The Best Exhausts For Harley Davidson’s Sportster 1200 in 2024

This is my buying guide on the best exhausts For Harley Davidson’s Sportster 1200 in 2024. Below is a quick summary of my top recommendations. Scroll further down to read in depth, hands on reviews for each exhaust.

BEST BUDGET

Bassani Pro
Street Exhaust

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• Massive improvement in low end torque
• More aggressive exhaust note
• Best looking exhaust for the 1200
• Available in black, chrome finishes
• Goes easy on your wallet

Best Overall

Two Brothers Comp-S
2-Into-1 Exhaust

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• Race inspired exhaust that improves performance
• The BEST sounding exhaust for Sportsters
• Premium construction
• TIG welds instead of the usual MIG welds
• Carbon fiber end cap
• Compatible with forward/mid control bikes

BEST SLIP-ON

Vance & Hines
3″ Round Twin Slash

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• High quality stainless steel
• Heavy sound adds character to bike
• Heat shields integrated into the pipes
• Prevents discoloration (blue-ing) over time
• Decent upgrade in power and torque

When I first got my hands on the Sportster 1200, I was instantly taken by its charm. It’s a truly impressive bike that offers the classic Harley look and feel, but in a smaller and less expensive package. Riding it was a thrill, but something was missing.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that the stock exhaust was just a tad underwhelming. It needed more roar, more personality. So, one of the first modifications I made to my Sportster 1200 was swapping out that stock exhaust for an aftermarket one. Let me tell you, the difference in sound and performance was night and day.

Now, I want to share my journey with you. Join me as I take you through some of the best exhausts for the Sportster 1200, the ones that truly transformed my riding experience. Let’s dive into what makes these exhausts so special and find the perfect match for your ride.

IMPORTANT! – Make sure you have the correct Exhaust sizing and fitment so you don’t waste your money.

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Best Full-System Exhausts

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When I decided to upgrade the exhaust on my Sportster 1200, I stumbled upon Two Brothers and their tried and tested Comp-S exhaust. After researching this 2-into-1 style pipe, I realized it might just be one of the best additions I could make to my bike. The promise of bona fide performance benefits, an aggressive sound, and modern design features was too alluring to resist.

Feeling the Sportster 1200’s lighter, smaller displacement engine lagging in power compared to the Softails and Dynas, I knew it was in dire need of a performance boost. The Comp-S seemed like the perfect solution with its dyno-tuned design, aimed at increasing both power and torque. As I delved into Two Brothers’ racing heritage, it became evident that their years of experience in producing performance parts were going to benefit my ride.

Once installed, I could feel the difference. The Comp-S not only reduced the weight but made my Sportster more agile and responsive in handling. The premium materials and those beautiful TIG welds turned this piece into more than just a performance part; it was an art form. The retro design added a new dimension to my bike, making it stand out from other Sportsters.

And oh, the sound! I was astonished by the throaty exhaust note that seemed to extract every single dB that the 1200 could produce. It was music to my ears, and it gave my bike a sporty, performance-oriented look. The Comp-S wasn’t just an upgrade; it was a transformation, elevating my Sportster 1200 to a whole new level.

When I set out to find the quintessential cruiser exhaust for my Harley, I stumbled upon Bassani and their Pro-Street pipes, specifically designed for the Sportster 1200. From the moment I laid eyes on those clean, minimalist exhausts, I knew they would be perfect for my bike. The classic cruiser look was there, but Bassani had taken it a step further, perfecting it into something truly gorgeous. Choosing between black or chrome was tough, but either way, those stainless steel pipes promised to look stunning on my Sportster.

Installing the Pro-Street pipes, I was eager to see if the performance lived up to the aesthetic. Bassani’s reputation for enhancing low-end torque was well-known, and I wasn’t disappointed. The moment I hit the road, I was astounded by just how much torque I could feel beneath me. My 1200 was quicker off the line, more responsive, and easier to maneuver. The added ft-lbs transformed the ride into something even more thrilling.

But Bassani’s magic didn’t stop there. The sound of my exhaust was completely revitalized, living up to the ‘Bass-ani’ name. At a standstill, it rumbled with a deeper, gruntier tone, and as I accelerated, it grew into a pronounced, passionate growl. With the Pro-Street exhaust, I felt like I had truly gotten the best value for my dollar.

Reflecting on the transformation, I felt confident in saying that the Bassani Pro-Street pipes were the best-looking and performing exhausts I had ever fitted to any Harley. The praise and recognition it deserves are beyond words. If you own a Sportster 1200, you can’t go wrong with this exhaust; it’s a decision I relish every time I hit the road.

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Best Slip-On Exhausts

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When I decided to upgrade my Sportster 1200, I was drawn to Vance and Hines’ 3” Round Twin Slash Slip-On. I had heard about its tremendous compatibility with my bike and was intrigued by the promise of a timeless design, decent power gains, and superb sound. Little did I know, this exhaust would turn out to be the most balanced setup I could have asked for.

The moment I laid eyes on the Round Twins, I knew they were something special. Sleek, sexy, and destined to complete the look of my Sportster. But it wasn’t just the appearance that captured me; the sound was nice and loud, turning my bike into a roaring beast that sounded like a rocket. I noticed a tangible upgrade in horsepower and torque, and while it wasn’t the most substantial improvement I’d ever experienced, it was enough to make a noticeable difference.

What I came to appreciate most about the Round Twins, though, was the design language. The quality construction was evident in every curve, with all-stainless steel and integrated heat shields on both pipes. I was particularly pleased to discover that this design prevented the unsightly ‘blueing’ effect that I’d seen on other exhausts. It was a thoughtful touch that made me realize just how well-crafted these exhausts were.

In the end, my experience with the 3” Round Twins from Vance and Hines left me wholly satisfied. From aesthetics to performance, they proved themselves to be the best slip-on style exhausts for my Sportster. If you’re considering an upgrade, I can’t recommend them highly enough. The balanced approach to design and functionality makes them a standout choice for any Sportster 1200 owner.

When I was looking for a solid exhaust option for my Harley Davidson, I stumbled across Cobra’s 3” RPT Slip-On Mufflers. Right from the get-go, these pipes grabbed my attention with their 3-inch design, 2-inch replaceable baffles, and use of premium materials. I was in search of something that could give my bike a performance boost and, perhaps more importantly, add some extra DBs. The tasteful styling also caught my eye, especially when compared to the flashy pipes I’d seen elsewhere.

One of the standout features of these Cobra pipes was that they offered exceptional performance without breaking the bank. Unlike other exhausts with similar setups that had caught my eye, the RPTs were affordable without sacrificing quality. I had a choice between black or chrome, and I was drawn to the black variant with its transparent coated aluminum ‘Race Pro’ tip, although the chrome capped in black also had a cool, contrasting look.

I found performance to be another strong suit of the Cobra. The RPTs were crafted with Cobra’s signature constant velocity design, ensuring a less restricted flow of exhaust gases out of the engine. This not only improved the overall performance of my bike but added a rich sound to the exhaust that I hadn’t anticipated. I discovered that the sound quality was further enhanced by the use of a bonded e-class sleeve and stainless steel mesh.

By the time I had installed and tested the Cobra exhaust, I knew I had made the right choice. It provided some of the best performance and sound in its class for my Sportster 1200. If you’re considering a new exhaust for your bike, the Cobra 3” RPT Slip-On Mufflers should definitely be on your list. I can vouch for their quality and performance, and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.