10 Best Motorcycle Exhaust Designs In 2024 

Let’s be honest, motorcycles are as much about design as engineering. If this wasn’t the case, bikes like the Ducati 916, MV Agusta F4, and Indian FTR 1200 would be slightly less appealing. Even the retro motorcycling trend would be more niche. We want our bikes’ design to match their performance, and sometimes, even surpass it.

But manufacturers, as detail-oriented as they may be, often forget to attend to one part of the bike: the exhaust. Most exhausts look pretty generic and basic (no credit to the ever-tightening emission norms) — a metal can with a hole at one end. Think think “hey, they’re going to switch to aftermarket exhaust, anyway!”. Maybe that’s true, but some motorcycles stand out in the sea of simple exhaust designs. That’s what we want to focus on today, with these 10 bikes that feature the best exhausts in 2024. They are so good, you wouldn’t want an aftermarket exhaust!

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from the manufacturers, and other authoritative sources, including Motorcycle News.

Since this is a subjective topic, the bikes are ranked based on their MSRP. The bikes are judged on their OEM or manufacturer-provided exhaust systems, and not aftermarket ones.

10 Honda CBR600RR

Starting MSRP: $13,361 (Converted From Pound; 2024 EU-spec Model)

Oh, a supersport in the line of Italian exotics and limited edition specials? That’s right — the Honda CBR600RR makes the list for having a unique exhaust system rarely seen in modern motorcycles. We’re talking about the underseat exhaust, which was once a popular styling choice for sports bikes. It’s fallen out of fashion due to mass centralization and emission norms nowadays.

Sure, the exhaust may cook your pillion’s butt, but it looks aggressive and howls as you rev the supersport to its ridiculously high rev ceiling. For reference, the peak power comes in at 14,250 RPM — that’s a recipe for a screaming exhaust note, isn’t it? The Honda CBR600RR isn’t just one of the last true supersports, it’s also the last such sports bike with an underseat exhaust.

Design Highlights (2024 EU-spec Model)

• Compact LED lights give the bike a menacing face
• Amalgamation of smooth lines and sharp edges
• Mass centralized design with principles learned from the Fireblade and the RC213V-S

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Honda)

9 Harley-Davidson Sportster S

Starting MSRP: $16,999

Despite Harley-Davidson having gorgeous cruisers in its lineup, the bike that stands out for the most beautiful exhaust is the Sportster S. True to its tagline, the bike always performs and never conforms — it’s a new-age sportster. The exhaust design follows the same principle; it’s unique and well-done.

The high-mounted dual shotgun exhaust is a throwback to old-school flat trackers, highlighting the committed character of the bike. Sure, it may not sound like a typical potato-potato Harley, but the note is still rowdy. It’s also crafted in 304-series stainless steel and designed to deflect heat away from your legs.

Design Highlights

• V-twin engine sits as the centerpiece of the design, highlighted with bronze details
• Exhaust and tail sections are inspired by the XR750 flat tracker
• Bulbous front tire recalls the fenderless front end of classic bobbers
• Crouched stance is aggressive

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)

8 BMW R 18

Starting MSRP: $18,695

The BMW R 18 is a German cruiser that challenges convention. Honestly, the riding experience lacks a bit of character, but the chonky boxer engine is a peach to experience. The bike invokes the brand’s heritage and designers have certainly worked overtime on all its aspects, particularly that gorgeous exhaust.

The low, elongated flyline is gorgeous, emphasizing the distinctive cruiser silhouette. From the front to the rear, your eyes swoop, gently rising to the beefy forks and tapering back to the rear wheel. Then, there’s the big boxer that feeds into thick mufflers, which end with a fishtail design.

Design Highlights

• Minimal yet distinctive design is a hotbed for customization
• Machined engine housing makes the mill look like a design element and not a mechanical component
• Pushrod boxer design is a throwback to BMW’s boxers of the yesteryears

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from BMW)

7 MV Agusta F3

Starting MSRP: $18,998

When it comes to design, MV Agusta takes the cake almost always. Remember the F4 that’s often cited as the most beautiful bike ever designed? The F3 builds on the same silhouette but adds modern touches to the otherwise timeless design. Like the F4, the F3 also performs like a beast, albeit in the supersport category this time.

The MV Agusta F3 is a breathtaking work of motorcycle art, and you can see it in various parts of the bike, including the exhaust. The signature triple-tip exhaust, finished in bronze, hints at the inline-triple powerplant while looking stunning and sounding awesome. This might be the only bike where we’d never switch to an aftermarket exhaust — the stock one is too pretty!

Design Highlights

• Primary design and silhouette are inspired by the MV Agusta F4
• On the F3 RR and RC, the wings are neatly integrated into the side fairings
• Racetrack is its home but it belongs in an art museum

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from MV Agusta)

6 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm

Starting MSRP: $25,495

The Rocket 3 Storm GT is a genre-defining motorcycle, bringing ludicrous amounts of performance that would make you say, “What the hell?” The power output rivals superbikes and torque figures put other power cruisers into shock — this is one heck of a performer. The Rocket 3 sits well above the competition, including the Diavel V4 and Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide ST.

The inline triple is the largest production motorcycle engine, and it growls, thanks to the 3-1-2 exhaust system. The headers are matte black, running parallel to each other, and combining midway before turning into two slashed shotgun-style mufflers. If the matte black of the Rocket 3 Storm isn’t your flavor, the standard Rocket 3 gets the same exhaust plastered with chrome tips and headers!

Design Highlights

• New 17/16-inch cast aluminum wheels look sick
• Blackout treatment makes the bike even more badass
• Dual headlights make the wide stance proportioned

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Triumph)

5 Ducati Panigale V4 R (With Akrapovic Race Exhaust)

Starting MSRP: $26,995

The Panigale V4 R is a formidable motorcycle even in its stock form, pushing over 200 HP. The Desmosedici Stradale V4 is a magnificent piece of engineering that deserves the utmost respect when you ride this bike. It’s safe to say this is beyond the skills of most of us, but its stock exhaust is nothing to write home about.

Fortunately, the Panigale V4 R’s true potential is brought out by its racing exhaust. It bumps the otherwise normal output close to 240 HP — that’s hair-raising performance right there. The race exhaust is a full titanium Akrapovic unit with two underseat mufflers, inspired by the WSBK race bike. This is what racing dreams are made of, and it’s topped by a stunning, earth-shattering exhaust note.

Design Highlights

• Numero uno livery, exposed aluminum tank, carbon fiber bits, and wings give this bike a true race bike look
• Blends sharp edges with smooth flying in true Panigale fashion
• Easily one of the prettiest superbikes ever made

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Ducati and Motorcycle News)

4 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR Assen

Starting MSRP: $46,998

The MV Agusta Brutale is already a head-turner that looks more like new-age artwork than a hyper-naked bike. But it wasn’t enough for the Italian brand, so in comes the Brutale 1000 RR Assen–a limited edition that pays homage to the brand’s 35 victories at the Assen TT Circuit.

If the Assen Circuit is the Cathedral of Speed, this blue Brutale may as well be the Bishop there. It embodies the spirit of performance, and in true MV Agusta fashion, even the exhaust is not spared. The quad underseat shorties look badass and sound insane; you can even get the racing kit that adds Arrow titanium pipes. Every rev bomb will calm your soul!

Design Highlights

• Rotobox blue carbon fiber wheels look incredible and pair well with the blue seats and radiator cowl
• Tail section looks wild and distinct
• Carbon fiber adorns many parts, including the heat shields, tank cowl, and front light set
• Cathedral of Speed and production number decal showcase the bike’s exclusivity

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from MV Agusta)

3 Norton V4 SV

Starting MSRP: $53,937 (Converted From Pound)

The Norton is a one-of-a-kind exotic superbike that may not be the fastest or the most sophisticated, but you can’t deny it’s gorgeous. After TVS acquired this British brand, it redesigned 428 of 900 components of the V4 SS to create the V4 SV. It’s a magnificent bike that offers formidable performance and character.

This two-wheeled homage to TT racers of yore has bold lines that create a sleek silhouette, compact design, and exquisite attention to detail. The exhaust isn’t spared, either, with a slash cut shorty design with a mesh grill. As good as it looks, it sounds even better — the deep, raspy bellow from the V4 is divine. It may not be the pinnacle of British motorcycles, as Norton claims, but it certainly is close to being the pinnacle of British motorcycle design.

Design Highlights

• Handcrafted TIG welded aluminum frame with mirror finish
• Billet-machined footpegs and yokes look beautiful
• Premium, purpose-built exotica that stands out from the crowd

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Norton)

2 Ducati Diavel for Bentley

Starting MSRP: $70,000

When two legendary brands collaborate, the result is bound to be mindblowing, and that’s the Diavel for Bentley. This is essentially a Diavel V4 with all-new styling that complements the Bentley Batur supercar. It brings brand-new panels, Scarab Green paintwork, carbon fiber bits, and design cues from the Batur.

Coming to the exhaust, this might be the prettiest Diavel exhaust ever. The minimal four-outlet muffler has been redesigned, housed in a new cover that borrows ideas from Bentley cars. To finish off the exhaust, the heat shield is carbon fiber, and all of it looks stunning together. We haven’t heard it in action, but there’s every reason to expect a thunderous note.

Design Highlights

• Designed developed by Ducati Centro Stile and Bentley’s own design team
• Air intakes mimic the car’s two-tone grille, and the front fender and headlight cowl borrow from the Batur’s hood
• Seat features a combination of black Alcántara over a red lower layer
• Virtually every part that’s not Scarab Green is bare carbon fiber

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Ducati)

1 Brough Superior Anniversary Golden Dream

Starting MSRP: Around $110,000

Perhaps the most beautiful exhaust belongs on an unlikely motorcycle. It’s neither a Ducati nor an MV Agusta, but it’s the British-French motorcycle Brough Superior Anniversary Golden Dream. The bike deserves an entire article just for its design and attention to detail and this is bespoke exotica at its finest, limited to only 38 units. So many of us will never even see one in action, let alone ride it.

The Golden Dream is the brand’s most exceptional creation since its relaunch, and the exhaust is a testament to it. Would you look at those dual, long exhausts with perforated, inverted fishtail tips? The exhaust alone is art, adding visual mass to the sleek rear end. We wouldn’t blame any owners who make this bike a garage queen — this is the most beautiful motorcycle that only a handful of you know.

Design Highlights

• Bodywork decorated in gold leaf by expert craftsmen
• Combines features from the SS100 and Pendine Sand Racer
• Handcrafted by the most skilled French artisans
• The rear wheel — we don’t even have words for it

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Brough Superior )