Best Exhausts for Indian Chieftain Motorcycles in 2023

This is my buying guide on the best exhausts for Indian Chieftain Motorcycles in 2023. Below is a quick summary of my top recommendations. Scroll further down to read in depth, hands on reviews for each exhaust.

BEST BUDGET

Exhausts for Indian 2014-2022 Chieftain

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• Unconventional ‘torpedo-style’ build
• Cool end cap design
• Available in chrome and matte black
• Louder than stock
• 3-stepped louvered baffle design
• Deeper and more aggressive sound
• Nominally better performance
• Tuning improves performance
• Most affordable slip-on

Best SLIP-ON

Rinehart 4” Slip-On Exhaust

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• Premium build
• Lighter than stock
• Improved power-weight ratio
• Different finishes available
• Louder, beefier sound
• Makes the bike feel more imposing
• Free-flowing exhaust design
• Improves throttle response
• No tuning necessary
• Easy installation
• Extended warranty

PREMIUM CHOICE

Freedom Performance 4” Exhausts

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• Premium stainless steel build
• Lightweight
• Rust resistant
• Large slip-on style mufflers
• Chrome and black finishes are available
• 3 different end caps are available
• Various end cap-muffler combinations
• Improved throttle response
• Louder exhaust note
• More bass
• Revving produces an aggressive exhaust sound

Allow me to share my recommendations for the best exhausts for Indian Chieftain motorcycles. Having ridden for over 20 years and tested motorcycle parts for a decade, I may only have limited experience with Indian motorcycles, but I can spot a good exhaust from a mile away.

I’ve personally focused on the most essential aspects of each exhaust, delving into performance, design, and those unique sound characteristics that can make or break an exhaust system. More than that, I’ve rolled up my sleeves and put these exhausts to the test in real-world scenarios. I believe this hands-on approach helps paint a more complete and truthful picture.

If you’re an Indian Chieftain rider like me, you might find Rinehart’s 4″ Slip-on exhaust a perfect match. During my time with it, I noticed a satisfying boost in power, an impressive sound that resonated with my love for classic notes, and a design that I felt just couldn’t go wrong. Feeling the premium materials it’s built with, I knew I was dealing with an exhaust that was built to last.

So if you’re in need of assistance choosing the best exhaust for your Indian Chieftain, I invite you to trust my judgment. Stay with me for an in-depth look at the best exhausts for the Indian Chieftain, gleaned from my years on the road and in the garage.

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

When I laid my hands on Rinehart’s 4″ slip-on for the Indian Chieftain, I knew I was dealing with something special. This could easily be the default exhaust for the Chieftain, delivering a rowdy exhaust note, a welcome boost in power, and construction that stands out as best-in-class.

Starting with the visual appeal, I was drawn to the timeless design that seamlessly blended with my Indian Chieftain. I had the choice between chrome or black pipes, allowing me to match the finish of my engine with the mufflers. And those contrasting end caps? They were the cherry on top, adding an extra flair to the whole setup.

My initial concern was the long-term durability of the all-black finish, a common issue with motorcycle parts. But Rinehart backed their product with a confidence-inspiring 2-year warranty, instantly putting my mind at ease.

As I inspected the build quality, I was impressed. Honestly, it’s some of the best I’ve ever encountered for Indian Chieftain exhausts. The use of premium materials not only promised durability to last a lifetime but also offered functional weight savings. It felt light but solid.

The performance side of things didn’t disappoint either. I was pleasantly surprised by the power-up it gave my Chieftain. No, it wasn’t a whopping 10 extra horsepower, but the improved throttle response and the free-flowing design gave a peppier, more lively feel overall.

But the real showstopper was the sound quality. When I revved up the Chieftain, this exhaust just blew everything else out of the water. The louder, beefier sound transformed my ride into something more aggressive and imposing. The best part? No tuning or extra modifications needed. It was as simple as plug and play. The roar of the bike was all the validation I needed; Rinehart had done it right.

When I came across this budget-friendly exhaust for the Indian Chieftain, I was immediately intrigued by its unique design and cool features. As someone always on the lookout for something different, I found this to be one of my favorites. And the sound? Absolutely something you can’t ignore.

The first thing that caught my eye was the unconventional design, reminiscent of the pricier ‘torpedo-style’ exhausts that have become so popular lately. The aggressive end caps gave it a distinctive edge, a departure from the usual understated styling I’ve seen on other Indian Chieftain exhausts. And whether in chrome or matte black, it looked good.

But what really made me sit up and take notice was the sound. It was LOUD. I mean, seriously loud. The 3-stepped louvered baffle design ensured that the exhaust’s character was rumbly and thumpy, just how I like it. And when I revved the engine, it only grew louder.

When it came to performance, I wasn’t expecting a game-changing boost. After all, slip-ons are rarely known for that. But I was pleasantly surprised by the slightly faster acceleration, especially with a touch of tuning. Perhaps it was the rowdy exhaust note fooling me into thinking the bike was more powerful, but hey, I was enjoying the ride.

The only drawback was the construction. Given its budget price, I was faced with a fairly basic build, lacking top-shelf materials. I found myself wishing for TIG welds to enhance both appearance and performance. However, what truly mattered was that even under heavy pressure and high exhaust temperatures, I didn’t experience any leaks or cracks.

What I had in my hands was an awesome-sounding exhaust for the Indian Chieftain, and at a price that undercut all the rest. Despite its shortcomings, it inspired confidence and brought a smile to my face. If you’re on a budget and want an exhaust that turns heads and pleases ears, this might just be the one for you.

The last entrant I explored is also the one that impressed me the most. In my hands was the best-built, most durable, and frankly, the nicest looking exhaust I’ve ever seen for Indian Chieftain motorcycles. I found myself enamored with the louder, deeper sound and a tangible boost in power. And the customization? That was a feature no other exhaust offered.

Right from the start, this Indian Chieftain exhaust screamed quality to me. The use of the highest-grade stainless steel in its entire build made it lighter than the stock. Being a rider of a heavy bike like the Chieftain, I noticed the difference almost immediately. Plus, I was thrilled to find that the whole exhaust was designed to be more rust-resistant.

But the design was far from subtle. I was greeted with twin rounded slip-on style exhausts, significantly larger than the stock alternative. Choosing between chrome or black for the finish was just the beginning. What really set this one apart was the customization available for the end caps. There were three different styles: ‘Liberty,’ a clean and simple look; ‘Racing,’ which added sleek lines for a performance vibe; and ‘Eagle,’ featuring aggressive notches that caught the eye. Pairing them with matching or contrasting muffler bodies allowed me to create the exact look I wanted.

Performance-wise, the free-flowing exhaust architecture made the throttle feel more responsive, though not dramatically. I knew I wasn’t going to shave milliseconds off my lap times, but that wasn’t the point.

The real gem was the sound. The fantastic, throaty exhaust note with tons of bass was music to my ears. It wasn’t as ear-splitting as the Rinehart pipes, but it was definitely deeper. I could feel it rumble and shake the bike as I sat idle. But when I opened up the throttle, I was rewarded with an aggressive roar that resonated through my very soul. It was a fitting conclusion to my quest for the perfect exhaust, and it left me thoroughly satisfied.