Best Performance Exhaust for Harley Davidson – Reviews 2023
The exhaust system of your bike plays a vital role in the amount of power the engine has. Your exhaust system can drag the engine down when it does not freely allow the exhaust to be removed.
Many of our readers have asked us what the best performance exhaust for Harley Davidson bikes is.
We had to reach out to mechanics and exhaust system experts at bike shops around the country to get the answer to that question. We asked these experts if they had a particular exhaust system that they would recommend, and then we asked them to help us to explain to our readers how to choose between systems.
Best Performance Exhaust for Harley Davidson Reviews
1. JFG RACING 2" Drag Pipes Exhaust For Sportster
This exhaust system offers you style and performance.
Materials: This system is crafted from stainless steel. Stainless steel will not rust or corrode and is heavy enough to handle the high temps of exhaust without damages. The stainless is painted black.
Recommended Uses: This system is specifically crafted to work on the Softail Bikes that have forward controls and floorboards and were manufactured between 1986 and 2015. It is a perfect fit for the Touring bikes manufactured between 1984 and 2015.
It fits the Sportster Models that have forward controls and were manufactured between 1986 and 2013. It also fits the Dyna FXD and FXDWG bikes manufactured from 1991 to 2014.
Package Includes: 2 exhaust pipes and a hanger bracket.
Installation Requirements: This is an easy to install system that will pair up perfectly where the existing exhaust was. All you need are some simple tools like screwdrivers and pliers to remove the old exhaust and put this one in its place. The job should take less than an hour.
2. Cobra NH Series Slip-On Exhaust
If you want an exhaust system that is loud and aggressive sounding then this is the system you need to look at.
Sound: This exhaust system increases the sound of your ride. It is loud and aggressive. The smooth rolled end of the pipes adds to the sound enhancement and work like megaphones to broadcast the sound.
The sound resonates from a low rumble to a full roar. As soon as you crank the bike you are going to hear the difference.
Installation: This is an easy to install system that slips onto the existing system. Nine times out of ten you already have everything you need to get these installed. If you want to remove the baffles it is suggested that you do so before you put them on the bike.
Materials: This is a chrome piece that adds to the look of your bike. You can never have too much chrome on your Harley.
3. Cobra True Dual Head Pipes 6250
When you add a new exhaust system you do not just increase power, you increase the look and aggressive sound of your machine.
Sound: This is an aggressive sounding upgrade for your bike. It resonates a loud rumble and lets everyone hear your horses and the power they hold.
Heat Shields: The heat shields are large diameter at 2.5”. They cover the pipes from the position of the exhaust ports all the way to the chromed muffler body. They are one piece and have no seams so they provide you with an unbroken flow.
Package Includes: This exhaust system comes complete with head pipes, and heat shields, along with all necessary mounting hardware and brackets.
Can be Used with: You can use this with the Cobra slip on mufflers or an OEM style muffler of your choosing. The muffler is not included with this package.
4. Vance & Hines Power Duals Exhaust Chrome for 2009-16 Touring Models
If you are looking for increased torque and more horsepower then this is the exhaust system you need.
Benefits: Increases torque and horsepower over what the stock exhaust system can provide. It reduces the amount of heat that is generated on the left hand side. This helps keep the passenger from experiencing discomfort or burns. It also protects parts of your engine and the side engine covers from experiencing damages due to heat.
Intended use: These Power Duals are intended to be used on Touring Bikes.
Included in Package: 18mm and 12 mm dual bung oxygen sensor ports, heat shields that provide full coverage and maximum protection,
Style: This is an easy to install slip on style. It does not come with a muffler.
Materials: This is a chrome unit that is weather resistant and corrosion and rust resistant. It also enhances the look of your bike greatly.
5. Vance & Hines 47229 Shortshots Staggered Full System Exhaust
This is a black exhaust system that greatly adds to the performance and aggressive look of your Harley Sportster.
Intended use: This exhaust system is specifically designed for use on the Harley Davidson Sportster bikes built from 2014 until 2018. This system is manufactured in the United States.
Sound: This system will give you the sound of a hot rod. It is aggressive and it roars perfectly when the bike reaches certain highway speeds.
Benefits: This system has a sensor that is deeper in the system than the sensors in most exhaust systems. This is beneficial because it provides enhanced data feedback to your ECM and helps you have a healthier bike.
Baffles: This system comes with the louvered covered baffles. If you prefer the Quiet baffles, they can be fitted onto the system. You make the choices that customize the sound emanating through this system.
6. Bassani Xhaust Road Rage 3 2-Into-1 Exhaust System
This is a high quality exhaust system that will increase your bike performance and provide you with the sound and look you prefer.
Sound: While this exhaust system has a sound that is more aggressive than the standard stock exhaust systems installed at the manufacturer this is not a really loud system. This is a good thing if you live inside city limits with a noise ordinance.
Materials: This system is constructed from stainless steel. It is tough, durable and dependable.
Intended to be used on: This system is perfectly sized to be compatible on the FXD built in 1991 to 1994. It is also paired to fit the FXD that is built in 2006 and 2007.
Power Increase: You will notice a power increase of at least a 10% minimum. You will also have a 10% minimum increase on the torque.
Buying Guide of Harley Exhaust System
You simply cannot buy an exhaust system upgrade for your Harley Davidson without considering the following things about the new system you are buying. You want an exhaust system that will increase your power, and create the perfect aggressive sound. You also want a system that fits perfectly and will insure the health of your engine.
Compatibility
You need to make sure you understand what bikes, styles, and year models the system is compatible with before you buy. You can also take exact measurements of your existing system and check the measurements and diameters of the system you are considering to make sure that it will be compatible with the bike you ride.
Materials
All of the exhaust systems will be manufactured from quality materials. The biggest differences on the materials are going to be your personal preferences. Chrome and stainless steel are the two top materials used in the construction of these items.
Sound
The exhaust system you buy is going to make a change in the sound of your bike. Some systems increase the noise level, and some get rid of the classic Harley drone. If you live where there is a strict noise ordinance make sure that the system you are buying is acceptable under your ordinance conditions.
Accessories
When you purchase an exhaust system that does not come with the mounting brackets, or hardware required to do the installation then you have headaches finding the right components. Always check the description and make certain that you are going to get everything you need to install the system on your bike.
Legality
Some of the exhaust system upgrades are not legal in California or other states. Check the disclaimer from the manufacturer and make certain that the pipes are legal in the state that you live in.
Final Note
If you want an aggressive sounding exhaust system that is going to increase your horsepower and torque to the maximum levels on your 2209 to 2016 Touring bike, then you should take another look at the Vance & Hines Power Duals Exhaust Chrome for 2009-16 Touring Models.
If you ride a soft-tail and you are looking for the perfect exhaust system upgrade then take a closer look at JFG RACING 2" Drag Pipes Exhaust For Sportster. This system is unique and provides all of the sound and performance that you want your system to give you.
