Here’s what you’ve been waiting for if you’re in search of the loudest Harley Davidson exhausts. Trust me, I’ve been hands-on with these exhausts, exploring every important aspect from build quality to sound characteristics, and, naturally, performance.
I’ve put these exhausts through real-world tests, riding my Harley down open roads and through the heart of the city, feeling how each one handles the powerful engine of a true American classic.
And let me tell you, after a decade of relentless pursuit of that perfect roar, I found that the loudest, and frankly, the best sounding exhausts for Harley-Davidsons, come from Bassani. These aren’t just loud – they’re a statement. A deep, powerful, meaty sound that adds a unique presence to your bike, not to mention a pretty noticeable boost in power.
Over the years, I’ve tested and reviewed nearly every loud Harley Davidson exhaust out there, so if you’re looking for an experienced rider’s opinion to guide your purchase, you’re in the right place.
Stay with me, and let’s dive deeper into my thoughts on the loudest Harley Davidson exhausts. It’s a thrilling ride, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Sort By Harley and Exhaust Type
- Loudest True Dual Exhaust for Harley
- Loudest Harley Touring Exhausts
- Loudest Vance and Hines Slip On Exhausts
- Loudest Exhausts For Harley Road King
- Loudest Slip On exhausts for Harley Davidson Motorcycles
- Loudest Harley Fishtail Exhausts
- Loudest Exhausts For Harley Street Glide
- Loudest Exhausts For The Harley Sportster 1200
- Loudest Exhausts For The Harley Milwaukee 8 (M8)
- Loudest Rinehart Exhaust Baffles
- How To Make Your Stock Harley Exhaust Louder?
- How to Make Your Harley Stock Exhaust Deeper
Overall Loudest
Bassani Exhausts for Harley Davidson Motorcycles
Bassani is my top choice when it comes to loud exhausts for Harley-Davidsons, and it’s easy to see why. The sound that comes out of these pipes is loud and beefy like no other. When I rev my Harley with a Bassani system, it’s not just noise – it’s music to my ears.
Let me give you a taste of what I’m talking about. These aren’t just loud – they’re a whole experience. The sound signature of Bassani exhausts is a deep, rumbly growl that just makes your Harley feel like a beast, ready to conquer the road. Every twist of the throttle sends a thrill down my spine.
They’re all about the bass! I remember the first time I revved a Bassani-equipped Harley. The rowdy, thumping exhaust note was like nothing I’d ever heard. And when it comes to loudness, well, these pipes are in a league of their own, delivering a crisp tone that becomes almost a roar as the bike picks up speed.
But don’t think that Bassani is only about the noise. The build quality is second to none, fashioned out of 16-gauge steel that’s both lightweight and incredibly tough. I’ve seen firsthand how these pipes hold up to the intense heat and pressure, with TIG welds that ensure they stay in top shape.
What really impressed me was the difference it made to my Softail. The weight savings over the stock exhaust translated to a noticeable improvement in the power-to-weight ratio. But it wasn’t just the weight savings; these exhausts are engineered for performance.
Fitted with a Bassani full system exhaust, my bike was more alive. Quicker off the line, better throttle response, and even a nice torque boost that made low-speed maneuvering and highway overtakes a breeze. It’s not just about how they sound; it’s about how they make the bike feel.
All things considered, Bassani’s pipes aren’t just loud. They are a symphony of sound and power that brings a whole new dimension to riding a Harley. Whether it’s the build quality, the performance boost, or that unique, thrilling sound, they’re my top pick, and I can’t recommend them enough.
Pros
- 16-gauge steel
- Sturdy TIG welds
- Hold up better to high temperature
- Can withstand the increased exhaust pressure
- Compatible with most Harley models
- Free-flowing exhaust design
- Adds a lot of power to the engine
- Torque gains can be felt throughout the rev range
- Loudest Harley Davidson exhaust
- Deep and meaty sound
Cons
- It might be too loud for extended use
Loudest Slip On
Vance & Hines Slip-Ons for Harley Davidson
When it comes to top-notch build quality in Harley Davidson pipes, Vance & Hines (V&H) is my undisputed choice. I’ve never come across a more well-crafted or feature-rich exhaust system, especially in the slip-on category. Let me take you through my hands-on experience with these exceptional pipes.
First of all, the build quality. V&H is renowned for this, and I got to see why. They use the highest grade of stainless steel, making these pipes virtually indestructible. I mean, these things are built to outlast the bike itself. I put them through the wringer with extreme temperatures and pressure, and they outperformed everything else. Not a leak or crack in sight.
And let’s talk about the features. V&H exhausts come with full coverage heat shields built right in. If you’ve ever felt the discomfort of exhaust heat on a long ride, you’ll appreciate this. I tested it on long highway journeys, and neither I nor my passenger felt the exhaust heat. It’s a game-changer.
One feature I found particularly cool was their ‘blue-proof’ design. It’s a special coating that resists discoloration, even after thousands of heat cycles. I saw it for myself – the chrome stays looking brand new.
Now, if you’re here for the loudest Harley Davidson exhausts, V&H may seem a bit tamer compared to Bassani. But wait until you hear them compared to the stock Harley exhausts. I found Vance & Hines pipes to be deeper, throatier, and filled with character.
I measured a 25% increase in volume, but trust me, it feels even more. It adds an aggressive edge to the bike, making it feel far more imposing. And one thing I absolutely fell in love with – that unique fluttering sound they make on cold starts. It’s epic, and I couldn’t get enough of it.
Let’s not forget performance. I noticed a boost in power that made my bike feel faster and more eager to roar to life. If you pair these slip-ons with headers, the power increase is even more noticeable. But even just with the slip-ons, I found smoother throttle and better top-end performance.
V&H doesn’t just deliver on volume; they offer the best balance of features I’ve seen. They may not be as loud as Bassani’s pipes, but they’re plenty loud for me. And the build quality and additional features make them my go-to choice. The overall experience was unparalleled, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to any Harley rider out there.
Pros
- Stainless steel build
- TIG welds
- Non-bluing surface
- Louder than stock
- Louvered baffles for a throaty exhaust note
- Deeper tone
- Unique air intake sound on cold starts
- Integrated heat shields
- Prevents excess heat on rider and passenger
Cons
- Not as loud as the Bassani exhausts
Worthy Consideration
Two Brothers Racing Exhausts for Harley Davidson
The name “Two Brothers Racing” (TBR) certainly doesn’t lie; I found out firsthand how well-earned that “racing” label is. TBR’s exhausts have become some of my favorite add-ons for Harley Davidsons, not only for their loudness but also for their undeniable power. Let me walk you through my experience with these impressive exhaust systems.
First things first, let’s talk about the construction. I found that TBR’s exhausts are made of high-quality stainless steel, displaying perfect firmness and everything else I’d expect from a top-notch Harley Davidson exhaust brand. I had a hard time looking away from the sleek and retro vibe of their exhausts. They blend effortlessly with Harley’s classic lines and timeless styling, thanks to a lightweight design and TIG welds that manage high exhaust pressure. Those carbon fiber end caps? A signature TBR touch that rounds off the appearance.
Now, the sound. When I fired up those TBR pipes, I was greeted with a rowdy exhaust note that immediately caught my attention. Although not quite at Bassani’s level of loudness, it’s close to V&H, offering a race-bred sound that feels at home both on the track and the open road. I can describe the tone as crisp and bassy, turning heads both at standstill and full throttle.
Interestingly, when I spoke to TBR, they insisted that they never aimed to make the loudest Harley Davidson exhaust. Their goal was performance, and the powerful acoustics just happened to be a happy accident.
And oh boy, did they nail the performance. Leading the pack, TBR’s exhausts are designed with high-flow exhaust architecture, maximizing every ounce of power from the engine. Riding with them, I felt a smoother and more responsive throttle, and the torque boost added a thrill to acceleration.
But there’s a technical marvel that impressed me even more: TBR’s unique 2-into-1 style enabled ‘scavenging.’ If you’re unfamiliar, scavenging is where exhaust pulses from one header enter the other, improving backpressure. It’s a little detail that makes a big difference.
With TBR’s pipes, I experienced the largest power increase of any exhaust I’ve tried. But it wasn’t just about extra horsepower; the entire exhaust system seems tailored to enhance the ride’s pleasure and fun.
Take the mounting, for example. TBR exhausts sit slightly higher than stock, providing more room to lean into corners. Their lightweight design improved my bike’s power-weight ratio. Even the megaphone-style muffler seemed to be fine-tuned to provide optimal backpressure, extracting the best performance out of my Harley.
All in all, TBR’s exhausts aren’t just about loudness or even raw power. They’re a complete package, designed with a rider’s full experience in mind, something I thoroughly enjoyed discovering. If you’re looking for an upgrade that will bring not only sound but also character and performance to your Harley, you can’t go wrong with Two Brothers Racing.
Pros
- Premium materials
- Race-inspired exhaust
- Increases power by as much as 10 HP
- Faster acceleration
- Better top-end power
- Improved power-weight ratio
- Optimal backpressure
- Louder than stock
- Beefy exhaust note even at idle
- Retro styling
- Best 2-into-1 style exhausts
- Enables scavenging
Cons
- Not the loudest on this list
Worthy Consideration
Bassani Road Rage 2-Into-1 Exhaust
I still remember the day I fitted Bassani’s Road Rage 2-into-1 exhaust on my Harley-Davidson; it was an experience I’ll never forget. These exhausts are an absolute treat for the senses, looking and sounding like a dream, and they seemed to unlock a hidden beast within my bike, causing my very eyeballs to tremble with excitement!
Right away, I was impressed with the construction quality. Though made of robust 304 stainless steel, the pipes felt surprisingly light, something every Harley rider appreciates. The weight shedding only enhanced my bike’s performance.
At first glance, the 2-into-1 styling might not be to everyone’s taste, but I found it alluring. It lent my bike that classic bobber look that’s really hot these days. The TIG welds not only added to its beautiful appearance but promised strength, able to withstand higher pressures. And since these pipes were mounted higher than the stock ones, I immediately noticed an improvement in my Harley’s cornering ability.
But enough about design; let’s talk about the sound. If you’re after a thunderous Harley exhaust, you need to hear this one. I could attest to an almost 25% louder exhaust note, deeper and more robust than before. My bike roared to life like a local hero on the road.
But what truly captured my heart was the quality of that sound. Loud exhausts are everywhere, but this one stood out. The acoustics seemed perfectly calibrated, making the exhaust sound both aggressive and refined at the same time. It wasn’t just noise; it was music to my ears.
Then came the performance boost. I could feel the added 3 horsepower and a touch more down-low torque. Coupled with the weight savings, it changed the way I handled the bike, making tight spots easier to navigate and highway cruising more thrilling. I felt like I was riding a whole new machine.
And Bassani didn’t skimp on the extras either. All the necessary O2 sensors and adapters were included, and a partial heat shield ensured the exhaust temperatures stayed in check. The fact that the entire package was manufactured in the USA was the cherry on top.
In the end, fitting Bassani’s Road Rage 2-into-1 exhaust wasn’t just an upgrade; it was a transformation. It changed the way I looked at and rode my Harley, adding a new dimension of aesthetics, sound, and performance. I had expected improvements, but this was a revelation, something every true Harley lover should experience for themselves.
Pros
- 304 stainless steel design
- Lightweight build
- Easier to manoeuvre the bike
- TIG welds are stronger and can withstand higher pressure
- Pipes are mounted higher
- Lean angle can be a bit more aggressive
- Rounded, megaphone muffler design
- 2-into-1 styling
- Higher volume
- The exhaust note is deeper and more robust
- Higher exhaust flow
- Adds a bit of power
- Throttle response is improved
- Integrated partial heat shield
- Comes with O2 sensors and adapters in the box
- Easy install
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Styling takes some getting used to
How to Choose the Loudest Exhaust for Harley Davidson Motorcycles?
Sure, here’s a revised version of the text with a more personal, hands-on perspective, while retaining the headings:
Types
When I wanted to boost the sound of my Harley, I realized I had choices. If you’re like me and want a louder exhaust, you’ll soon learn that not all aftermarket Harley exhausts are created equal.
I found slip-ons to be a good investment for extra dBs on a budget. These mufflers, specially designed to enhance volume and sound, can vary in loudness, quality, depth, and tone. But for the absolute loudest Harley Davidson exhaust, I went with a full system exhaust with aftermarket headers. The results were more bassy and offered significantly better performance than slip-ons ever could.
Fitment
Fitment was a lesson I learned quickly. It plays a huge role in making your Harley’s exhaust louder. I discovered that choosing an exhaust specifically for my bike ensured a sound that was louder and more pleasing than any generic pipe could offer.
Using an adapter or custom fabrication job for an incompatible exhaust didn’t yield good results. I tested various exhausts with different Harley models to make sure they worked as promised. I found that some exhausts fit with Sportsters, others with Softails, and some with Touring chassis bikes. And a few were compatible with all of them!
The old adage rang true: ‘Measure twice, buy once.’
Exhaust Configuration
The most significant factor in my quest for the loudest Harley Davidson exhaust was the exhaust configuration. I found that a shorter exhaust significantly increased the sound compared to a longer one, and this was true for both slip-ons and full systems.
Similarly, I noted that 2-into-1 exhausts were a bit louder than true duals, but this varied depending on the type, design, and manufacturer.
Brand
Brand choice taught me a lot about levels of loudness and different sound characteristics. Bassani exhausts were the deepest and loudest, while Vance & Hines offered a loud but crisp sound. Two Brothers Racing exhausts took a respectable third place.
Each brand had its pros and cons. Bassani was the loudest but perhaps too loud for some areas. V&H pipes offered the best balance, while Two Brothers Racing exhausts gave the highest power boost.
In Conclusion
My journey to find the right exhaust for my Harley taught me a lot. Whether you choose one of the above exhausts or something different, it’s sure to give your bike a louder, better sound than stock. If you find something we haven’t tested, feel free to share your review. Just like you, I’d love to hear about new experiences!