Nobody argues that your Harley-Davidson looks awesome. But still, can you make it better? Sure, you can! With a new exhaust system, you can increase its power and torque, and improve sound and exhaust gas flow.
To create this article, I compared several products and wrote the best performance exhaust for Harley Davidson reviews to help you make your choice. In addition to excellent technical characteristics, they also have a stunning appearance. Do not deny yourself the pleasure and install a new spare part. After all, one of the advantages of owning an HD is the possibility of its modification.
Top 5 Harley Exhaust Pipes Reviews
| Exhaust | For | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cobra 4 | Best Exhaust For Harley Davidson Touring | Top Pick |
| Vance & Hines Shortshots | Best Exhaust for Harley Sportster | Good Choice |
| Vance & Hines Power Duals | Best Exhaust For Harley Touring Models | Premium Choice |
| Best Exhaust For Harley Road King Models | Runner Up | |
| SHARKROAD 4.0 | Best Exhaust For Harley Street Glide Models | Budget Choice |
The exhaust systems on my list can help you improve the performance of your motorcycle by several steps. Also, do not forget about the appearance: an exhaust system should fit perfectly into the overall exterior of your bike.
1. Cobra Neighbor Hater Mufflers 6109 – Best Sounding Harley Touring Exhaust
The American company Cobra has established itself as a reliable manufacturer of motorcycle accessories. It started with the production of exhaust systems and is now one of the industry leaders.
Cobra Neighbor Hater Mufflers 6190 fit a fairly large number of Harley-Davidson models (almost the entire Touring product line from 2017 to 2020). So don’t forget to check if your bike is on this list.
The big plus of the product is that traditionally slip-on mufflers are one of the cheapest options. It has two long round pipes with a diameter of 4 inches. Unlike many other models, they expand by half an inch towards the end. These mufflers weigh 20.8 pounds. With such a system, your vehicle will drive even better.
The item also greatly enhances the sound of your motorcycle. It’s called Neighbor Hater for a reason. It is mainly due to the pipes expanding towards their ends, which work like megaphones and make the sound even deeper.
The pipes have a shiny chrome finish and a smooth, slightly rounded end. The design fits perfectly with the rather aggressive HD look. Installing parts will not take you more than 30 minutes.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”Positives:”]- Pipes expand towards the ends
- Chrome aggressive look
- Affordable
- Very loud, not allowed everywhere
2. Vance & Hines Shortshots Staggered Full System Exhaust – Best Sportster Exhaust
The world’s leading brand Vance & Hines, has been producing motorcycle parts for about 40 years, improving their performance and look. When choosing a suitable exhaust system, be sure to pay attention to the list of vehicle models and the year of manufacture, since this company does not make universal parts.
Vance & Hines Shortshots Staggered Full System Exhaust was designed for the 2014-2018 Harley-Davidson Sportster. The company also produces the best exhaust for Harley Breakout. Two short pipes of this model are 1.75 inches in diameter. They are made with a slight bend angle to reduce exhaust backpressure and increase your bike’s overall power and performance.
The CO2 sensor is located deeper than in other systems. It achieves better data feedback to your electronic control unit. The item, together with the sensor mounting system, weighs 21 pounds.
The system has a matte black finish, and the pipe ends have a signature oblique cut. The manufacturer used the so-called blue proof system, which increases the life of this finish. A heat shield covers the entire length of the pipes.
In terms of sound, it is one of the most aggressive models on the market today. My practice shows that the roar of a motorcycle becomes two or even three times louder. Some states have banned the use of such systems due to outdoor noise and sound regulation acts. Although, if you wish, you can additionally purchase quiet baffles.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”Positives:”]- Excellent appearance
- The oxygen sensor was put deeper than usual
- Easy to install
- You will have to purchase quiet baffles
- A bit pricey
3. Vance & Hines Power Duals Exhaust Chrome – Best Harley Exhaust for 2009-16 Touring Models
Vance & Hines company is the case when the name fully corresponds to the appearance of a product. If you want to make your bike look even more aggressive, you definitely need this exhaust chrome.
If you’re looking to improve the performance of your Harley Davidson Electra Glide, Vance & Hines Power Duals are a great option. You can expect increased power and a better exhaust note from these high-quality pipes.
Vance & Hines produces motorcycle performance exhausts that are known for providing noticeable performance gains and sounding great. Their Power Duals pipes for 2009-16 touring models follow suit by being manufactured to high standards of quality. However, all this quality comes at a price; these pipes are not cheap. Furthermore, if you want Vance & Hines mufflers to go with the header pipes, you have to buy them separately. Despite this, the pipes would still be a worthwhile investment for any serious rider.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”Positives:”]- Provide decent power gains
- Provides high performance
- Sound great, especially when paired with the right mufflers
- Very high-quality manufacturing
- Price
4. SHARKROAD Megaphone Muffler Exhaust – Best Pipes for Rumble Sound
SHARKROAD is another American company. They produce various motorcycle parts and accessories but primarily specialize in exhaust systems.
SHARKROAD Megaphone Muffler Exhaust will fit all 2017-2020 HD Touring bikes as well as the previous model on my list. The inlet end (clutch side inlet) is 1.75 inches in diameter, and the outlet end is 4.4 inches. The total length of the product is 29 inches, and the weight is 15.97 pounds.
These mufflers are supplied with all the necessary attachment parts and a short but easy-to-follow installation manual. Once installed, the ECM configuration is not required.
This model has a matte black finish. There are removable baffles at pipe ends that provide a deep and aggressive growl rather than just an over-loud exhaust. If you wish, you can remove them and tips to make it a little louder. But remember that this will affect the power of your bike.
With prolonged use, the coating may begin to fade. Although it is quite noticeable externally, it does not affect the sound and other technical characteristics. These mufflers are worth their money.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”Positives:”]- Megaphone shape significantly improves bike sound
- Easy to install
- Not deafeningly loud
- Inexpensive
- With prolonged use, the coating may begin to fade
5. SHARKROAD Chrome Slip-Ons Muffler Exhaust – Best Pipes for Throaty Sound
SHARKROAD exhaust reviews continue. By the manufacturer’s own assessment, these mufflers are much louder than the previous product on my list, although not the loudest in their product line.
This Chrome Slip Ons Muffler Exhaust is designed for the 1995-2016 Harley-Davidson Touring models. The tubes are shaped like a megaphone and expand from 1.75 inches to 4 inches. Each pipe is 31 inches long and weighs 22 pounds in total. They are easy to install in minutes, without the need to reconfigure your vehicle’s ECM.
The baffles at the pipe ends are honeycomb-shaped and can be easily removed if necessary. This shape was not chosen by chance: it increases the bike’s overall power and torque. If you do decide to remove them, check the noise standards for your area.
The item has a high-gloss chrome finish. It fits perfectly into the exterior of any HD model year. As practice shows, narrower pipes give louder sounds and more performance. Usually, riders remove the baffles to make the bike even louder, but you don’t have to with these mufflers. It already gives an excellent throaty sound.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”][wpsm_pros title=”Positives:”]- Has a stunning look
- Give excellent performance
- Sturdy construction
- Awesome price
- Not suitable for modern models
Best Performance Exhaust for Harley Davidson: Buyers Guide
There are a few things you should take into account before buying a Harley-Davidson exhaust upgrade. One is how much power you want it to add to your engine. Another is what kind of noise it will make. You will also need to consider how well the upgrade will protect your engine from damage.
Compatibility
Before purchasing a bike, ensure that you are familiar with the different types of bikes, their sizes, and the model year. Additionally, take accurate measurements of the bike you currently have and compare them to the size and width of the bike you are looking at to ensure that it is compatible with the one you are assembling.
Sounds
The noise your motorcycle makes will depend on the exhaust system you choose. Some types of exhausts will make your bike louder, while others will reduce the characteristic Harley drone. If you live in an area with strict noise limits, make sure the exhaust you buy complies with those regulations.
Additions
It can be difficult to find the right parts if you don’t have a mounting bracket or any mounting hardware when you buy an exhaust device. Make sure to check the manuals often and have everything you need to attach the machine to the bike.
Lawfulness
Some exhaust system modifications are not allowed in California and other places. Before you make any changes, check with the manufacturer to make sure it is legal in your area.
FAQ
Choosing the right exhaust system can be a daunting task for novice bikers. Now that you know which exhaust pipes I think are the best for Harley-Davidson, I will answer my readers’ most popular questions. Feel free to ask your question in the comments below if something from this article remains unclear to you.
What is the best exhaust setup for performance?
I would say it is Vance & Hines Shortshots Staggered Full System Exhaust. The patented Power Chamber technology boosts your bike’s power and torque. The oxygen sensor is located deeper than in other systems, which means a better connection with the engine control module.
Besides, this system has a protective heat shield along the entire length and just looks great on any HD model. Traditionally factory pipes have a duller sound, but this system can make your bike sound like a real hot rod.
Should I tune my Harley after exhaust?
Most manufacturers claim that after changing exhaust to Harley-Davidson, there is no need to tune a bike as an ECM adjusts itself to the corresponding pipe diameter. And it is true. However, my practice shows that it is better to tune your vehicle. Especially if you have installed a full system and not slip-on, it will let you achieve greater power, better engine performance, and avoid pipe overheating, which means longer product life.
What is the loudest pipe for a Harley-Davidson?
In my opinion, Vance & Hines Shortshots Staggered Full System Exhaust leads even in this position thanks to its short pipes. However, if you are not looking for a system, but a slip-on type item, then I would recommend Cobra Neighbor Hater Mufflers 6190.
The megaphone shape guarantees sound amplification several times compared to factory pipes. They have removable baffles that you can take off for getting louder sounds. But remember: louder doesn’t mean more powerful. Removing baffles can affect the overall performance of your bike.
What is the best 2-into-1 exhaust for Harley Davidson?
It’s no coincidence that Vance & Hines Shortshots Staggered Full System Exhaust is first on my list. This model has some of the best technical characteristics, although it has a rather high price. But the reliability of this part is worth the money. Also, I think for any biker, their vehicle’s look and sound have a significant role, and this system looks and sounds fantastic.
Get the Best Harley Exhaust for Performance
If you are still wondering whether to buy a new exhaust instead of the factory one or not, then my definite answer is yes. First, it will help you get the best possible performance out of your bike. Secondly, your vehicle will sound a new way: louder, more aggressive, and juicy. Thirdly, stock pipes do not always look excellent and impressive. With new parts, you can change this by adding an old-fashioned or modern look to your bike.
Have you ever upgraded your vehicle? What exhaust do you use? Do you agree that stock pipes sound worse? Leave your comments below!