Finding a new exhaust for low rider s is usually the first thing most owners do to get that Milwaukee-Eight engine breathing right and sounding like a real Harley. Let's be honest, the stock pipes that come from the factory are… fine. They're quiet, they meet all the regulations, and they look decent enough. But "decent enough" isn't why you bought a Low Rider S. You bought it because it's an aggressive, performance-oriented cruiser that's supposed to turn heads.
The stock setup on the FXLRS (whether you have the 114 or the 117 version) is notoriously choked up. Between the heavy catalytic converters and the restrictive baffles, it feels like the bike is trying to scream through a pillow. Swapping that system out isn't just about making noise—though that's a huge perk—it's about waking up the motor and shedding some serious weight.
Why the Right System Matters
When you start looking for an exhaust for low rider s, you're going to realize pretty quickly that the options are endless. You've got shorties, long cannons, 2-into-1 systems, and slip-ons. But before you just buy the one that looks the coolest, you have to think about what you actually want the bike to do.
If you're all about that "Club Style" look—which, let's face it, is what the Low Rider S was practically built for—you're probably leaning toward a 2-into-1 system. If you just want a bit more growl for your morning commute without spending a mortgage payment, slip-ons might be your move. The point is, your exhaust choice dictates the "soul" of the bike. It changes the torque curve, the heat dissipation, and obviously, the soundtrack of your ride.
The Magic of the 2-Into-1 Setup
Ask any performance junkie, and they'll tell you that a 2-into-1 is the only way to go for this bike. Why? It's all about scavenging. Because of the way the headers merge into a single collector, the exhaust pulses from one cylinder actually help pull the spent gases out of the other. This creates a vacuum effect that improves airflow and, more importantly, bumps up your low-to-mid-range torque.
The Low Rider S is a heavy-hitter in the stoplight-to-stoplight world. You want that grunt when you twist the throttle in second gear. Systems like the Bassani Road Rage or the S&S SuperStreet are legendary for this. They give the bike a deep, gutteral roar that isn't just loud—it's tuned. Plus, they usually sit higher up, giving you better lean angle for when you're tossing the bike into corners.
What About Slip-Ons?
Maybe you aren't ready to drop $1,200 on a full system, or maybe you actually like the look of the stock "shotgun" headers. That's where slip-ons come in. They're the easiest way to change the exhaust for low rider s without needing a degree in mechanical engineering.
Slip-ons literally "slip on" to your existing headers. Brands like Vance & Hines or Rinehart make mufflers that swap out in about 20 minutes with basic hand tools. You'll get a much more aggressive sound and a slight bump in power, but you won't see the massive weight savings or the huge torque gains you get with a full system. It's a great "stage one" move if you're on a budget but can't stand the sewing machine sound of the stock mufflers anymore.
Sound Profile: Loud vs. Deep
There is a big difference between an exhaust that is just loud and one that sounds good. If you go with something like short shots or a super short 2-into-1 with no baffling, it's going to be raspy. It'll bark, it'll crack, and it'll probably annoy your neighbors at 6:00 AM.
On the other hand, if you look for an exhaust for low rider s with a bit more length or a larger muffler body, you get that deep, "thumpy" Harley sound. Think of it like a subwoofer versus a tweeter. A longer pipe generally provides a deeper tone. If you're doing long miles on the highway, a deeper, mellower tone is much easier on the ears than a high-pitched rasp that drones inside your helmet for four hours.
Performance Gains and the Tuning Talk
I can't talk about a new exhaust for low rider s without mentioning a tuner. If you swap out your full exhaust system and don't tune the bike, you're leaving money (and power) on the table. Even worse, these bikes already run lean from the factory to pass emissions. Adding a high-flow exhaust makes them run even leaner, which means more heat.
When you open up the "out" side of the engine with a new pipe, you should really consider opening up the "in" side with a high-flow air cleaner and then recalibrating the brain of the bike. Whether you use a Vance & Hines FuelPak or a Dynojet Power Vision, a proper tune ensures your new exhaust is actually doing its job and not just making the engine run hot and poppy.
The Aesthetic: Chrome vs. Black
The Low Rider S usually comes with a blacked-out aesthetic from the factory, so most guys tend to go for a black ceramic-coated exhaust for low rider s. It keeps that "dark" look consistent. However, don't sleep on a high-quality stainless steel finish.
Stainless pipes, like those from Two Brothers Racing (TBR) or Sawicki Speed, look incredible when they start to "blue" or turn golden from the heat. It gives the bike a raw, race-inspired look that sets it apart from the sea of matte black bikes at the local bike night. Just keep in mind that black ceramic can scratch, and chrome needs polishing, but stainless steel is basically forever—it just changes color with character.
Installation: Can You Do It Yourself?
If you're even a little bit handy with a wrench, you can totally install an exhaust for low rider s in your garage. Most full systems come with everything you need, though you'll definitely want to buy a new set of exhaust gaskets (don't reuse the old ones, trust me on this).
The trickiest part is usually the O2 sensors. You have to be careful not to twist the wires when you're screwing them into the new bungs. Also, make sure you wipe down the entire pipe with rubbing alcohol before you start the bike for the first time. Any fingerprints or oil left on the metal will get "baked" into the finish as soon as the pipes get hot, and you'll be looking at your thumbprint on your shiny new exhaust for the rest of time.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Pipe
At the end of the day, picking an exhaust for low rider s is a personal choice. Do you want the max horsepower for track days and aggressive canyon carving? Go with a high-performance 2-into-1. Do you just want to hear that beautiful M8 engine while you're cruising the coast? A set of slip-ons will do the trick just fine.
The Low Rider S is one of the coolest bikes Harley has put out in years. It's got the soul of a classic Dyna but the technology of a modern Softail. Giving it a new voice with the right exhaust isn't just an upgrade—it's the final piece of the puzzle. Just remember to grab a tuner, change your gaskets, and maybe warn your neighbors before you cold-start that new 2-into-1 in the driveway. Your bike is gonna sound mean, and honestly, that's exactly how a Low Rider S should be.