Akrapovic D-type headers

TAZ · 01-07-2005, 11:01 AM

A full-page ad in this month's "Motorcyclist" shows a pretty set of D-shaped, hydroformed I4 headers. In the top right corner it explains hydroforming:
"Hydroforming technology is a process of tube forming that allows optimum flow of exhaust for maximum performance."

Right...Micron did that ("Serpent") four or five years ago. (This looks nearly identical)

What's funny is that in big, bold, red block lettering across the width of the page, it proclaims "UNMISTAKABLE". But until I saw the "Akrapovic" logo at the bottom right of the page, I 'mistook' it for a set of Serpent headers.

Do you really think their marketing/advertising departments are unaware of the Micron product, or do they think people are dumb enough that they'll think they (Akrapovic) came up with something new?

abtech · 01-07-2005, 1:47 PM

The original 929 headers (stock) are hydroformed. The technology has been in use for race cars for years.

Baketech · 01-07-2005, 1:54 PM

V-Rod frames are hydroformed....

CBRBob · 01-07-2005, 1:56 PM

It's 'all new' etc for Akra. Whats funny is HD uses hydroforming to make their V-Rod frame. Chevey uses it to make the C5 and C6 vette frames. Nothing new.....

CBR929RE · 01-07-2005, 2:02 PM

but did micron use hydroforming to make the serpents (probably did but I'm not sure). Akra's been working on theirs for over a year. I bet theirs are gonna be better than the serpents. not to take anything away from Micron, they make good stuff.

ND4SPD · 01-07-2005, 3:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRBob

It's 'all new' etc for Akra. Whats funny is HD uses hydroforming to make their V-Rod frame. Chevey uses it to make the C5 and C6 vette frames. Nothing new.....

Doesn't GM use this method on their full size pickup frames, too?

I know they use at my mom's work to make certain things. I've seen it in action, it's amazing stuff

Chain · 01-07-2005, 3:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAZ

What's funny is that in big, bold, red block lettering across the width of the page, it proclaims "UNMISTAKABLE".

I think what they're referring to with the term "UNMISTAKABLE" in their ad isn't the hydroforming issue, but rather the overall craftsmanship they put into their exhaust products.

Micron isn't junk by any stretch, but after owning a full sport production Akrapovic system (on my SV), I really don't think there is much of a comparison in terms of build quality.

This is all very subjective, but I've never seen a more nicely put together, welded, finished exhaust for a motorcycle than Akrapovic.

Baketech · 01-07-2005, 3:45 PM

<---- biting tonque severely...

deez · 01-07-2005, 3:51 PM

Chain, no offense but the Japanese do just as good of welds. You just go for names

J/K

Chain · 01-07-2005, 3:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deez

Chain, no offense but the Japanese do just as good of welds. You just go for names

J/K

Arata and TiForce (both Japanese pipemakers IIRC) are right there with Akro AFAIC.

This isn't the sort of thing that we can settle. My opinion simply is that Akrapovic is more nicely made than TBR, Hindle, Yoshi, etc, etc.

Chain

P.S. Don't make yourself bleed, Baketech.

SpikedLemon · 01-08-2005, 12:14 AM

Hindle isn't really making pipes to be the "best of the best" ... they've found their niche as the "best value" ... and then TBR... well... nevermind.