Best Exhaust Systems for Harley Davidson: Improve Power, Sound, and Efficiency
Upgrading the exhaust system is one of the most popular performance modifications for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The right exhaust system can significantly enhance your bike's power, deepen the sound, and even improve fuel efficiency. By choosing the right system, you can unlock better performance and a more aggressive tone for your ride.
There are various types of exhaust systems available to suit different performance needs, whether you're looking for more horsepower, a better sound, or improved efficiency.
Legendary Parts offers an extensive collection of OEM and aftermarket exhaust systems for Harley-Davidson motorcycles to meet every rider’s needs.
Why Upgrade Your Harley-Davidson Exhaust?
Stock exhaust systems are often restrictive due to noise regulations and emission control requirements, which limit your Harley's power potential. Aftermarket exhaust systems, however, provide numerous performance benefits:
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Horsepower & Torque Gains: Upgrading your exhaust helps improve power output by optimising exhaust flow. However, it's important to strike a balance. An exhaust system that is too free-flowing can actually reduce engine efficiency. Some restrictions in the exhaust gases are necessary for optimal performance. A well-designed exhaust system, offering a balance between restriction and flow, will maximise horsepower and torque gains, improving both power and efficiency.
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Improved Airflow & Fuel Efficiency: While intake systems are responsible for improving airflow into the engine, exhaust systems play a crucial role in optimising the exhaust gas flow. By smoothing the flow path and making it more direct, while maintaining a slight restriction of the gases, aftermarket exhaust systems optimise the engine's ability to expel gases efficiently. This not only improves exhaust flow but also increases engine efficiency, resulting in better fuel economy, all while ensuring enhanced performance.
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Deeper, More Aggressive Sound: Custom exhaust systems can provide a more powerful, deeper sound that suits the Harley-Davidson style.
Choosing the correct exhaust for your Harley can drastically improve its overall performance and give it the sound you crave.
Types of Harley Davidson Exhaust Systems & Their Benefits
Slip-On Exhausts – Quick Sound & Style Upgrade
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Ideal for riders seeking improved sound without the need to modify the entire exhaust system. Unlike full exhaust systems, slip-ons are mufflers that bolt onto the factory headers, offering a simpler upgrade for enhanced sound without replacing the whole system.
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Benefits: Affordable, easy installation, enhanced sound.
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Limitations: Minimal performance gains compared to full systems.
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Internal Link: Pairing your slip-on exhaust with a high-flow air intake can enhance performance – check out our Harley Performance Upgrade Guide.
2-Into-1 Exhaust Systems – Best for Performance & Power
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Why it’s best: Why it’s best: 2-into-1 systems are the most effective and efficient for power gains, providing maximum performance without the complexity of exhaust scavenging.
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Ideal for: Performance-focused riders who prioritise horsepower and engine efficiency.
True Dual Exhaust – Classic Look & Aggressive Sound
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Benefits: Provides a balanced, symmetrical look with two separate exhaust pipes.
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Sound: Offers a richer, more aggressive sound but slightly less power gain than 2-into-1 systems.
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Best for: Riders who value classic styling and a deep rumble.
How to Choose the Right Exhaust for Your Harley-Davidson
When selecting an exhaust system, you must weigh performance, sound, and compliance with local laws. Here’s how to decide:
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Performance vs. Sound vs. Compliance: Determine whether you prioritise power, sound, or staying within noise regulations based on your riding style and location.
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Backpressure & Fuel Tuning: Upgrading your exhaust system can affect backpressure, which may require remapping the fuel system to optimise performance and power gains. For EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) models, this often involves using a Power Commander, a software kit that adjusts the fuel map for better engine efficiency. Carbureted models, on the other hand, may need the carburettor to be tuned. While you can use a Power Commander at home, for optimal results, it’s still best to have a professional perform the tuning to ensure everything is calibrated correctly for maximum performance.
Consider pairing your exhaust upgrade with a high-performance air intake system to maximise performance.
Top Exhaust Brands for Harley Davidson (2025 Edition)
Here are some of the best-known exhaust brands for Harley Davidson, along with their pros and cons. Notable mentions include RSD (Roland Sands Design), Supertrapp, Freedom Performance, Akrapovic, Paughco, and Arlen Ness, each offering unique features to suit different riding styles:
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Vance & Hines: Known for exceptional craftsmanship, great sound, and power, Vance & Hines delivers exhaust systems that improve both performance and style.
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Rinehart Racing: Offers a deep, throaty tone ideal for touring models, delivering a powerful yet smooth sound that enhances the riding experience.
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Bassani: Features aggressive, high-flow designs that provide more power for riders seeking a louder, more intense exhaust note.
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Cobra: Affordable slip-on options that deliver decent power gains, offering an outstanding balance of performance and value.
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RSD (Roland Sands Design): Stylish, high-performance exhausts with custom designs that offer a unique look and a powerful sound, perfect for riders wanting personalisation.
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SuperTrapp: Well-known for its tunable exhaust systems, allowing riders to adjust both sound and performance to suit their preferences, offering flexibility for different riding needs.
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Freedom Performance: Delivers bold, high-flow exhausts with a strong focus on performance and an aggressive sound, perfect for riders who want to make a statement.
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Akrapovic: Premium exhausts featuring cutting-edge technology that cater to performance enthusiasts seeking top-tier quality, superior power, and sound.
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Paughco: Classic, high-quality exhausts designed for those who appreciate vintage aesthetics while still getting modern performance improvements.
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Arlen Ness: Offers innovative designs that blend style with performance, providing a more personalised riding experience with a focus on both aesthetics and power.
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TBR (Two Brothers Racing): Well-known for its exhaust systems tailored to Club Style, TBR offers the perfect combination of performance, design, and sound. Their exhaust systems allow for customisation of both sound and performance, providing riders with a unique experience, whether for style or power.
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KessTech: Specialising in electronically controlled exhaust valves, KessTech allows riders to enjoy an aggressive and powerful sound while having the option to reduce noise with a simple twist of the throttle. Ideal for residential areas or moments when noise needs to be minimised.
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Dr. Jekill and Mr Hyde: With their electronically controlled valve systems, Dr Jekill and Mr Hyde offer the perfect balance between performance and discretion. The system allows riders to adjust the sound on the fly, offering the option to switch from a powerful sound to a "silent" mode, ideal for those looking to adhere to local noise regulations while maintaining top-level performance.
Installation & Tuning Tips for a Harley Davidson Exhaust Upgrade
When upgrading your exhaust, here are some tips to ensure a successful installation:
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Slip-On vs. Full Exhaust System: A step-by-step guide will help you choose between installing a slip-on exhaust for a quicker fix or a complete system for performance gains.
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Tuning for Fuel Injection: After upgrading the exhaust, it’s essential to tune your fuel management system to avoid running too lean or too rich. You can use devices like Power Commander, Vance & Hines Fuelpak, or ThunderMax at home for basic adjustments, but for more precise tuning, it’s still better to visit a professional. If your bike is carbureted, a carburettor tune-up is also required.
Proper tuning ensures that your new exhaust is not only compatible but also enhances overall engine performance.
FAQs—Harley Davidson Performance Upgrade Guide
What is the best loud Harley exhaust?
The 2-into-1 and full dual exhaust systems are known for their louder and more aggressive sound compared to stock systems.
How can I make my Harley louder?
Opting for aftermarket exhaust systems, such as slip-ons or 2-into-1 setups, can significantly increase the volume and tone of your Harley.
What is the best-sounding exhaust for a Harley-Davidson?
Many riders prefer Vance & Hines, Rinehart Racing, or Bassani exhausts for their rich, deep tones.
How loud is a stock Harley exhaust?
Stock Harley exhaust systems are typically quieter due to noise regulations and emissions standards, which limit the sound output. Newer models are required to come with catalytic converters, which aftermarket exhausts do not offer.
What gives Harleys their sound?
Harleys are known for their distinctive sound, largely influenced by the engine configuration and exhaust system, with the exhaust note being one of the most defining features.
Wrapping Up – Find the Best Exhaust for Your Harley at Legendary Parts
To recap, when upgrading your Harley’s exhaust system, consider the key benefits: improved sound, more power, and enhanced fuel efficiency. By choosing the right exhaust, you’ll experience a smoother ride and greater performance.