There are all kinds of ways to customize and modify your Harley-Davidson motorcycle: changing the foot controls, changing the handlebars, replacing the front fairing, upgrading the shocks, installing a fuel controller, swapping out for better tires… the list goes on. There are some commonly preferred modifications that motorcyclists list as something most Harley owners should do after purchasing a motorcycle, and if you were to randomly poll most motorcycle riders about the #1 modification they would do to their next bike purchase, there’s a good chance the universal response would be to install a different exhaust.
Motorcycle exhausts serve a basic function by quieting (muffling) the air that flows out of the engine, and for those systems with a catalytic converter, it will also remove certain pollutants. Most factory exhausts are functionally effective at what they need to do, but they tend to add unnecessary weight to the motorcycle, and typically don’t radiate the desired exhaust tone that’s heard with free-flowing aftermarket setups. The most commonly available aftermarket exhaust setups are sold in a variety of different metals and designs, and the argument over which exhaust system is better or worse for a given motorcycle generally tends to boil down to personal preference and goals.
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If the stock exhaust works, why replace it?
There are functional reasons to replace an exhaust setup. If the motorcycle is older, has higher miles, or has been down or dropped in the past, there could be a leak in one of the pipes or an unseated gasket that is causing an exhaust leak. Defects like a bent pipe can affect both airflow and the motorcycle’s performance, and require replacement with a pipe that does not have any restrictions or impingements. From a performance standpoint, replacing the exhaust system reduces backpressure from the engine – not to mention that in most cases, the aftermarket exhaust setup is also several pounds lighter than the OEM exhaust. For those riders that engage in lane filtering or lane sharing, the added noise from having an aftermarket exhaust helps them to be seen by car drivers.
What kinds of options are out there for replacing my exhaust?
There are three common ways that aftermarket exhausts are sold to the public: slip-on or muffler only, full exhaust, and modular.
Slip on, aka muffler only
Upgrading to a slip-on exhaust means you’re only replacing the portion of the motorcycle exhaust that includes the muffler. Purchasing a slip-on exhaust is an affordable option if you want a different sound and appearance for your exhaust but aren’t too concerned with any significant performance gains since slip-ons generally only yield a few extra horsepowers.
Full exhaust
Upgrading your factory exhaust with a full system replaces everything from the heads downstream, all the way to the tailpipe. This is the preferred option for upgrading your exhaust if you plan on modifying your engine, race your motorcycle, or are seeking a significant performance gain from the exhaust. However, replacing the stock exhaust with a full system will require an engine tune and/or fuel management modifications in order for the ECM and engine to function optimally with the new system.
Modular
This is a sales method that more exhaust manufacturers are beginning to offer to consumers. Modular exhaust kits are essentially full exhaust kit that is sold in individual bits for purchase and installation. Selling each component individually allows for people to buy the upgrades and install them at a pace that they can afford both time-wise and financially, versus attempting to pay for a pre-assembled full exhaust setup, which can be cost-prohibitive for some people.
How do I know which exhaust to buy, or what will work with my bike?
- Online forums: Personal knowledge, first-hand experience, and shared opinions go a long way. Check out online web forums such as HDForums.com, v-twinforum.com, or hdtimeline.com. With thousands of active members on each, there is a good chance that the exhaust you’re thinking of has been bought and installed on someone with a motorcycle similar to yours, and has posted their feedback on the forums. When browsing through the forums, don’t forget to use the Search function and check out any highlighted threads for information and etiquette for using and posting to their forum boards.
- Local HOG chapters: Try asking riders in your local HOG chapter what they recommend, or what experiences they’ve had with specific exhaust brands. It’s a great way to crowdsource information on options for replacing your exhaust, and it’s also a great chance to meet other Harley owners with motorcycles similar to yours. Added bonus: if you find someone with a bike like yours that has an exhaust system installed that you’re considering, you can see and hear that particular exhaust in real life.
- Look at online reviews: Use the brutal honesty of the collective internet mind to your advantage, and look up the reviews on the exhaust systems you’re considering. Just like you’ll do when searching through online forums, you’ll be able to get a pulse for the kind of experience other Harley owners have had with a particular exhaust. It’s a great way to find some unfiltered responses if there have been any fitment, performance, or quality issues with any brands; this is helpful if you’re researching exhaust systems from less-commonly-known brands.
- YouTube videos: This is an excellent source for reviews and experience videos, but more importantly, there will be sound comparisons for different exhaust systems. If you don’t know anyone locally that has the same exhaust installed that you’re considering, YouTube will probably have a video about it, complete with sound bites for you to compare to your current exhaust setup. The only downside is that the video sound quality compared to real life may not be exact, but this may be called out by the channel owner or someone in the comments if the difference in sound compared to real-life is misleading.
We’ve got some reviews below on 2 into 1 exhaust kits for various Harley-Davidson fitments, covering a few different manufacturers and with different styling options available. Each system reviewed is a full exhaust system; there are no slip-on mufflers or modular systems included.
1. Vance & Hines Black 2 Into 1 Pro Pipe Exhaust – Subtle Visuals, but Impressive Sound
When it comes to well-known aftermarket exhaust brands, Vance & Hines is one of the most popular Harley-Davidson aftermarket brands out there, with drag racing and flat track roots going back to 1979. This USA-made full exhaust system has a 2-to-1 setup that is coated in blue-proof black heat shields, along with a CNC chrome machined end cap displaying the Vance & Hines logo on the tailpipe. Vance & Hines designed this exhaust with stepped headers and placed the oxygen sensor deeper into the exhaust system compared to stock, which they claim improves the feedback to the ECM on the motorcycle. This exhaust system has both quiet baffles and competition baffles available, depending on what your goal is with an exhaust replacement. The Vance & Hines Pro Pipe is advertised as fitting touring models with the Twin Cam 96 motor, but you’ll want to confirm fitment. Some users reported back that the exhaust system was unusually difficult to install, so if you’re not comfortable with making the swap at home, you’ll want to find a friend or shop to help do it for you.
2. Bassani Road Rage II 2 Into 1 Chrome Exhaust – Popular Choice for Dynas
Another heavy hitter in the aftermarket exhaust industry, Bassani has been designing and manufacturing motorcycle exhausts for over 50 years for use in performance environments. This chrome 2-into-1 exhaust system features stepped equal-length headers and delivers a rich exhaust tone and improved airflow. This system is compatible with Harley-Davidson Dynas from 1991-2017 with forward controls and 2006-2017 Dynas with mid controls. The system is also touted as one of the easiest to install, coming with the hardware required for installation (minus replacement gaskets). Other users also reported that the exhaust may not fit around footboards if they are installed on the motorcycle, and there were fitment issues for motorcycles that had aftermarket foot controls installed.
3. Handmo 2 Into 1 Exhaust Pipes – Go Loud, or Go Home
Sometimes, less is indeed more; with the Handmo exhaust kit, less piping means a louder and more free-flowing exhaust, as well as a unique look for your Sportster. This exhaust also sells for an affordable price, which is a bargain compared to other options. This kit will fit on Sportster engines from 2004 to the present, and per the manufacturer, will require an engine tune for optimal usage; if you add in some mods to the air intake and fuel management, you can further improve the sound and performance. This exhaust is available in black and chrome options and can be sold either pre-wrapped or unwrapped. One thing to mention: this exhaust comes with hardware and flange kits for installation, but does not have any additional options for baffling or silencing due to its design.
4. Sharkroad 2 Into 1 Exhaust – Affordable Straight Pipes with Excellent Sound
This system is a cost-efficient option for those looking for a 2 into 1 setup for their Twin Cam 88 or Twin Cam 96 motor. The exhaust system is available in both black matte finish as well as chrome, and has replaceable end caps, should the originals ever become damaged or missing. The pipes feature a triple stepped header, and the kit is sold with a heat shield and installation hardware. Previous buyers of the Sharkroad exhaust have been happy with the sound of the exhaust after installation, but reported some fitment issues and needing some additional parts to complete the install, such as bolts and clamps. If you’ve changed where your foot controls are, or if there’s anything unusual with your saddlebags, you may need to do some DIY fitment to get this particular system to fit correctly.
5. Bassani Road Rage III 2 into 1 Stainless Steel Exhaust – Lightweight, Loud, and Looks Good
The Bassani Road Rage III is a favorite in the 2007-2016 bagger/touring family and features a stainless-steel system with stepped headers that will give a nice performance boost after installation and an accompanying engine tune. Owners of this exhaust system have indicated that the stainless-steel metal will change colors with use, and when riding, the system is louder than similar exhaust systems that are available from Vance & Hines. The Bassani Road Rage III is the most expensive exhaust system option being reviewed, but if you’re a fan of Bassani exhausts and own a bagger, this will probably be a justifiable price tag.
6. Bassani Greg Lutzka Limited Edition Stainless 2 into 1 Exhaust – One for the Collectors
This exhaust system is similar to the Bassani Road Rage III, but comes in a limited-edition version with a muffler that is a few inches shorter than the Road Rage III, which adds sound when underway. The headers on this system are equal-length stepped headers, and it comes with a removable baffle and end cap, as well as the hardware needed for installation. The limited-edition package also comes with a collector’s poster, hat, and stickers. The Bassani Greg Lutzka Limited Edition exhaust sells for $999, and specifically fits Dynas from 1991 to 2017 with mid controls, and 2007-2017 Dynas with forward controls.
7. Cobra El Diablo 2 Into 1 Chrome Exhaust System – The Underdog System with Unique Sound
With equal length headers and a strategically-placed collector that the manufacturer argues will create the best mixing of exhaust gases, this Cobra exhaust system is compatible with Dynas and Sportsters. The exhaust pipes are chrome with an aluminum tip that has been powder-coated in black and features the Cobra logo. Reviews of the El Diablo exhaust are favorable, with positive comments about the sound and quality; the major concerns noted were around ease of installation, as this exhaust system was made to fit with very tight clearance.
Comparison table
Below is a quick-reference chart reviewing each of these exhausts, with some high-level detail on each.
| Name | Cost | Benefits | Things to Remember |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vance & Hines Pro Pipe | $$$$ | Stepped headers matte black design improved O2 sensor location excellent sound | Installment may be challenging depending on skill level. Fits motorcycles with Twin Cam 96 motors. |
| Bassani | $$$$ | Equal length headers ease of installation. | Possible fitment issues with relocated/aftermarket controls. Fits most motorcycles in Dyna series. |
| Handmo 2 Into 1 | $ | Budget friendly comes in matte or chrome as well as pre-wrapped options | Pipe is very loud, with no option for baffles. Fits Sportsters from 2004-present. |
| Sharkroad 2 Into 1 | $$ | Triple-stepped headers comes in black and chrome excellent sound | May have fitment issues if aftermarket bags or controls are installed. Fits Twin Cam 88/96 motors. |
| Bassani Road Rage III | $$$$$ | Fits newer touring/bagger models stepped headers | Pipes have been reported as turning blue after regular use. Fits 2007-2016 touring motorcycles. |
| Bassani Greg Lutzka Limited Edition | $$$$$ | Equal length stepped headers comes with baffles and collector’s items | Muffler length is slightly shorter than the similarly-built Bassani Road Rage III. Fits most motorcycles in Dyna series. |
| Cobra El Diablo | $$$ | Excellent sound equal length stepped headers | Fitment may be tight (and installation may be tough) depending on your application. Fits Dynas and Sportsters. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a 2 into 1 exhaust? How about a 2 into 2 exhaust?
There are arguments in favor of a 2 into 1 exhaust that claims the slight increase in backpressure caused by the pipes merging together actually helps motorcycle performance and offers more torque, due to an optimized airflow from the single combined pipe (compared to a 2 into 2 exhaust, where the pipes either run as parallel straight pipes and don’t merge or briefly merge in a crossover tube before exiting into separate tailpipes). For 2 into 2 exhausts, the reduced back pressure will yield more power at the top-end higher RPMs, but comes at the price of some lost low-end torque. Beyond the power differences, the preference of 2 into 1 exhaust systems versus 2 into 2 exhausts boils down to the visual preference for the particular motorcycle that it’s being installed on.
What’s a stepped header and what will it do to my performance?
You may see or hear the reference of “stepped headers,” which is where the pipe diameter going from the head to the collectors is incrementally increased to allow gases to flow at a higher rate, thereby removing a source of exhaust restriction. Stepped headers are beneficial if your motor also has a big bore kit, as you can extract a greater performance gain between the big bore kit, stepped headers, and an engine tune. Exhausts without stepped headers have pipes that are the same size and don’t step up in diameter as they leave the heads.
What about equal or unequal header lengths?
Equal length headers can return a greater performance boost over unequal headers, assuming that the exhaust install is again accompanied with an appropriate engine tune to augment the improved airflow. For most everyday casual motorcyclists, though, the difference between equal and unequal headers may not be significant; it’s the performance-focused riders and folks with race bikes that will notice the difference.
What else is involved with replacing an exhaust? It can’t just be nuts and bolts…
From a bolt-on compatibility standpoint, there is a model year compatibility window for most slip-on exhausts where a particular type of exhaust is available for a specific generation. The full exhaust setups that replace everything from the heads down to the tailpipe are usually built and sold specifically to your year and model of motorcycle. That said, the exhaust kits are created according to factory geometry, and may not take into account if you change the foot control locations. If your motorcycle comes standard with mid controls and you upgrade them to forward controls (and vice versa) aftermarket exhausts may be an issue as they’re generally constructed with the understanding that the rider’s foot controls are in a different location. Lastly, most new exhausts will benefit from getting an engine tune; in some high-performance applications, a fuel controller may be beneficial too.
In conclusion…
Upgrading the exhaust on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle is a worthy upgrade since it can improve performance when installed correctly with a tune, and also enhance the riding experience with the distinct sound given from each brand’s particular system. Keep in mind that stepped headers and full systems perform remarkably better when installed alongside an engine tune or in conjunction with a fuel management system. Each exhaust system has its benefits and unique appearance; once you know what look you prefer the most, and what kind of sound you’re hoping to get, check around with other Harley-Davidson owners to see what their experiences are with the exhaust you’re considering. Not sure what exhaust you want? Start with the list above, and see if any look good. If all goes well, you’ll soon have a new exhaust system to crack open the throttle and enjoy on your future rides.