The Akropovic Tune

[peckhammer]

Just bought the Akropovic titanium slip-on. I was worried that it would be too loud, having purchased after market exhaust systems in the past and hating them after 30 minutes. Not this time. As others have said, it's pretty close to the volume of the OEM muffler, though that is a little subjective since I didn't measure with a decibel meter. It reminds me of a stock BMW from the late '70s, or early '80s.

Since I had some time this evening, I took some close up footage of the Akropovic titanium slip-on muffler, and mixed in some sound that i recorded this afternoon. Here is the result: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJIUFaYF8sY

The sound track includes the sound at idle, and while riding through the city. The baffles are installed. Keep in mind that this is the sound from the back of the bike. The rider will perceive the sound as much quieter because they are ahead of the sound, and presumably wearing a helmet. I found the sound to be pleasant, and not the least bit obnoxious.
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Peckhammer

[Faylo]

Sounds nice! Do you notice any improvement in performance?

[peckhammer]

Do you notice any improvement in performance?

It makes me want to wring the throttle for the pure amusement of the sound, so yeah, the bike is faster now.

But seriously, I am not noticing any dramatic change. In fact, I think it actually emphasises a surge that was already there, and if you listen to the soudtrack, you'll hear a few pops that I never noticed before. I'll be perfectly honest: this is $800 worth of ear candy, with a modest savings in weight and size. It is very well made, but it stinks like candles that were just blown out. Hopefully that smell will go a way after a few rides.

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Peckhammer

[Faylo]

I notice a little popping on decel with a stock exhaust and if you are experiencing more then I'd say the exhaust is less restrictive and thus more efficient? Would it be wise to reset the ECU and let it re-learn with the new exhaust?

[dav]

Mate, i have to say you know how to shot a bloody good vid .

[peckhammer]

I notice a little popping on decel with a stock exhaust and if you are experiencing more then I'd say the exhaust is less restrictive and thus more efficient? Would it be wise to reset the ECU and let it re-learn with the new exhaust?

If I recall, this requires removing fuse number 5 (or 5th from left) for 30 seconds, replacing the fuse, turning on the ignition, opening and closing the throttle (fully on and fully off) several times, turning off ignition, and then starting the bike. Sound right?

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Peckhammer

[hjsbmw]

Sounds nice, and I always liked the look of the oval, two-tipped can to start with.

As far as fuses go, I am confused, frankly. I've never seen a fuse box on my bike and thought fuses were eliminated by the CANBUS?

[peckhammer]

I've never seen a fuse box on my bike and thought fuses were eliminated by the CANBUS?

Yeah, I must have been thinking of the older R bikes.

[LumpyCam]

it stinks like candles that were just blown out. Hopefully that smell will go a way after a few rides.

Yep, smell goes away, but it takes about 400mi from my experience.

[LumpyCam]

it's pretty close to the volume of the OEM muffler, though that is a little subjective since I didn't measure with a decibel meter.

I used a decibel app on the iPhone before/after and measured 100dB with the stock can and 102db with the Akrapovic. Conditions were an enclosed garage and blipping the throttle to 4,000 rpm.

It is significantly louder with baffles out but i haven't measured that yet for comparison.

[peckhammer]

I reset the ECU this morning as follows:

1. Disconnected the battery negative lead for 30 seconds
2. Reconnected and turn the ignition on (did NOT start the bike)
3. Opened the throttle from fully closed to fully open - repeated twice
4. Switched the ignition off
5. Started the bike

The surge I had been experiencing disappeared. So did the "pops" while decelerating. There is a very noticeable difference in the way the bike runs now, i.e. improvement. I still am not sure if there is a performance gain, and without a dyno my perception is only subjective. The bike does seem to pull a little harder. That said, I am riding solo today, so maybe the absence of my 114lb woman is the reason the bike feels faster.

Additional Note: after riding today, I can see definite signs of the bike running lean yesterday. The pipes have yellowed, and so have the inlets of the Akrapovic. I noticed five bars on the temp gauge at every light yesterday; today only four. No pops today, no surging today. So, if you change your muffler, be sure to reset the ECU.

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Peckhammer

[ipokebadgers]

I never thought I would be calling a video about a slip-on exhaust can classy, but dang, that was art! I am not sure how you made a muffler look sexy, but you did.

I do not need a new exhaust, I do not need a new exhaust, I do not need a new exhaust, I do not need a new exhaust, I do not need a new exhaust... I am thinking if I say it enough I will believe it.

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to make it and share it.

Sean

[Grumps]

Terrific video. I reset the ECU and now find my service reminder is displayed, which happened the last time I disconnected my battery. Any advice - beyond living with it until the next time I visit my dealer? Thanks, Peter

[websterize]

Terrific video. I reset the ECU and now find my service reminder is displayed, which happened the last time I disconnected my battery. Any advice - beyond living with it until the next time I visit my dealer? Thanks, Peter

A GS-911 diagnostic tool will clear the service reminder.

[Grumps]

Thanks, Bill. I think given the price I'll live with the reminder. Peter

[LumpyCam]

I reset the ECU this morning as follows:

I did the reset too a few days after the Akrapovic install and it definitely runs better for me too. It was idling hot in traffic - now back to normal. I was also getting a tonne of popping on backdown (which was fun) - now back to levels consistent with the stock can.

Used the same procedure as Peckhammer minus the battery detachment. Just on, throttle twice, off, on, start.

[M249Joe]

Ordered a Akropovic slip on and installed it today. Very nice.

Re set the engine by on, throttle twice, off, on, start.

Baffles in seem too quiet for me. Installed they are slightly louder than stock. Pulled 'em out and it's a nice deep tone. At cruising speed you hear more wind than then exhaust. Taking off and shifting @5k is a nice deep sound louder then stock.

Test ride reviled a smooth acceleration with out any slight hesitation spots I experienced before.

I'm very happy.