7 Best Exhaust Upgrades and Extensions for Your CVO Street Glide in 2025
I’ve put a lot of miles on my CVO Street Glide, and the first thing I wanted to change was the sound and look of the back end. The stock mufflers are fine, but they never matched how good the rest of the bike looks. Once I started shopping, I found that “exhaust extension” means a few different things to different riders.
For most of us, it means slip-on mufflers, longer tips, or a muffler setup that extends the pipe’s visual line and tone. I’ve tried or spent real time around every option below, and I’ll tell you what I like, what I don’t, and who each one suits.
- Slip-on mufflers are the easiest, best-looking way to “extend” and upgrade a CVO Street Glide exhaust.
- My top overall pick is the Vance & Hines Twin Slash 4″ Slip-On for its mix of tone, fit, and finish.
- For a factory-backed option, the Screamin’ Eagle Street Cannon is hard to beat.
- Plan on a fuel tune after any exhaust change, and always confirm fitment for your model year.
What I Look for Before Choosing an Exhaust Upgrade
Before the list, here’s the checklist I use. It saves money and avoids the “I wish I’d known” moments I’ve had in my own garage.
Fitment and Model Year
The CVO Street Glide runs the Milwaukee-Eight (117 or 121 cubic inches depending on the year). Most slip-ons for 2017 and newer Touring models fit, but heat shields, clamps, and saddlebag clearance can vary. Always confirm your exact model year with the manufacturer before ordering.
Sound and Volume
I like a deep, rolling tone that doesn’t drone on the highway. Look for removable baffles if you want flexibility. Louder isn’t always better, especially on a bagger you’ll ride for hours at a time.
Finish and Build Quality
On a CVO, finish matters. Chrome should be thick, and black ceramic should hold up to heat cycles. A cheap finish will bluing or peel and ruin the look you paid for.
Legality and Warranty
Check whether the muffler is EPA and CARB compliant if you live in a strict state. Compliant options keep you out of trouble and are the easiest to defend if the dealer asks questions.
1. Vance & Hines Twin Slash 4″ Slip-On — Best Overall
The Vance & Hines Twin Slash 4″ Slip-On is my top pick because it nails the balance between looks, tone, and bolt-on simplicity. The slash-cut tips extend the visual line of the exhaust and give the bike an aggressive, finished rear profile. It looks right on a Street Glide’s long, low lines.
Sound-wise, the Twin Slash gives a deeper, fuller note than stock without being obnoxious. It’s got a nice bark on throttle and settles into a mellow rumble at cruising speed. I never felt fatigued after a full day in the saddle.
Why I Like It
- 4-inch diameter body that fills out the rear of the bike.
- Available in chrome and black finishes to match your CVO paint.
- Straightforward slip-on install that most riders can do in an afternoon.
Things to Know
Typical pricing falls in the mid-hundreds, so it isn’t cheap. Plan for a tune, as Vance & Hines recommends one to get the best performance and avoid lean running.
2. Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Street Cannon — Best Factory-Backed Option
If you want the peace of mind of a Harley-branded part, the Screamin’ Eagle Street Cannon muffler is the one I’d buy. The tapered, cannon-style shape looks great with the CVO’s design language. It also gives the exhaust a clean, extended look from the saddlebag back.
I like that the Street Cannon is built to work with the factory’s own fuel mapping options. That makes the tuning step less of a mystery. Many versions are available in both chrome and black.
Who It’s For
This is for riders who want a factory feel, a tidy dealer experience, and a sound that’s louder than stock but still civil. It won’t shake windows, and I count that as a feature on long trips.
3. S&S Cycle Grand National Slip-On Mufflers — Best for Performance Feel
The S&S Grand National Slip-On Mufflers have a race-inspired look with a distinct profile that stands out from the traditional baggers you see at every rally. The tone is a bit sharper and more throaty than the Twin Slash. When I opened the throttle, the response felt crisp and punchy.
S&S has a strong reputation for engineering, and the quality shows in the welds and the finish. The Grand National mufflers come in chrome and black options, and the design pairs well with the CVO’s bold styling.
What to Watch
These can be louder than some riders prefer, so check the baffle and compliance options for your state. Like the others, they benefit from a proper tune.
4. Rinehart Racing 4.5″ Slip-On Mufflers — Best for Maximum Presence
If you want your bagger’s rear end to look massive, the Rinehart Racing 4.5″ Slip-On Mufflers deliver. The larger-diameter body and long, tapered silhouette create an extended, custom look. They’re one of the most eye-catching options I’ve seen on a CVO.
Rinehart’s finishes are excellent, with deep black ceramic and polished chrome choices. The sound is deep and authoritative, with a heavy low-end rumble that suits big-inch Milwaukee-Eight engines.
My Take
These are an aesthetic statement as much as an exhaust upgrade. Check clearance with your saddlebags and any added hardware, since the bigger body leaves less wiggle room.
5. Cobra Neighbor Hater Slip-Ons — Best for Riders Who Want It Loud
The name says it all. The Cobra Neighbor Hater Slip-Ons are the loud option on this list, with an aggressive tone that announces your arrival. I wouldn’t call them subtle, and they aren’t trying to be.
The design has a bold, tapered look that extends the line of the exhaust nicely. Cobra’s value pricing is another reason these appeal to riders who want a big change without a premium price tag.
The Trade-Off
On long highway rides, volume can wear on you. If you tour a lot, consider ear protection or a quieter option from this list. Check local noise laws before buying.
6. Two Brothers Racing Comp-S Slip-On — Best for Lightweight Looks
The Two Brothers Racing Comp-S Slip-On brings a sportier, more compact look than the big-barreled options. It’s a good fit if you like a cleaner, less bulky profile on your CVO. The tone is crisp and throaty, with more rasp than the traditional baggers’ low rumble.
Two Brothers is known for its racing heritage, and the Comp-S reflects that. The finish and construction feel solid, and it’s a nice choice for riders who also enjoy spirited canyon runs.
Good to Know
Because it’s less massive in appearance, it won’t give you the extended, heavy look of the Rinehart. Choose it for style variety, not for volume of chrome.
7. Bassani Xhaust Road Rage Slip-On Mufflers — Best Classic Muscle Look
The Bassani Xhaust Road Rage Slip-On Mufflers have a long-standing reputation among V-twin riders. The classic megaphone-style look gives the CVO a muscular, old-school profile. I like how it looks from behind, especially in chrome.
Bassani’s tone leans toward a deep, throaty rumble. It’s a style that appeals to riders who like traditional Harley character on a modern, tech-heavy bagger.
Fitment Reminder
As with any slip-on, double-check that the specific Road Rage version you’re ordering fits your CVO’s model year. Bassani offers various configurations, so verify before buying.
Installing Your New Exhaust: What I’ve Learned
Most slip-ons are a one-afternoon job with basic tools. Loosen the clamps on the stock mufflers, slide them off, and fit the new units with fresh gaskets. Torque everything to spec and recheck after your first ride.
Don’t Skip the Tune
This is the step I see skipped most often. A new exhaust changes airflow, and the engine can run lean without a fuel map update. A tuner like the Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner, Power Vision, or TTS Mastertune keeps things running cool and smooth.
Keep the Engine Happy Too
While you’re in there, it’s a good time to check fluids. A more free-flowing exhaust can mean slightly higher engine heat, so quality lubrication matters. If you want a deeper dive, I found this guide on the best engine oil for motorcycle useful when picking a fresh fill.
For more options, check out the best motor oil for 4 stroke motorcycle roundup. I also like the breakdown of the top engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle choices when I want a second opinion.
If you’re still comparing, this article on what is the best engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle covers the basics clearly. And for readers outside the US, there’s a helpful page on the best engine oil for 4 stroke motorcycle in india.
Quick Comparison: Which One Should You Pick?
Choose Based on Your Riding Style
- Everyday touring: Vance & Hines Twin Slash 4″ or Screamin’ Eagle Street Cannon.
- Maximum visual impact: Rinehart Racing 4.5″ Slip-Ons.
- Loud and proud on a budget: Cobra Neighbor Hater.
- Sportier attitude: Two Brothers Comp-S or S&S Grand National.
- Classic muscle look: Bassani Road Rage.
A Note on Sound Preferences
Sound is personal. If you can, listen to real-world videos of each muffler on a Street Glide before you buy. What sounds great in a clip may be too much after four hours on the interstate.
Final Thoughts From My Garage
If you asked me to pick one, I’d go with the Vance & Hines Twin Slash 4″ Slip-On. It looks right, sounds right, and installs without drama. But every pick above has a rider it suits perfectly.
Whatever you choose, verify fitment, plan for a tune, and keep your stock mufflers just in case. A good exhaust upgrade transforms how your CVO Street Glide looks and feels, and it’s one of the most satisfying mods I’ve ever made. Ride safe, and enjoy the new voice of your bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘exhaust extension’ mean on a CVO Street Glide?
Most riders use the term for slip-on mufflers, longer muffler tips, or end caps that extend or replace the stock exhaust outlet. For a CVO Street Glide, a bolt-on slip-on muffler is the most common and effective way to change the length, look, and sound of the exhaust.
Do I need a tune after installing a slip-on on my CVO Street Glide?
I strongly recommend one. Slip-ons change airflow, and the Milwaukee-Eight can run lean without a fuel map adjustment. A Power Vision, TTS Mastertune, or Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner flash gets the bike running right and protects the engine.
Will a new exhaust void my CVO warranty?
Not automatically. In the US, a dealer generally has to show that an aftermarket part caused a failure before denying a claim. Emissions-legal, EPA and CARB-compliant options are the safest, and I suggest keeping your stock mufflers in case you need them.
Are louder pipes worth it on a bagger?
That depends on how you ride. A moderate, deep tone is great for touring, but extremely loud pipes cause fatigue on long days. I usually suggest a mid-volume slip-on with removable baffles so you can adjust the sound.
Jake Miller
I’m Jake Miller, the gearhead and lead editor behind Revv Rider. Growing up in the American Midwest, I spent my weekends restoring vintage cruisers and tearing up dirt tracks before logging over 50,000 miles on highways coast-to-coast. I started this site with one goal: to cut through the technical jargon and give riders honest, hands-on advice. Whether you’re troubleshooting a stubborn starter in your garage or searching for the safest gear for your next cross-country road trip, I’m here to help you ride smarter and wrench better. Let’s keep the rubber side down!
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