What the H is an Akrapovic? Sounds like like some kind if sickness or maybe it's the cure? Well, if you've owned your sportbike for longer than a week, you have been looking for ways to make your motorcycle unique. No one wants their bike to look exactly like the one at the local hangout.

Most cities have a few spots where particular groups of riders like to congregate and just stand around and "bench race" or shoot the sh..... We have a place in Clearwater/Largo called "The Lot". Haven't been there in years. Many of the newer sportbikers boogie on over on Saturday nights. Besides hanging out and talking about all the cool new parts they installed or telling stories of all the cars and trucks they smoked, they'll red line their motors until the rev limiter kicks in. Some of the kids might do a little "stunting". You've probable seen this on TV.

Back to the subject. Probably the very first thing a new sportbike rider wants to do to the new bike is change out that exhaust. Man, the stock exhaust sounds like crap. It's way too quiet. We, (meaning sportbike riders in general), like to hear the exhaust when we're riding. We like it low and rumbly at idle. We like the sound to build and start to BARK as we accelerate up through the mid-range. When we have the throttle pinned and the revs approach red line, we want the exhaust to SCREAM! Yea, that's what we like.

We don't want our bikes to sound like Harleys. No. No way. So many Harley riders have straight through pipes or even worse, Megaphones. Those Megs are really loud. You've heard them. Why don't the cops ever say anything about the Harley riders? Huh? Cops pull us over sometimes for no reason at all. Ok, we do have our bad apples.

The aftermarket for motorcycle exhausts is huge, even for the sportbike niche. The cruiser, touring and dirt bike riders far out number us. One has to be hard core, a little weird or just a little crazy to ride sportbikes over the long hall. Guilty on all counts. Can't help it. I love it.

OK, what exhaust should I get for my bike? Holy cow, there are endless choices. You might consider setting some kind of budget for your first order of mods. Aftermarket exhausts can run from $150.00 to $6,000.00. Yes. you heard me right, six grand. Go talk to a duc rider. That's Ducati for short.

The next decision needs to be what kind of exhaust. Is a slip on good enough? Or do I want to get a full or competition exhaust? Most new riders go with the slip on. It's definitely a lot cheaper. The slip on sounds almost as good and doesn't require any other mods (modifications) that would be suggested with a full competition exhaust.

The full exhaust definitely has that cool factor. It's a talking point during those lunch breaks or at the gas pump every 75 to 100 miles. Sportbikes don't have very large gas tanks. They aren't the most comfortable motorcycles either for ling stints in the saddle. You'll be glad for a break every 45 minutes.

That full exhaust is much lighter than the OEM exhaust. Changing out to a full exhaust on a hyperbike like the mighty Kawi ZX14R can save over 30 pounds. Weight is the enemy on a sportbike. For some reason Harley riders don't seem to mind a bike that is as heavy as a blue whale. Sorry guys. Should have said a HOG.

The full exhaust will also change the power delivery characteristics of the motor. There will be less power down low in the power band. The mid range may pick up a little. On top is where the full exhaust shines. Gains in the neighborhood 8 to 15 HP can be realized. Google some dyno chart results.

Also, a custom tuned Power Commander is a suggested mod when installing the full exhaust. The latest rage is flashing the ECU or Electronic Control Unit. This is the way to go in the future. Please do your research. Turning an ECU into a brick will cost you plenty if the flash is done by an incompetent. Leave the full exhaust alone while you're a newbie. Buy a slip-on.

So which slip on should I buy? Well, Google is your friend. Forums are even better. Do you belong to one? There are bike specific forums for every model of motorcycle online. Hang out on at least a couple. You really should consider riding your new bike just the way you bought it for at least a week. Really.

I'll give you a few recommendations as far as brand. I've found that in the sportbike aftermarket parts arena, a person gets what they pay for. Cheap price equals a cheap product. Everyone is on some kind of budget. Even most duc owners. Well a few of them are. Let's just say good to excellent quality slip ons, OK?

M4: decent quality, mid range price. They tend to be loud to almost obnoxious. You can find the brand advertised on Ebay used (previously owned), because they are so loud that riders want something quieter.

Two Brothers: Sometimes called 2 brothers. Maybe a little better quality and it costs a little more. They sound deeper and throaty. They get very loud at high rpm. Not as loud as the M4 brand.

Yoshimura: Sometimes called yoshi. You will notice a definite build quality increase. They cost a little more, but not expensive yet. The yoshi is popular with an older and more experienced riding crowd. A rider might upgrade to a yoshi from a 2 brothers, an M4, a D&D, or a Hotbodies brand. (Please don't buy hotbodies stuff). The yoshi is highly recommended because it is relatively quiet at low speeds or cruising around. at high RPM or at full throttle, it Screams!

This brings us to Akrapovic, finally. Is this the most expensive pipe out there? No, but it's close. You will find former owners of the brand to have nothing but the highest praise for Akrapovic. The welds are like works of art, perfect. The pipe won't fall apart in a get-off or crash. There are rebuild parts available. The fit is perfect.

The sound an Akrapovic makes is sweet music. It's not too loud when idling, but it still makes the motor sound knarley. At high RPM, the pipe SCREAMS! It can be heard a mile away at full song. We like that too. You will learn to recognize the familiar red and yellow logo. That logo installed on the very high quality carbon fiber can is unmistakable. It looks good on the ti-cans with carbon end can tips. The logo is easily removable if you choose. The Akrapovic Evolution Exhaust System is the top of the line. It's a full titanium competition exhaust. The slip on models are available in thin wall stainless and in titanium. Akra carbon is excellent quality.

You have just bought yourself a quality part. You've made a wise investment in your ride. the resale value is excellent too. By the way, keep your present pipe. If you decide to sell your bike in the future, turn your bike back to stock. You will sell it quicker and for more money if the bike looks just like you bought it off the showroom floor. Part out your go-fast parts on craigslist or ebay. Many experienced riders will agree with me.

Personal tip: Save your bike money to buy what you really want. Don't settle. If you buy the cheap one now, you won't be happy until you buy the quality part you really wanted. I hate buying stuff twice. One more thing. Always google some reviews from the online vendor you want to buy from. It will save you a lot of grief my friend.