Maintenance and care

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Maintenance and cleaning.

It is very important to clean the exhaust system thoroughly after installation, as any dirt or debris will later be burned into the exhaust system. A contact cleaner can be used to clean the pipes, while for the titanium muffler outer sleeve we recommend using a multi-purpose spray lubricant (WD-40 or equivalent). The carbon-fiber outer sleeve should be wiped with a soft dry cloth.

WARNING:Do not use automotive wheel cleaners or any cleaning products which contain acidic additives to clean the front rosettes of Akrapovic Bolt-On exhaust systems.

If such cleaning products are used damage occurs in the form of corrosion of the ALU front rosette, which leads to the breakage of the inner flange which the muffler outer sleeve is attached to.

In order to get rid of dirt and buildup more easily, such cleaners contain acids which react with, i.e. eat into, the surface. The reaction gradually increases over time, which has a major effect on aluminum, which is very susceptible to the effects of acids. The compound of aluminum, acid and water leads to the creation of the galvanic effect, which results in even greater damage. This problem is especially acute because the flange in question cannot be thoroughly sprayed with water and dried. At first the damage is undetectable, but the chemical reaction continues unseen.

Exhaust system care and maintenance

Caring for your exhaust system requires an understanding of the system’s components. Since the system can be composed of various materials, not all components are cleaned in the same way.

The basic rules are:
Always clean the exhaust system when it is cold. Cleaning will prevent spots from burning onto the surface. Do not use aggressive chemical cleaners or any cleaning products which contain acidic additives to clean exhaust systems; they can damage the sticker and / or the aluminum parts of the exhaust system.

Components made of different materials should be cleaned in the following manner:

• muffler – titanium outer sleeve: use a soft cloth sprayed with a multi-purpose spray lubricant (WD-40 or equivalent)
• muffler – carbon-fiber outer sleeve: use a soft dry cloth
• stainless steel link pipe: use a soft cloth sprayed with a contact cleaner / degreaser, then wipe with a soft dry cloth (return to original finish by polishing)
• titanium link pipe: use a soft cloth sprayed with a multi-purpose spray lubricant (WD-40 or equivalent)
• evolution model - tubes: use a soft cloth sprayed with a multi-purpose spray lubricant (WD-40 or equivalent)
• racing model - tubes: use a soft cloth sprayed with a contact cleaner, then wipe with a soft dry cloth
• racing model with titanium link pipe:
  header tubes & collector - use a soft cloth sprayed with a contact cleaner, then wipe with a soft dry cloth
  titanium link pipe - use a soft cloth sprayed with a multi-purpose spray lubricant (WD-40 or equivalent)

After every cleaning, we recommend

• Check the operation of the brakes and suspension. Make sure all the bolts are sufficiently tightened. If the exhaust system touches the cowling or other parts repeat the adjustment of the exhaust system or contact your authorized dealer.

• The following may occur over time:

a) A change in the color of the exhaust system is normal due to the high temperatures.
b) The wearing out of the muffler silencing material depends on the type of the motor and riding style. Contact your dealer/serviceman if visible changes appear on muffler's outer sleeve or the noise level is increased.

• We additionally recommend that you periodically make sure that all bolts and springs are sufficiently tight.