What started as a passion to supply affordable, high-quality exhausts to the public, Akrapovic has come a long way since it setup shop in 1990 in Ivančna Gorica, Slovenia. Almost a decade ago, the company invested in new technology and modernization, upgrading computers in 3-D planning of configurations, programming of tools and computer-aided manufacture to make the top of the line steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber exhausts to the world of two-wheels.

Now, they have done one better and have set up the “Hi-Tech Durability Dyno”. This testing facility involves a human robot that does prolonged tests on a fully autonomous 200 kW durability motorcycle chassis dyno. Yes, you read that right. A human robot.

Equipped with servo motors and actuators, the in-house developed robot can manipulate the clutch, throttle and gears to simulate various riding conditions for extended periods of time. The room that houses this hi-tech chassis dyno consists of a spectrum of cameras, sensors and sophisticated equipment for testing exhaust systems for “mileage accumulation under special programmes”.

These tests were previously conducted by real riders on real roads and the race tracks but were, of course, a more expensive and tedious process. This Hi-Tech Durability Dyno can do all of that without having to move an inch or break a sweat. Also, that room can be temperature controlled and can blast winds with over 120 mph to replicate real-world conditions.

That’s not all. During winters, the setup makes use of the excess heat from the engine to blow hot air into the facility, and a 200 kW electric motor tethered to the dyno recovers electrical energy generated by the load applied and supplies it back to the system that runs the ventilation system. Impressive.

Akrapovic explicitly tells us that their on-road and track testing will still continue as it still values the impressions from a real rider to get the true sensation of every one of its exhausts right. The company will also outsource this facility to its partners and is aimed at its OEM customers too.

In April 2007, the company was awarded the Best Exhaust Pipe Manufacturer Award from German Motorrad magazine. The company has since won the Best Brand award in every subsequent year.