Akrapovic Slip-On Line Carbon Kawasaki Z1000 (2014-2020) – S-K10SO18-HZC

Two and a half newton metres at 3,000 rpm on a Z1000. That is the number worth reading here — not the peak, which barely moves, but the bottom of the range where a big naked four is short-shifted through town. The Akrapovic Slip-On Line (Carbon) S-K10SO18-HZC delivers it while removing 4.2 kg and measuring exactly the standard 94 dB.

Key Features

• 2.5 Nm more torque at 3,000 rpm — the gain sits at the very bottom of the rev range
• 3.2 kg against the standard 7.4 kg: 4.2 kg and 56.8 per cent less
• Carbon fibre outer sleeve and end cap, with plenty of carbon on show
• 94 dB at 5,000 rpm, identical to the standard system — the type approval holds without argument
• 1.0 PS (0.7 kW) more at 9,550 rpm
• EC and ECE type approved, certificates supplied
• Noise insert included, installation about an hour with no remapping

One Thing It Will Not Do

This system does not fit with side cases. On the naked Z1000 that is rarely a problem, but it is the difference between this part and the otherwise similar silencer for the Z1000SX, which is built to keep the Kawasaki luggage. If the bike carries cases, this is not the exhaust for it.

Where the Weight and the Torque Come From

The standard Z1000 silencer is a heavy double-skinned steel unit, and replacing it with hand-laid carbon removes more than half its mass — 4.2 kg from behind and above the rear axle, which on a bike bought for how it turns is the position where weight costs the most.

The torque at 3,000 rpm follows from freeing the flow at low gas speed. A Euro-compliant standard can is at its most restrictive exactly there, and that is why the gain shows up at idle-plus rather than at the power peak.

It Is a Pair, and That Is Why It Takes an Hour

The Z1000 carries two silencers, one on each side of the tail, and this part number is the pair. Both come off, both go on, and both have to line up with each other as well as with the bike — which is the reason Akrapovic quotes 60 minutes for what looks from a photograph like a half-hour job.

The figures were measured on a 2014 Z1000, the first year of the range this fits. No remapping is required, and the standard pair can be refitted without trace.

Fitment and Compatibility

S-K10SO18-HZC covers the Kawasaki Z1000 from model year 2014 through 2020. An optional carbon fibre heat shield set, P-HSK10R5, is available as a separate item.

Road Approval

EC type approval and ECE type approval, with the certificates supplied and downloadable here. Because the measured sound level matches the standard system exactly, the legal position is unambiguous.

Specifications

• Part number: S-K10SO18-HZC
• EAN: 3831113542173
• Fitment: Kawasaki Z1000 (2014–2020)
• System type: slip-on silencer
• Outer sleeve and end cap: carbon fibre
• System weight: 3.2 kg (stock 7.4 kg, saving 4.2 kg / 56.8 %)
• Power: 128.4 PS at 10,050 rpm (stock 127.5 PS at 10,200 rpm, gain 1.0 PS / 0.7 kW at 9,550 rpm)
• Torque: 104.3 Nm (stock 103.3 Nm at 7,650 rpm, gain 2.5 Nm at 3,000 rpm)
• Sound level: 94 dB at 5,000 rpm (stock 94 dB)
• Noise insert: included
• Restriction: not compatible with side cases
• Installation time: approx. 60 minutes
• Road approval: EC type approval and ECE type approval
• Country of manufacture: Slovenia