The Top 3 Loudest! Motorcycle Exhausts in 2023

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

LOUDEST SLIP-ON

S&S Slip On
Harley Davidson Exhausts

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• High-grade stainless steel
• Available in chrome and satin black
• Large, rounded mufflers
• Modern slash-cut design
• Highest bump in the power of any Harley slip-on
• Slightly better low-end torque
• Smoother throttle response
• Loudest slip-on for Harley
• Deeper sound at idle and on the road
• dB killer can be removed for even more power and volume
• Easiest installation process

Best Overall

Bassani Radial Sweepers

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• 16-gauge double-wall steel
• Backswept style exhaust
• Mounts higher on the bike
• Does not scrape on bumps
• Shorter proportions make the exhaust lighter
• Better power-to-weight ratio
• Aggressive exhaust sound
• Loudest true dual for Harley
• 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
• Easy to install
• Comes with all the necessary hardware in the box

LOUDEST ON SPORTSBIKES

Akrapovic Superbike Exhausts

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• Premium build quality
• Titanium, aluminum, and carbon fiber options are available
• Modern, angular design
• Lightweight
• The loud and aggressive exhaust note
• Deep and aggressive sound
• Revving the engine makes the sound higher and louder
• Race-inspired
• Free-flowing exhaust architecture
• Unique muffler design
• Ideal for sportbikes
• Tuned explicitly for your bike’s particular make and model

I’m here to give you an up-close and personal look at the loudest motorcycle exhausts on the market today. Trust me, my ears are still ringing from the experience!

I got my hands on a variety of exhausts for different motorcycles, spanning various brands. Of course, loudness was my ultimate yardstick, but I didn’t ignore other features like construction and performance.

When I mounted Bassani’s Radial Sweepers on my Harley, I was blown away. These are, without a doubt, the loudest and best-sounding full system pipes I’ve ever come across.

But what if you don’t want to go the full system route? I found that S&S has your back with their super loud Harley slip-on exhausts. And for you sportbike enthusiasts, I discovered Akrapovic’s line of loud exhausts that seemed to fit most modern sportbike models like a charm.

Having ridden motorcycles all my life and reviewed motorcycle accessories for over 10 years, I feel pretty confident that I can guide you in making the most informed purchase decision. My ears, hands, and wheels have done the hard work, and I’m eager to share my thoughts on these loud and proud motorcycle exhausts. Keep reading, and I’ll tell you all about them!

Bassani’s Radial Sweepers quickly became my favorite full system exhausts for Harley Davidson. Just one look, and I was drawn to their sexy, modern design. And when I fired it up? Wow! The loud, rowdy exhaust note didn’t just make my presence known – it declared it. And let’s not forget the pretty healthy power boost that came with it.

Let me take you through my hands-on experience with this true dual exhaust. The shorter design is simply phenomenal. The slash-cut ends transformed my Harley Davidson into something more aggressive and mean-looking. I particularly appreciated the backswept design that directed exhaust gasses away from me, and the higher mounting that spared the pipes from scraping on large bumps.

I could feel the durability in the 16-gauge, double-wall steel construction. Lightweight yet sturdy, it gave me a confidence I hadn’t felt before. I didn’t encounter any issues with fitment, nor did I notice any leaking or cracking, even when I pushed my bike to the limits.

But let’s talk about the sound – my absolute favorite part of this exhaust. Thanks to the shorter design, the exhaust note was significantly louder than stock. It was so loud, in fact, that I considered wearing ear protection on longer rides. Beyond being louder, the exhaust note had a heavier, more pleasing sound, a classic Bassani roar that had me grinning from ear to ear.

As for creature comforts, the fully integrated heat shields did a good job of keeping excess heat off my legs, though the unique design did allow some warmth to reach me.

Performance? Otherworldly. The combination of the free-flow design and lightweight build meant faster acceleration, improved top-end power, and gobs and gobs of torque for me to revel in.

If you can’t tell, I’ve fallen in love with Bassani pipes, and I highly recommend them to anyone on the hunt for one of the loudest and best exhausts for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Give them a try, and I bet you’ll be just as enthralled as I am!

If you’re like me and a loud slip-on has always caught your ear, then you must hear about this Harley Davidson pipe from S&S. I tried it out recently, and let me tell you, it’s an absolute delight. With premium materials, it brought a louder, deeper exhaust note that had me grinning all day. And the performance boost? Not something to shrug off either.

Let’s start with the design and construction. I found that S&S really outdid themselves here. They used high-grade stainless steel, ensuring both durability and a lightweight build. I personally fell for the matte black finish, though the classic chrome had its appeal too.

The styling, on the other hand, can be divisive. I absolutely loved the large, dual mufflers, but I could see how some riders might prefer a more subtle look. The slash-cut ends gave it that extra flair and a contemporary edge.

Now, about the performance – this is a slip-on, so I wasn’t expecting the world. Boy, was I wrong! The free-flowing exhaust architecture lent itself to better throttle response, smoother roll-on, and a more peppery feel overall.

Riding around, the lightweight design had a marked impact on low-speed maneuvering and general handling. While it’s not going to give your Harley a full-system power boost, it still adds that bit of ‘oomph!’ that thrills you now and then.

But enough beating around the bush – how does this baby sound? Let me tell you, this is the single loudest and best-sounding slip-on I’ve ever laid my hands on. The larger muffler bodies and aggressive inner design generated a significantly louder, fuller sound. It was deep, thumpy, and exactly the way I like it.

And don’t worry about it getting annoying on longer journeys. I found the sound perfectly balanced, loud enough to get me in a bit of trouble but not too much. If you do want it quieter, there’s an optional dB killer, but I left that off, favoring higher power and that intoxicating sound.

Installation? A breeze. Everything you need comes in the box, and the instructions couldn’t be clearer.

There’s only one drawback to this otherwise exceptional exhaust: it only fits Softail models, so most Touring and Sportster owners, like some friends of mine, will have to be left disappointed. But for the rest of us? Pure auditory pleasure awaits.

If you’re a sportbike owner like me, you’re already familiar with the name. Akrapovic. They’ve been crafting the absolute best and loudest exhausts for sportbikes for over three decades, fitting a wide array of models. I’ve always admired their build quality, and that unique sound is something you won’t forget. And the power-up from an Akra pipe? You simply have to experience it to believe it!

Now, I won’t beat around the bush – Akrapovic exhausts are not for those on a tight budget. They rank among the priciest pipes on the market. But having laid hands on a few, I must say, the price seems justified for what you receive.

What caught my eye first were the materials. Akrapovic uses nothing short of the absolute best. I’ve seen their exhausts crafted from the usual high-grade stainless steel or aluminum, but they also offer those astonishingly loud sportbike exhausts made of titanium and carbon fiber.

The result? Extremely lightweight exhausts that are tough as nails. I personally tested a couple of different Akrapovic exhausts on my sportbikes, and they all stood strong against extreme exhaust pressure and high temperatures.

But what really sets Akrapovic apart is their race-bred performance. By fine-tuning free-flowing exhaust designs specifically for each sportbike, they’ve managed to create the most powerful superbike exhausts I’ve ever tried. Believe me when I say, a full system Akrapovic exhaust can add anywhere from 2 to 10 horsepower to your sportbike.

During my own testing, Akrapovic never ceased to amaze me. Faster 0-60 times, higher top-end power, and an improved throttle response throughout the rev range were just the tip of the iceberg. This is what you get when an exhaust is made specifically for your bike.

And now for the grand finale – the sound. Akrapovic exhausts have this unique, loud resonance that’s simply ‘eargasmic.’ I love how it’s deep and heavy, but as you rev the engine, it generates a higher-pitched scream that resonates for miles. Of all the sportbike exhausts I’ve tried, Akrapovic pipes have always stood out as the loudest.

The only real hitch in the whole experience? The eye-watering price. But even considering that, few sportbike exhausts offer the kind of incredible blend of features and performance that Akrapovic delivers. It’s a ride, an experience, a statement, all rolled into one, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

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How To Choose The Loudest Exhaust For Your Motorcycle

When I set out to choose the loudest exhaust for my motorcycle, I learned a lot through hands-on experience, and there are a couple of essential things that I found you need to keep in mind. How loud your motorcycle ends up being, and the quality of that sound will hinge on these considerations.

First and foremost, I wanted my motorcycle to be louder and have that rich, full sound, so I knew I needed an exhaust system crafted specifically for my bike’s make and model. Trust me, you’ll want to steer clear of those universally compatible exhausts, as tempting as they may seem.

In my adventures with aftermarket motorcycle exhausts, I found that a full system exhaust delivered a sound that was not only louder but also fuller and more pleasing to the ear than a simple slip-on. But don’t count out the slip-ons. I was surprised to find that they could still make a pretty noticeable difference in the loudness of my bike, all while costing less than a full system.

Now, the exhaust brand was something I hadn’t considered at first, but it turned out to be an important factor in choosing the loudest exhaust for my motorcycle. Different brands presented not only varying levels of loudness but also distinct differences in sound quality.

Here’s a rule of thumb I’ve come to rely on: if you want your motorcycle exhaust to be louder, pick up a pipe that promotes freer exhaust flow. I found that this not only produced more sound but also provided that extra bit of power I was after.

All in all, these hands-on insights have guided me to the perfect exhaust system for my bike. It might seem like a complicated process, but by focusing on these aspects, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect exhaust to rev up your ride. Trust me, it’s worth every bit of effort!

Which Exhaust Brand Is Loudest?

This question isn’t so cut and dried. The answer depends on the exact make and model of your motorcycle, the budget you’re working with, and the style of exhaust you want to get. The fact is that every major exhaust manufacturer offers something that is loudest in one particular category but falls short in another. 

Still, a couple of brands are worth considering if you want the loudest motorcycle exhaust. For Harleys, Bassani’s full system exhausts deliver a crisp and powerful exhaust note that is just as loud as it is heavy and deep. 

If a slip-on style muffler is more your speed, we think Vance & Hines stands head and shoulders above the competition. These exhausts offer a balanced package with a durable build, loud sound, and a classic design. 

For the sportbike squids out there, Akrapovic makes some of the rowdiest, wildest sounding exhausts on the market. Sure, you’ll have to pay a little extra, but the price is well worth it, in our opinion. You get a premium build, plenty of performance enhancements, and a sound that just puts a smile on your face. 

How Loud Can A Motorcycle Exhaust Legally Be?

The question of how loud you can run your motorcycle exhaust is one I’ve wrestled with, and let me tell you, the answer is a subjective one.

When I’m tearing down a dirt trail miles from civilization, or gunning it around a racetrack, I know that loudness is the least of my concerns; the sky’s the limit! But when I find myself weaving through city streets, surrounded by businesses, houses, school zones, and yes, even the occasional “neighborhood Karen,” I know there’s a legal level of exhaust volume I have to maintain.

I’ve learned that these noise regulations aren’t just for show. They apply to both the motorcycle manufacturers and me, the rider. That’s why bikes come with such quiet exhausts straight from the factory; no one wants to deal with legal trouble.

So, you might wonder, just how loud am I ‘allowed’ to run my motorcycle exhaust? Well, it’s a bit like adult diapers — in other words, it Depends. I’ve found that noise pollution laws can vary dramatically from state to state and even around the world. And luckily, so does the enforcement of these laws.

In some places I’ve ridden, the rules around noise pollution are enforced with an iron fist, and you can end up with a pretty hefty fine for breaking them. But in other areas, things are a bit more relaxed, and I’ve gotten away with running everything from a slip-on to straight pipes!

Despite these differences, I’ve come to realize that it’s best to do my homework and follow the law as closely as possible. Whether I’m looking for the throaty roar of the open road or just a satisfying rumble through the city streets, understanding the rules has helped me find the perfect balance for my ride.

Loudest Motorcycle Exhausts FAQs

What type of motorcycle exhaust is loudest? 

From my experience in the world of motorcycling, I can tell you that a full system exhaust generally belts out a louder roar than most slip-ons, though there are exceptions. If you’re after that deep rumble, you’ll want an exhaust tailored to your bike to extract more decibels. 

How can I make my motorcycle’s stock exhaust louder?

Maybe you’re like me, not too eager to fork over cash for an aftermarket exhaust. No worries, I’ve tinkered with several ways to make a motorcycle’s stock exhaust louder. I’ve swapped out stock baffles for aftermarket ones that boost the exhaust’s volume, and I’ve even removed the baffles altogether.

I’ve also considered removing the catalytic converter from the motorcycle’s exhaust. But a word of warning here: the ‘cat’ is essential for cutting down toxic emissions. Removing it will undoubtedly boost the noise, but I think twice about the environmental impact.

Will taking off the muffler make my motorcycle louder?

Yes, I can confirm, taking off the muffler will make your motorcycle louder. I’ve tried it myself, and the muffler, by design, is there to suppress the noise. Remove it, and you let more exhaust gasses out, resulting in a thunderous sound.

But I’ve also learned the hard way that this might be too loud and even annoying. The sound quality took a hit, and my bike didn’t perform as well. Most motorcycle engines, including mine, are tuned to perform optimally with the muffler, so removing it wasn’t the best idea in my case.

How much will the loudest motorcycle exhaust cost?

Want to make a statement with the loudest exhaust but wondering about the cost? Trust me, I’ve been there. If you go for a top-of-the-line aftermarket exhaust from a known brand, be ready to pay up. I’ve seen how they use premium materials and pour money into research and development.

But I’ve also found some fantastic, loud exhausts that don’t break the bank. You don’t have to buy the priciest one to amp up your bike’s volume. I’ve picked up slip-ons for anywhere from under $100 to a couple hundred bucks. Full systems do cost more, especially if you’re like me and crave premium materials like aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber. But with a little research, you can find the one that fits both your bike and your budget.

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