Top Harley-Davidson Exhaust Questions Answered 

I have never been to California and I am truly so proud of that. It is on my bucket list to never go there. Put it on my headstone.

A side by side comparison of a good number of exhausts would be very nice Matt! Great job🙏🏼

When Jamie built his Heritage with the stage 3 engine kit.....I absolutely LOVED the way the Tab mufflers sounded. I ended up putting them on my 18 FatBoy with the stage 2 horsepower cam. Thanks Matt!

Good video. Looking forward to hearing comparisons with a bunch of different exhausts. Thanks.

Carnal, thank you for taking the time to explain this topic.

Just put on a Stage 1 upgrade with SE Streetcannons and removable dampeners. Sounds great and no issues👍

THANK YOU Matt....I just bought a new 2019 Road Glide and have been getting very unclear info about this subject....THANK U for ALL your great videos....keep them coming....

Hey Guys, I just want to respond to a question that a lot of people seem to be bringing up. There is always the criticism about H-D denying claims based on after market parts being used. Several people have brought up the magnuson-moss act which basically makes it illegal for vehicle manufacturers to force consumers into buying only OEM parts by doing things like voiding warranty coverage. This isn't the case with the aftermarket tuners. On August 18th, 2016 the EPA came down hard on Harley-Davidson. As part of the settlement, Harley-Davidson is required to not honor the warranty on the powertrain on 2017 and later models that have been tuned by a non-EPA compliant tuner. The definition of the powertrain in this instance pertains to the engine and all of its components, including the ECM (Engine Control Module), primary drive and transmission including all of its components. If H-D is made aware in any way, that a bike 2017 M.Y. and later has been tuned with an aftermarket tuner, the VIN will be blocked from powertrain warranty claims. So, I know people want to give H-D the bad rap but really it's the federal government forcing H-D's hand in a lot of these cases when it involves aftermarket tuners. H-D spends a lot of time and money getting their tuners etc EPA certified for a reason. If you HAVE to run a full aftermarket exhaust system or an after market header pipe that requires a tuner my advice is to USE THE HARLEY DAVIDSON PRO STREET TUNER AND AUTO TUNER COMBINATION. This doesn't guarantee against warranty claims being declined but if you have an after market tuner you are for sure gonna be denied.

Running the screaming eagle high flow performance exhaust with the stage 2 torque cams on my FLHTK...2018...great sound and a significant bump in performance,no regrets ...keep up the good Job bro ..cheers

Great comprehensive vid Matt, you covered the bases pretty well. It’s a shame there has to be so many regs these days.

Very informative and developed in content structure! Your the only one who touched this topic, Thank You!!! Make America Great Again!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Thanks for the video, Matt. Very straightforward and informative.👍🏼

I bought a 2021 RK Standard in October and bought the ESP as well, which makes me a warranty coward, haha. My wife agreed to let me do a Stage 2 (which is in the works now- albeit outside the 60 days). I’m sticking with all Screamin Eagle parts- even the slip-ons. This was great feedback and context - appreciate the content, Matt!

Harley Davidson is getting stricter on exhaust systems accepted by your extended warranty, Thanks , Matt for addressing the issue...

I want to hear some thundercone slip on mufflers for m8. This is a great idea for a series. I spend a lot of time trying to find good audio clips of exhaust. Thanks for all the different kinds of videos. Keep up the good work Matt. 👍

That's good to know. I was looking at some Vance & Hines slips on just to increase the sound and wasn't sure if I also needed a tuner. But good to know I won't as long I keep the stock airfilter. Plus won't affect the warranty.

Great job very informative I have Arlen ness mega flow on my sportster sound is great and stock on my 18 street glide sound is perfect for me thanks again Matt very well done👍

That's a great idea for videos... Please keep exhaust videos coming :D

Great video! Thanks for the info. I have a 2018 Ultra Limited and just installed Rineharts 4.5" Motopro 45 slipons and love them! They sound great and look good also. I've heard others with the Milwaukee 8 that have replaced the head pipe and I personally don't care for the sound as well as just the slipons.

Great information Matt. I went with the Stage I Screamin Eagle but I included the full Screamin Eagle exhaust. I couldn’t see the rational in having two catalytic converters; one in the OEM exhaust and one in the Scream Eagle mufflers. I used the HD Pro-Street Tuner to tune my HD Street Glide after I installed the parts.

I really like your videos & your advices along with your extensive knowledge on Harley Davidson. I just wish you ran a dealer near me. I got my 2020 Low Rider S after watching your first review of it over a year ago. I find myself (when I do find extra time) going back & watching any videos of your past. Keep keeping it Real, & Thanks for your advice 🌾🤙

I have a 2019 114 Breakout with stage 3 performance. I put screaming eagle mufflers on it from the initial purchase and I was pretty disappointed with the exhaust note and volume. Not much different to stock. Now I have the the 3.5" Rinehart mufflers and the sound is incredible! Still running the stock headers. Very happy now. This is in Australia

Good info thanks. I put Sampson street sweepers years ago on my Fatboy and some fishtail slipons on my ultra. Love the sound on both and honestly performance isn’t my top care. Look, sound and ride experience are.

Thank you, if any human just bought any HD motorcycle this pertains to you refreshing your memory on a thorough explanation from proven dealership point of view.

Hi Matt, a very, very useful review & insights. Could you also expand your views /experience into air intakes/filters, saddles and anything else what would make a "good bang for your buck" - in terms of price/performance/reliability standpoint. The overview of the warranty issues is a gem, much appreciated.

Hey man your doing a real great job with your content on your channel always looking forward to your next video keep up the great work peace brother

Thanks Matt, it’s great you covered this topic. Like others have said, compared to my evos and early twin cam, I get everything and more from my m8. I did do mufflers and stage 1 screaming eagle intake/tuner but left it at that. I love my m8. Good vid, 🍻👍

Great topic, thank you Matt!

I really learned a lot from this video !! You really explained things really well an thank you so much 👍🏆

Excellent informative vid...thanks Matt

Great informative video. I have a '19 Sport Glide w/ Stage III & SE Street Cannon muffler. For me it covered all the bases, WARRANTEE - first! The Motor Company did a good job with the SE Street Cannon muffler. It has a good sound in all ranges. Besides the warrantee I wanted an exhaust note that I could live with on a long ride and around town. As others have said, good information while staying neutral.

This is great! Just picked up my 2020 sgs. Had V&H on my Night rod but didn’t want anything that loud. Thx.

Just bought a Fab Bob 2020 and I was wondering about the mechanical mods and warranties, very informative video, thank you!

That's a difficult topic to cover without putting your company at risk of criticism for brand specific favoritism. I feel you did a good job avoiding those situations and I could tell you thought about the wording carefully. Great job!!

Thank you Matt for all you do to inform us. You do a great job!

Great info and explanations! 👍

Very informative! Great vid!

Another great vid, i hope HD has been notified of the SOLID HD info that you're putting out there for the brand!

I'm getting my motorcycle license and will be purchasing a new Fat Bob. You do a great job, Matt. I really like the Orange 2020 Fat Bob. I have my two-day class here in Corona next month in May.

Great info, especially about needing some amount of back-pressure to keep the low end torque the Harley engines put out. Not sure people realize that changing the engine makeup (Stage Kits) will change how the bike should be ridden. I’m keeping my 2019 Street Glide Special in the stock configuration...I’d rather put the money into the Stereo system 😎

Helpful video. Cant wait to get my exhaust system set up here 🤓

Great video thank you, I love your channel Matt because I actually learning so much.

You look a little tired brother. Haven’t been watching every video like I was a year 1/2 ago, but still love your advice and input all the same. Take care man.

Appreciate it if you can do a review on exhausts for twin cam touring. My warranty expires the end of 2020, so no big rush on that video.

I know I’m late but I just got my 2021 street bob and this is great information!! Thanks

I loved the Screamin’ Eagle Slip-ons on my otherwise stock 2014 Street Glide. It had a nice grunt to it without being obnoxious like my old 2010 Super Glide with a Vance & Hines Short Shots full exhaust system. My ears are still ringing from that one. LOL!! I can’t wait to get the Screamin’ Eagle Slip-Ons on my 2021 Low Rider S. The 14” apes and forward controls are going to make my bike just the way I want it. Anyone who needs more than 114 cubic inch is crazy. I respect this bike’s spirit. She’s got far more power than I need. But, I do like to give ‘er every now and then.

Excellent video content. You speak well and garner confidence. Corporate needs to recruit you. Some real good points were covered. I learned a lot on this one. you are ok for a West Coast guy. (Florida guy here) take care. - hope to get by your dealership one day.

Thanks Matt, great info!

I love all the vids, lots of smart, useful information. Thanks for your effort! ❤️ the Vance and Hines. I have a 2014 Low Rider, did you have to switch foot peg position to accommodate?

Royal T racing exhaust, shorty bagger version. Stage 4 Screamin Eagle Milwaukee 8 with the Harley tuner. Can't wait till my warranty is over so I can get a different tuner and see what it can really do. Pipe is loud but not obnoxious, has a tuned sound to it.

Great Stuff as always, Thank you

Love the V&H Big Radius on my 19. Breakout

Great info buddy thank you 😊

Thank you for all Your videos

Great video again matt hope to see you at Arizona Bike Week if you haven't been before go it's the best you will love it

Great overview. Thank!

Hey mate thanks for the heads up on pipes. I have a question, I’ve purchased a new 2020 Softail slim and looking for a new V&H slip ons. Which do u recommend? And just adding a slip on does that affect the engine or is it fine. Cheers

Thank you for answering the questions I can never get a straight answer to 🙏

Thank you, great info!

Good straight up info

Informative thank you!

The first thing I did to my 2021 Tri Glide was have the dealer remove the exhaust from the engine back. I had them put on the American Custom exhaust which omits the cat converter. I am running mufflers with nothing in them modified by American Custom. I do have a 4 inch baffle in each muffler to give it some back pressure and tone down the noise which was loud. The Dealer installed a SE air box with my stock cover and the HD tuner. It runs like a champ with plenty of power and not fear as much HEAT. Still has total warrantee. The dealer told me they can not remove the Cat but they can install custom exhaust with the cat removed.

Reinhart was for me. Nice low sound at idle without being obnoxious as well as general riding has what I fell is classic sound. Yes it comes alive when I give it the beans. I’ve placed the stage IV with this and it runs like a champ. While the warranty is nice piece of mind I feel I bought a quality product and it will far surpass the warranty. So glad I don’t live in Nazi-fornia and can do as I wish with what I own. 18 Streetglide anniversary

Great Topic Matt....

I'm a Vance and Hines fan boy, love the sound

Thank you, Matt. I would have added a fourth topic to your excellent video. Heat. How, exactly, are the driver and passenger affected by the heat output of these various systems?

My 2018 1200 Custom. Has Firebrand Loose Cannon, Arlen Ness stage 1 intake. And a V&H FP3 map. Almost popped a wheelie going into 5th at 70 mph.

Good video .. for my iron 1200 Vance & Hines sounds perfect.

Great video, Matt. Thanks.

I purchased slip ons mufflers on amazon for 180$ (shark road)and they sound amazing!

Thanks Matt! Great topic, would like your opinion/comments on noise laws?

Harley, Gals. Loving the new styles of exhaust slip on"s as well as the EpI sportster exhaust modifications out. 2020.

Great video Matt! One question you mentioned that the new softail’s have the cat built into the mufflers so if you change the mufflers out would it be like a true 2 into 2 exhaust with no cat and you don’t need to purchase a header pipe?

Great 411 video Matt👏🏻👏🏻 I have all HD & SE Parts on my FLSS. SE Cannons, SE Pro tuner and SE Smart Tuner. HDD had to change my head pipes to install wide band oxygen sensors. I’m happy with bike.. But I’m now saving to get SE Lower torque cam. When I think I’m done, I’m not... lol

Matt I work in the automotive sector and one of the big things we look at and aftermarket or accessories is the Magnuson Moss Act this states that the aftermarket has to be proven to cause the issue with the engine or with the part in order for it to not be covered under warranty so the proof lies in the manufacturer of the part or the person stating that the warranty isn't covered is this the same in the motorcycle world.

Make sure you feature Cobra Neighbor Haters for M8 Softail and Touring. They sound AWESOME. They're my favorite exhaust note for a Harley.

2019 FXLR, Current update. Love the sound and ride. Ukes Harley Davidson Dealer, Kenosha Wi. 97.15 HP - Stock HP 78 - 24.4398% increase in HP 104.98 Torque - Stock Torque 72 - 37.2697% increase in Torque Screamin’ Eagle Round High-Flow Air Cleaner - Center Bolt Screamin' Eagle Street Cannon Mufflers - Long Screamin' Eagle Pro Street Tuner Screamin' Eagle Smart Tune PRO Automatic Tuning Module Screamin' Eagle Extreme-Flow 55MM Intake Manifold Screamin' Eagle Milwaukee-Eight Stage II - Torque Kit

I have crusher maverick slip ons made by kuryakyn on my sporty with the air cleaner and fp3 tuner and it sounds great and just as loud as my bros complete v&h short shots also with stage 1. As far as power i definitely got more pulling off the line with this setup compared to stock. But at the end of the day its still an iron 883. But for the money its definitely the 1st upgrade i would do to any harley i ever get. That's the complete stage 1, even tho i don't have headers i honestly can't tell a difference between mine and my bros iron 883 with full exhaust. Im sure there might be a small difference in power on a dyno but i doubt you'll feel it when going from one bike to the other.

Good video. You are absolutely correct about the back pressure on the new M8. My 2020 Street Glide warranty will expire soon so I did a Stage 2 with a full exhaust using Reinhart DBX 45 that the previous owner had put on. We did a Woods 22 xe cam and a Jackpot 2-1-2 header. It sounded great but there was no low end torque. It had less torque than stock. I saw a few others on You tube with the same problem and I had to put in Fuel Moto inserts into the mufflers to get the back pressure needed for the low end torque to come back. It now runs really well with good torque and hp. What is your opinion of stage 2? Is it worth the money? I have now added a Man-O-War compensator and a Screaming Eagle clutch plates with an Aim variable pressure clutch. I also did a Rekluse slave cylinder because of the friction zone and the harder pull and finally I feel pretty good about it. My wife and love watching your video's especially the travel ones. We live in Utah close to Park City. The Zion and Glacier National Park videos are my favorite. I spent 2 years in So Cal (on a mission) and I would like to someday come by your dealership. Thanks for all you do!

Thanks for the info Matt...sorry if you already answered ...a 2017 RK ..I have stage one with V&H slip-ons. If I remove the CAT from the Head pipe it would negatively affect my warranty?

Great informative video, answers my questions. I have a 2018 Sportster 48 and plan on having Vance & Hines Slip-Ons installed. My question, will a Screaming Eagle tuner be compatible with the V&H Slip-Ons and help the bike run optimally?

I run Rinehart over all the others due to quality ,looks,sound and most importantly let’s mention “lifetime warranty “no one else does it.V&H offers only one year

Hello Matt,, it is a very informative video,, well done. Can you do A VIDEO OF the 120 R and 120 ST? Best regards

Matt, with the softails having their catalytic converters in the mufflers, do you HAVE TO use a tuner or will the engine computer compensate for new slipons that do not have cats?

Please tell us the Prince of the Harley's. Love your channel from south Africa

Hello Matt, Did I understand that right, when I change the complete exhaust (V&H) I have to map my fxbb street bob?

I still love my V&H Short Shots on my '09 Low Rider. I'm not running air or a tuner, so I've got enough decel pop to start an accidental turf war. I've been thinking of completing the Stage 1 just to take care of that issue alone. I don't need extra performance, since our Boston area roads are more pothole than pavement anyway! Can't wait to see that Coast Glide, man! How about an East Coast Glide with some Celtics green highlights? Keep up the good work brother

Found it weird when I bought my 17 FXDLS that the dealership said stage 1 download was standard from the factory, guessing because of the heavy breather from the factory? Had a bassani installed and they went to do the download and they said it was already done and cut me a check for a refund. They said I wasnt getting the most out of the pipe but they said with the stage 1 download I was safe from burning the engine up. What's your thoughts?

Thank you

Hey Matt, great vid as always, especially the warranty info. Two questions, one would putting V&H 450 destroyers with a Stage 3 or 4 kit and autotune net a similar enough result as say a full exhaust swap? Two, unrelated, I know you run a BMC seat on your bike, I'm 5'9", do you think that seat is a little tall for me? I can get both feet flat on the floor on my FLHXS with the stock seat.

Matt, could you put Rinehart 2-1 for M8 softails in your list of reviewable exhausts? I want to get that for my 2018 Sport Glide, but can not find anything about that. Thanks 🙏

I have a 18 gunship Cvo. Can I modify my self like with the full sac internals to get better sound. Have you had any experience with them? And one thing you didn’t mention about the cat. If you aren’t in California, can you remove your cat to get better sound and possibly retune

Hi Matt!! What do you think of DND 2 into 1 for my 2017 UL???

Still love my thunderheaders 🙌

I did 3" DNA slip ons for my '20 883 Iron. Sounded absolutely awesome, BUT I could tell there's something going on with acceleration in initial loss of power and then it picks back up. Do I need to just add a thumb washer for back pressure or do I need to spend $400 on a street tune? No change to intake or header pipes.

Matt, I have not, but will the Ecm store the info that I at one time had and fm other than a screaming eagle tuner ?

Awesome video Big fan of what you do Cheers from New Zealand. Mines a 2018 Heritage classic 114 stage 3 V&H Propipe 2 into 1. No Californian laws over here. I Bought it based on your review awesome bike its not great going slow tho cam is very lumpy maybe a video of wat cams do and whats best for M8 upgrades?

Do Screamin' Eagle mufflers have a removable Db killer ? Looking for a Roadster, Thanks.

Good information 👍👍

So if I do a stage 4 on a new Milwaukee 8 would it be better to go with the auto tuner or stick with the pro street that is supplied ? Good video would defiantly like to see more on this subject. Would also like for you to do more of the side by side comparisons between models that you started last year. Keep the rubber on the road !