Khrome Werks Outlaw 2-1
The range of exhaust systems available for Harley-Davidson Touring models is huge and diverse, far greater than for virtually any other motorcycle.
Exhaust systems differ not only in style and appearance, but also in functionality and performance: from classic street-legal homologated systems to high-performance racing systems.
We considered only 2-into-1 systems because they offer the best performance and look great on the updated Touring models, which have become more compact and lighter-looking since 2023.
We also really wanted a system with a black chrome finish, which perfectly complements the motorcycle's Shark Skin color. Such systems are made only by Khrome Werks, S&S, Bassani, and Zard. We chose the Khrome Werks Outlaw 2-1.
The current generation of Harley-Davidson models with the M8 engine features a tightly packaged engine with very little space around it in the frame.
It is a very challenging task to design an exhaust system with larger-diameter header pipes that fits within the available space, provides proper exhaust gas flow, does not interfere with the floorboards, maintains the required ground clearance, accommodates both stock and wideband O2 sensors, and still looks great—which is especially important for a design-focused motorcycle!
Khrome Werks handled this challenge extremely well:
- The system fits precisely, while maintaining all the necessary clearances.
- Wideband sensors fit properly and are positioned at the correct distance from the exhaust ports for optimal engine tuning.
- Heat shields with a beautiful black chrome finish wrap around the pipes by 220 degrees, making them look like solid pipes rather than covers.
- There is a removable dB killer that reduces the exhaust volume, which is important to us.
- End caps are available in different designs and finishes; we installed the classic version.
- The supplied hardware is high-quality stainless steel.
- The header features a durable, long-lasting chrome finish.
Turn on the subtitles to see a detailed description of the process. This video will be useful for anyone removing or installing an exhaust system on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The installation procedure for the exhaust system is standard:
- First, the system is assembled on the motorcycle without fully tightening the fasteners.
- Then it is tightened from top to bottom, starting with the exhaust flange nuts.
- The muffler clamp is tightened last because the rear muffler mount is not solid and can settle into the correct position. It may also be necessary to rotate the muffler slightly to ensure sufficient clearance between the muffler and the rear axle nut.
- We recommend tightening the heat shield clamps with minimal force. Even slightly overtightened clamps can break as the pipes heat up and expand.
After installation, we had a question regarding the clearances between the rear header pipe and the transmission cover, as well as between the front O2 sensor bung and the engine case—they were only 2–3 mm. This does not contradict the installation instructions, but we contacted Khrome Werks for clarification. Their answer was that the important thing is that the header does not touch the engine; these clearances are sufficient.
The Khrome Werks Outlaw 2-1 is an excellent exhaust system in every respect. It looks like one solid, integrated piece, which really sets it apart from similar systems. You'll hear the sound in the full review of the completed project once we install the intake and ThunderMax controller.
There is a more detailed discussion of the installation process on our forum.