Hey guys,

I just bought a 2010 HD 1200 custom and want to put exhaust on it. What is the best sounding and the best performing exhaust. Also if I put new exhaust are there other changes I need to make to prevent damage to the engine?

 

I really like my V & H Short Shots, though others here will say that there are too many of them.

If all you change is exhaust, then you don't need to do anything else. If you change the intake, then you'll need a fuel management upgrade.

 

+1 on what veritas said. Exhaust sound is a preference so only you can really make that decision. As for performance, a good 2 into 1 will help better than a standard 2 into 2. With that said, I have V&H Short Shots and somedays I like them and other days not so much. I have the standard baffles in them and they sound a little too "tinny" to me. Not really a deep rumble but they are loud

 

I put V&H Straightshots on with standard baffle and the bike ran great. After putting in the quiet baffles, it runs excellent and I like the sound more.

 

I got no baffles on with my V&H - way too loud - ordering the baffles this week.

 

what sounds good to one rider might not sound good to another.
Be patient, and as you ride around, you will likely hear many different mufflers - listen to them, and pick what pleases you.

 

I have Rush Slip on's on my 1200C and although they don't sound the best they sound a hell of a lot better than stock. A bit deep and a bit loud but not overboard.

 

1200 rnl and my experience are on the same page.
i have straight shots and a big sucker on mine with fuel management.
and i bought the baffles but never installed them. glad i didnt. rode the bike with the set up and very glad with it as it is.
my advice= give the pipes a chance.
my wifes bike is very quiet- cages always pull out in front of her as thought they dont know she exists. none have ever pulled out in front of mine. the only diff is the sound !
loud pipes save lives- and i am a believer!

 

I've heard some Sportsters with Rush slip-ons installed and they have a nice deep rumble to them and are not too loud (1.75" or 2".) I have owned V&H Short Shots and loved the sound of those on a Sporty, a really loud crackle when you rip the throttle hard. Right now I have the V&H 2-1 Blackout exhaust and it's not as loud as the short shots, has a nice deep thunder sound, and has higher dyno numbers than my bike with short shots on it. Also, I've heard the V&H STRAIGHT shots on a bike and they are sweet, and also perform well for a 2-2 set-up.

 

I have a set of Santee .50 calibers, look similar to Short Shots, I like them but they were on the bike when I bought it. I'm thinking of getting the D&D Bobcats to make it my own.