooled will last. I hope I'm wrong.
It's really interesting to see the lies and mis-information that's promulgated on these issues. To compare a motorcycle to a SUV is an insult. The fact that I pollute the air more than a pick-up has really no meaning when there is gazillions of them and several of us. Motorcycles make up such a small percentage of vehicles that it's just stupid to make these statements. Same kinda BS stats that are often thrown out to justify helmet laws, etc. Figures don't lie but liars figure.
So I guess for me, I'll ride what I can as long as I can. I'll dig being ITW and still consider myself blessed for having discovered this passion. But, I'll be just that much more cynical about how things in the good ole' USA are going. I'll keep fighting the fight. I'll hope for motorcyclists to leave their comfort zone and "raise a little hell". And I sure as hell ain't gonna throw away my stock pipes.