The Best Exhausts for Harley Davidson’s Dyna Line of Motorcycles

In this article, we take a look at the best exhausts for Harley Davidson’s Dyna line of motorcycles.

We tested over a dozen different exhaust options for Harley Davidson’s Dyna models and shortlisted the Top 3. These exhausts offer the best build quality, highest performance, and of course, the best sound.

Our top choice is a familiar face. Bassani’s Radial Sweepers offer tons of power, a unique design, and a raucous exhaust note that makes your presence known. Not to mention, it fits most Dyna models, stretching back to the 1980s.

We have been riding motorcycles for the better part of 20 years, the last 10 of which have been spent testing and reviewing motorcycle accessories professionally. So if you want an informed opinion about which exhaust to buy, you came to the right place.

Keep reading for more of our thoughts on the best exhaust for the Harley Davidson’s Dyna line of motorcycles.


Overall Best

Bassani Radial Sweepers Exhaust for the Dyna

This short 2-into-2 Exhaust for Harley Davidson’s Dyna comes with an unconventional design and good old-fashioned low-end grunt that helps it stand out. Not that it needs any help, what with the loud and throaty exhaust note it packs.

Quickly touching on the design, we have a shorter set of pipes that are angled back and mount higher than the average exhaust. This prevents them from scraping on large bumps in the road while also directing toxic gasses away from the rider. The slash-cut ends also add a mean look to your Dyna.

Moving on to construction and durability, you get 16-gauge double-wall steel that makes this exhaust surprisingly lightweight. Using premium materials ensures the exhaust won’t crack under high pressure and heat.

As for the sound, you get the same loud and beefy exhaust notes that Bassani has always delivered. Not only is it louder than stock, but it is also deeper and more imposing.

But that’s to be expected from shorter pipes. Another welcome addition is the incredible performance of this exhaust. Free-flowing exhaust architecture and special tuning combine to offer a healthy power-up that doesn’t go unnoticed on Dyna or dyno!

Day to day, we noticed that the bike was a lot peppier. Throttle response was smoother, and 0-60 times were faster. All in, we think this is one of the best performance exhausts for the Harley Davidson Dyna.

Rounding up the feature set, we have integrated heat shields, but they might as well be made of paper for all the good they do. That’s one of the drawbacks of having an exhaust that mounts so high on the bike.

Pros
  • 16-gauge double-wall steel
  • Mounts higher on the bike
  • Does not scrape on bumps
  • Lightweight
  • Aggressive exhaust sound
  • Low-end torque gets a nice bump
  • The bike is faster off the line
  • Passing and merging on the highway is easier
  • Heat shields on the pipes
Cons
  • Even with heat shields, some exhaust heat is to be expected

Worthy Consideration

Two Brothers Comp-S 2-Into-1 exhaust

Two Brothers Racing has you covered if you prefer a 2-into-1 style exhaust. Their Comp-S, explicitly made for Harley Dyna models, delivers a ton of power, a retro design, and a pleasing exhaust note.

The rounded muffler of this exhaust is good for more than just looks. It also helps direct exhaust gasses so that they exit the system with a louder and deeper sound.

But the real advantage of 2-into-1 exhausts is their otherworldly performance. TBR’s racing heritage shows through in the performance of this exhaust, which adds a good 5 to 7 HP, depending on the model year. That means you get better performance throughout the rev range, with faster acceleration, improved handling, and a more fun bike in general.

The design is also beefed up to match the enhanced performance. You get high-quality TIG welds that hold up well to the increased pressure and heat, while the stainless steel build keeps the package nice and lightweight. 

Moving on to sound, it is a bit of a mixed bag. While the 2-into-1 style has its own unique sound, we still prefer a true dual setup. However, credit where credit is due; this exhaust is louder and deeper than stock. It also has a more crisp sound that is really pleasing to the ear.

Finally, we like how easy this exhaust is to set up and install. It fits the stock O2 sensors and is compatible with both forward and mid controls. The end cap is trimmed in carbon fiber, making this otherwise subtle exhaust design stand out.

Pros
  • Race-inspired exhaust pipes
  • Boosts power by 5-7 HP depending on the bike
  • TIG welds provide better structural rigidity
  • Faster 0-60 time
  • Top-end power also benefits
  • Lightweight stainless steel design
  • Carbon fiber end-cap looks cool
  • Rounded muffler enhances volume
  • Deeper exhaust note than stock
  • Fits both forward and mid controls
  • Stock O2 sensors can be used
Cons
  • Not as loud as some other aftermarket options on this list

Premium Choice

Vance & Hines Stainless 2-Into-1 Upsweep Exhaust

No ‘Best Harley exhaust’ list is complete without a Vance & Hines pipe. Their Upsweep exhaust is explicitly built for Dyna models and fits most of the model lineup. For your money, you get the highest build quality, the most premium materials, and no small amount of extra power to get the Dyna going! 

Let’s start things off with the construction and design of this exhaust. V&H opted to use the highest grade, 304 stainless steel, for the build, which keeps it lightweight yet highly durable. It is finished in a brushed metal look that we absolutely love. 

True to form, Vance & Hines built the most durable exhaust money can buy. This Upsweep model sports high-quality TIG welds, which help keep it in one piece when exposed to high exhaust temperature and even higher pressure. 

The 2-into-1 design, while far from our preferred exhaust style, does add a ton of power to the Dyna’s Twin Cam engine. We can attest to improved performance throughout the rev range, with faster acceleration, easier passing on the highway, and effortless low-speed maneuvering. 

That is thanks to the enormous torque boost, which V&H say is intentional on their part. Whatever the case, we can confidently say this is one of the most powerful Harley Davidson Dyna exhausts. 

It doesn’t sound too bad, either. We are still partial to a true dual setup, but this 2-into-1 offers louder acoustics than stock and a more beefy sound. The sound has a deep, thumpy quality that Dyna owners will appreciate. 

Finally, you get integrated, race-inspired heat shields that are pretty effective. The collector is designed to be larger to improve performance, and the exhaust fits both forward and mid controls. It is a bit expensive, so keep your checkbook handy!

Pros
  • Best in class build
  • High-quality materials
  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy and durable design
  • Enhanced performance
  • Larger collector design
  • Improved low-end torque
  • Better acceleration
  • Crisp and beefy exhaust note
  • Louder than stock
  • Race-inspired heat shield
  • Fits forward and mid controls
Cons
  • Most expensive exhaust on this list

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.