If you're looking for the best Harley-Davidson performance upgrades, it can be difficult to know where to start. Riders are constantly faced with hundreds of aftermarket parts promising more power, better sound, and improved ride-ability. The reality is that a handful of proven upgrades consistently provide the biggest return on investment. In this series, we'll break down the five Harley-Davidson upgrades that deliver the biggest bang for your buck, starting with one of the most popular modifications available: a Harley performance exhaust systems.
Why Upgrade Your Exhaust?
For many riders, an exhaust system is the very first modification they make.
Not only does it change the sound of the motorcycle, but it can also improve airflow and help unlock additional performance when paired with the right supporting upgrades.
A quality exhaust system can completely change the character of your motorcycle every time you twist the throttle.
Better Airflow
Factory exhaust systems are designed to satisfy a wide range of emissions and noise regulations.
While they perform their intended purpose well, they can also create restrictions that limit how efficiently exhaust gases leave the engine.
An aftermarket exhaust helps reduce those restrictions and allows the engine to breathe more freely. Improved airflow creates a stronger foundation for future performance upgrades and helps the motorcycle operate more efficiently.
Improved Sound
Let's be honest.
One of the biggest reasons riders upgrade their exhaust is because they want their motorcycle to sound like a Harley-Davidson.
A quality aftermarket exhaust can provide the deep, aggressive tone many riders are looking for while giving the motorcycle a more distinctive personality.
The right exhaust doesn't just make noise, it helps create the riding experience many Harley owners are after.
Performance Gains
While sound often gets the most attention, performance is where riders can see some real benefits.
When paired with proper tuning, an aftermarket exhaust can help improve:
- Throttle response
- Torque
- Power delivery
- Overall ride-ability
The exact gains will vary depending on the motorcycle and supporting modifications, but an exhaust upgrade is often one of the most noticeable improvements riders make.
Choosing the Right Exhaust
Not every exhaust system is built for the same rider. Whether you ride a Street Glide, Road Glide, Road King, Ultra Limited, Low Rider ST, or other Milwaukee-Eight-powered Harley-Davidson, there is an aftermarket exhaust for you and is often one of the first performance upgrades riders choose.
Some riders are looking for maximum performance. Others want a deeper sound. Many are searching for the perfect balance of both.
Factors such as riding style, performance goals, sound preference, and budget should all be considered before making a purchase.
That's why working with a knowledgeable performance shop can help ensure all of your upgrades work together as a complete package instead of simply adding parts one at a time.
Find the Right Exhaust for Your Harley
At Speed's Performance Plus, we carry exhaust systems from many of the industry's most trusted manufacturers and can help you choose the right setup for your specific motorcycle and riding goals.
From Bassani, Khrome Werks, S&S Cycle, and Trask you can browse our available exhaust and systems here:
Shop Exhaust Systems at Speed's Performance Plus
Whether you're looking for improved sound, better performance, or both, our team can help you build a combination that works together properly.
Up Next: Performance Air Intakes
In our next blog, we'll break down why a performance air intake is one of the easiest ways to complement an exhaust upgrade and help your Harley-Davidson breathe even better.