The only way to win is to be the fastest, to be unstoppable, to be unbeatable in every way. This is the motto of Akrapovic, a company that employs over 370 workers, ranging from highly motivated engineers to skilled workers, who are able to transform innovative ideas from computer screens into finished exhaust systems. The employees think of them as works of art. However, the idea that its exhaust systems are indeed works of art and represent the best that money can buy did not originate in the company’s marketing department. These are solid facts that are based on comparisons and articles by leading global motorcycle magazines and on the successes that racers have achieved using the company’s exhausts. This is also confirmed by their winning the “Best Brand” award for two years in a row from the Europe’s largest motorcycle magazine, Motorrad, based on reader surveys. So what makes them the best?
1. Only the best materials are used
Three basic materials are used for creating the exhaust systems: titanium, stainless steel and carbon fiber. The titanium compound used for all parts of the Evolution series of exhaust systems and for some parts of other exhaust systems is a unique formula manufactured under an exclusive contract by a Japanese supplier. Titanium is a lightweight and stiff material, but too sensitive to the high temperatures generated by motorcycle engines. Akrapovic titanium, however, can handle temperatures in excess of 800°C – the temperature reached by exhaust fumes as they leave the engine. It is also stronger than regular titanium.
2. Use of high technology in a state of-the-art factory
Hydroforming is a process of forming header tubes using machines that mould metal with pressurized water (from 1,000 to 4,000 bars). The material also does not lose its strength in the process. This is necessary because exhaust fumes flow optimally through the tube only when its form is ideal more resistant to oxidation at high temperatures than the titanium used by other exhaust system manufacturers. The titanium used by Akrapovic is stronger and 40% lighter than stainless steel. Stainless steel is used in the company’s less expensive exhaust systems or when compromises need to be made and where weight reduction is not a must. These include exhaust systems for recreational use and in basic modifications of the original exhaust systems. Carbon fiber is an important element of many exhaust systems. Akrapovic uses only top quality ultra light and compact impregnated carbon fiber, with high tensile strength and temperature resistance.
3. In-house development and manufacturing-designed and created in the factory
Because Akrapovic wants to stay independent of outside suppliers and maintain 100% control over quality, it designs and manufactures its exhaust systems in their entirety. This process also allows the company to create exhaust tubes to its own specifications without having to adjust to others, meaning that the workers can produce the precise optimum shape determined by the R&D department, resulting in maximum performance. The only items that Akrapovic does not make by itself are the stickers, clamps and muffler damping wool. These are manufactured by subcontractors under the watchful eye of Akrapovic’s quality supervisors.
4. In-house development
The R&D department is the heart of the company. The skilled and highly motivated team uses state-of-the-art equipment, including two dynamometers for motorcycles and a 3D scanner and 3D printer that allows the creation of full-size prototypes from ABS plastic.
5. Involvement in motorcycle racing
Akrapovic works with numerous factory teams and is present in nearly all racing categories. The company boasts a total of 29 World Championship titles!
6. A wealth of experience
Igor Akrapovic’s daring vision of industry supremacy was based on his ingenuity, while he added cutting edge technical skills and a desire for perfection to the experience gained on the racetrack as a competitor. The 1990s were a time of risks, maturing and confirmation of success of the by then already well-established company. The excellence of the brand was also corroborated by the fact that in the late 1990s all Japanese teams in the World Superbike Championship used exhaust systems that bore the Akrapovic logo. The turn of the millennium was also a milestone for the company as it gained visibility and became a reference name for quality exhaust systems. A wide range of world championship titles in various categories made them the leading exhaust system manufacturer. Alongside its proven quality and the various world championship titles, the company also made inroads into other segments of the four stroke internal combustion world.
7. Innovation in design
Their proprietary and patented hexagonal shape of sound mufflers caused a storm in exhaust systems. The shape transformed the conception of an exhaust systems as it replaced the standard oval-shaped muffler into a designer product that added aesthetic value to the motorcycle. According to trends, each motorcycle will in the future carry its own exhaust system design.
8. Meeting the most stringent environmental demands
The Akrapovic exhaust systems for road use meet the most stringent norms for exhaust gas emissions and noise. But the company did not stop there! Its new manufacturing facility houses a state-of-the-art laboratory, allowing them to meet the conditions for type approval and certificates.
9. Attention to detail
For Evolution and Racing systems they use conical header tubes shaped by hydroforming, thereby reducing the negative impact of exhaust fume turbulence. Because the inner sleeves, flanges and header tubes are independent using floating couplings connected with just a couple of springs, the assembly is quick, while reduced vibration also puts less stress on the material. Systems that use interference crossover tubes or additional chambers have additional reinforcement in order to reduce the chance of cracking. Using sleeve joints (crafted using precision CNC procedures) attached with silicon shielded springs, the highest possible level of compactness of the entire system and constant contact between the tubes is achieved. The interior of the muffler is made using sandwich construction, so that the damping material maintains its qualities for longer. This also prolongs the prescribed noise level and guarantees maximum engine performance. Another special feature of Akrapovic workmanship is TIG welding, which is the only way to guarantee the stiffness, durability and smoothness of the welds.
10. Technology in combination with passion
Akrapovic employees work with a passion. They are levelheaded and have the knowhow. Their technical solutions put them at the sharp end of the world’s best, due to the company’s continued investment in knowledge and constant development. Only dedication and the never ending search for technological perfection results in victory. But even they cannot win without cutting edge equipment, which is why the exhaust systems developed and manufactured by Akrapovic have been the staple of champions in recent years. And what is available to world champions is now available to all riders.
