Best Sportster Slip-On Exhaust Systems
Want to make your Harley sound more like a Harley than a sewing machine? A slip-on exhaust will do just that, and on a budget!
Exhaust upgrades are one of the most popular among the Harley set, and for good reason. That rumbling, undeniable V-Twin sound is just too muffled on stock bikes, including the Sportster. Which, of course, is why most folks tear them off as soon as they get their new bikes home, if not before. And even if you don’t have the cash for a full exhaust upgrade, you can still get better sound from a slip-on exhaust.
But with so many options available, it can be hard to find one that suits your needs. So guys like H-D Forums member mrdarleyhavidson take a giant shortcut by seeking advice in the forums. It’s there that you’ll find scores of people who have ridden bikes with pretty much every exhaust system on the market. And as always, they’re plenty willing to lend their opinion on the matter.
“Looking for a new slip-on exhaust system for my ’05 1200 Custom Sportster. I would love to do a full exhaust upgrade, but it just ain’t in the budget right now. Looking to hear some feedback on what ya’ll think. At the moment I’m working with a Screamin’ Eagle Stage 1 exhaust. Looking for something that sounds a little…meaner? (without removing baffles).”
Almost immediately, responses start pouring in. All of which, including one from DrewBone, come from first-hand experiences.
“I decided on Khrome Werks 3″ HP+ in tapered chrome, which mimic the factory mufflers in appearance (which I like). Yet they also replace the stock bike’s sewing machine exhaust note with a deep rumble and nice tone. Their cost is a little higher than the usual suspects, but I don’t mind paying a little more for an easy fit-up, great workmanship, a perfect finish, and that s-o-u-n-d.”
Buddy Shagmore seconds that notion.
“Another Khrome Werks fan here. Look just like stock chrome tapered, excellent fit & finish. Mine has the quiet insert baffles, which is not quiet at all, just less loud.”
DK Customs offers a more economical solution for the budget-minded OP.
“There are so many choices in exhaust. There are 3 main factors that are considered in upgrading exhaust: looks, sound, and performance. If you are only looking for a bit “meaner” sound, then you may be able to get that with your current exhaust, PLUS gain some low and mid range power. Take a listen to the video below, and check out this LINK on Thunder Torque Inserts. Start listening at the 1:50 mark.”
BensonUK is also a fan of the Thunder Torque Inserts, having used them on some of their own Sportster builds.
“As Kevin mentioned, the TTIs most likely your most cost effective method. Here is one of our bikes before and after, easy to hear the difference.”
But it quickly becomes evident that there are tons of great options for the Sportster currently on the market.
“I’m happy with the Rush slip-on,” adds firehawk6. “Sounds nice, nice chrome finish and perfect fit.”
“I went with the Wyatt Gatling slip-on and I like it,” says Billy W.
“I’ve got an 883 and put Python slip-on on it and holy **** did it awaken,” says Nate Beck. “Loud (measured at 117db at the end of the pipe) and deep rumble that I didn’t even know was possible considering the sewing machine it was before. Not sure performance wise the difference as I am still running the stock a/c and tune.”
“Just two words: Vance & Hines 3” Twin Slash,” adds Old Iron Man. “Surprised no one mentioned them. Perhaps too obvious, or too common, or too cliche. But they are great, easy install, sound awesome, and with your intake and an ECM tune, will perform admirably.”
If you learn one thing from this post, it’s that there are a ton of quality Sportster slip-on exhaust options out there on the market. For all budgets and tastes. But we want to know what sort of exhaust you recommend for the OP. Head over here and chime in with your thoughts and personal experiences!
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