Harley Exhaust Fitment Chart: Road to Perfect Fit For Your Harley
Exhaust systems that Harley uses in different series include 2-into-1, dual exhaust, and 2-into-2 with or without crossovers. The fitment chart helps you find the best-suited and most compatible exhaust system for your bike.
But before making a move to get one you must be accurately sure which exhaust fits your Harley and satisfies your demand. Thus, you’ll get all your queries about Harley exhaust fitment in this article.
Types Of Harley Davidson Exhaust
Before jumping to selecting an exhaust system, it is crucial to know about all the exhaust systems that Harley Davidson offers.
Besides, if you ought to get the performance or the iconic rumble sound of the Harley, you must know how each exhaust works.
2-into-1 Exhaust System
In a 2-into-1, two individual header pipes originate from the cylinders that merge through a single collector. Afterward, the exhaust gas is routed through a larger diameter end pipe and muffler.
The catalytic converter could have been installed either inside the header pipes or the mufflers.
You’ll get better performance in a 2-into-1 since the exhaust flow increases by merging the pipes to a larger diameter muffler.
Hence, the engine gets to breathe easily and efficiently. However, in this category, the exhaust note is not as deep and heavy as you may want it to rumble.
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2-into-2 Exhaust System
Similar to the 2-into-1, it has a dual originating header pipe from the cylinders. But the difference lies within the end pipes because this exhaust system ends with two individual mufflers.
A small secondary pipe connects the two exhaust pipes, creating a passage between the headers. It is usually situated close to the engine blocks.
- 2-into-2 With Crossover
The primary job of a crossover is to maintain the balance of exhaust flow from both cylinders. You’ll get enhanced performance and reduced back pressure on the engine.
Besides if you want an aggressive sound, the 2-into-2 exhaust with a crossover can provide a deeper and reverb exhaust tone.
- 2-into-2 Without Crossover
A 2-into-2 exhaust system with no crossover has two separate pipes originating from each cylinder of the engine. They reside parallel to each other giving an aesthetic look to your Harley.
This design provides a more classic look and sound note, as each cylinder is installed with a dedicated end pipe and muffler.
However, no crossover pipe means unequal exhaust flow with increased back pressure and engine performance.
True Dual Exhaust Systems
If you are fond of touring bikes, you will get the dual exhaust systems assembled separately for each cylinder of the engine. It gives a more aggressive rumbling sound and enhanced performance.
Another variant of the dual exhaust system is the 2-1-2 exhaust system. There is a merging center where the header pipes join for a better exchange of air before splitting to separate exhaust pipes and mufflers.
The converging center is known as the collector which is absent in the dual exhaust systems.
These exhaust systems are found in the Grand Touring series as there is a slight betterment in the torque and power due to a balanced exhaust flow.
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Harley Exhaust Fitment Chart By Model
To choose the correct exhaust system for your Harley, check out the following fitment chart and select the best suited one from the options.
Harley Sports
Model | Exhaust Type | Muffler Type/Catalyst position |
Nightster | 2-into-1 | Inside Header |
Sportster S | 2-1-2 | inside Muffler |
Nightster Special | 2-into-1 | Inside Header |
Harley Cruiser
Model | Exhaust Type | Muffler Type/Catalyst position |
Lowrider S | 2-into-2 | Offset shotgun, with catalyst inside muffler |
Fat Boy 114 | 2-into-2 | staggered; catalyst inside muffler |
Street Bob 114 | 2-into-2 | Offset shotgun, with catalyst inside muffler |
Low Rider ST | 2-into-2 | Offset shotgun, with catalyst inside muffler |
Fat Bob 114 | 2-into-2 | Shorty Dual; Catalyst inside muffler |
Softail Standard | 2-into-2 | Offset shotgun, with catalyst inside muffler |
Heritage Classic | 2-into-2 | Shorty Dual; Catalyst inside muffler |
Breakout 117 | 2-into-2 | staggered; catalyst inside muffler |
Harley American Grand Touring
Model | Exhaust Type | Muffler Type/Catalyst position |
Street Glide Special | 2-1-2 dual exhaust | Tapered mufflers |
Ultra Limited | 2-1-2 dual exhaust | Tapered mufflers |
Road Glide ST | Dual exhaust (crossover) | NA |
Road Glide Limited | 2-1-2 dual exhaust | 4” tapered mufflers |
Road Glide | 2-1-2 dual exhaust | Tapered mufflers |
Street Glide | 2-1-2 dual exhaust | Tapered mufflers |
Electra Glide Highway King | 2-1-2 dual exhaust | Tapered mufflers |
Street Glide ST | Dual exhaust ( crossover) | NA |
Road King Special | 2-1-2 dual exhaust | Tapered mufflers |
Road Glide Special | 2-1-2 exhaust | Tapered mufflers |
CVO Road Glide Limited | Dual exhaust, (crossover) | NA |
Harley Adventure Touring
Model | Exhaust Type | Muffler Type/Catalyst position |
PAN America 1250 Special | 2-1-1 | Catalyst inside Header |
Pan America 1250 | 2-1-1 | Catalyst inside Header |
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Harley Davidson Exhaust Fitment Tips
Before investing a huge amount of money for the upgradation purpose you must consider the following factors.
- Check engine compatibility with the preferred exhaust system.
- Choose the exhaust system according to the type of your Harley Davidson motorcycle. (Example: touring, sports, or cruiser, etc)
- For better sound slip-on mufflers can be used since the process could be cheaper.
- For performance and mileage, it is better to consider full exhaust system swapping.
- Check out for ground clearance and overall balance on your motorbike. For example: If you have a touring Harley, you need to consider a true dual or a 2-1-2 exhaust system.
- Exhaust systems with crossovers have better exhaust equalizing and flow rate enhancing the power output.
- Most dual exhaust systems in touring bikes have catalytic converters placed inside the header pipe. Hence you can use a preferable slip-on muffler to upgrade your exhaust system at a cheap rate yet efficiently.
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FAQs
The following answered questions from the fans, experts, and users of Harley motorcycles could be useful for further queries regarding exhaust systems.
Is 2-Into-1 Exhaust Better On Harley?
The 2-into-1 exhaust may have a different sound, but it is better for low to top-end. They provide a decent classic sound along with the maximum horsepower and torque output, making them the best in the alley.
What Is A Dual Exhaust System On Harley?
Dual exhaust systems have a separate header pipe coming from the cylinders and are placed on each side of the chassis. However, there is a converging point with an exhaust collector installed making a passage between the header and exhaust pipes.
What Size Exhaust Is Best For Performance?
A 1″ diameter exhaust is required for each 100HP. Therefore, a 450HP engine would require a 4.5″ exhaust. The dual exhaust systems need a half-sized exit diameter on each exhaust, making 2.5” in each pipe for a 500 HP bike.
Is Slip-On Exhaust Good For Harley?
Slip-on exhaust mufflers are a good low-end upgrade on your Harley exhaust. They fit easily with the stock header pipes giving you the preferable sound note with decent performance.
Final Words
Checking out the Harley exhaust fitment chart gives you a heads-up about what you need to be dealing with.
Since sound notes and performance are equally needed for Harley bikes you need to plan accordingly and make the budget.
We hope this article helps you to get a clear concept of Harley exhaust systems and get the best-suited with the value of money.
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