Exhaust test BMW K 1200 S

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Exhaust test BMW K 1200 S
Hertneck

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Exhaust & silencer

Exhaust test BMW K 1200 S

Exhaust test BMW K 1200 S
Investment advice

When it comes to top performance, there is little need for optimization with the original silencer of the BMW K 1200 S. In other points, however, yes. Seven mufflers in the test.

Holger Hertneck

07/05/2007

Owners of the most powerful motorcycle model in the BMW fleet, the K 1200 S, can undoubtedly immediately name a number of reasons why they would like to exchange the original damper for an accessory model. As if there were: way too clunky, way too heavy and ?? at the latest when a replacement is mandatory after a fall ?? way too expensive. Who would like to deduct more than 1000 euros for a silencer? The accessories market is holding back in this regard: Replacement dampers with EC type approval (EG-BE) are available from just over 400 euros and even high-quality pots with a titanium jacket for less than 600 euros. At least that is reflected in the test field, which, in addition to the original pot, includes five accessory systems with catalytic converters and two without catalytic converters.
Particularly positive: The lightest accessory dampers weigh just a third of the series model, and even the heavier models only weigh about half of the original dampers. While the purchase price does not play a role in the MOTORRAD point evaluation ?? everyone has to decide for themselves how much money they want to spend on a new purchase? 15 out of a total of 100 points are awarded for the criterion weight. So much in advance: BMW misses out because 7250 grams are simply too much.
MOTORRAD distributes the other points as follows. Processing quality (10 points): How is the surface finish, how clean are the welds, are there any sharp burrs and edges?
Fit / assembly (15 points): How complex is the attachment? Do all parts fit together? There are deductions for the sometimes sharp-edged retaining clamps made of cheap sheet metal, which are still popular with some manufacturers, whose sloppy rubber pads repeatedly cause problems during assembly. Exemplary on this point: the preformed carbon clamp of the Akrapovic damper.
Top performance (30 points): The K 1200 S stands well in the forage as standard with measured 168.8 PS, for which the MOTORRAD testers give them 27 out of a maximum of 30 possible points? this leaves some room for possibly even more potent investments. All other test candidates are sorted according to their performance compared to the series reference. With the exception of the SR-Racing pot, no candidate succeeds in meeting or even exceeding the specifications.
Power development (30 points): What use is the entire engine power if it develops unevenly or is only available in a tiny speed range. The MOTORRAD test department therefore took a particularly close look at the power and torque curves of all test participants and evaluated them. While GPR, for example, recorded significant losses compared to the series, SR-Racing was once again the only one who managed to top the original system.
The stationary and driving noise values ​​as well as the emission behavior were not evaluated, but merely checked (see box on page 68/69). Due to the excessive driving noise levels of all candidates (including the original pot), no product received a final MOTORRAD verdict. The interviews on the right and on page 71 explain how owners can best respond to loud retrofit systems and how this can happen.

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Investment advice

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BMW K 1200 S original silencer with cat

Provider: BMW Motorrad, phone 0180/5001972, www.bmw-motorrad.de; Sheath: stainless steel; Price: 1045.83 euros; Variants: none

plus
Reference in terms of power and torque; Standing noise just below the registered value; very good exhaust gas behavior; perfect fit, easy assembly; very well made

minus
Driving noise value just exceeded; very difficult; very voluminous; extremely expensive

Conclusion
The original pot is a real monster compared to the accessory dampers ?? extremely bulky and very heavy. The difficulties in measuring the driving noise are somewhat surprising: a production motorcycle that is almost brand new should not be so loud. In return, the tailor-made original system shines with excellent emissions.

Akrapovic SP Series with Cat

Provider: JAMparts, phone 07150/970565, www.akrapovic.de; Sheath: titanium; Price: 629 euros; Variant: titanium damper without Kat 530 euros

plus
Power and torque curve up to 10,000 rpm almost identical to series production; Standing noise within tolerance value; good exhaust behavior; very light weight; significantly slimmer than series; perfect fit, easy assembly thanks to the preformed carbon clamp; excellently processed

minus
Slightly lower maximum output; Driving noise value clearly exceeded; Installation of the original heat shield on the intermediate pipe is not possible

Conclusion
Even if three HP are missing compared to the series, the noble Akrapovic convinces with very high quality workmanship, low weight and perfect assembly. However, the system is clearly too loud in terms of driving noise.

GPR Grand Prix Evolution with cat

Provider: Polo express delivery, phone 0211/9796699, www.polo-motorrad.de; Sheath: titanium; Price: 597 euros; Variants: none

plus
Good exhaust behavior; extremely light weight; very slim; good fit

minus
Low power and torque loss compared to series production; Tolerance value for stationary noise exceeded; extremely loud driving noise value; simple sheet metal clamp with rubber protection that is too short; Welding nub on the spring hook

Conclusion
The GPR pot, which is decent when it comes to pollutants, stands out from the competition due to its lightest weight and unusually small design, but unfortunately also due to the completely inadmissibly high noise levels. The performance diagram clearly shows that “loud” does not mean “strong”.

Laser HotCam with cat

Provider: SO Products, phone 05924/78360, www.so-products.com; Sheath: titanium; Price: 689 euros; Variant: Titan without Kat 569 euros

plus
Performance curve up to 10000 / min almost congruent with series; Standing noise within tolerance value; significantly lighter and less voluminous than series; proper fit; clean welds

minus
Slightly lower maximum output; lower torque loss compared to series production in the lower speed range; Driving noise value clearly exceeded; despite catalytic converter, CO value of 0.3 percent by volume not achieved; sharp-edged, simple sheet metal clamp; Installation of the original heat shield on the intermediate pipe is not possible

Conclusion
The unusual tri-oval shape makes it difficult to assemble the extremely wide holding clamp, which disturbs the otherwise good impression of the cleanly processed laser system. The low power losses compared to the series are insignificant in practice.

LeoVince SBK Evo2 oval with cat

Provider: MCA Service, Telephone 05139/894906, www.leovince.de; Sheath: aluminum; Price: 428 euros; Variants: carbon 528 euros, titanium 548 euros

plus
Standing noise within tolerance value; significantly lighter and less voluminous than series; good fit and assembly; very well made, clean welds

minus
Somewhat worse power and torque curve than series; Driving noise value clearly exceeded; despite catalytic converter, CO value of 0.3 percent by volume not achieved; simple metal clamp; Installation of the original heat shield on the intermediate pipe is not possible

Conclusion
The cheapest system in the test shines with great workmanship, simple assembly and low weight. On the other hand, in terms of performance, noise and pollutant values, it is sometimes significantly behind the standard damper.

SR-Racing retrofit damper with cat

Provider: SR-Racing, phone 08252/905540, www.sr-racing.de; Sheath: stainless steel; Price: 559.86 euros; Variants: titanium 612.85 euros

plus
Even more powerful than the series system in terms of both power and torque; Standing noise within tolerance value; significantly lighter and less voluminous than series; very good workmanship and fit, easy assembly; clean welds

minus
Driving noise value clearly exceeded; The test system only had a Euro 2 catalyst, which just missed the CO value of 0.3 percent by volume; simple metal clamp; Installation of the original heat shield on the intermediate pipe is not possible

Conclusion
The sparkling cleanly processed SR pot is the only candidate to exceed the performance and torque values ​​of the series system, but it is too loud too. A Euro-3-Kat will soon be available, which should no longer have a problem with complying with the CO limit value.

Arrow Race Tech without cat

Provider: Alpha Technik, Telephone 08036/300720, www.alphatechnik.de; Sheath: aluminum; Price: 453 euros; Variant: Titan 583 euros

plus
Performance curve largely identical to series production, slightly higher torque in the middle speed range; significantly lighter and less voluminous than series; very good workmanship and fit, easy assembly; clean welds on the damper; very well made

minus
Lower torque than standard in the lower speed range; no catalyst, CO value of 0.3 percent by volume is nowhere near reached; simple metal clamp with rubber that is too short; partly unsightly weld seams on the intermediate pipe; Installation of the original heat shield on the intermediate pipe is not possible

Conclusion
The somewhat carelessly welded intermediate pipe does not really fit the otherwise high-quality processed damper, which even comes up with a turned connection sleeve. The proper performance is offset by the excessive noise levels and the lack of a catalytic converter, which are high levels of pollutants.

Mivv slip-on oval

Provider: Euromoto, Telephone 02938/97220, www.euromoto-gmbh.de; Sheath: titanium; Price: 449.95 euros; Variant: carbon 419.95 euros

plus
Standing noise within tolerance value; significantly lower weight and significantly slimmer than series; good fit and assembly; neatly processed

minus
Low power and torque loss compared to series production; Driving noise value clearly exceeded; no catalyst, CO value of 0.3 percent by volume is nowhere near reached; simple, cheap-looking metal clamp

Conclusion
For a titanium damper, it is an astonishingly inexpensive system with clean workmanship, low weight and a good fit. The main points of criticism are high pollutant levels due to the lack of a catalytic converter and excessive driving noise levels as well as a slight loss of performance compared to the series.

Noise and exhaust measurements

The experts at the Dekra-Technologie-Center in Klettwitz, only a stone’s throw away from the Lausitzring, carried out the stationary and driving noise measurements as well as the emissions tests according to AUK specifications in the presence of MOTORRAD.
Stationary noise measurement: the microphone is positioned at the level of the exhaust outlet at an angle of 45 degrees to the vehicle’s longitudinal axis and at a distance of 0.5 meters. The volume is measured at half the nominal speed ?? with the K 1200 S, which develops its maximum output at 10250 / min, thus at 5125 / min. The result is the highest of three measured values, rounded to full dB (A). The value entered in the papers is 94 dB (A). Up to 5 dB (A) more are permitted as a tolerance limit for checks in traffic controls by the police. However, if there are justified doubts about the legality of the attached exhaust system, the police can summon the motorcycle to an officially valid driving noise measurement on a suitable area, even if it is exceeded slightly? the standing noise measurement at the roadside is not considered to be decisive before the law.
Driving noise measurement: A large area of ​​normal asphalt is used as the measuring section, which must not have any sound-reflecting objects within a radius of 50 meters. In second and third gear, the motorcycle approaches the measuring section at exactly 50 km / h (+/- one km / h tolerance) (see illustration). The driver pulls the gas fully up at the beginning of the route and accelerates through to the end of the route. Two passages from the right and two from the left are recorded in each aisle. The total of eight measured values ​​are rounded and then a dB (A) tolerance is deducted. The mean value of this results in the all-important driving noise value, which during inspections may not be more than one dB above the currently valid limit of 80 dB (A).
Emissions test: At the AUK, the CO content is determined in percent by volume using a probe inserted into the end pot or a collecting funnel. In the case of the BMW, according to the manufacturer, this must not exceed 0.3 at increased idle speed (2250 / min +/- 250 / min). The original pot easily manages this value thanks to its huge catalytic converter. The retrofit systems from Akrapovic and GPR also fall below the limit. All other test dampers ?? especially those without a cat? emit more than 0.3 percent by volume of CO. Which does not have to mean that the dampers fail at an AUK. The vehicle manufacturer has the option of setting the permissible limit values, according to which the testing bodies at the AUK, higher within certain limits. As a rule, however, the limit value for Euro 3 vehicles with a standard catalytic converter is 0.3 volume percent CO at increased idling speed and for older motorcycles that have been approved according to Euro 2 and do not have a catalytic converter, 4.5 volume percent CO at Idle speed. However, there are still a lot of exceptional and special regulations. To list all of these would be too much, so the tip: If you want to know more about the emissions values ​​that are binding at AUK, you should contact the vehicle and exhaust manufacturers.

Conclusion

The otherwise usual MOTORRAD verdict is missing this time, as all the dampers ?? also the series pot? significantly exceed the permissible limit value (in some cases) in the driving noise measurements. A wasted opportunity for the retrofitters who, with the exception of the two systems from Arrow and Mivv, collect more points than the BMW original. Particularly interesting that ?? apart from the GPR pot ?? all systems with catalytic converter perform better on the roller test bench than the cat-less systems from Arrow and Mivv. The mistaken belief that Kat = loss of performance would be impressively refuted. Particularly noteworthy: In terms of top performance and power delivery, the SR-Racing pot even surpasses the original, which is extremely bulky and heavy compared to the accessory candidates. And by the way, it is much more expensive to replace.

Interview with Dipl.-Ing. Tassilo Sagawe (Dekra Technology Center)

Dipl.-Ing. Tassilo Sagawe, specialist in driving noise measurements at the Dekra Technologie Center in Klettwitz

How do you explain the fact that many retrofit dampers are louder than permitted in subsequent measurements, despite EG-BE?
From our point of view there is no explanation for this. The replacement silencers must meet the relevant limit values ​​without exception during the homologation test. However, some manufacturers use somewhat louder silencers as a marketing measure.

Who is allowed to homologate all retrofit systems for road traffic?
The competent approval authority in a member state of the EU grants the approval. The necessary tests are carried out by a technical service accredited by this authority. The silencer manufacturer has a free choice within the EU for both institutions.

Do different noise limits apply in other EC countries??
Directive 97/24 / EC, in which the noise limit values ​​for motorcycles and the associated replacement silencers are specified, is to be applied equally in all EC countries.

How do the boundary conditions during the measurements, i.e. temperature, air pressure and humidity, affect the noise values?
The parameters listed have an effect on the engine performance and thus indirectly influence the noise values. However, since the measurements carried out as part of the exhaust test are comparative tests to the standard silencer and these were carried out successively under meteorologically approximately the same conditions, the influences within the permissible measurement tolerance can be neglected.

Are the exhaust manufacturers and their products checked regularly??
Chapter 9 Annex V of Directive 97/24 / EC lists the regulations for conformity of production. These stipulate that the manufacturer himself checks his production by means of suitable tests at time intervals that are left to him. This is done under the supervision of the licensing authority.

In the test systems for the BMW K 1200 S, there were some candidates whose intermediate pipes do not have any identification. Is that permissible?
If it is only an intermediate pipe without devices influencing noise and exhaust gas, labeling is not required.

Which exhaust values ​​apply to “Kat-less” retrofit dampers? And where can customers find out which exhaust values ​​apply to their motorcycle equipped with a retrofit damper?
Motorcycle manufacturers very rarely also provide information on the AUK or CO limit values ​​for replacement silencers. Otherwise, the statutory limit values ​​and measurement methods apply to vehicles with or without U-Kat, i.e. CO measurement while idling at a limit value of 4.5 percent by volume.

Interview with lawyer Ralph Andreb

Two brand new questions for lawyer and traffic law expert Ralph Andreb, www.kanzleihga.de

How can buyers of retrofit exhaust systems with EG-BE behave if, during a driving noise measurement by the police, it turns out that the system is impermissibly loud, although it has definitely not been tampered with?
At the police check itself, I advise everyone to behave very politely. Reference must be made to the EC type approval and the new legal situation. And of course that nothing has been changed on the exhaust system. The police officer should be asked to document the condition of the damper and the sound level. Make absolutely sure that these points are ALL listed in the protocol.
There are claims against the seller of the exhaust system from liability for material defects.
An exhaust system with an EC type approval must comply with the applicable noise regulations. The buyer can choose to either request an exhaust system that complies with the limit values ​​or to convert the system, that is to say: ask for his money back.

What does current traffic law provide for a penalty if you get into a control with an illegal exhaust system (without EG-BE or previously usual ABE)? There are rumors that only a warning fee of around 25 euros will be charged and that there will be no more points for it.
The amount of the fine is regulated in the Ordinance on the Catalog of Fines. However, there are only “standard rates that are based on negligent inspection and ordinary circumstances.”, Section 1 (2) BKatV. Anyone who clears out the exhaust is acting deliberately, with the result that the fine can be increased significantly.
In the case of an actually illegal exhaust system, i.e. without an entry, ABE or EC operating permit, the operating permit has expired. A fine of 50 euros and more points is still to be expected here. In these cases, too, a fine of 25 euros, without points, is said to have been imposed. But one cannot invoke this, there is no such thing as “equality in the wrong”. Even in court, the chances are bad: Above the magistrate there is “only the blue sky”, there is usually no legal remedy against his judgment. If the exhaust is too loud because it is “defective”, a fine of 20 euros, without points, must be expected, fine catalog No. 219. But only if the driver could see it. Otherwise there is no administrative offense. It remains to be seen whether this includes exhaust systems that are too loud with an operating permit or type approval. Since the new legal situation has only been in effect since March 1, 2007, there is still no case law on how to proceed in general.

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