This is my buying guide on the loudest Harley Davidson Fishtail Exhausts in 2024. Below is a quick summary of my top recommendations. Scroll further down to read in depth, hands on reviews for each exhaust.
Harley Motorcycle Fishtail Exhaust
- Iron construction
- Chrome finish
- Loudest sounding fishtail exhaust for Harleys
- Throaty, high pitched exhaust note
- Long enough to stick out behind saddlebags
- Budget-friendly price
- Classic styling
- Universal compatibility
- Easy to install
- Fishtails are aggressive
Vance & Hines 3” Fishtail Exhaust
- Sturdy metal design
- Best in class build quality
- Chrome finish
- Almost 34 inches in length
- Stepped up muffler bodies
- Louvered core baffles
- Loud and high pitched sound
- Compatible with all V&H header pipes
- 220-degree coverage heat shields
- Anti-blue surface coating
SHARKROAD Chrome Fishtail
- Stainless steel build
- Chrome finish
- Precise welding
- No leaks
- 36-inch length
- Fishtails extend further behind the bike
- Fishtails are part of the pipe and not separate endcaps
- Budget-friendly
- One of the loudest Harley fishtail exhausts
- High pitched sound that can be heard for miles around
Exploring the world of the loudest fishtail exhausts for Harley Davidson motorcycles has been more than a hobby for me; it’s been a hands-on, ear-rumbling adventure.
Harley fishtail exhausts have always had a special place in my heart. Maybe it’s the crackly, throaty sound that resonates with me, or perhaps it’s the unique, retro look they add to a bike. There’s something effortlessly cool about them that I find irresistibly appealing. I’ve not only looked at them; I’ve touched, installed, and heard a wide variety of the loudest fishtail exhausts for Harleys.
One exhaust that resonates with me is Vance & Hines’ 3” Fishtail Slip-on for Harleys. I’ve had the pleasure of fitting it on my bike, and I can tell you it’s not just about looks. It packs all the retro style you could wish for, and when you rev the engine, it delivers that loud, high-pitched fishtail sound with a classic V&H twist. And trust me, just like any Vance & Hines pipe I’ve come across, you can feel the quality. It’s more than a part; it’s a lifetime companion for your bike.
My 20-year motorcycle riding journey has given me the chance to not only hear but experience some of the loudest Harley fishtail exhausts. This isn’t just about sound; it’s about the way they enhance the bike’s personality, the way they look, and the way they make you feel when you’re on the road.
I’m not just here to talk about it; I’m here to share my hands-on experience, my real-life encounters with these beautiful pieces of engineering. I want to help you spend your money wisely, to choose a fishtail exhaust that doesn’t just look good but performs at its absolute best.
So stay with me, throttle down, and let’s dive deeper into the world of the loudest Harley fishtail exhausts. Whether you’re a sound enthusiast or a lover of classic styles, I’ve got insights and stories that will rev up your interest.
IMPORTANT! – Make sure you have the correct sizing and fitment so you don’t waste your money.
Overall Loudest
Vance & Hines 3” Fishtail Exhaust for Harley Davidson
Vance & Hines isn’t just a name to me; it’s become my personal brand of choice for Harley exhausts, particularly when it comes to their loud fishtail models. If your ears ache for the same loud, high-pitched sounds that thrill me, and you appreciate the styling as much as I do, let me tell you why V&H’s 3” slip-on is my recommendation.
When I first laid my hands on this loud fishtail style slip-on for Harleys, the build quality and durability struck me. It’s not just about seeing pictures; I’ve felt its all-metal build, polished in beautiful chrome, with my own hands. I’ve examined how the steel stands strong, designed to resist the highest temperatures and exhaust pressures – it’s a touch of excellence.
A close inspection reveals more than what meets the eye. What I found unique about these Harley fishtail slip-ons was their ‘anti-bluing’ surface. Having ridden thousands of miles, I’ve seen exhausts discolor or become dull, but this one holds its shine. And that integrated heat shield with 220-degree coverage? It’s not just a feature in a brochure; I’ve felt the difference, saving my legs from excess exhaust heat while I was out riding.
Measuring nearly 34 inches, I’ve had the pleasure of testing these exhausts with different Harley models. Although they don’t extend as far behind the bike as I sometimes wish, they beat the stock hands down.
Let’s talk about the fishtails themselves. The aggressive fin design, that captivating curve that emphasizes the fishtail look – I’ve admired it up close, and I know it contributes to that crackly exhaust note I’ve fallen for.
But it’s the sound that really seals the deal. I’ve heard it, and I’ve ridden with it – a loud and wild sound that makes my heart race. Though it might not be the absolute loudest Harley fishtail exhaust, it’s close enough to be a champion in my book. The unique design with stepped-up muffler bodies and a louvered core baffle sings a throaty song that’s music to my ears. If you’re looking for something deeper, this might not be your cup of tea, but for that distinct Harley fishtail roar, Vance & Hines calls me back every time.
And when it comes to performance, trust me, I’ve felt it. On their own, these slip-ons won’t set the world on fire. But pair them with some V&H header pipes like I did, and the transformation is tangible, turning the bike into a performance cruiser that’s a joy to handle.
This Vance & Hines’ Fishtail slip-on for Harleys isn’t just an exhaust; to me, it’s a piece of art, both in design and function. Timeless, looking perfectly at home on both cruisers and touring bikes, its biggest advantage, from my hands-on experience, is simply being a Vance & Hines product. That means quality you can touch, a sound you can feel, and a ride you’ll never forget.
Pros
- Sturdy metal design
- Best in class build quality
- Chrome finish
- Almost 34 inches in length
- Stepped up muffler bodies
- Louvered core baffles
- Loud and high pitched sound
- Compatible with all V&H header pipes
- 220-degree coverage heat shields
- Anti-blue surface coating
Cons
- Fishtails don’t stick out far enough behind the bike
Worthy Consideration
SHARKROAD Chrome Fishtail Slip-On Exhaust
When I laid my eyes on Sharkroad’s Harley Fishtail exhaust, it wasn’t just an ordinary viewing experience; I felt a magnetic pull towards the loud acoustics, sleek design, and well-structured slip-on style muffler. As someone who watches the wallet, this one was a seductive proposition. No, it doesn’t exactly reach the V&H level of build quality, but the more digestible price tag stirred my interest.
Let’s dive right into what I found when I got my hands on one of the loudest fishtail exhausts for Harleys at this budget-friendly range. First things first – the design. Unlike the V&H, these beauties stretch about 36 inches across. Feeling and seeing those extra inches, I realized they were exactly what I needed to pull off the extended fishtail look I had in mind.
And there’s something more I value about these loud fishtail exhausts; they are visible on baggers and bikes with saddlebags, just the way I like it. These fishtails push beyond, extending a good 2-3 inches behind the bike. And here’s a unique touch – the Sharkroad’s design doesn’t have those fishtail end caps like the V&H, giving me an unbroken line from tip to tail.
When I inspected the build, hands-on, I was taken aback by how well this budget fishtail slip-on was assembled. I prodded and found no leaks or creaks in the stainless steel construction. The welds? Spot on, not a hint of being out of place. And oh, that brilliant chrome finish. I was mesmerized, although I knew some bluing over time would be inevitable – nothing a little elbow grease can’t fix.
Now, let’s talk sound. I didn’t just hear it; I felt it, right down to my bones. This wasn’t just loud; this was a unique, high-pitched exhaust note that I could pick out even from miles away. It was a sound so thunderous that it almost hurt up close. Trust me when I say these are the loudest Harley Fishtail exhausts out there right now.
I’d even go as far as to suggest a dB killer or other accessories because, with the stock configuration, I genuinely felt like a noise outlaw on the roads! And heed my warning, if you’re taking these pipes on a Touring bike like I did, that loud fishtail exhaust note might start to grind on you after a couple hundred miles.
Power-ups? Nah, didn’t find any noticeable boost with my Harley. But I expected that; it’s standard fare with slip-ons. For those seeking more ‘oomph!’, I’d say pair these fishtails with some aftermarket headers like I experimented with. Just remember, they only fit Harley models from 2017 and up.
So here’s what I’ve gathered from my hands-on time with Sharkroad’s Fishtail slip-on for Harleys. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and craving the loudest fishtails for Harleys, this is a deal you might not want to pass up. With that ear-splitting exhaust note, surprisingly solid build for the price, and unmistakably retro style, it’s a fantastic package from my perspective. I touched it, I heard it, I rode it, and now I’m sharing it with you.
Pros
- Stainless steel build
- Chrome finish
- Precise welding
- No leaks
- 36-inch length
- Fishtails extend further behind the bike
- Fishtails are part of the pipe and not separate endcaps
- Budget-friendly
- One of the loudest Harley fishtail exhausts
- High pitched sound that can be heard for miles around
Cons
- Only fits Harley models 2017 and up
Budget Loudest
Universal Harley Motorcycle Fishtail Exhaust
Searching for the loudest Harley fishtail exhaust, I stumbled upon this universal option, and I knew right away that it deserved more than a fleeting look. What caught my attention? Its universal compatibility; this thing will fit almost any Harley. And that rowdy exhaust note? I’ve heard loud, but this… I swear it could wake the dead!
Let me take you into the sound I experienced firsthand. Trust me when I tell you, it’s one of the loudest Harley fishtail exhausts I’ve ever had the pleasure of testing. This isn’t just loud; it’s aggressive, grunty, and demanding. Cracking the throttle, I was met with a high-pitched whine, like a beast yearning to be unleashed. Yet at idle, it settled into a deep, gurgly hum, almost purring in satisfaction.
I can’t merely say I was impressed with how loud this Harley fishtail exhaust was; that would be an understatement. It outright wins the trophy for the loudest Harley fishtail exhaust that fits seamlessly with most Harley’s lineup.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The build quality threw me for a loop. Expecting stainless steel or aluminum, I found iron, more prone to rust and corrosion. During my rigorous testing, it didn’t betray me, but there’s no denying that iron doesn’t stand up to high exhaust temperatures and pressure quite as well.
But, having taken this exhaust to the edge and back, I stand here, confident in its ability to withstand whatever you might throw at it.
Now, let’s talk design. Having had the actual exhaust in my hands, I can vouch for its pure fishtail essence. The styling is clean, simple, free of unnecessary frills that might tarnish the look. I felt a sleek touch in the end caps, a fin design that just oozes cool without even trying.
Another perk I physically appreciated was the pipe’s length. This isn’t just long; it extends far behind the bike, saddlebags and all. Sure, I scraped it on some large bumps during my rides, but hey, style sometimes comes with battle scars, right?
Looking for a performance boost? You’ll need to join me in continuing the search elsewhere. This slip-on didn’t make my Harley noticeably more potent. I did manage to squeeze a bit more juice by coupling this slip-on with aftermarket headers and a fine-tuned melody, but that’s the limit.
So, here’s my hands-on, real-world experience with this exhaust. It may not be perfect, but its universal compatibility (yes, even with non-Harley models) and its spot in the ranks of loudest fishtail exhausts for Harleys, all wrapped up with a fair price tag, tell me it’s a solid deal. If you’re after what I was, you might find yourself nodding along with my discovery.
Pros
- Iron construction
- Chrome finish
- Loudest sounding fishtail exhaust for Harleys
- Throaty, high pitched exhaust note
- Long enough to stick out behind saddlebags
- Budget-friendly price
- Classic styling
- Universal compatibility
- Easy to install
- Fishtails are aggressive
Cons
- May scrape on large bumps in the road