| Most of us like to turn heads with our bikes and the | | | | reduces engine efficiency. Consider a path from the |
| exhaust is a big part of that. A cool looking exhaust | | | | gas tank through the engine to the exhaust. If any |
| system can really enhance the appearance of your | | | | part of that path is restricted, the whole system |
| motorcycle. Plus the distinctive throaty roar of a | | | | slows down and that means less fuel to your engine |
| Harley-Davidson engine comes from the exhaust. | | | | and less power. |
| But there is more to Harley exhaust systems than | | | | Most people understand that a clog in the fuel line |
| gleaming chrome and bestial growls. Understanding | | | | reduces power but may not realize that a clogged |
| the function of your exhaust lets you choose the | | | | exhaust can do the same. Clogs aren't the only |
| best one for your bike. | | | | problem. An inefficient Harley exhaust restricts the |
| Dealing with Emissions | | | | flow from the engine and that creates a backup |
| The full Harley exhaust is designed to deal with the | | | | which cuts performance. Well designed systems with |
| output of an engine, dealing with environmental, | | | | smooth curves rather than sharp corners allow the |
| aesthetic, and legal issues. | | | | exhaust to vent more easily and the engine to run |
| The converter is designed to change harmful | | | | better. |
| chemicals in the emissions into something less | | | | High vs. Low Mounting |
| damaging to the environment. It uses a catalyst to | | | | Where you put your exhaust, a high vs. a low |
| convert dangerous gasses, including carbon monoxide | | | | position, will generally be determined by the bike's |
| and unburned fuel into carbon dioxide, water vapor, | | | | use. High-mounted Harley exhausts are used for bikes |
| and other innocuous compounds. Reducing harmful | | | | that will be used on trails and off-road. These bikes |
| emissions is not only environmentally friendly - it is | | | | get a lot of dirt and water coming their way and the |
| also required by the EPA. | | | | pipes are mounted high to keep these contaminants |
| The muffler control sound and sparks. Although many | | | | from getting into the exhaust and clogging it. |
| Harley owners like the roar of their engine, many | | | | The problem with high-mounted exhausts is that they |
| communities have noise ordinances that limit how loud | | | | aren't very passenger friendly. Street bikes are more |
| your bike can be. Mufflers don't necessarily just | | | | likely to carry passengers and don't need the |
| suppress sound. They can also be used to control | | | | protection of high mounts. These motorcycles are |
| sound to get the noise you want from your bike. | | | | more likely to opt for low-mounted exhaust systems. |
| Performance Enhancement | | | | Choosing the right exhaust system is key to both |
| Your Harley exhaust system has a strong effect on | | | | the look and performance of your bike so consider all |
| engine performance and power. A clogged or poorly | | | | of your needs before making your choice. |
| designed system restricts the flow of exhaust and | | | | |