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The Akrapovic Evolution muffler system is one of the most beautiful looking systems out there in the market today, is well built, and has quality welds all the way around it. The change of shape (from other aftermarket mufflers) in the Evolution muffler might take some getting used to but to me, it is one of the most under rated systems here in the North American market today. Great manageable power, with excellent durability makes this an expensive purchase (retail roughly around $1700.00), but holds up to the price once you’ve lived with it for a while. Once hot, the titanium color of the headpipe is the most dynamic blue you will ever see from any muffler manufacturer, which just makes you feel that much more factory on the starting line right? The Akrapovic Evolution titanium muffler system is 2.6 pounds lighter than the stock 2024 KX450 system and tucks under the right side panel fairly cleanly even with its new/larger muffler shape. Yes, it is a bit bulky after it does out of the side panel but that grows on you after some time. When putting on the system, make sure to leave the headpipe loose and then connect the muffler, so that the slip fit joint slides in easily. This system is one of the easiest to install and I have been putting a ton of systems on this green bike lately. I did notice that there is a small screen deep inside the core of the muffler, however I was told that this isn’t a spark arrestor, but a noise insert. Note: Leave this screen/insert in, as the muffler performs better with insert in and is much pleasant to the ear. Once rear section (muffler) was installed, I went around and tightened up the remaining bolts. Doing it this way ensures there is absolutely no binding going on between each slip fit joint.
Out on the track the Akrapovic Evolution muffler felt similar to other Akrapovic systems I have tried on other brands. It has a deeper sound and is much quieter than the stock system (or other aftermarket systems in general). Roll on power delivery had more torque than stock system out of corners with the Akrapovic, compared to the stock system (as that isn’t that difficult) but it has more of a calculated torque feel rather than just a ton of hit down low. I have grown to love the smoother roll on power that the Evolution system delivers as it really helps me roll my corners better without getting the chassis upset. The Akrapovic muffler feels more connected to the rear wheel compared to the stock system so that little extra smoothness this muffler provides helps me “control” the bike more. The connectivity of the Akrapovic muffler is second to none as you will notice more rear wheel connection under heavy throttle without breaking the rear end loose as much.
The Akrapovic system really comes to life once out of corners as the Kawasaki now starts pulling harder and longer than the stock system down straights. Second and third gears can be stretched longer by the rider with the Evolution system and rolling third gear in corners is slightly easier on the rider as well (with stock gearing). Over-rev is better through each gear with the Akrapovic and the overall engine feels like it revs a little quicker/freer yet has more rear wheel traction (not easy to achieve). The freer feel takes away some engine braking sensation on de-cel and also helps the KX450 handle slightly better coming into corners (less pitching feel). Yes! All from a muffler! I also like the sound level (even when revved out) in comparison to power output is huge. Having a muffler this quiet on top of getting the extra meat or pulling power is almost non existent. The amount of time you can put on this system without a repack job is also best in class. I have gone almost 30 hours on this muffler without any repacking and it still sounds great. That is not happening with any other aftermarket muffler.
In conclusion, I feel the Akrapovic Evolution muffler system is an excellent system once you get past that gulp of money you just spent. You will be getting more low end torque feel than a stock system as well as the gains through the mid-top end are a noticeable difference. It will be up to you if that difference is worth the $1700.00 price tag that the Evolution titanium system comes with. However, in this case, you ACTUALLY get what you pay for! Akrapovic’s website is a very informative, clean, and one of the best aftermarket muffler websites to browse around on if you have the time. There are dyno charts, a sound tool that lets you compare the stock system to Akrapovic’s muffler pitch, documents of replaceable parts, and technical data about the system itself. You can head over to akrapovic.com and punch in what bike you want to geek out on. I did, for a while!
Email me if you have any questions or concerns about this test kris@keeferinctesting.com.
