All bikes need an exhaust system to help emit the gas fumes that come out of your cylinders. Without a proper exhaust, you risk suffocating the engine. Harley Davidson motorcycles are known for their distinctive exhaust tone. The baggers-style bikes can be equipped with single or dual exhaust systems for the ride’s unique look and feel.
A Harley owner may want to change the original factory-installed exhaust system for a more appealing sound and performance. This article will show you some of those, including the best 2 into 1 exhaust for Harley Baggers and Touring.
Best for Touring – Vance & Hines Pro Pipe or Sharkroad HDEX-08B
Best for Baggers – Vance & Hines 17559 or Bassani B4 or Bagger Brothers
Best Sounding – Vance & Hines Pro Pipe or Vance & Hines 17583
Best for Softail (2018> New) – Vance & Hines 47587
Best for Softail (Old <2017) – Vance & Hines 17547
Best for Sportster – Cobra Power Pro HP or Bassani 1XR8R
Best for Dyna – Bassani Road Rage 3 or V&H Hi Output or Bassani Lutzka
Best for CVO – Sharkroad HDEX-08B or HDEX-08B
Best for V-Rod – Bassani Straight Cut
What is 2 into 1 Exhaust?
A Two into One exhaust is a system in which both exhaust pipes from the engine merge into one before splitting again to exit out of the motorcycle.
The advantage of this design is that it decreases drag and allows for better airflow compared to other motorcycles with twin-cylinder engines.
Does a 2:1 Exhaust Make More Power?
It’s a common perception that two pipes are better than one for motorcycle exhaust systems. With this system benefits, the length of each pipe is reduced and, in turn, increases performance, but not necessarily horsepower.
Exhaust gases must be expelled at maximum velocity without any obstructions to achieve full power from the engine. If you own a Harley- Davidson motorcycle with a two-cylinder engine, you will very unlikely experience any significant power gains.
Full List – Best 2 into 1 Exhaust for Harley Davidson (All)
Table could not be displayed. Table could not be displayed.What Does Bagger Mean in Terms of Harley?
A bagger refers to a cruiser-style motorcycle with saddlebags. Bags are mounted on the rear fender of the motorcycle and will provide additional storage when attached. This modification makes the bike look bigger and increases its weight, hence the name “Bagger”.
They are meant for long-distance travel more than just having saddlebags while still maintaining agility, an open feel, and classic motorcycle styling. In addition to the bags, they will often have windshields, partial fairing, a more comfortable seat, better suspension, a larger tank, and forward controls.
Buying Considerations for 2 into 1 Harley Exhaust
There are many factors you need to cross-check before making your purchase:
Sound performance: You need to consider how loud you want your exhaust to be. If you want a powerful sound, then go for an aftermarket sounding exhaust that will increase the volume of your motorcycle.
Installation Hardware: The hardest part of modifying your Harley Davidson motorcycle is installing the new exhaust system. Ensure the system comes with all necessary installation hardware and that your current hardware will work with the new exhaust system.
Longevity: Many factors can affect how long your exhaust will last, including if you have made modifications to it. Riding styles or driving conditions could also shorten its lifespan. If you want your exhaust to be durable, it’s best to choose a high-quality stainless-steel system.
Aesthetics: Motorbikes extend your personality, so you need to choose the right exhaust that will match your bike. If you plan to use it as a cruiser, make sure the design matches the accessories. Also, consider if you need an exhaust that is designed for rough usage.
Adaptability to models: There are many different models of Harley Davidson motorcycles, so you need to ensure the exhaust you have chosen will fit. You should also check the size of your current exhaust, and if it works with the new system, you want to buy.
Best Brands: Two-into-One Harley Exhausts
There are many brands available in the market-
- Vance and Hines: The Dual Fuel is a monster when it comes to power! It comes with high-quality stainless steel for durability and long-lasting protection against corrosion or rust.
- Cobra: It’s designed with three-way adjustability: You can choose between Dyno, Tour, or Sport modes.
- S&S Cycle: A 2 into 1 exhaust system is noise compliant, and will give you improved throttle response.
- Freedom Performance: It consists of high-quality materials and will give you outstanding sound and performance without compromising your engine.
- Bassani: The Bassani Exhaust is a great choice that comes with increased horsepower and torque, giving you an improved throttle response.
- Bagger Brothers: The Bagger Brothers exhausts are manufactured from high-quality stainless steel to ensure long durability.
- Cobra: Cobra exhausts will give you improved torque and horsepower, as well as reduced backpressure.
- Sharkroad: The Sharkroad design will help increase stability during acceleration, giving you an excellent performance compared to other expensive exhausts.
How Does Exhaust Pipe Size Affect Sound?
You’ve probably seen that on some motorcycles, the exhaust pipe is considerably larger than on others. This difference in size might make you wonder: Why do different models have different-sized pipes? The answer has to do with performance and sound!
If you want more power and sound from your motorcycle, then choosing a bigger diameter for the exhaust pipe is the way to go. Larger exhaust pipes have a bigger cross-sectional area, which means there’s more room for the exhaust gases to flow through. You get better airflow from your engine, which increases horsepower and torque.
However, if you want less sound from your exhaust, then buy an exhaust with smaller-sized pipes.
2 into 1 vs. 2 into 2 – Difference and Performance
2:1 exhausts are one of the lighter and cheapest solutions for your Harley Davidson. They often provide more power than other factory systems. It comes with two separate pipes that lead from the engine to a single silencer.
A 2:2 exhaust system has two tubes leading from each cylinder head and merging before entering the muffler. 2 into 2 Exhausts will give you more power than 2 into 1 exhaust system. You also get low back pressure and greater torque. Depending on the model you choose, they are for ‘Bagger’ and any other Harley Davidson applications.
Does Harley Exhaust Pipe Function without Baffles?
Harley factory exhausts are not built to function without baffles. It’s because the internal parts of mufflers are designed to perform optimally when there are baffles in place. So having baffles will actually improve your motorcycle’s performance. However, if you want to remove the baffles from your system, then you can do that. However, you might experience some performance loss.
How Can You Improve the Baffles’ Sound?
For many Harley Davidson riders, the sound of their motorcycle’s exhaust is an important feature.
One of the simplest ways to modify your baffles is by using inserts. An insert is a piece of material that goes inside the baffle or between two baffles in order to reduce sound.
Another way to make your bikes sound better is by changing the muffler and installing aftermarket exhausts. This will give you improved sound and also improve your bike’s performance!
Taking Out Muffler from the Exhaust – Is it Legal?
Taking out mufflers from exhausts varies from one state to another depending on the legislation of the state. It’s best to check with your Department of Transportation or local legislators before making any changes to your system. Each state has its own regulations regarding motorcycle exhaust systems and noise limits.
Concluding Remarks
When choosing your exhaust, consider your needs. There are different types of Harley Davidson Exhausts to suit your specific riding style and preferences.
Do you want more power or less noise, performance or sound? When you have a clear idea of what you want, it’s easier to choose the perfect exhaust for Harley Davidson.
We hope this article helped you understand how to choose the perfect Harley Exhaust Pipe!