Questionhi Bill, i wrote you a few weeks ago asking about buying my 2nd bike, you gave me excellent information for me to make an informed decision. i have a HD dyna low rider, i love it ! but ask 10 harley riders the type of exhaust pipes to change to , you get 10 different answers .I want it to have that "HARLEY" sound .. a deep purr, but what do i change to ? i have been told, screaming eagles, vancin hines(? spelling) hookers ? ..LOL . and a number of others. please point me in the right direction like you did before. take care, ride often, ride safe, thank you , kathy
AnswerHi Kathy,
Sounds like you got a nice bike, congratulations.
I'm probably not the best person to ask this question to. I'm not big on the "loud bike" thing, I'm more of a performance-oriented rider. I understand that stock HD pipes don't give you the robust sound you are looking for, but you should know the downside of changing your exhaust as well.
First off, Harley's don't "purr". For the most part, they "boom", which is the nature of the sound coming from that type of engine (a V-twin). When you change the exhaust system on your bike, you need to do it carefully. Exhaust systems are designed not just to be quiet, but to work in tandem with the engine to maximize performance. If you just stick new pipes on your bike, you may notice a marked decrease in performance along with the increase in sound. It needs to be professionally installed, the carbs rejetted PROPERLY, or if your bike has fuel injection, it needs to be remapped (ask your dealer about both scenarios).
As for what sounds best, that's not really possible for me to answer over the very silent internet. I don't exactly know the sound you want just from your description, and as you say, there are almost limitless choices. It sounds like you know a lot of Harley owners, so I suggest the following: Keep whatever pipes are on your bike for now, and keep your ears open when you are around other Harleys. When you hear a bike that has the sound you like, try to get ahold of the owner and ask them what brand and model the pipes are, and who installed them. Most owners will know these things. Then check out (probably online) the cost and get a quote from a DEALER about installing them. I would avoid private mechanics unless you really know them really well. As for good brands, all those you mention ore OK, but I do know that "Vance & Hines" is a top brand and they do a lot of research to make their systems work well (and they race-and win). I'd probably go with them, but again, that's my OPINION, and I know everyone has one.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a prude about exhaust noise. My 1200 Bandit was about silent when I got it, so I put a TBR pipe set on it that sounds great (but is not obnoxious) and I got some more power in the deal. But a pro shop installed it, and tested it on a dyno to make sure they had it right. There's more to a new exhaust system than just the shiny new bits and more sound. On your Harley, the engine, fuel system and exhaust work as a system, and if you throw one out of kilter, it's usually the engine that suffers.
I live in an area where Harleys (and sportbikes and Japanese cruisers and so on) sometimes rumble past at 3am doing their best to wake us all up. I think that's wrong. I know the stock pipes on a Harley are quiet. The have to be to pass muster with the government. But there are choices you can make that will give you the sound you are looking for while sparing the non-riding public advance notice of your arrival. I hope you find that sound.
Congrats again on your new Harley, ride safe, ride smart, and have fun. See you out on the road.
Bill Roberson
