What sound does your Harley-Davidson Tri Glide make? Does it rumble with power, or does it sound a bit… tame? Many Trike owners want that classic, deep exhaust note that truly announces their presence on the road. But finding the perfect exhaust system for a Tri Glide is often a headache. You face a maze of choices: different materials, varying sound levels, and concerns about performance or even legal compliance. It’s tough to know which upgrade will give you the best sound and feel without causing headaches later.
Choosing the wrong exhaust can mean wasted money, frustrating installation, or a ride that just doesn’t feel right. We understand that desire for that perfect balance between thrilling sound and reliable engineering. That is why we put together this essential guide. Keep reading to discover exactly what makes a great Tri Glide exhaust, how to match it to your riding style, and which systems truly deliver on their promises.
Top Exhaust For Tri Glide Recommendations
- What you get: 2 slip-on exhaust pipes for Harley Touring, install hardware, and excellent after-sale service.
- Vance & Hines Tri Glide Exhaust Adapter Kit 16785
- What you get: 2 slip-on exhaust pipes for Harley Touring, install hardware, and excellent after-sale service.
- A replacement for Harley OEM broken or old Snap Rings.
- Exhaust flange retaining rings sold as a Pair for installing exhaust on your bike.
- Brand new and compares nicely to the OEM accessories for Harley Davidson.
- Annealing Process makes the snap rings a better strength.
- Not fit for Harley V-ROD Models.
- Best bang for your dollar with these slip on mufflers for Harley touring 2017-2023 models.
- GREAT VALUE, GOOD DEAL. Updated powder coating gives the paint a great better adhesion and heat-resistant feature.
- INSTALLING WILL BE A BREEZE. NO MESS. The whole process to install these slip on mufflers for harley davidson touring is only 15 minutes.
- ALL ESSENTIAL HARDWARE INCLUDED. No frustration while doing installation.
- DISCLAIMER: Qualified Manufacturer Declared 50-State Emissions Compliant Replacement Part on Model Year 1995-2016/2017-2023 for Harley Touring Models.
- ✅OEM Replacement- 65724-85
- Package Included- One Pair Rubber Muffler Mounts
- FEATURES- Replacement Muffler Mounts (Hanger), Made of High-Quality Rubber Material
- Material- Rubber + Steel, Color- Black + Chrome, Condition- Aftermarket 100% Brand New
- ✅FITMENT- Rubber Muffler Mount Isolator for 1985-2025 Harley Touring/Street Glide/Electra Glide/Ultra Glide/Road King Models
- ALL ESSENTIAL HARDWARE INCLUDED. No frustration while doing installation.
- INSTALLING WILL BE A BREEZE. NO MESS. The whole process to install these slip on mufflers for harley davidson touring is only 15 minutes.
- DISCLAIMER: Qualified Manufacturer Declared 50-State Emissions Compliant Replacement Part on Model Year 1995-2016/2017-2023 for Harley Touring Models.
Choosing the Best Exhaust for Your Harley-Davidson Tri Glide
Your Harley-Davidson Tri Glide is a fantastic touring machine. Upgrading the exhaust system can change how it looks, sounds, and even performs. This guide will help you pick the perfect exhaust system for your three-wheeled cruiser.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a new Tri Glide exhaust, look closely at these important features:
- Sound Level: Do you want a deep rumble or a quiet cruise? Exhausts come in different sound ratings. Check online reviews for sound clips.
- Performance Gains: Some exhausts help your engine breathe better. This can give you a little more horsepower and torque.
- Weight: Stock exhausts can be heavy. Lighter aftermarket pipes can improve handling slightly.
- Baffle Design: Baffles are the parts inside the pipe that control sound and flow. Removable baffles give you control over the noise level.
- O2 Sensor Compatibility: Make sure the new exhaust works correctly with your Tri Glide’s oxygen sensors for proper engine tuning.
Important Materials Matter
The material an exhaust is made from affects its looks, weight, and how long it lasts. Good materials resist rust and heat well.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is very popular. It resists rust and handles high engine heat without a problem. It often has a bright, shiny look. It lasts a long time.
High-Grade Mild Steel
Some budget options use mild steel. These pipes are usually covered with a thick layer of chrome plating. If the chrome gets scratched or the coating breaks down, this material can rust faster than stainless steel.
Titanium
Titanium is the lightest option. It is very strong and handles extreme heat. However, titanium exhausts cost much more money.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the brand name. How the pipe is built makes a huge difference in its lifespan and performance.
Welding Quality
Look for clean, strong welds. Poorly welded joints can crack under the constant vibration of a large engine. High-quality exhausts often feature smooth, TIG welds. These welds look better and hold up longer.
Finish Durability
For chrome finishes, check how thick the plating is. Thicker plating resists bluing (the pipes turning blue from heat) and chipping better. Matte black finishes need a high-temperature powder coat to stay looking new.
Fitment Precision
A good exhaust fits perfectly right out of the box. If the mounting brackets don’t line up exactly, installation becomes very difficult. Manufacturers who spend time designing for the Tri Glide chassis provide better quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you ride your Tri Glide most often. This helps narrow down your choices.
Long-Distance Touring
If you spend hours on the highway, you need an exhaust that sounds great but doesn’t cause rider fatigue. A moderate volume exhaust with good heat shielding is best here. You want comfort over extreme loudness.
Weekend Cruising and Local Rides
For shorter rides, you might want a louder, more aggressive sound. This is where systems with removable baffles shine. You can run quiet for neighborhood trips and open it up on the open road.
Tuning Considerations
Remember, changing the exhaust often changes how the engine runs. Most aftermarket exhausts require a fuel management system (like a tuner) to run correctly. Skipping this step can lead to poor performance and engine damage. Always plan to tune your bike after installing new pipes.
10 FAQs About Tri Glide Exhausts
Q: Will a new exhaust void my Harley warranty?
A: Changing the exhaust itself usually does not void the entire motorcycle warranty. However, if the new exhaust causes a part of the engine to fail due to improper tuning, the dealer might deny a warranty claim for that specific engine part.
Q: Do I need to retune my engine after installing new pipes?
A: Yes, most likely. When you change how easily the engine breathes, the air-fuel mixture changes. A tuner corrects this mixture, ensuring the engine runs smoothly and safely.
Q: How much louder are aftermarket exhausts compared to stock?
A: Stock exhausts are very quiet for compliance. Aftermarket systems range from slightly louder “mild upgrade” sounds to very loud performance tones. This difference is usually very noticeable.
Q: Why do my new pipes turn blue near the headers?
A: This is called “bluing.” It happens because of extreme heat near the engine. High-quality stainless steel resists this better, but some bluing is normal on any performance exhaust.
Q: Can I install a Tri Glide exhaust myself?
A: If you are comfortable with basic mechanical work, yes. You need basic wrenches and jack stands. However, if you are unsure about tuning, professional installation is recommended.
Q: Are slip-on mufflers enough, or should I buy a full system?
A: Slip-ons only replace the rear mufflers. They give you a sound change and maybe slight weight savings. A full system replaces everything from the headers back, offering the biggest performance and sound change.
Q: How do I keep my new chrome exhaust shiny?
A: Clean it regularly with motorcycle-specific chrome cleaner. Avoid harsh household cleaners. Never clean hot pipes; let them cool down completely first.
Q: Will a new exhaust improve gas mileage?
A: Performance gains usually mean you might use a little more fuel if you ride aggressively. However, if the tune is perfect and you ride moderately, mileage might stay the same or improve slightly due to better engine efficiency.
Q: Are there specific exhausts designed just for the Tri Glide versus a standard touring bike?
A: Yes. Tri Glides have a unique rear frame setup due to the third wheel. Always buy an exhaust specifically listed as fitting the Tri Glide model year to ensure proper clearance around the transmission and axle.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a quality stainless steel exhaust?
A: A well-maintained stainless steel exhaust system can easily last the entire life of the motorcycle, often exceeding 10 to 15 years without rusting through.