What sound makes your heart race like a true Harley-Davidson rumble? That deep, throaty roar is more than just noise; it’s the soul of the machine speaking. But achieving that perfect sound, that signature bark, often comes down to one crucial piece of hardware: the exhaust pipes.
Choosing new pipes for your beloved hog can feel overwhelming. Do you prioritize that deep bass tone, or should you focus on performance gains? Maybe you’re battling noise restrictions or struggling to find a style that truly matches your ride’s look. The sheer volume of choices—from slip-ons to full systems, from chrome to matte black—can leave any rider scratching their head and worried about wasting hard-earned money.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know about Harley exhaust pipes. You will learn how different systems affect sound, horsepower, and street legality. By the end of this post, you will confidently select the exhaust that transforms your ride from great to legendary.
Top Harley Exhaust Pipes Recommendations
- Quick Slip-On Installation: Loosen bolts, remove old muffler, fit the new 36 inch fishtail slip-on, then tighten bolts and you're done
- Premium Construction Material: Crafted from durable 16 gauge metal with triple-layered and polished chrome surface finish for long-lasting performance
- Precise Specifications: Features 36 inch length, 1-7/8 inch body diameter, and both inlets with 1-3/4 inch inner diameter for optimal fitment
- Wide Compatibility Range: Fits Harley 2009-2016 Touring models including Baggers, Dressers, Electra Glide, Road Glide, Street Glide, Ultra Classic, Road King, FLHT, FLTR, FLHX, FLTCU, FLHR, and FLHTK
- Complete Package Contents: Includes 2 pieces of 36 inch fishtail pipes along with all necessary installing screws and nuts for hassle-free setup
- Easy Installation Process: Remove old mufflers, slip on new ones, and tighten bolts for a straightforward installation experience
- Strict Quality Control Standards: Each 33 inch slip-on muffler is thoroughly inspected before packing to ensure quality and performance
- Customer Support Available: Fast responses within 24 hours to address your questions and concerns
- Premium Chrome Finish: Features a durable 16 gauge construction with chrome finish and 33 inch length for enhanced appearance and longevity
- Compatible Fitment: Designed specifically for Harley Davidson Touring 2009-2016 models with stock head pipes, including Road King, Street Glide, and Ultra Limited motorcycles
- ✅EASY INSTALLATION BY YOURSELF; This Muffler Designed for Harley Stock Header Pipe; It May Don’t Fit Aftermarket Exhaust Brands Headers; Sold in Pairs with Hardware Included
- ✅ “No Baffle Inside” Super Loud Version, Save Your Time To Remove The Baffle Because This Muffler Have No Baffle already
- ?EASY INSTALLATION BY YOURSELF; This Muffler Designed for Harley Stock Header Pipe; It May Don?t Fit Aftermarket Exhaust Brands Headers; Sold in Pairs with Hardware Included
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions
- Quick Slip-On Installation: Loosen bolts, remove old muffler, fit the new 39 inch fishtail slip-on, then tighten bolts and you're done
- Customer Support: Prompt, responsive support for any questions or issues with commitment to your satisfaction and rapid resolution
- Premium Construction: Made from 16 gauge metal with triple-layered and polished chrome surface finish for durability and long-lasting shine
- Precise Specifications: Features 39 inch length, 1-7/8 inch body diameter, and both inlets with 1-3/4 inch inner diameter for proper fitment
- Wide Compatibility: Fits Harley 2009-2016 Touring models including Baggers, Dressers, Electra Glide, Road Glide, Street Glide, Ultra Classic, Road King, FLHT, FLTR, FLHX, FLTCU, FLHR, and FLHTK
- Package includes one 2 inch X 50 feet Heat Wrap with (pack of 6) 12" Stainless Steel (304) Locking Zip Ties.
- The exhaust heat wrap tape can withstand 1400F direct/2000F radiant heat.
- High resistance to abrasions, oil spills, temperatures and vibration breakdown
- The thermal heat wrap can reduce heat under hood up to 50%
- Universal fitment for cars and motorcycles performance parts
- Complete Package Included: 2 slip-on exhaust pipes for Harley Touring, install hardware, and excellent after-sale service
- Premium Construction Materials: Made from 16 Gage Cold Rolled Steel with Triple Layer Plated Chrome Finish for durability and corrosion resistance
- Precise Dimensions: Features 3 inch outer diameter body, 36 inch length, and 1 3/4 inch inner diameter inlets that fit 2009-2016 Touring Header Pipe directly
- Compatible Models: Fits 2009-2016 Harley Touring models including Street Glide, Electra Glide, Road Glide, Road King, Ultra Classic, Baggers, and Dressers
- Important Compatibility Notes: Does not fit 2017-2022 Harley Touring models, Tri-Glide models, or 2-into-1 exhaust system touring bikes; designed for stock 1.75 inch outer diameter header pipes only and not compatible with aftermarket brands like Vance and Hines, Rinehart, or Cobra which may have 2.0 inch outer diameter header pipes
- 【FANTASTIC VOICE, SHINY LOOK.】Make your bike special for your eyes and ears with a SHARKROAD 4.4-inch muffler.
- 【QUALITY PRODUCT, AFFORDABLE COST】Sold as a pair, only costs you 1/2 budget of big brands, and can not beat the great quality and reasonable price.
- 【EASY INSTALLATION BY YOURSELF】Comes with installation instructions and all essential hardware(clamps, bolts, nuts), installing will be a breeze.
- 【Perfect Fit】Muffler Inlet I.D: Left-1.75" & Right 2.5'', Designed specifically for 2017-up Harley Touring Models, including Road King, Street Glide, Road Glide, and Electra Glide. (Note: Does not fit Tri-Glide models.)
- 【PRIME CUSTOMER AFTERSALE SERVICE.】We stand behind our products without doubt or responsibility shift. Feel free to contact us if any questions or concerns about the product.
- Fitment : for 1984-2015 Big Twin, and for 1986-2014 Harley Sportster XL
- Kit includes four zinc-plated studs and four chrome-plated flanged nuts
- Replaces OEM #16715-83
- Direct fit replacement unit
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Harley’s Roar
Choosing new exhaust pipes for your Harley-Davidson is exciting. The right pipes change how your bike looks, sounds, and even performs. This guide helps you pick the best set for your ride.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important features:
- Sound Level: Do you want a deep rumble or a loud roar? Exhausts are often labeled as “mild,” “moderate,” or “aggressive.” Check online reviews for sound clips.
- Baffle Design: Baffles are internal parts that control sound. “Removable baffles” let you adjust the noise level. Fixed baffles usually offer a consistent, set sound.
- Heat Shields: These metal covers wrap around the hot pipes. Good heat shields protect your legs from painful burns. Make sure they cover the areas you touch most.
- Fitment: Always confirm the pipes fit your specific Harley model (e.g., Sportster, Softail, Touring) and year. Incorrect fitment causes major installation headaches.
Important Materials Matter
The material affects durability, weight, and sound quality. Most quality pipes use one of two main metals:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is strong and resists rust well. It handles high heat without breaking down. It often keeps a shiny look longer, even after many rides.
Mild Steel (or Chromed Steel)
Mild steel is cheaper. It looks great when new because it takes chrome plating very well. However, cheap mild steel can sometimes “blue” or “bluing” (turn a yellowish-blue color) near the headers due to extreme heat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the brand name. Look closely at how the parts are made.
What Makes Pipes Better?
- Welds: Look for smooth, clean welds. Professional TIG welding shows high craftsmanship and creates a stronger joint. Poor welds break easier over time.
- Finish Quality: Deep, flawless chrome plating lasts much longer. Thin, bubbly chrome flakes off quickly.
- Internal Design: Well-designed internal baffling helps exhaust gases flow better. Better flow often means slightly more horsepower.
What Lowers Quality?
Cheap imports sometimes use thin metal. This thin metal vibrates more, leading to cracks. Also, pipes that do not come with proper gaskets or mounting hardware frustrate the user.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you ride your Harley most often.
The Daily Commuter
If you ride in traffic daily, you need pipes that are loud enough to be heard but not so loud they annoy neighbors early in the morning. Moderate sound levels with good heat shields are best here.
The Weekend Cruiser
Cruisers often look for maximum style and a deep, classic sound. They might choose bigger, 2-into-1 systems or long, sweeping dual exhausts that look impressive parked or cruising the highway.
Performance Seekers
Riders focused on performance often choose 2-into-1 systems. These systems usually offer better mid-range torque and horsepower gains compared to traditional dual exhausts. They prioritize function over the classic “shotgun” look.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Harley Exhaust Pipes
Q: Will new pipes void my Harley warranty?
A: Changing the exhaust itself usually does not void the entire motorcycle warranty. However, if the new pipes cause a problem with the engine management system (like needing a fuel tuner), repairs related to that engine issue might not be covered.
Q: Do I need to retune my engine after installing new pipes?
A: Yes, usually. When you change the exhaust flow, the engine breathes differently. Most aftermarket pipes require a fuel management system or a tuner to adjust how much fuel the engine gets. This prevents the bike from running too lean (too much air, not enough gas).
Q: What is “bluing,” and how do I stop it?
A: Bluing happens when the metal gets too hot, changing the color, often near the engine head. Using quality stainless steel or running the correct tune (as mentioned above) helps reduce excessive heat and prevents bluing.
Q: What is the difference between Slip-ons and Full Systems?
A: Slip-ons replace only the mufflers (the back part). Full systems replace everything from the engine headers back. Full systems generally offer the biggest sound and performance change.
Q: Are 2-into-1 systems better than dual pipes?
A: For pure performance and torque, 2-into-1 systems are often better because they manage exhaust pulses more efficiently. For the classic, iconic Harley look and sound, dual pipes are the traditional choice.
Q: How heavy are aftermarket exhausts?
A: Many aftermarket pipes use lighter materials than heavy stock mufflers, saving a few pounds. However, some very large, thick-walled custom systems can be heavy.
Q: How often should I clean my chrome pipes?
A: Clean them regularly with a quality chrome cleaner, especially after riding in rain or salty conditions. Wipe off fingerprints quickly, as hand oils can dull the finish.
Q: What does “baffle-less” mean?
A: Baffle-less pipes have no internal sound-dampening parts. They are extremely loud and are often illegal for street use in many areas.
Q: Can I install them myself?
A: Slip-ons are easy and can be done in an hour with basic tools. Full systems are harder and often require removing the gas tank, so many people hire a mechanic for those.
Q: Will louder pipes make my Harley faster?
A: Louder pipes *can* make your bike feel faster due to the sound, but true speed gains only happen if the pipes allow the engine to breathe better AND you correctly tune the fuel system to match.