The Loudest Exhausts for the Harley Sportster 1200 in 2024

This is my buying guide on the loudest exhausts for the Harley 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.

BUDGET LOUDEST

Cobra Speedster 909 Exhaust

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• Timeless design
• Much improved performance lower in the rev range
• Full protection heat shields
• Powerport technology
• Lightweight design
• One of the loudest exhausts for the Sportster 1200
• Deep and aggressive exhaust note
• Better torque
• Most affordable option

Loudest Overall

Bassani Radial Sweepers

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• 16-gauge double-wall steel
• Modern design
• More ground clearance
• Shorter exhaust
• Saves a bit of weight
• Rowdy exhaust note
• Loud and imposing sound
• More torque down low
• Acceleration is a lot quicker
• Passing on the highway is smoother
• Integrated heat shields
• Easy installation process
• All the mounting hardware is provided in the box

WORTHY CONSIDERATION

Vance & Hines Big Radius Exhaust

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• Unique styling with curved pipes
• Significantly more powerful than stock
• Anti-bluing heat shields
• Loud exhaust note
• Deep, thumping sound
• Lightweight build
• Best in class construction
• Premium materials used
• Free flow exhaust architecture
• Awesome fluttering sound on cold starts
• Design fits well with Sportster 1200

Today, I’m diving into the world of the loudest exhausts for the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200, a bike that I hold close to my heart.

Though the Sportster 1200 has won me over as one of my favorite Harleys, I can’t shake the feeling that its sound doesn’t quite hit the mark. I know that the right exhaust can not only add thunderous dBs but also pump a couple more horsepower into this beauty! So my hands-on experience will cover the build quality, the actual performance boost, and most crucially, just how loud these exhausts can roar.

And let me tell you, when you’re talking about the thunderous roar for the Sportster 1200, Bassani’s Radial Sweepers are the real deal. I’ve had the pleasure of testing these shorty pipes myself, and they’ve got a bite that matches their bark! Not only do they deliver the loudest exhaust sound I’ve heard, but they also give the Sportster 1200 the kick it needs to rip down the open road.

Having ridden different Sportster models over the past twenty years, I’ve come to see the aftermarket exhaust as more than just an accessory; it’s a must-have for me. So now, I want to share my personal insights, the good and the bad, about some of the top performers that I’ve had the pleasure (or displeasure) of trying out.

Stick with me, and let’s dig deep into the world of the loudest exhausts for the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200. Whether you’re new to the scene or a seasoned biker like me, there’s always something to learn and discover in the pursuit of that perfect rumble!

The moment I bolted on the Radial Sweepers, I knew they were something special, by far the loudest and rowdiest exhausts I’ve ever heard on the Sportster 1200. Bassani really outdid themselves, designing these shorter pipes not just for style but for substantial weight reduction and power boost to my Sportster 1200.

Want to turn heads with your Sportster’s 1200 exhaust? These Bassani beauties are where it’s at. I was immediately struck by their modern, slash-cut look. They looked absolutely stunning, and I couldn’t help but notice they were significantly shorter than their rivals.

But that’s not all about style. I found the shorter proportions served real functional benefits. First off, the pipes are positioned higher on the bike, something that notably aided ground clearance. The lower weight? That turned flicking my Sportster into corners from a task into a joy.

When it came to power output, I could tell these shorter pipes weren’t just for show. The sound alone was a testament—a crack of thunder, loud, beefy, and unapologetically in your face. These weren’t just the loudest pipes I’ve installed on the Sportster 1200; they gave the sound a deeper, fuller, more imposing character. It felt like I had unleashed an angry beast that was ready to dominate the road.

But these Bassani pipes aren’t just about noise. They came with integrated heat shields that did a good job preventing excess heat from ruining long rides. I did notice a bit more heat on my legs, but honestly, I was having too much fun playing with the extra torque to care.

My Sportster 1200 felt like a whole new machine—louder, more agile, easier to maneuver, and just a blast to ride! The acceleration off the line was quicker, and passing vehicles on the highway felt like child’s play. The Bassani pipes didn’t just wake up my Sportster’s 1200cc engine; they brought it to life.

And the icing on the cake? Installation was a breeze. Everything I needed was right there in the box, and the instructions were crystal clear. All American-made with a warranty to boot, it was everything I needed to complete my ride. If you’re looking to upgrade your Sportster 1200, you can’t go wrong with these pipes. Trust me; your bike will thank you!

If you’re like me and don’t want to blow your life savings on a loud Sportster 1200 exhaust, let me tell you about Cobra’s Speedster 909. I installed it on my bike, drawn by its timeless design, loud acoustics, and promise of a decent boost in power.

The first thing that hit me? The throaty, growly exhaust note. If you’re chasing the loudest exhaust for your Sportster 1200, you’ll want to put the Cobra near the top of your list, just like I did. Cobra created an aggressive, meaty sound that I swear can be heard from a mile away.

The exhaust note is not just deeper than stock; Cobra focused on the higher frequencies too. What I got was a crisp and balanced exhaust note for my Sportster 1200, one that screamed pure adrenaline every time I opened up the throttle.

The design, though, is pretty understated. It looked a lot like my stock exhaust. I’ll admit, I wanted something a bit more unique, but the stealth look started growing on me. Whether you choose chrome or matte black, both are made from the same high-grade stainless steel. I found it to be sturdy and durable, and most importantly, lighter than stock, making maneuvering my bike even easier.

The standout feature? Cobra’s Powerport technology. I was skeptical at first, but it claims to direct exhaust gases more efficiently for optimal engine performance. After riding with it, I can report that the free-flowing design made my Sportster not only louder but also peppier and eager to hit top speed.

I noticed the power gains, especially the higher torque low down in the rev range, making the bike’s acceleration feel livelier. But I did wonder if the top-end performance could have been even better.

I won’t sugarcoat the installation process; it was a bit fiddly. Although the instructions were clear, I had my work cut out for me getting those pipes bolted onto the Sportster.

But let’s be honest, this exhaust is all about power and sound. Considering it’s one of the loudest exhausts for the Sportster 1200, and costs less than the others, those minor flaws didn’t bother me. If you want sound and performance without breaking the bank, this Cobra exhaust might just be what you’re looking for, just like it was for me!

The Big Radius, a loud Harley exhaust with a stellar reputation, is now part of my Sportster 1200, and let me tell you, it’s given me some of the loudest exhaust sounds I’ve ever experienced. The 2-into-2 pipes have a killer look, and I can’t help but appreciate the extra performance boost.

Let’s talk about the sound, because it’s what first caught my attention. If you’re running a stock exhaust on your Sportster 1200 like I was, this loud exhaust will make your ears perk up. It boasts a throaty sound profile that doesn’t just make itself heard – it demands attention.

But it’s not just loud; it’s deep too. I found a booming quality in it that I hadn’t encountered with any other exhaust brand. Even the air intake sound on cold starts was unique, a fluttering sound that I’ve come to absolutely love.

The build quality? Trust me when I say that the fact that this is a V&H pipe tells the whole story. This robust aftermarket exhaust gave me no cause for concern. Top-grade stainless steel meant better durability and resilience to those extremely high exhaust temperatures that I often push.

The chrome finish has an anti-bluing surface that keeps the pipes looking sharp. And those TIG welds? Some of the best I’ve seen on any exhaust. Leave it to Vance & Hines to nail every possible detail.

Now, what’s an exhaust worth if it doesn’t add some kick to your ride? Vance & Hines didn’t let me down here either. Firstly, I noticed these aftermarket pipes were lighter than stock, making my hefty Sportster a tad easier to handle daily.

Next, I could feel the free-flowing exhaust architecture adding at least 3-5 HP to my engine, depending on my riding style. I was instantly impressed by the more responsive throttle, faster acceleration, and smoother roll-on. Simply put, this is one of the most potent and loudest exhausts I’ve ever installed on my Sportster 1200.

Lastly, I have to tip my hat to Vance & Hines for crafting what I consider one of the sexiest exhausts for the Sportster 1200. It curves just right to match my bike’s lines, and if classic chrome isn’t your style, you can get the pipes in a sleek, deep black like I did. Trust me; you won’t regret it.

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