De-cat Headers 1250 vs 1300

[gateway77]

Looking for real world feedback on the Akra de-cat headers for the GS1300.

I had the full Akra system on my 1250 ~GSA and loved it. A little more punchy, great soundtrack but not too in your face. Also no experience of noise fatigue on longer rides or while touring.

Had the 1300 for about 10k miles now with Akra slip on - pretty sure it's sounding better with the miles but still missing a touch of something special.

So does anyone have experience of both set-ups and can advise on the difference?

Thanks in advance.

 

[TIJ650]

I’d watch the fuelling, they already run lean - particularly mid revs. Remap maybe?

 

[TIJ650]

Rapid Bike module might be enough though

 

[gateway77]

Thanks for the advice - I can see that most recommend a re-map after installing the headers. This is something I haven't bothered with in the past.
On the 1250 the headers were available via the initial order build but are not this time - I wonder what has changed other than tighter euro regulations?

 

[TIJ650]

Thanks for the advice - I can see that most recommend a re-map after installing the headers. This is something I haven't bothered with in the past.
On the 1250 the headers were available via the initial order build but are not this time - I wonder what has changed other than tighter euro regulations?

All Euro 5 and 6 bikes run better with more fuel. Particularly if you de-restrict the exhaust. I’m always reluctant with the remaps - cause there’s no turning back and will show in ECU.
I’d try the Rapid fuelling module even if you end up retaining CAT. It’s plug and play and you can control from phone. I stuck one on my R9 and the bike definitely revs cleaner.
I didn’t mess with settings though - cause no need.

 

[Mad Paddy]

I have the titanium akrapovic headers with black single akrapovic end can fitted to my 25 r1300gs asa
I have covered 16000kms with this system and have had no engine warning light come on
It is much loader and does pop and bang on down shift a lot especially with the ASA
It does make the bike more responsive especially in dynamic mode
No remapping done

 

[Baked Bean]

Try disconnecting the flappy valve. Very happy with HP Corse and disconnected valve , and it's free. (not the exhaust )

 

[Granada]

Try disconnecting the flappy valve. Very happy with HP Corse and disconnected valve , and it's free. (not the exhaust )

I am going for the healtech servo buddy that is controlling it. Not free (but still pretty cheap) but allows you to remain factory default if you wish so.

In addition, I will be installing the stage 2 DNA air filter thingy, and expecting the most (sound wise) from that.

I currently really dislike the sound of the 1300 (I do have the Akra after market can) but based on what I've seen the full header is too much for me, and not very much appreciated by the authorities around here.

 

[gateway77]

I've got the Heal-tech and it makes some difference for sure.
I've not tried the DNA air filters so maybe worth a go.

 

[Locke]

DNA Stage 2 filters are very good (and very expensive!). Make a lovely induction growl. Also I've got healtech flap mod, akra twin slip on with baffle remove (that was an arse to get out!) and exhaust still sounds quiet compared to induction noise! Might go akra headers but not sure - if I did would remap for sure. Friends 1250 GSA with decat sounds much more of a growler than my 1300 GSA

 

[IrishGaucho]

If you're after a decat system, black widow make one and at a fraction of the price from Akra. Sounds glorious but it was a bit too much for me:

Now, if you're after just a bit more sound... as thad above mentioned, the HP Corse is a great option:

I personally can't recommend spending the money on the Healtech ESE, it only makes a little bit of a difference at low revs. Up in the rev range the valve would be open anyways.

Hope that helps!

 

[gateway77]

Thanks for your comments - I enjoy watching your videos too!
The main reason to go with the Akra is previous experience and re-sale value.
But as you say - if 'adding character' becomes too loud it kills the joy on longer rides.

 

[sand380]

I was tempted by a black widow header but then saw a chap on YouTube who lost 10hp on the dyno using black widow front pipe.
it's a shame as it's very well priced and I've had good results with them previously.

 

[IrishGaucho]

Thanks for your comments - I enjoy watching your videos too!
The main reason to go with the Akra is previous experience and re-sale value.
But as you say - if 'adding character' becomes too loud it kills the joy on longer rides.

Ah, thank you for watching.. I appreciate that!

Re-sale value on the akra for sure, though I feel they're losing a bit of reputation with the latest ones they done with the GS. Granted, it's all down to the more strict regulations but still...

Built quality is still there, that I can't say anything wrong about it.

I was tempted by a black widow header but then saw a chap on YouTube who lost 10hp on the dyno using black widow front pipe.
it's a shame as it's very well priced and I've had good results with them previously.

Interesting! For the time I had it on, I definitely didn't feel any loss of power... actually it felt the other way around, but it could also be the placebo effect where because it sounded so nice and agressive that I was riding more aggresively just to be able to do more downshifts which are absolutely unreal!

For ultimate power, you would want headers, free flowing intakes and a tune for sure.

 

[gateway77]

Re de-cat headers Akra headers for the 1250

I'm sure these were available via the BMW configurator back then. But they are not now. So what's changed?
Were the 1250 headers actually de-cat or just stainless steel and lighter weight.

Just curious to know what's changed - apart from the euro regs which are obviously tighter than several years ago, even so I'd assume these companies would find a way to make them pass.

 

[Robbieben]

Re de-cat headers Akra headers for the 1250

I'm sure these were available via the BMW configurator back then. But they are not now. So what's changed?
Were the 1250 headers actually de-cat or just stainless steel and lighter weight.

Just curious to know what's changed - apart from the euro regs which are obviously tighter than several years ago, even so I'd assume these companies would find a way to make them pass.

The dealers offered Titanium or Stainless headers depending on your budget which were a decat but still had the exhaust flap fitted, offered best of both worlds IMHO. They won't offer the decat versions now due to legal emissions compliance reasons.

 

[TaskMule]

De-cat won't achieve anything except make your bike stink for anyone behind you

 

[siddo]

De-cat won't achieve anything except make your bike stink for anyone behind you

Disagree. Made a noticeable improvement to my 1250.

 

[gateway77]

It was definitely effective on the 1250 for performance 'feel and character' - I don't remember anyone commenting on the smell to be honest.

 

[siddo]

It was definitely effective on the 1250 for performance 'feel and character' - I don't remember anyone commenting on the smell to be honest.

My mates never mentioned any smell. They could always drop back if bothered.