The Best Sounding Motorcycle Exhausts

Motorcycle exhausts have always been a passion of mine, and I’ve come to realize that they’re not all created equal. Some roar with a sound that resonates deep in your soul, while others offer a performance boost that makes your ride feel like a whole new machine.

In my quest for the perfect exhaust system, I’ve scoured various models across a wide range of motorcycles. I wanted to find those that not only brought the music to my ears but also reduced weight and ramped up the power of my bike.

I know many of you are looking for something tailored specifically to your ride, so I’ve also delved into more specialized buying guides. They cover everything from the best exhausts for individual bikes to manufacturers and distinct categories. You’ll find something that speaks to your own bike if you follow the links below.

Through all my testing and exploration, one brand stood out from the rest: Akrapovic’s racing exhaust system. It wasn’t just the best sounding in my opinion; it was also compatible with a wide variety of motorcycles.

So here it is, without further ado, the fruit of my labor: the best-sounding motorcycle exhausts that I’ve personally experienced. May you find the one that sings to you.


Akrapovic’s exhausts

Best Sounding Overall

Akrapovic’s exhausts have always blown me away with their incredible sound and top-notch performance, and I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing these marvels firsthand.

I’ve put Akras on different bikes, both slip-on and full exhaust systems, and the results never cease to amaze me. Whether I was fitting them to a sports bike or a streetfighter, every time the bike’s roar became louder and richer. These exhausts carry a distinct sound that even manages to awaken smaller engines, making them come alive like never before.

As someone who loves the thrill of high-revving motors, I found the high-pitched whine of Akrapovics intoxicating. From the moment I hit the start button, their heavy and powerful sound promised something exhilarating. At idle, they were loud and droning, but that was just the tease. When I cracked that throttle, the pipes spat flames, and the high-pitched revs screamed louder with every twist, escalating the excitement to a whole new level.

Akra is not just about sound; it’s about quality too. When handling their exhausts, I could feel the premium materials like stainless steel, carbon fiber, and titanium. The construction was precise, and I knew I was dealing with something that would last.

The performance gains were tangible. On every bike I tried, the Akrapovic exhausts made a significant difference. Power and torque output soared, and the lightweight construction seemed to make the bikes more agile, responding to my every command with newfound ease.

As a rider and an enthusiast, I can vouch for Akra’s exhausts. They don’t just talk the talk; they roar it.

Pros
  • Premium quality
  • Stainless steel, titanium and carbon fiber are used
  • Lightweight construction
  • Reduces overall mass
  • Real performance gains
  • Loud, high pitched sound
Cons
  • May require tuning or remapping to work well

Two Brothers M2 Black Series

Best Budget Sounding

Having a background in moto racing, I always had an ear for loud, high-performing exhausts, and that’s exactly what drew me to Two Brothers and their M2 Black Series. This exhaust doesn’t just look cool; it offers something more raw, and its performance gains, sound, and lightweight build hooked me right away.

I remember the first time I revved the engine with the M2 installed; it was loud, but not just any loud. There was sophistication in its madness. The exhaust note was heavy, warm, but carried a shriek as I sped down the highway. Unlike many exhausts that simply blast noise, the M2 maintained its quality, deep at idle and even heavier than the Akrapovic. But as I revved it more, it subtly became high-pitched, controlling its crescendo in a way that kept me fascinated.

As I worked on the installation, the build quality of the M2 became apparent. Two Brothers had used carbon fiber and premium 304 stainless steel, and their proprietary V.A.L.E system assured me of a precise fit and finish. I could feel the craftsmanship and knew this exhaust was something special.

But it wasn’t just about the sound and build. Once I was back on the road, the real magic happened. I could feel the noticeable horsepower increase, transforming my bike’s riding dynamics and boosting its daily performance. And thanks to the lightweight materials, my bike felt easier to handle, responding to my every move with newfound agility.

Two Brothers’ M2 was more than just an exhaust; it was an experience that changed my ride and resonated with my passion for racing.

Pros
  • Lightweight build
  • High quality carbon fiber muffler
  • 304 stainless steel piping and inlets
  • Higher power output than stock
  • V.A.L.E system makes the components fit perfectly
  • Sound is much louder and better than stock
  • Exhaust is not too harsh or obtrusive
  • Made in the USA
Cons
  • Sportbike riders might prefer even louder exhausts

Yoshimura R77 Slip-On Exhaust

Decent Sounding

I had heard about the R77 Slip-On from Yoshimura and knew I had to try it. The moment I fitted it to my bike, I could see it was something special. It not only looked cool but promised a reasonable boost in power, weight reduction, and an improvement in sound.

The first time I started my bike with the R77 installed, the sound hit me. It was loud but not obnoxious, holding its own despite not being the loudest option on my list. But what it lacked in dB’s, it more than made up for in HPs. As I took my bike for a spin, it felt instantly more responsive, accelerating faster and handling more easily, all thanks to the weight it had shed.

But the R77 had something more. Its trapezoidal shape gave it a modern appearance, and that very design lent it a signature sound, deep and bassy. I reveled in its heavy, growly character, feeling it sync with my bike’s torquey engine, imparting a formidable and authoritative feel. It wasn’t just about looks or sound; it was about power.

When I put it to the test on the track, the R77 did not disappoint. My lap times were consistently better, and I couldn’t help but notice how much easier my bike was to maneuver. The combination of less weight and more torque made my ride smoother, more responsive, and downright fun.

The R77 Slip-On from Yoshimura wasn’t just another exhaust; it became an integral part of my ride, enhancing everything from the aesthetics to performance, all with a unique flair that made my bike feel truly mine.

Pros
  • Unique trapezoidal design
  • Most power gains of any slip-on
  • Impressive sound
  • Reduces weight of bike
  • Makes the bike more agile
  • Improved low end torque makes everyday riding easier
  • Heavy, commanding exhaust note
Cons
  • Not the loudest at startup or idle, but better when revved

Author
Hugo Alais

Hi, I'm Hugo, I'm a motorcycle enthusiast who’s been riding for the last 10 years. I'm passionate about all things motorcycles and started Bikes Future to help other riders make the right motorcycle moves. I ride a white Kawasaki Ninja 400. You can find out more about me and my experience with motorcycling here.