Got an Akra titanium can and header (stainless steel) with black ceramic coating installed last weekend. I've had several exhaust headers coated but this is the first time going with something other than "chrome-look". I think the black looks good with the black drivetrain on the '14 GSAW. Right now, running with the sound baffles in. I've had hexhead GS's with full Remus and Akrapovic systems in the past----while this one isn't over the top loud, it's definitely the loudest one yet. Has a pretty good bark.
Sweet. Any notable differences in power delivery or overall performance? Still get the flat spot at 4200rpm? Gas mileage? I'm all ears...
Nice one Mike. I've got the stainless headers, ready to fit to the bike. I had them on my last bike, and they went brown, which I liked, as I didn't have to keep polishing the blue out of the chrome! Re the performance, I'm very surprised you haven't noticed a difference, as they free the engine up, giving a bit more torque, and removing some of the flat spots. I noticed a big difference on my last bike, especially when it was in for a service, and I took their demo bike out, which felt tame in comparison.
Although my experience is somewhat different as in Brazil our "gas" is E25, I also to added to my GSW a K&N air filter, Iridium plugs and one of those air temperature cheaters. Also my headers were Rhemus stainless steel It was only after I've installed the air temperature cheater that the extra horse power become felt and considerably so particuilatly at over 4 K rpms. If you come to think it makes perfect sense as when you have a freer flowing exhaust (and freer flowing air filter) your original mixture becomes leaner and the bikes CPU can only compensate to a certain point. There are controversies if these cheaters really work or if the bike's CPU compensates for them though the lambda readings. I don't want to enter this discussion... Perhaps, as these are quite inexpensive, you should try it out and form your own opinion. My seat of the pants dyno tells me that up to some 4K rpm there is little difference if any and maybe, just maybe, there is a bit less torque. However, starting at 4 K rpm or so the bikes feeels like it has gained some 5 or more Hp. However, keep im mind what I mentioned in the beggining: we use E25 gas ! Best regards, Andre
I'm thinking about getting the full system, I wonder how much I could sell the stock system for? There will be less than 20 miles on it.
I've always kept the stock system and when I sell the bike, return it to stock and sell the aftermarket system.
This You'll get next to nothing for the stock system. I've put it away somewhere, ready to bolt on the bike when I sell it.
If you're looking to off-set the expense of a new exhaust and want to sell the stocker---try eBay. They seem to bring pretty good money over there.
This is sage advice. I do this with all my bikes. Recently sold my K1600GTL with Full Remus Carbon System on it. Paid $ 2,200 for it, then sold it for $ 1,800 when done. Cost of ownership of the exhaust was $ 400 for the 2.5 years I owned the bike.
Expensive for sure. As was posted, I always return the bike to stock when I sell it and put the aftermarket exhaust (and any other accessories I add) up for sale. I sold my '09 GSA Akra exhaust in about 3 hours last time. Takes the sting out of it (a little).
Damn you Mike, you've got me thinking now! I've been quoted £120 to get my headers done. Question; were the headers easy to fit together after having them coated, as they are quite a tight fit without the coat? Or did you use some form of lubricant?
Sorry Rich! They were a very tight fit. Tech who installed them for me said it was a real pain. In fact, I would recommend fitting the 3-pieces together and getting the coating on it in one piece. The other option is to not coat the inside---still tight but not as bad.
I think I'll stick with standard. They look good, but part of the appeal of the Akra stuff is being able to sell it on for around 75% of initial cost later on. I don't keep my bikes long enough to think long term!
bump. I have the akra slip on and looking at the header....Curious for people with GSW's, how loud is this thing? I'd like the bump in power, and to help reduce engine heat/temps but I don't want the thing to be stupid loud/obnoxious.... What say the owners of the full system? obnoxious? setting off car alarms as you go down the street? thnx