Best sounding exhaust for the Sportster?

There's a lot of options when it comes to exhausts/pipes when it comes to the sportster. I compiled 7 clips of 7 different exhausts (Vance and Hines, Bassani, Dr jekil and Hyde) so that we can compare the sound of all 7 of the exhausts. Ultimately, in the end I'll pick which exhaust sounds the best for the sportster.

[@Arizona_Vineyard]

I’ve been drinking so I can’t ride mine right now. So I’ll just listen

[@vitoraimondi2626]

I had contemplated V&H Short shots and the Slip ons for my Nightster...am really happy with the slip ons. Great channel...thanks for sharing the content!!

[@IronBornRider]

I think the slip ons actually sounds surprisingly good on the sportster/nightster. Thanks for the comment!

[@vitoraimondi2626]

@@IronBornRider I thought so too...very close between the two...just liked the look of the slip ons with the buckshot heat shields so I went that route! All Best

[@ronhenney4546]

Hi had V&H slip ons on my 05 high flow kit and carburettor added to a fantastic sound a real hot rod sound no backfires and crackle, just very throaty

[@rovingnimbus]

I have the Two Brothers Comp S Gen II’s on my sporty. Although you didn’t review it here I do I love them. Funny enough I was contemplating between the V&H grenade hi outputs and the Two Bro’s I went with. I do agree with your review of the grenades. They sound so beautiful but my concern was my hearing abilities at the age of 60 haha. Mechanics also told me they have seen engine issues with the grenades because of the volume you speak of. That drove me away from these. Love your content man keep it coming!

[@IronBornRider]

Originally I put together as comprehensive list of exhausts to review, but that video would've been too long haha. I may do a part 2 and 3 with exhausts that I've left out. Yeah the grenades sound great but even for me my short shots start beating my ears after 20 minutes on the highway lol. Thanks for the support, appreciate you!

[@jonnymac8925]

I have 3 videos of my bike in 3 varying stages of modifications. It is a 2018 Sportster 48. It started life with vance and hines short shots, screamin eagle tuner, and an s&s teardrop air cleaner. The 2nd setup was vance and hines FP3, s&s teardrop air cleaner, Vance and Hines stainless 2-1 upsweep, feuling 505/515 cams (there is a startup video and a fly by video with that setup on my page, the exhaust was absolutely amazing and if it didn't get destroyed in an accident I would still run it but I wasn't able to get another). 3rd setup is much more aggressive with an s&s 1250 with forged flat top pistons, feuling 505/515 cams, feuking hp+ lifters, Feuling endurance valve springs, hammer performance solid pushrods, Buell bronze oil pump gear, TBR gen 2 comp s 2-1 (sounds really good but I think the v&h stainless 2-1 upsweep would have sounded amazing with the motor upgrades), vance and hines fp3, s&s teardrop air cleaner. You can see and hear all 3 setups on my page. I will say that the videos of the 2-1 exhausts don't do them any justice for how good they sound!

[@markdurham3048]

Dig the sporty content man. Keep it up. I just bought a stealth pipe for my 48. I can’t wait for it to come in and to hear how it sounds.

[@IronBornRider]

Thanks man. Yeah, I'd love to hear that as well. There's so many options for exhausts for the sportster, the world is your oyster.

[@AeroSS87]

Please upload a video of that exhaust. I'd love to hear it

[@randallzook5570]

I agree with you totally about the V&H grenades sound nothing but awesome. I opted for the short shots on my bike however because of the looks hands down the sleekest old school look IMHO. They are too loud for me however so this winter I plan on installing the quiet baffles to deepen the tone a bit. Thanks for your review awesome content keep them coming.

[@IronBornRider]

Yeah my iron had the short shots and it was insanely loud haha. Thanks Randall! Ride safe!

[@randallzook5570]

@@IronBornRider you to brother thank you

[@HarleyGurl114]

Way back in the day I did have V&H shorties on my sporty, I loved that sound!!

[@IronBornRider]

Winning combination!

[@maje.883]

I have the short shots, I love the sound of my 883 but if I am going to change it up it would be the bassani sweepers. I love the sound and the look it gives the iron

[@IronBornRider]

The sweepers are extremely nice on the iron, I’d have to agree

[@TheMotoJawn]

Awesome idea for a video. I've never seen this many put into one video. Could definitely help people decide.

[@IronBornRider]

That was the idea. Wish I had this video when I was looking at exhausts

[@dormantsuperhero]

I have vance and hines double barrels on my sportster, sounded good when it was 883, now its s&s 1200, it has that deep bass to die for, sets off car alarms and makes small children cry, job done😊 had v&h straight shot slip ons on a previous sporty and they were terrible, noise without the class.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

I used to have an 883 Sportster and now I have a twin cam 88. When I went to the twin-cam I was expecting it to sound deeper and more badass due to the size increase but I was wrong. Something about the sound of an EVO sounds beefier than all the engines that came after it.

[@IronBornRider]

Totally agree. The main reason I went sporty as my first Harley is because a buddy of mine had it first and I could not believe how amazing it sounded.

[@ilikejuice745]

@@IronBornRider =)

[@leedaiger]

I would go with the Jekill & Hyde. The system allows you to change the flaps position. You can drive loud (flaps open) or if you are on a longer trip and you want it more calm, close the flaps or you can switch it in a middle position (half open) which is perfect on a highway for example. The only issue is, that this exhaust is expensive!!! 2500€ +/- which is a lot.

[@smaller_cathedrals]

I checked last night, we're currently sitting at 4,000 Euros for a 48. Yesss.

[@MrJruta]

I love the look of the V&H big radius but happy with the sound of my Rinehart slip ons for the time being

[@IronBornRider]

Rineharts are killer, good choice man

[@MrJruta]

@@IronBornRider thanks 👍

[@deusvult7559]

I had a Bassani road rage 2 into 1 on my 2003 sportster and it sounded pretty good. If (when) I get another sporty I'll probably go with the V&H grenades...wow, those things sounded good. Thanks for sharing...

[@ThereseSecord-wf5gy]

I had two sets of the V&G grenades on my Sporty and both sets the baffles fell out while riding. The screws just worked thru the holes.

[@KSMotoCafe]

VH shortshots sound the cleanest and best for me on camera but I know all of these sound 200% better and louder in person, so hard to to tell lol. I like seeing them all in one video tho - thanks for that!

[@IronBornRider]

Yeah it’s tough reviewing pipes via video because it doesn’t translate 100%. The short shots to me have that classic Harley sound so I’m still happy with my short shots. But if we’re going for the most brutal sound I think the grenades are pretty badass too. But I think we can all agree there’s no bad sounding pipes on a sporty

[@ralphdarc3094]

My neighbours love my chopper style custom made exhausts , especially when i get back from work around 11pm or set off at 7am . So popular. Only issue , my wisdom teeth about to fall off . live free , ride on

[@IronBornRider]

Lol. So popular

[@Pik4Joel]

Cool, thanks! Just picked up my new Iron 883 2022 and am looking for more sound!!!

[@joeschmo9838]

The first Bassani and Jekill and Hyde both sound fantastic

[@brettmccafferty465]

I really like the Dr jekyll. thanks. I still have stock exhaust because I live in a rural neighborhood and I leave for work at 530 in the morning lol. I like my neighbors lol

[@TheLoneWolf_andCoyote]

I started my Hammer Performance 1275 conversion on my 883 iron a couple of days ago, I've got the Bassani road rage 2 B-1 system it's got a 2 1/2"baffle so i'm hoping it won't be to obnoxious. should have it all back together in a week or so i'll let you know sound bite wise how it is.

[@IronBornRider]

Congrats on the hammer kit! I love mine, makes a huge difference. And the Bassani should sound sweet with it.

[@amramin8269]

So everyone help me on this one (short shots , bassani sweepers, or mini grenades ) which one sounds best on a 48. I like a deep bassy sound, yes loud but not disturbingly loud bass and deep sound is what i need

[@louisianacajunchef2628]

Nice video which one would be the loudest though the hi outputs ?

[@IronBornRider]

I would probably say the grenades

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

I'm torn between the bassani road rage "unequal length", road rage mega power, and d&d bobcat. I want good low end & mid-top end power. I would do a thunderheader but they rust and fall apart.

[@TorresBoxing]

What are the deepest, yet not too loud pipes for an Iron 1200? I want a deep growl but not something too loud. Something respectable but with a mean growl.

[@IronBornRider]

I actually think the vh slip ons aren’t too bad sounding and they’re not obnoxiously loud either

[@nickcalkins8705]

I am loving my Tab Performance slip ons, with the Zombie baffles.

[@noflamenomercy7821]

J&H :) I went from V&H granades to them

[@MrLdvo]

I wish you mentioned you investigation about power because for me is a big deal. 2into1 are not so loud but more powerful. I have the short shots and I can't wait to swap it for 2in1 competition series. cheers

[@IronBornRider]

True there are differences in power and that is a big consideration when swapping pipes. For this video I just wanted to focus on how it sounds

[@19Delcid]

Where fan I buy the vance and hines high output grenades?? the main website??? revzilla says they're out of stock

[@IronBornRider]

You might have to look around. I think I might’ve read that they’re discontinued but I’m not 100% sure

[@fredfrancisco6840]

I enjoy a thump then bass but GD That last one hit the sweet spot.. I am used to 883s not 1200s. Looking at getting one cause 883s are low & have ppl with glides hogs can't keep up

[@goodcitizen7064]

That high output grenade was the best IMO.

[@IronBornRider]

💯

[@jennietinsley3273]

I have screaming eagle 2 exhaust on my 1200 and am very happy with it

[@garrisonsmith1882]

You should look into smaller more custom brands, like Kinetic. They have GORGEOUS designs. I had the XL3 on my last sporty and it was the best sounding exhaust I’ve ever heard.

[@IronBornRider]

I’ve been thinking about doing a part 2 to this video. I’ll def include kinetic

[@garrisonsmith1882]

@@IronBornRider ehhh maybe don’t. I ended up placing a $700 order with them and they gave me the runaround for two weeks, created a shipping label 3 days too early to basically shut me up, and when I voiced frustrations about my experience they just cancelled my order altogether. Can’t really recommend them at all unfortunately.

[@IronBornRider]

@@garrisonsmith1882 ah that really stinks. Good customer service is so rare these days

[@grantbierlmeier7641]

Have some cobra 909 speedsters coming - might send you a clip once I have them on. I am hoping for a good bass nite to them but not as loud as the grenades -cheers

[@IronBornRider]

Yeah I’d definitely be interested in hearing it. Sounds like I have a part two video concept

[@DeluxeChimp]

My favorite Sporty exhaust sound is Short Shots with Big City Thunder Monster Baffles in place of the V&H baffles. (my current setup 😁)

[@IronBornRider]

I also have the SS, I'll have to check out the monster baffles! Thanks for watching!

[@tysonberg4452]

What was the difference in baffles that you like about them?

[@DeluxeChimp]

The Monster Baffles change up the tone. Deeper sounding. They're very minimal but supply the back pressure you need.

[@cryptohunter3931]

@@DeluxeChimp where did you get that Monster Baffles?

[@DrHawk579]

I like the bassani road rage 2. Just my opinion. Would live to hear the rev

[@doug3805]

Hi Output Grenades awesome!

[@znothingfacez5681]

No screaming eagle pipes?

[@nicolasposse8880]

Im in doubt. Grenade ou big radius for my 48?

[@IronBornRider]

I’d vote Grenades for maximum volume

[@ThierryStocchi]

i like the jekill & Hyde 😊

[@sjnlanda9429]

Mine is Screaming Eagle. Not so loud but i still like it

[@IronBornRider]

That’s the only person that matters, yourself. 🤘🤘

[@dave9545]

On my 19 883 I have the big radius 2-2 however I have bought a set of short shots with quite baffle as I am looking for a quieter and deep noice as when I am on the phone with my sena I can hardly understand what the other person is saying :S. However hadn't had the time to fit them. TBH I prefer the big radius look as it looks more like mean if you know what I mean

[@OddBall92]

Hey I just ordered the big radius. Is cornering an issues? I’m not an aggressive rider when it comes to corners. Just wondering. I’m a little worried I might scrape the exhaust

[@dave9545]

@@OddBall92 mine never scraped tbh but im not aggressive

[@OddBall92]

@@dave9545 thanks.. got some peace of mind.

[@jameswubson]

Any thoughts on the Rough Crafts Guerilla?

[@IronBornRider]

I've never heard of those. I may have to look into those! For this video I just compiled the ones that I've seen around KZbin/instagram. I may have to make another video with the other ones people have suggested (if I can find sound clips)

[@jameswubson]

@@IronBornRider they look nasty. And I gotta thank you, I've wanted the V&H Grenades for a long time. And after watching this video I copped a set before they were sold out everywhere. Its a shame they're discontinuing them.

[@IronBornRider]

@@jameswubson they’re discontinuing them?!?! Damn lol they sounded so good. Glad I could help you out though brother. Enjoy those grenades man! 🤘

[@juanpizarro6642]

Bassani sweepers I love the sound but no the way of the style. I prefer V & H short because they look good and keep the way or line of the bike. I will put V & H short on my bike.

[@IronBornRider]

I have the short shots on my iron, great choice!

[@antonellabarrila12681]

In this video BASSANI 2 into 1 is the best sound for me!❤

[@hatchetjack1031]

Like the Basanni sound best...but nothing beats my RAGE ENGINEERING, RACE TECH best! Thanks Bro, SUBSCRIBED!

[@IronBornRider]

Thanks for the support!

[@madmike8v72]

I like the V&H grenades the best.

[@IronBornRider]

Me too!

[@XenaTheQuadCamBikah]

From this clip me too! I have Python 3 slips with my Hammer 1275 and like them a lot.

[@akrammansour7459]

The vance and Hines hi output grenades are the best for me

[@sanluisace]

Agree but they don’t make them no more

[@NevermoreMoto]

Oooooh. Those grenades drop bombs. But the two into ones are supposed to be way better for performance although being quieter.

[@IronBornRider]

My neighbors would murder me if I got those lol. Yeah if you want performance the 2-1 is the way to go from what I understand.

[@bradfoisy7034]

Totally agree with your synopsis ! I have the VH SS pipes on my 2014 883, but those hi output grenades were the bomb !! haha see what did there ;)

[@IronBornRider]

Shots fired at VH! Lol two can play this game good sir

[@frankbush8368]

High outputs sound great, too bad they look ridiculous with that stubby bubble on the end. Personally, I like a clean, consistent diameter pipe.

[@IronBornRider]

I’m with you on that one. They look a little funky but they sure do sound awesome

[@nomade249]

Sorry the second bike is 883 or 1200 ?

[@IronBornRider]

looks like a 1200 based on the set up but not 100% positive.

[@nomade249]

Thanks

[@1PUNISHER]

There's a Sportster on KZbin it's a 2002 1200 with baffled drag pipes really sounds original

[@allannirvana]

I like stock exhaust because my V&H makes my whole neighbourhood hate me when I go to the gym at 4 am every day. That's my schedule.

[@rogermateo4779]

Bassani sweeper👌👌👌

[@IronBornRider]

That was one of my favorites too

[@jd8969]

2 into 1 Bassani or the California legal SS 2 into 1 sounds great

[@harleyvulcancobra4.619]

I prefer gooseneck pipes and I never go over 1 3/4 inch pipes for best sound on a Sportster! I use thunder torque inserts also to keep my back pressure!😎🇺🇸🏴‍☠️🇺🇸🏴‍☠️🇺🇸🏴‍☠️🇺🇸🏴‍☠️🇺🇸

[@Rapaglia1]

Sure, a good sound is nice. But those 2-into-2 pipes (especially without crossovers) are terrible for generating power. Vance and Hines are notorious for decreasing power output. The exhaust velocity on them is too low on them to prevent exhaust from getting sucked back into the exhaust port off of the motor. The best option for increasing power will be 2-into-1 pipes. For that reason, the Two Brothers 2:1 is actually the best exhaust system, because you get power gains as well as a good choppy sound. Vance and Hines are really only decent for sound output. I would never recommend V&H to anybody if their goal is increased torque and horsepower.

[@NYGiantInTX]

I heard the grenades on a softail slim a few months ago and they're LOUD. As far as in the video, the Bassani sweepers sounded best, followed by the Jekill & Hyde. At least to me. I'm looking to get a little more power out of my sporty so I'm going with the Bassani Roade Rage Mega power. The 2-2 exhausts sound better but the 2-1 have a better bump in power.

[@IronBornRider]

That's what I hear as well in terms of bump in power from 2-1. Never heard of the road rage mega power, that sounds interesting.

[@christophermaness6996]

Big radius sounds best and def the toughest

[@IronBornRider]

It sounds good but I liked the grenades the best personally. Thanks for watching!

[@udxpierre]

Vance and Hines 2-1 Upsweep. Best all round. No power drop off, low end mid to top end, smooth throttle curve, power just applied way smoother and there for longer, way better ground clearance and it doesn't make you deaf or get the neighbors riled up.

[@Smokeyboi97]

I want the neighbors to be riled up

[@andrewmarlow7303]

Grenades are amazing

[@Cali2FRESH1]

Stage 1 short shots all day. From cold start , high rpm, deceleration pop

[@IronBornRider]

💯🤘

[@pulenderannaidoo3550]

Grenades. I just bought a set waiting to fit.

[@mtp04987]

Dr jekill and Hyde

[@slowmosheet3367]

Big radius gave me a big shorty

[@IronBornRider]

Lol A+ comment good sir

[@igorluk2618]

Dear Sportster riders, please, see hammer performance site and clear your mind! )) Loudness it is only one part of puzzle.

[@davidowens5338]

Vance and Hines mini grenades

[@IronBornRider]

💯

[@RoadRashHD]

Dont forget about noise bylaws lol. Go with the pipe that is not going to give you a ticket everytime you go for a ride lol

[@IronBornRider]

Very good point. I saw that in California you're not supposed to have aftermarket full exhausts or something like that. But they have to catch you first to give you the ticket 😂

[@RoadRashHD]

@@IronBornRider yeah it goes against California emmisions laws

[@JasonEyerly]

Tell me you live in California without telling me you live in California.

[@thebaddog4104]

Mini Grenades

[@larryshaw1267]

No shark road laf drag pipes....c,mon!

[@dreammachine8838]

Thanks for sharing ! some good pipes to check out! if you get a second check my 883 build and channel out ! Thanks

[@fredfrancisco6840]

5:33 so that's what my mom's husband's talking about. GD looker the difference

[@michaelstolitza8492]

Bassani 1st, then V&H grenades 2cnd

[@brianstewart6448]

Fab28 bruh

[@NAKROMOTO]

Nice video! Check out my channel for more sportster exhaust videos!

[@andrewmarlow7303]

Yep grenades are the best

[@IronBornRider]

I agree with you, wish I heard about them before I got the short shots

[@patriciaevans4780]

HI 👋

[@andrewmarlow7303]

Road rage is crap

[@therawksaw2135]

I got some SharkRoad pipes from eBay 171.00 including tax and delivery . They blow these expensive slip ons away.