The Yamaha Road Star is a big air-cooled 1600 or 1700 V-twin that begs for a real exhaust note, and the stock pipes hold that voice back. The right aftermarket system wakes up the bottom-end pull this engine is famous for, drops a few pounds of dead weight, and gives you the deep, lazy rumble that makes a cruiser feel like a cruiser. The wrong one drones on the highway and leaves you chasing a fuel tune that never lands.
We looked at slip-ons and full systems that genuinely fit the Road Star, Road Star Silverado, and Warrior platforms, judging them on fitment out of the box, sound character at idle and at speed, build quality, and how much fueling work you should plan for. Below are seven real options worth your money, ranked best first.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
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Vance & Hines Big Shots Staggered Full System for Yamaha Road Star Best Overall Full 2-into-2 staggered system, chrome, full-length heat shields |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Cobra Power Pro HP 2-into-1 Exhaust for Yamaha Road Star Best for Power 2-into-1 full system, merged collector, performance baffle |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Vance & Hines Twin Slash Staggered Slip-On Mufflers for Yamaha Road Star Best Slip-On Slip-on staggered mufflers, chrome, slash-cut tips |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Rush Racing Products Slip-On Mufflers for Yamaha Road Star Best Custom Tone Slip-on mufflers, multiple baffle core options |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Bub Seven Slip-On Mufflers for Yamaha Road Star Best Sound Quality Slip-on mufflers, signature deep-tuned baffle |
8.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Hard Krome 2.5 inch Big Boy Slip-On Mufflers for Yamaha Road Star Loudest Rumble 2.5 inch slip-on mufflers, big-bore body |
8.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Cobra Slashdown Slip-On Mufflers for Yamaha Road Star Best Value Slip-On Slip-on slash-down mufflers, chrome, billet tip |
8.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Vance & Hines Big Shots Staggered Full System for Yamaha Road Star: Best Overall
The Big Shots system is the one we keep coming back to for the Road Star because it changes the whole character of the bike rather than just adding volume. As a full head-pipe-back design it lets the engine breathe from the ports out, so the throttle feels crisper and the low-end grunt that defines this V-twin gets noticeably stronger. The staggered shorty layout looks right at home on the long Road Star chassis, and the chrome finish with full-length heat shields keeps things clean even after plenty of heat cycles.
The honest weakness is that this is not a quiet pipe, and it is not meant to be. On open highway you will hear it the whole way, which some riders love and some find tiring after a couple hundred miles. It also genuinely wants a fueling adjustment to avoid a lean stumble off idle, so budget for a tuner as part of the package. Treat it as a complete project and it rewards you with the best all-around result on this list.
- Complete head-pipe-back system, not just a slip-on
- Deep staggered shorty profile with classic V-twin tone
- Full-coverage heat shields hide bluing and protect your leg
Pros: Strong mid-range and bottom-end gains once tuned; Bold aggressive sound without harsh rasp; Bolt-on fitment with included hardware
Cons: Loud enough that long highway days can wear on some riders; Really needs a fuel tuner to run its best
2. Cobra Power Pro HP 2-into-1 Exhaust for Yamaha Road Star: Best for Power
If your goal is the most actual horsepower and torque the Road Star can make, the Cobra Power Pro HP is the system to study. The 2-into-1 merged collector is a proven layout for extracting performance from a big V-twin, and on this platform it delivers stronger pulls through the mid-range than the staggered dual setups. The removable baffle lets you dial sound and flow, and dropping the second pipe trims meaningful weight off the back of the bike.
The trade-offs are real. A 2-into-1 puts all the exhaust on one side, so you lose the symmetrical dual-pipe look that draws a lot of people to a cruiser in the first place. And like every serious system here, it is built to run with a fuel tuner, so without one you will leave power on the table and risk a lean condition. For a rider chasing numbers over nostalgia, this is the pick.
- Merged 2-into-1 collector for a true performance gain
- Tunable internals with a removable performance baffle
- Tucked single-side look that lightens the rear of the bike
Pros: Best dyno gains of the systems we compared; Aggressive, focused exhaust note; Sheds real weight versus stock dual pipes
Cons: Single-side styling is not for everyone; Mandates a fuel management tune to unlock the power
3. Vance & Hines Twin Slash Staggered Slip-On Mufflers for Yamaha Road Star: Best Slip-On
For riders who want a big upgrade in sound and looks without the cost and labor of a full system, the Twin Slash slip-ons are the smart middle ground. Because they bolt onto the existing head pipes, you can have them on the Road Star in an afternoon with hand tools. The staggered slash-cut styling reads as classic cruiser, and the louvered baffle inside gives a deep, rounded note that is loud enough to be heard but civil enough to live with day to day.
Being a slip-on, this set will not transform power the way a head-pipe-back system does, so do not expect big dyno numbers. There is also a touch of drone in the typical highway cruising range that a few riders notice on longer rides. But for the effort involved, the payoff in character is excellent, and many owners run them with only a light fueling adjustment rather than a full tune.
- Slip-on design installs without touching the head pipes
- Staggered slash-cut tips for a classic cruiser profile
- Louvered baffle gives a deep tone with manageable volume
Pros: Quick install with basic hand tools; Rich rumble without going obnoxious; Often runs acceptably with only a minor fuel tweak
Cons: Smaller performance gain than a full system; Some drone in the cruising rpm band
4. Rush Racing Products Slip-On Mufflers for Yamaha Road Star: Best Custom Tone
Rush built a following among cruiser owners by letting riders choose their own sound, and that is exactly why the Road Star community likes them. These slip-ons accept different baffle cores, so you can run a tighter baffle for a deeper, more restrained note or open them up for a serious bark. With multiple lengths and tip styles, you can match the pipes to the look you want rather than settling for one fixed design.
The flexibility cuts both ways. Run the open baffle and these are genuinely loud, loud enough that you will want the quieter core for daily riding and group rides. The finish and packaging also feel a step below the polish of the largest brands, even if the actual metal is solid. For a rider who wants to fine-tune the voice of their Road Star, that tradeoff is easy to accept.
- Interchangeable baffle cores let you tune the sound
- Available in several lengths and tip styles
- Straight-cut and turn-out options for a custom look
Pros: More sound tuning flexibility than most slip-ons; Distinct, throaty character riders rave about; Solid value for the level of customization
Cons: With the open baffle it gets very loud; Fewer chrome finish options than the big brands
5. Bub Seven Slip-On Mufflers for Yamaha Road Star: Best Sound Quality
Bub has a long reputation for the actual quality of the sound it produces, and the Seven mufflers carry that legacy onto the Road Star. Where some pipes simply get louder, these are tuned to deliver a smooth, deep rumble with far less of the tinny rasp that cheaper baffles let through. At idle they have a satisfying lope, and at speed they settle into a tone that sounds expensive. The chrome is genuinely good and resists bluing better than average.
What you are buying here is sound character, not a power package. As slip-ons on a stock head-pipe setup, the performance bump is modest, so pair them with a fuel tune only if you want crisper throttle response rather than big numbers. The muffler bodies also run on the heavier side. If your priority is the most refined exhaust note you can put on a Road Star, though, these earn their place.
- Tuned baffle known for a smooth, deep rumble
- Long-bodied muffler styling with a clean tip
- Quality chrome that holds up to engine heat
Pros: One of the best-sounding notes on the platform; Less harsh rasp than many competitors; Premium chrome finish
Cons: Performance gain is modest without a full system; Heavier muffler bodies than some rivals
6. Hard Krome 2.5 inch Big Boy Slip-On Mufflers for Yamaha Road Star: Loudest Rumble
Some riders want their Road Star to announce itself from a block away, and the Hard Krome Big Boy mufflers are built for exactly that. The oversized 2.5 inch bodies move a lot of air and produce a deep, heavy rumble that is among the loudest you can bolt onto this bike. The big-bore styling also visually beefs up the rear end, which suits the long, heavy lines of the Road Star nicely.
This is a pipe you choose with your ears open. The volume that makes them fun on an open road becomes a liability in town and on long highway stretches where drone sets in. They also benefit clearly from a fuel tune to clean up running manners. If your taste runs toward loud and proud and you ride mostly open roads, these deliver. Riders who value civility should look higher up this list.
- Oversized 2.5 inch body for maximum volume
- Big-bore look that fills out the rear of the bike
- Simple slip-on fitment over stock head pipes
Pros: Huge, room-shaking sound; Bold oversized styling; Straightforward bolt-on install
Cons: Too loud for many riders and neighborhoods; Noticeable highway drone and needs fuel tuning
7. Cobra Slashdown Slip-On Mufflers for Yamaha Road Star: Best Value Slip-On
The Cobra Slashdown slip-ons are the sensible starting point for a Road Star owner who wants a real improvement in look and tone without overthinking it. The slash-down tips and billet end caps give the bike a cleaner, more custom appearance than the stock mufflers, and the chrome quality is solid for a slip-on. Installation is about as friendly as it gets, making these a fine first modification for someone new to wrenching.
Keep your expectations grounded on performance. These are mufflers only, so the power difference over stock is modest and the sound, while improved, is more refined than aggressive. Riders chasing volume or dyno gains will want to step up to a full system. But as an easy, good-looking, well-built upgrade that delivers honest value, the Slashdown earns its spot and is a safe pick for the cautious buyer.
- Slash-down tip styling for a clean classic look
- Billet end caps add a finished detail
- Quick slip-on installation over the stock pipes
Pros: Good sound upgrade for the effort; Tidy chrome finish and billet tips; Easy bolt-on for first-time installers
Cons: Modest power change over stock; Sound is tamer than the louder options here
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fuel tuner after installing a new exhaust on my Road Star?
In almost every case, yes. The Yamaha Road Star runs fairly lean from the factory, and freeing up the exhaust leans it out further, which can cause popping on deceleration, a flat spot off idle, and extra engine heat. A full head-pipe-back system absolutely needs fuel management to run safely and make its power, while a simple slip-on may tolerate only a minor adjustment. Carbureted Road Stars are usually rejetted, while fuel-injected models use a tuning module. Plan for the tune as part of the upgrade rather than an afterthought.
What is the difference between a slip-on and a full exhaust system?
A slip-on replaces only the mufflers and bolts onto your existing head pipes, so it is quick to install and mostly changes sound and looks with a small performance bump. A full system, sometimes called head-pipe-back, replaces everything from the cylinder ports back, which lets the engine breathe better and delivers real power gains. Full systems cost more, take longer to fit, and almost always require fuel tuning. If your priority is sound, a slip-on is plenty. If you want performance, choose a full system.
Will an aftermarket exhaust void my Yamaha warranty?
An exhaust change by itself does not automatically void your entire warranty. Under consumer protection rules, a manufacturer generally has to prove that the part you added actually caused a failure before denying a related claim. That said, if a poorly tuned exhaust causes a lean condition that damages valves or pistons, that specific damage may not be covered. Most Road Stars on the road today are well past their original warranty period anyway, so for many riders this is not a concern. Keep your stock parts just in case.
Which exhaust gives the deepest sound on a Road Star?
Deep tone comes from baffle design and muffler volume more than raw loudness. Pipes tuned for a smooth low note, like the Bub Seven, are prized for a rich rumble without harsh rasp, while big-bore options like the Hard Krome Big Boy go for sheer volume and a heavy bark. A 2-into-1 system tends to produce a more focused, throaty sound, and staggered duals give the classic lazy V-twin lope. If deep and smooth is your goal, prioritize a quality tuned baffle over the loudest pipe you can find.
Does the same exhaust fit the Road Star, Silverado, and Warrior?
Not always, so confirm fitment before buying. The Road Star and Road Star Silverado share the same basic chassis and engine, so most systems listed for the Road Star fit both, though the Silverado floorboards and bags can affect clearance with certain staggered designs. The Road Star Warrior is a different, sportier platform and generally needs exhaust made specifically for it. Always match the exhaust to your exact model and year, and check whether your bike is the 1600 or the later 1700 engine, since some part numbers differ.
Our Verdict
For the best all-around upgrade, the Vance and Hines Big Shots full system is our top pick because it transforms the Road Star’s power, sound, and looks in one package, as long as you pair it with a fuel tune. Riders chasing maximum performance should look hard at the Cobra Power Pro HP 2-into-1, our runner up, which makes the strongest gains we measured at the cost of the dual-pipe styling. If you want the easy win, the Vance and Hines Twin Slash slip-ons deliver most of the character for a fraction of the effort.
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Video: Related tutorial from YouTube