The exhaust system plays a crucial role in the functioning of your motorcycle. It helps direct combustion gases away from the passenger and rider, boosts engine performance, and muffles the noise. These functions underscore the importance of having the right exhaust for your motorcycle. If you’re looking to improve your motorcycle’s overall performance, you might want to upgrade your bike’s exhaust system.
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Our Top 3 Best Performance Exhaust
This guide provides information on how you can boost your bike’s overall performance and sound with an exhaust system. Read on to learn about some of the best performance exhausts for your Harley.
1. Vance & Hines – Best Performance Exhaust For Harley Davidson 103
Vance & Hines is one of the biggest brands when it comes to performance exhausts. They are renowned for generating quality pipes with great sound and notable performance gains. This system was designed for touring bikes but offers the best performance for Harley Electra Glide.
Superior Performance Gains and Quality
It features an easy-to-install slip-on style with power duals that yield superior performance gains and improved sound. The power duals for 2009 to 2016 models exhibit superior manufacturing allowing an increase in horsepower and torque over the stock pipes.
The chrome unit is weather and corrosion-resistant. Furthermore, it improves your bike’s appearance greatly. The superior quality comes at a high cost. Since they’re header pipes, you’ll need to purchase them separately if you want them to go with Vance & Hines mufflers. Nonetheless, they’re a worthwhile investment for a serious rider. The re-invention of dresser duals eradicates the stock crossover along with heat issues for the passenger while protecting important mechanisms against heat damage.
Performance
Vance & Hines Dresser Duals Exhaust Chrome enhance horsepower and torque over the stock exhaust system that comes with the original bike. It decreases the heat produced on the left-hand side. This keeps passengers from sustaining burns or experiencing discomfort.
Furthermore, it protects components of the side engine and engine covers from heat-related damage.
Pros
- Offers great sound, particularly when paired with the appropriate mufflers
- Compatible with all Vance & Hines slip-on mufflers
- The black option comes with black heat shields and chrome pipes
- Maximum protection through heat shields and 12 mm and 18 mm dual oxygen sensor ports
- Powerful chamber for improved performance
Cons
- Pricey
- Mufflers must be purchased separately
2. SHARKROAD 3-Inch Black Slip-On Mufflers – Best For Sportster
This Sharkroad system is designed for Harley-Davidson Sportster models from 2014 to 2021. It has an appealing look and is easily installed. Furthermore, it produces great sound and facilitates increased performance with free-flowing mufflers.
Pros
- No modifications required
- Affordable
- Easy installation
- Comes with a detachable baffle
- Increased performance
Cons
- Short bolts
3. Cobra 909 2-Into-2 Exhaust for 2014-2019 Harley XL883N Sportster
Cobra’s 909 2-Into-2 exhaust system combines conventional styling with contemporary performance technology. The updated version features a chrome inner tip and 222-degree heat shields. They deliver some of the highest power gains partly because of the PowerPort, which is a crossover technology that enhances general power from idle or redline.
Cobra 909 offers the type of power increase you typically experience with a 2-into-1 system while maintaining the clean and classic lines of a 2-into-2 pipe. These systems are the most affordable yet efficient with triple-chromed pipes.
Extra Power With Distinctive Sound, Performance, and Style
The system allows the connection of both exhaust pipes from the rear and front cylinders while enabling enhanced exhaust scavenging. This generates extra power from what appears like a conventional 2-into-2 system. Besides featuring a distinct blend of sound, performance, and style, it comes with instructions and installation hardware.
Pros
- Complete coverage with 222° heat shields
- PowerPort technology enhances power
- Muffler bodies widen from 3 to 31/2 inches from the front to the rear respectively
- Stainless steel-made mesh baffles and bonded e-glass
- 2-inch continuous velocity cores for superior performance and sound
Cons
- Doesn’t come with mufflers
4. Freedom Performance Exhaust Sharktail for 2018 Softail Models – Best All-Around
Freedom’s performance exhaust system controls your motorcycle’s sound and performance with Freedom Performance baffles. The brand’s baffles cancel louder sounds coming from the exhaust while still allowing softer sounds to come through.
It entails easy installation and fits into 2-into-1 slip-ons. It is an excellent choice for everybody from novice bikers to the most experienced. This is a reliable exhaust system that helps your motor make those nice low rumbling sounds. You can expect to get your desired sound from this model.
Enhanced Performance With the Right Back Pressure
The system enhances your bike’s performance by producing the right amount of backpressure. The brand, which is also renowned for quality engineering, offers a system that enables maximum horsepower. The Freedom Performance Exhaust also comes with custom end caps. A noticeable feature is a symmetrical exhaust that runs on the left and right sides of your bike.
Pros
- Stylish shark tail with optional tips
- Comes with mounting brackets and hardware
- Manufactured in the US
Cons
- Slightly expensive
5. Vance & Hines – Best Aggressive Exhaust
This Vance & Hines product was designed for Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycles manufactured from 2014 until 2018.
While its systems are portrayed with a black finish, an important aspect of Vance & Hines exhaust is its pipes which feature a chrome finish made with blue-proof technology to help sustain its overall quality. The system delivers twin slash ends with a fat, straight-pipe appearance.
Edgy Look With Powerful Sounds
The absence of principal bends makes the overall installation and handling process easy. Proper ends finish the system, giving your bike a very edgy and contemporary profile. The exhaust system comprises stunning pipes matched by powerful sounds emitted by the bike. Furthermore, the pipes come with detachable baffles for further sound amplification.
The baffles in this system are louvered-covered. If you prefer the quiet ones, you can have them fitted onto the system. You can decide to tailor the sound coming through this system. The system gives your bike the sound of a hotrod. The aggressive sound roars perfectly when the motorcycle hits highway speeds.
Piping Design
The black piping design is derived from the installation of a fully-fitted heat shield that’s in the kit. The system’s heat shields comprise quality racing coating while the kit offers two unique looks for the cost of one exhaust system. This black system adds greatly to the aggressive appearance and performance of your Harley.
The head pipes measure around 13/4 inches and 24 pounds in weight. The system features minimal bending that gives the setup a clean appearance while decreasing any form of back pressure on your exhaust which increases overall performance and power.
Pros
- Performance and style with unbeatable value
- Deeper sensor than those in most systems
- Includes detachable baffles, instructions, and mounting hardware
Cons
- Illegal in some states
- Installation might alter the motorbike’s fuel-air mixture
Buyer’s Guide
You simply can’t purchase an exhaust system for your Harley without considering a lot of different factors before buying. You want a system that will enhance your bike’s power while generating that perfect aggressive rumbling sound. You should also look for a system that’s designed for your bike’s model. Additionally, the system you choose should enhance and not harm your engine’s performance.
We’ve prepared for you a buyer’s guide to help you know the ins and outs of performance exhaust systems for Harleys.
Why Should You Substitute the Original System With the Best Performance Exhaust?
To Produce a Trademark Sound
The kind of exhaust you fit on your motorbike impacts the type of sound generated by it. Motorbike manufacturers merge pipework and different types of silencers to achieve a trademark sound.
Enthusiasts can recognize the brand of an exhaust system from the sound of a bike. You’ll spot the loudest motorbikes on the road. Notice how conspicuous they are and the characteristic sounds that different exhausts produce.
The Louder The Better
A reason why some bikers adjust their exhaust and fit a performance exhaust is to make the bike louder. The engine generates the sound while the exhaust amplifies it to make it louder. Although the engine combustion is naturally loud, some motorbikes are simply quieter than others.
High-Performance Exhausts = Louder Sounds
Most exhausts are fitted with mufflers that cancel the noise. The minute sound leaves your engine, the mufflers will deflect the pressure waves. This helps reduce most of the sound before it leaves the mufflers. The sound from the exhaust will depend on the materials and shape. High-performance exhausts feature a shape that allows them to be louder than the original systems.
They come with detachable baffles and muffles that can help you achieve your preferred rumble.
Lighten the Load
Weight isn’t the sole determinant of your bike’s performance. Size plays an important role too. Remember, the bigger the load, the harder the bike’s performance. You can choose to upgrade to a high-performance system to eradicate surplus weight and decrease the load. Consequently, you’ll enjoy better performance which is important if you’re looking for speed.
Cost-efficiency
Although performance exhausts might be more expensive initially, you’ll end up saving dollars in the long run. After all, increased performance will result in enhanced fuel efficiency. Furthermore, performance exhausts feature sturdy construction and premium materials.
Most comprise a rust-resistant coating as well which improves their durability. Sturdy construction means that you won’t need to purchase another system any time soon.
Performance
An aftermarket exhaust helps enhance your motorbike’s performance in two ways. To begin with, it helps shed weight, making the bike lighter. Secondly, a performance exhaust enhances your bike’s torque and horsepower.
The internal airflow and the airflow leaving the bike engine to affect your engine’s performance considerably. For enhanced performance, emissions must leave the engine quickly for fresh air to enter the engine faster and with more power. The pipes in performance exhaust systems have an extra diameter and improved exhaust layout that decreases obstruction in the exhaust. When the engine has more air and there’s increased fuel intake, you’ll have extra combustion which yields more power.
What Should You Consider Before Buying an Exhaust System?
Compatibility
Make sure you identify a compatible style, bike type, and model for your Harley before buying. Take precise measurements of your current system and check them against the diameters and measurements of the system you’re considering to ensure compatibility with your ride.
Legality
Some system upgrades are illegal in California and other states. You’ll therefore want to examine the manufacturer’s disclaimer and ensure that the pipes are legal in the state where you live.
Accessories
When you buy a system that doesn’t come with mounting brackets or the necessary hardware for installation, you’ll have a hard time fitting it to your bike. Always examine the product literature and ensure that the system you’re considering has everything you need for installation.
Finishing
Style is one reason why bikers upgrade to a performance exhaust. If appearance and style are a priority, you should consider the finishing. Numerous performance exhausts are available in carbon fiber, chrome, and stainless steel.
Although the choice of system depends on your preference, you’re better off going for an affordable one. However, it should still be sturdy enough to tolerate pollutants and heat from the exhaust. Keep in mind that stainless steel and chrome are the major materials that performance exhausts come in.
What’s the Distinction Between a Slip-On Muffler and a Full Exhaust System?
When shopping for a performance exhaust system, you’ll probably encounter two main choices: a slip-on muffler or a full system. Of the two, the former is cheaper because it simply substitutes your stock system’s muffler.
Although a slip-on muffler will almost certainly enhance your bike’s sound, it has minimal to no effect on engine performance. The benefit to a slip-on muffler is that it’s much cheaper than obtaining a full performance system. If you want to see enhancements in bike performance, horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency, you’ll need to purchase a full exhaust system. It’s worth noting that they’re more costly and need extra effort when it comes to installation.
In most instances, you’ll have to modify your fuel/air mixture by resetting or adjusting it electronically to prevent motor damage. However, results are guaranteed through the installation of a performance exhaust system.
Why Do Harleys Have a Distinctive Sound?
Although various factors set Harleys apart, the sound they make is one of the key reasons they stand out. Few motorcycles generate such a unique thunderous rumble from the exhaust. How do they achieve this sound? The reason lies in the motor’s layout. One pin joins both pistons’ linking rods to the crankshaft producing firing at irregular intervals. The uneven firing is responsible for giving Harley engines their distinct sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
It isn’t easy but it’s possible to remove your mufflers by sliding them off. At times, you might find the mufflers clamped onto the head pipe making them difficult to remove. Removing the muffler will make your motorcycle louder but it can cause damage.
Removing your baffle might alter the motor’s power curve. Baffle removal also hinders the normal functioning of the engine. The engine will run hotter and leaner resulting in possible damage.
A dual-engine yields better performance than a single one. For a dual exhaust, emissions will leave the engine quicker through two pipes: when gasses exit fresh air enters increasing horsepower and combustion.
There are endless options depending on the kind of rider you are and the type of sound you want from your bike. Nonetheless, it comes down to two types of exhaust systems:
● Full header – This exhaust type substitutes everything from the head to the bike’s back.
● Mufflers only – Also called bolt-on or slip-on systems, they retain the factory head pipe and replace only the muffler.
Slip-On Systems: Affordable With a Slight Performance Boost
Numerous slip-on systems are usually manufactured to be the only component that requires changing on your motorbike. Although the performance is incomparable to what you’d get from a full system, the initial cost is affordable and you’ll experience a slight boost in performance and sound.
Full Header System: Enhanced Performance but More Complex Installations
When it comes to a full header system, you won’t just think about the change that comes from the headers and the muffler. You’ll need to consider fuel management as well.
Typically, it involves fuel controllers or a jet kit. These types of installations are usually more complex but result in enhanced performance, superior power, and sound.
When selecting an aftermarket system, you should consider what you want to achieve. If you simply want to alter the sound and give your motorcycle some rumble when cruising, an affordable slip-on might work.
On the other hand, if you intend to do camshaft changes, headwork, etc., you’re better off investing in a full system.
Conclusion
If you value your Harley but want higher performance and a more distinct intense sound, consider a performance exhaust system. Just be ready to do some research, prepare a budget for it, and prepare yourself for some installation work.