I ran the stock exhaust for approximately 35,000 miles. Not that I liked the stock sound, in fact I didn't care for it at all. My riding style leans more to the long ride and after a long day, I really don't want to be deaf. I just don't want my exhaust to be too loud or obnoxious and being content with the performance, I didn't want to tinker with a fuel management system all the time to keep it running properly.

In this 35,000 miles with the stock exhaust I had many opportunities to hear the rumble of different brands. I don't like the hollow or tiney sound that some pipes offer, I prefer deep rumble. A quiet and deep rumble so as not to be obnoxious but when I open it up, let the bad boy make some noise.

I like the looks of the stock system and I found the sound of the Roadhouse Slip On to be the best deep low rumble around. It seemed a perfect fit for me.

The Roadhouse slip-on kit comes nicely packaged to prevent any shipping damage and includes everything necessary for installation. In addition to the slip-ons, the kit includes heat shields that cover the junction to the mufflers, a muffler bracket and assorted clamps and fasteners. The craftsmanship is top quality with slick welds and a smooth chrome finish. Roadhouse guarantees their products against defects in material and construction for one year.

Replacing the stock units with the Roadhouse is a snap. It took about 15 minutes or so to remove the stock mufflers and another 15 or so to install slip-ons. The installation process itself is well detailed in the instructions.

Once in place, the overall appearance doesn’t change dramatically because the slip-ons look exactly like the stock system. If you prefer, they also offer you the option to turn the tips out for the slash-cut look.

The Roadhouse slip-ons not only improve the sound of the V-Twin, they are also 7.5 lbs. lighter than the stock system.

I have not added a fuel management system and they didn't boost the power significantly. I did notice less low end torque and a bit more top end performance. Unfortunately, I do get some minor decel popping but it's tolerable.

Overall, the Roadhouse slip-ons made a significant improvement in the way I feel about the bike. Instead of rolling along in near silence, the VTX now blends in with the big twin's rumbling around the boulevards everywhere. The throaty bark I get with the new slip-ons is not obnoxiously loud at all and the deep rumble is more enjoyable than the muffled stock exhaust note.

Around $500, a bit cheaper through Direct Line Parts, the Roadhouse slip-ons are competitively priced for both the VTX1300 and 1800 (all models).

Reviewed by: Cliff
For the Roadhouse Exhaust website, "click here."