The Loudest Exhausts for Harley Davidson’s Road King

This is my buying guide on the loudest exhausts for Harley Davidson Road King 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

Bassani Road Rage
2-Into-1 Exhaust

  • 304 stainless steel used
  • Construction saves a good bit of weight
  • Easier maneuvering at low speed
  • TIG welds are more durable
  • The exhaust is mounted higher than stock
  • Allows bike to lean further
  • Helps you clear large bumps in the road
  • Large megaphone muffler
  • 2-into-1 design
  • Louder sound
  • Deeper exhaust note, with more beefy acoustics
  • Improved exhaust flow
  • Decent power up
  • More responsive throttle
  • Integrated heat shield
  • O2 sensors and adapters provided
  • Quick install
  • Made in the USA
Overall loudest

Vance & Hines Big
Radius Exhaust

  • Eye-catching design
  • Healthy power bump compared to stock
  • Better performance throughout the rev range
  • Integrated full-coverage heat shields
  • Pipes won’t blue over time
  • Loud and powerful sounding exhaust note
  • Bass-heavy sound profile
  • Lighter than stock pipes
  • Best build quality on the market
  • Premium stainless steel used
  • Free flow architecture
  • Awesome fluttering sound on startup
  • Design accentuates the Road King’s lines
LOUDEST SLIP-ON

Vance & Hines
Eliminator

  • Stainless steel design
  • Clean and minimalist style
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Available in chrome and matte black
  • CNC machined billet end caps
  • The chrome version can be outfitted with a black end cap
  • Freer flowing exhaust system
  • Louder than stock
  • Deeper and more ‘grunty’ sound
  • More responsive throttle

Here I am, diving headfirst into the roaring world of the loudest exhausts for the Harley Davidson Road King. It’s a topic that’s both fascinated and rumbled in my ears for years. But let me assure you, my exploration wasn’t just about the noise.

As I twisted and turned down this path, I dug deep into the intricacies of build quality, unearthed the hidden aspects of performance benefits, and marveled at the often overlooked artistry of design. Each exhaust I got my hands on revealed its own personality, its own pros and cons. And let me tell you, each one screamed its uniqueness in an ear-splittingly loud way.

My hands-on journey led me to the Vance & Hines Big Radius exhaust. As I felt its curves and listened to its roar, I couldn’t help but be drawn to its perfect balance of features, construction, and performance. The sound? A thunderous roar that left an impression on me like nothing else. Believe me, when I say, it’s one of the most incredible sounding exhausts you can bolt onto the Road King.

You see, riding has been in my blood for as long as I can remember. It’s more than just a hobby; it’s a passion that’s shaped who I am today. The last decade, spent hands-on testing and reviewing various motorcycle exhausts and other accessories, has sharpened my senses, honed my expertise.

Now, I’m here, eager and excited to share my insights with you. Whether you’re looking for a monstrous noise or serious performance, I’ve got something that will spark your interest. So stick with me, throttle down, and join me on this thrilling ride as we explore the loudest exhausts for the Harley Davidson Road King. Trust me; this is more than just about noise; it’s about making an informed and solid choice that resonates with who you are as a rider. Let’s rev up and take this journey together!


Overall Loudest

Vance & Hines Big Radius Exhaust

The moment I laid eyes on the Big Radius from Vance & Hines, I knew I’d stumbled onto something special. It seemed to be the ‘default’ loud exhaust for the Harley Davidson Road King, and I had to know if the legend was true. As I reached out and touched the sturdy pipes, fresh from V&H’s Santa Fe Springs factory, I sensed something otherworldly in them. But I had to hear it for myself.

So I dove into the experience, and within moments, I understood why the Big Radius often tops the list of ‘loudest exhausts for the Road King.’ The deep, soul-stirring rumble was like a symphony in metal, louder than stock but resonating with low frequencies that made the sound thick and meaty. I couldn’t get enough of it.

I’d already raved about the unique fluttering sound these pipes made on cold starts, but paired with the Road King’s more massive engine, they sang a tune I’d never heard before. At idle or redline, the sound thrilled me, easily becoming one of the best and loudest I’d ever experienced on the Road King.

Running my hands over the pipes, I could feel the quality. The generous use of premium stainless steel spoke of durability, while the choice of chrome or black let me personalize the look. I settled on the black, entranced by the full-coverage heat shields that promised to guard against excess exhaust heat. Even the TIG welds were a work of art, uniform and precise.

But it wasn’t just about looks and sound. Straddling the Road King and letting the Big Radius breathe, I felt a transformation. The free-flowing architecture, the weight savings, everything came together to add horsepower. My Road King felt alive, nimble, agile in a way I’d never known.

I gunned the throttle, and the low-end torque threw me back, the Road King leaping off the line like a beast unleashed. The top-end power was there too, making overtaking feel like child’s play. Every twist of the throttle was smoother, more responsive.

As I pulled over and looked back at the Big Radius, I realized that it was more than just a piece of machinery. It was art, music, and performance all rolled into one beautiful package. My hands-on encounter with it wasn’t just memorable; it redefined what an exhaust could be for me. This was not merely about beauty or sound; it was a true enhancement to the machine’s soul. An experience that will forever resonate in my ears, my hands, and my heart.

Pros
  • Eye-catching design
  • Healthy power bump compared to stock
  • Better performance throughout the rev range
  • Integrated full-coverage heat shields
  • Pipes won’t blue over time
  • Loud and powerful sounding exhaust note
  • Bass-heavy sound profile
  • Lighter than stock pipes
  • Best build quality on the market
  • Premium stainless steel used
  • Free flow architecture
  • Awesome fluttering sound on startup
  • Design accentuates the Road King’s lines
Cons
  • Styling may not be to everyone’s taste

Budget Loudest

Bassani Road Rage 2-Into-1 Exhaust

The moment I laid eyes on Bassani’s exhausts for the Road King, something stirred within me. Their reputation for volume was legendary, but this one, the aptly named Road Rage, called out to me. As a connoisseur of powerful sounds, I couldn’t resist. I had to get my hands on it and hear it for myself.

Reaching out to the Road Rage, I could feel its sturdy build, constructed from durable 304 stainless steel, yet surprisingly lightweight. As I took the Road King for a spin at low speeds, the difference was palpable. The exhaust’s weight, or lack thereof, contributed noticeably to the ease with which I could maneuver the bike.

Then the design caught my eye, captivating me with its retro charm. I’ve always had a thing for 2-into-1 pipes, though I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. The clean, bobber style, so in vogue now, gave the bike an alluring edge. My fingers traced the high-quality TIG welds, cool to the touch and a solid promise against leaking or cracking.

But the Road Rage had more tricks up its sleeve. Compared to the stock pipes, the muffler was mounted higher, not just for show but for practicality. It gave me that extra ground clearance I craved, allowing me to clear larger bumps and lean in with more freedom.

And then there was the sound. Oh, that sound! I was on a quest for the loudest Harley Davidson Road King exhaust, and the Bassani Road Rage more than delivered. It roared to life, booming and demanding attention from anyone within range. The free-flowing design, the megaphone muffler, it all combined to push the volume up by 25%. But it was more than loud; it was deep, full, imposing, a rugged melody that resonated in my very soul.

Even the performance thrilled me. This budget-friendly beast had both bite and bark, the extra torque surging through the bike with improved throttle response and quicker acceleration. I could feel it, not just hear it.

Bassani had thought of everything, even the installation. With O2 sensors, adapters, and clear instructions, mounting this exhaust on my Road King was more pleasure than chore.

As I stood back and looked at the Road Rage, I realized that this was more than just another exhaust. It was an experience, a thrilling, hands-on encounter with a true beast. It was not merely noise; it was a symphony, a package that resonated with the Road King’s very character. The roar of the Bassani Road Rage was more than sound; it was a sensation I could feel in my bones, a song I’ll never forget.

Pros
  • 304 stainless steel used
  • Construction saves a good bit of weight
  • Easier maneuvering at low speed
  • TIG welds are more durable
  • The exhaust is mounted higher than stock
  • Allows bike to lean further
  • Helps you clear large bumps in the road
  • Large megaphone muffler
  • 2-into-1 design
  • Louder sound
  • Deeper exhaust note, with more beefy acoustics
  • Improved exhaust flow
  • Decent power up
  • More responsive throttle
  • Integrated heat shield
  • O2 sensors and adapters provided
  • Quick install
  • Made in the USA
Cons
  • Styling may not appeal to some folks

Loudest Slip On

Vance & Hines Eliminator Slip-On Exhaust

The search for a slip-on instead of a full system for my Road King led me straight to Vance & Hines’ Eliminator. With Vance & Hines’ reputation for top-notch builds ringing in my ears, I was more than intrigued to get my hands on this aggressive-looking piece and see if it would meet my expectations.

As a tinkerer and lover of exhaust volume, I couldn’t wait to fit the Eliminator on my bike. I wanted to feel that amplified sound of my Road King, and when I fired it up, it did not disappoint! The free-flowing design practically sang to me, allowing the exhaust gases to escape quickly and delivering the louder, meaner note I had been longing for.

I didn’t just hear it; I felt it. The sound quality was not merely louder but had a deeper resonance, a pulse that vibrated through me, making me feel incredibly powerful. Whether I was sitting still, entranced by the idle rumble, or ripping down the open road, I knew that this was one of the loudest slip-on style exhausts I had ever had the joy of experiencing on a Road King.

Running my fingers over the construction, I could feel the quality I’d come to expect from a V&H pipe. The touch of high-grade stainless steel, the sleek CNC machined billet end cap, every detail added flair and set this slip-on apart. The color options caught my eye, and I was drawn to the contrast of a black end cap on chrome.

The design was more simple, straight lines, basic but appealing to my taste. It didn’t have the curve of the Big Radius or its slash-cut design, but it was fine by me, even though I knew it might not catch every eye.

But oh, riding with this pipe was pure pleasure. I knew a slip-on couldn’t match a full system’s punch, but the Eliminator still managed to thrill me with a pleasing power-up. I could feel the improved throttle response, a smoother roll-on, and even though acceleration didn’t shoot up, the lightweight design gave me the sensation of riding a faster, more responsive bike.

A subtle touch that won me over was the removable baffles. Being able to quiet down the exhaust when I needed to was invaluable, especially on those long journeys that called for a more subdued roar.

In the end, my encounter with Vance & Hines’ Eliminator was more than a sensory experience; it was a connection. More than just a loud option, it was a perfect blend of design, sound, and performance that resonated with my Road King and me. Whether the aesthetics grab you or not, the growl of the Eliminator and the thrill it brings to the ride is something that echoes in my heart, impossible to ignore.

Pros
  • Stainless steel design
  • Clean and minimalist style
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Available in chrome and matte black
  • CNC machined billet end caps
  • The chrome version can be outfitted with a black end cap
  • Freer flowing exhaust system
  • Louder than stock
  • Deeper and more ‘grunty’ sound
  • More responsive throttle
Cons
  • Not as noticeable a power-up as with a full system exhaust

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.