The Best exhausts For Harley Davidson’s Switchback Motorcycles

Finding the right exhaust for my Harley Davidson’s Switchback turned out to be a tougher task than I expected. It seems like most vendors hadn’t bothered to update their fitment listings to show what’s compatible and what’s not. So, it was up to me to dig in and do the research.

Knowing that the Switchback is a variation of the Dyna, I personally reached out to various exhaust manufacturers to figure out exactly what exhaust would fit the Harley Switchback. It was a detailed process, but if you’re picking an exhaust for your Harley, I’d still encourage you to double-check its compatibility. I’ve done my due diligence, but it’s always wise to confirm for yourself.

Over the years, I’ve gotten my hands dirty testing countless exhausts, comparing the best of the best on the market for Harley Davidson, including the Switchback. What was I looking for? Performance gains, weight reduction, stunning looks, and top-notch build quality. And you know what? Bassani’s Road Rage 2 into 1 ticked all those boxes. The only hiccup was the price – this beast of an exhaust doesn’t come cheap.

If affordability is more your speed, I found an option there too. The Vance & Hines Shortshots Staggered Exhaust turned out to be the best budget choice. Finding an exhaust for less than $500 seemed like a long shot, but Vance and Hines delivered.

So there you have it, the result of my hands-on experience and research. Whether you’re after high-end performance or budget-friendly quality, I’ve got you covered for your Harley Switchback. Happy riding!

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

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One Very Important Consideration

When I set out to find an exhaust for the Switchback, one of Harley’s lesser-known and less frequently ridden models, I quickly realized the challenge ahead. Unlike the more common Harley models, the compatible exhaust options for the Switchback were significantly limited.

Navigating through various exhausts, I felt a growing concern. The difficulty wasn’t something I expected, and it reminded me to be extra cautious. If you’re looking to pick an exhaust for a Switchback, be prepared to face some challenges. Finding something that fits this particular model proved to be a trickier task in my experience, compared to other Harley models I’ve worked on. It’s a little detail that could make a big difference in your search.

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The Vance and Hines Shortshots Staggered isn’t just an exhaust; it’s my top recommendation for the Harley Switchback and a masterpiece that combines looks, torque, raw horsepower, and affordability. Though not without minor fallbacks, such as its height and some questionable brackets, these pale in comparison to what it offers.

From the moment I installed this beauty, I knew the Shortshot was a beast in providing raw horsepower. It’s like being shot out of a cannon from the traffic lights, and a big part of that comes from the weight reduction achieved with its installation.

The design of the Staggered Shortshot is sleek and compact, crafted entirely from stainless steel. Its short length and relatively narrow pipes mean that the curvature improves the velocity of the engine’s gases, resulting in significant performance gains. I noticed the torque was much stronger, thanks to the short piping in length and diameter.

One thing I was initially concerned about was the heat from all this newfound speed. But even after a day’s ride, the full covered heat shield ensured that heat didn’t get near me or the engine.

And let’s talk about the sound. Like most Vance and Hines aftermarket exhausts, the Staggered Short Shot has a deep, purring roar. I appreciated the quiet baffle during my cross-country tours, but when I wanted to make an impression, the Short Shots never failed to wake the neighbors.

What sets this exhaust apart for the Harley Switchback, and the reason it’s my top choice, is the affordability. It’s rare to find a Harley exhaust under $500, with most hovering around the $700 range. But Vance and Hines managed to craft a superior, affordable option that outperformed all the other alternatives I tested. If you want to revamp your ride without breaking the bank, this is the way to go.

I’ve recommended the Bassani Road Rage more times than I can count, and if you’ve ever browsed through my buying guides, you’ve likely seen it at the top of my list repeatedly.

When I first laid hands on this exhaust, its superior build quality and promising weight reductions caught my attention. As I revved it up, I knew it was special – the higher power ranges, coupled with a satisfying roar even at idle, was music to my ears. Though it leans heavily on the upper revs for a 2-into-1 exhaust, the only real downside I could find was the price tag – it’s a touch expensive.

Examining it closely, I noticed the length is quite long, and the size of the piping is significantly larger than other alternatives. In my tests, these variations helped improve top speeds. While the torque improvements were subtle, they were still there. When I installed it on my Harley Switchback, replacing an old clunky piece, I managed to squeeze an extra 15 miles per hour out of it.

Switching from a stock exhaust, I found that the serious weight reductions were a boon for my Switchback’s engine performance. The 2-into-1 design seemed to improve the velocity of the engine’s gases, enhancing performance.

What sets the Road Rage apart is its chrome construction. In my experience, chrome is the best material for longevity and heat insulation, protecting vital engine components. Fully covered in a thick heat shield, I had no concerns about heat problems.

But, as much as I admire Bassani and this particular exhaust, it’s not flawless. I observed that the space between the ground and the exhaust could be higher. Although I’ve never seen it scrape during tight corners, I’ve heard a complaint or two about it.

Moreover, while the heat dissipation and longevity are remarkable, they do come with added weight. So, the performance gains won’t be as significant as you might expect from a stainless steel alternative. But despite these minor shortcomings, the Bassani Road Rage has won my trust and remains a top recommendation.

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