I recently purchased a 2001 sportster 883 standard. I can't figure out what exhaust would be better? Short pipes, long pipes, 2 into 1? I don't even know if any of that matters but the bike has S&S straight long pipes. I would like a better sound. I want a smooth, deep rumble when idling and the stereotypical deep HD roar when I'm cruising down. Please help.

 

If you search around the forums, you will find lots of advice on exhaust. Some are better for performance, some better for sound, some have a great combo, search around on here, look at pictures, and find whats best for you! I went with the V&H short shots on my dyna and I love them.


Good look in your search!

 

2-1 will likely get you the sound you're looking for. Lower rumble and hefty HD growl when cruising by. More low end power too. Patriot makes the one I think you will like.

Your straight pipes have more of a tinny "plak-plak" sound while the 2-1 will give you a more "blug-blug" sounding one.

I personally have Vance and Hines slip ons slash cuts. Love the sound they make. Not as deep as 2-1 pipes, but I'm more of an "in between the low grumble & engine snap-sound" kinda guy.

 

I like the longer pipes. I bet S&S made a good set of pipes. You might have removable baffle. Look for a screw near the end of the pipes. Then you should be able to slide the baffle out. Or if that isn't the case you can pop out the center of the baffle or cut it out. That should give you the sound you want.

 

You just asked a question that is impossible to answer because each person has different tastes....it is going to come down to what YOU like.

So, to figure out what you like, start by looking at as my pictures of the same type of bike as yours and look at the exhaust they are sporting. Once you have a couple of types in mind, hit up YouTube and listen to as many videos as you can. Then you can always Google "Vance & Hines Big Radius 2-2 Reviews" or whatever you have narrowed it down to in order to see what others say about their experience.

It seems like a lot but if you are looking at spending $600-$800, research is always good. Good luck with your search, their is nothing like the feeling of firing up your bike the first time after you get your new pipes on.....damn it sounds good!

 

Congrats on your new to you ride!

Here are a few vids to give you some ideas of some sounds-

 

I have short shots on my 2000, 1250 with the quiet baffles and I like the sound and the look...the regular baffles were kind of 'tinny' sounding where the quiet baffles are lower pitched, but still pretty loud...

 

The 883 has a pretty narrow power band, so 2 into 1 is the way to go. It will give you more mid range power which is exactly what the 883 needs.

 

I bought a set of Paughco Upswept pipes for mine earlier this winter.
Also bought a set of Thunder Torque Inserts for them.
I'll be installing them in another week or 2 ... as soon as I get my tins back.
Picture below is not my bike but the pipes will be the same.

 

Here is a stock 883 with a typical Stage 1. Still running the stock headers.

For a HD this is a wide power band...from 2500-5500 RPM it is pretty flat.

I believe it was in 2007 that, from the factory, the 883's started having the same cams as the 1200's, and that really changed them quite a bit.