Akrapovic Motorcycle Exhaust Review

Here’s my hands-on review of Akrapovic motorcycle exhausts.

I’ve spent years digging into the most popular motorcycle exhaust brands, trying to understand if they truly live up to their reputation. This time, I turned my attention to Akrapovic, a name that probably rings a bell if you’re into motorcycles.

Ever since Akrapovic hit the scene in 1990, they’ve been producing some of the best sounding and highest performing exhaust systems I’ve ever encountered. I was eager to get up close and personal with their exhausts.

I rolled up my sleeves and explored what made these exhausts so special. They didn’t disappoint. The sound was loud, the kind of raucous roar that makes the heart race. Whether I was dealing with 2-strokes or V-Twins, Akrapovic had something that perfectly matched the bike’s character.

Having ridden and wrenched on motorcycles for the better part of the last twenty years, I’ve seen and heard a lot. But the quality of different exhaust brands can vary wildly, and I was determined to give an informed opinion on Akrapovic.

I dove into the build quality, the performance, and of course, the sound of their exhaust. They managed to stand out in each of these areas, confirming the hype surrounding them.

So here’s what I found about Akrapovic motorcycle exhausts. They’ve got a loud and thrilling sound, top-notch performance, and solid construction. Whether you’re a fellow biker looking for an upgrade or simply curious, Akrapovic won’t let you down.

Product Overview

Akrapovic has been on the scene for over 30 years, and I’ve watched as they’ve become THE name in high-performance motorcycle exhausts. The ‘Akras,’ as enthusiasts often call them, caught my eye, and I decided to see what all the fuss was about.

Right off the bat, I was struck by their premium construction. These aren’t just pieces of metal; they’re art. When I bolted one onto my bike, the power gains were immediate and massive. And the sound? Loud but refined, almost musical in its roar. It’s an unmistakable signature that you can pick out from a lineup.

But I knew there had to be more to the story. No product is without its downsides, and I was determined to find them. So, buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a deep dive into the world of Akrapovic motorcycle exhausts, from the highs to the lows, as I experienced them firsthand.

Build Quality

When I first laid my eyes on Akrapovic exhausts, I realized they were in a league of their own. Their construction was a step above the rest; these were not just any motorcycle exhausts, these were a craft. Those welds, beautifully done and not just for show, truly looked better than they performed. I could see that Akra used high-quality TIG welds, capable of withstanding everything the engine could throw at them.

Materials

Akrapovic doesn’t skimp on materials; aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, carbon fiber – it’s all there. I remember gazing at one of their titanium full system exhausts; it looked like a million bucks and I could feel the added power when I revved my engine. The metal finishes, holding up to even extreme temperatures, were a work of art. And the weight saving? That’s something I noticed on both the road and track, giving me a more exhilarating ride.

Design

Precision in design is another area where Akrapovic shines. The modern look of their exhausts screams ‘going 200mph standing still.’ However, it’s not for everyone. Although it looks fantastic on a supersport literbike, I found it a bit too aggressive for a Harley or other classic cruisers. I love their unique hexagonal mufflers, but they might not fit every motorcycle type.

Research and Development

With over 30 years in the game, a lot of which was on the racetrack, Akrapovic’s rich motorsport history shines through their products. I could feel the research and development in the exhausts, a technology crafted to crush lap times. Whether I was riding on the street or tearing up the track, their exhausts responded to every demand. They weren’t just built; they were engineered to perfection.

Sound

I’ve ridden with many exhausts, but the sound of Akrapovic’s is something else. To me, it’s the Holy Grail of motorcycle acoustics. Depending on my bike, the exhaust note could be deep and resonant or high pitched and ‘growly.’ 

What I can say for sure is, it sounds absolutely phenomenal. The unique hexagonal styling and conical design are to thank for this meatier sound. I also can’t get over how the exhaust note changes throughout the rev range. It might be deep and gurgly at idle but becomes high pitched and shrill at redline.

And let’s talk about loud. Seriously loud. It’s the kind of exhaust note I can hear from miles away. But I had to be careful, as I found that Akrapovic’s might be too loud for some regions with strict noise pollution laws, so I made sure to do my homework before buying.

Performance

I’ve put Akrapovic’s performance to the test, and it’s truly in a league of its own. The freer-flowing design lets my engine work at peak efficiency, generating noticeable extra power. Among all the exhausts I’ve reviewed, Akrapovic’s tend to deliver the highest gains. I’ve seen anywhere between 3 and 10 extra horsepower! If shaving milliseconds off your track times is your goal, you’ve got to get an ‘Akra.’

Cost

Now, let’s talk about the drawback that really hits the pocket: the cost. All the premium materials, racing heritage, sleek designs, and that ear-splitting sound – they all add up. And it’s a pretty hefty sum. 

I found Akrapovic exhausts to be priced higher than the competition. In fact, I had to shell out at least a couple thousand dollars for a full system for my motorcycle. But for me, it was worth every penny, considering the quality and performance it brings to the ride.

Alternative Exhausts

If you’re like me and intrigued by what Akrapovic has to offer but still want to explore some other exhaust options, let me share my experiences with a couple of alternatives.

SC-Project Exhausts

SC-Project, an Italian motorcycle exhaust manufacturer, reminded me a lot of Akrapovic in terms of high-quality materials, loud exhaust notes, and power gains. While the design might seem somewhat restrained compared to Akrapovic, I found something appealing in the clean look of these exhausts. The sound quality was on par with Akrapovic, and I’d be hard-pressed to find a louder exhaust. Performance-wise, knowing that SC-Project has made exhausts for MotoGP race-winning bikes, I could tell they knew what they were doing.

Arrow Exhausts

Arrow, another Italian manufacturer, genuinely gives Akrapovic a run for their money. I found their design language just as passionate and experimental as Akra, but at a more affordable price. Though I’m not the biggest fan of Arrow’s sound, its loud and rowdy character really fed my inner hooligan. I was impressed by the free-flowing design and low weight, which enhanced the power-to-weight ratio. Arrow definitely made it to my shortlist when considering high-quality motorcycle exhausts.

Conclusion

From my time with Akrapovic motorcycle exhausts, I can vouch for their high-quality construction and premium materials. They offered a unique sound character that fit perfectly with my high-performance supersport. Plus, it’s good to know that Akrapovic crafts exhausts for various motorcycle types.

The only drawback I found was the price, but even then, I think it’s well worth it for the sound and performance benefits I enjoyed. Riding with an Akrapovic brought a whole new experience to my bike, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it, even if there are some solid alternatives out there.