Vance & Hines 4 1/2″ Torquer 450 Slip-On Mufflers For Harley Touring (2017–2026)
Engineered Specifically to Unleash Milwaukee-Eight Low-End Torque and Bass
Dominate the highway with the massive profile and relentless low-end power of the Vance & Hines 4 1/2″ Torquer 450 Slip-On Mufflers. Designed from the ground up for 2017 through 2026 Harley-Davidson Touring models, the Torquer 450 is Vance & Hines’ premier performance-engineered slip-on built specifically to address the unique backpressure demands of the Milwaukee-Eight (M8) engine platform. If you want maximum roll-on torque off the line without sacrificing a deep, thunderous exhaust note, the Torquer 450 is the ultimate upgrade for your bagger.
Featuring an oversized 4.5-inch round muffler body and precision CNC-machined billet end caps, these mufflers fill out extended saddlebag cutouts perfectly. Inside, Vance & Hines integrates patent-pending spin-formed LS500 louvered baffles that maintain exhaust gas velocity where M8 engines need it most—in the low-to-mid RPM powerband.
Technical Specifications & Product Details
| Feature / Metric | Product Specification | Rider Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Brand / Manufacturer | Vance & Hines (Made in USA) | Unmatched manufacturing quality, precision fitment, and race-proven design |
| Muffler Diameter | 4.5 Inches (Torquer 450 Profile) | Creates a massive, muscular rear stance under factory and stretched bagger cutouts |
| Engine Platform | Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight (107ci, 114ci, 117ci, & 121ci) | Acoustically and fluid-dynamically tuned for 4-valve M8 cylinder heads |
| Model Compatibility | 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 Harley Touring | Direct bolt-on replacement for stock dual-crossover head pipes |
| Baffle Technology | Patent-Pending LS500 Spin-Formed Louvered Core | Maximizes low-RPM torque recovery while eliminating harsh high-frequency drone |
| Finish Options | Show-Quality Quad-Chrome or High-Temp Matte Black Ceramic | Heavy-duty coating resists thermal discoloration and road debris damage |
| End Cap Style | CNC-Machined Billet Aluminum End Caps | Integrated mechanical styling with subtle laser-etched Vance & Hines branding |
Performance Engineering: Taming the Milwaukee-Eight Engine
The LS500 Baffle Advantage
Unlike legacy Twin Cam engines, the 4-valve Milwaukee-Eight motor flows an immense volume of air right off idle. Installing generic straight-through 4.5-inch mufflers often results in a severe loss of low-end torque, making the motorcycle feel sluggish pulling away from stoplights or passing when fully loaded with gear. The Vance & Hines Torquer 450 solves this with its proprietary spin-formed LS500 louvered core. This advanced baffle design maintains optimum exhaust backpressure at low RPMs before opening up to flow freely at higher engine speeds.
Dyno-Proven Power Output
Chassis dyno testing on stock 107ci, 114ci, and 117ci Milwaukee-Eight Touring models demonstrates immediate, usable power increases across the powerband:
- Horsepower Gains: +5.0 to +7.2 peak HP increase on factory headers.
- Torque Boost: Up to +8.0 ft-lbs torque increase in the critical 2,000–3,800 RPM range.
- Stage 1 Combined Gains: Combining the Torquer 450 with a VO2 high-flow intake and a Vance & Hines FP4 tuner unlocks up to a 14% total power improvement over stock.
Complete Vehicle Compatibility Guide
The Torquer 450 features asymmetric slip-on joint sizes specifically engineered to match 2017+ Harley-Davidson Touring factory header pipes (right side inlet is larger than the left side inlet). Check your model in the fitment guide below:
Harley-Davidson Touring Family (2017–2026)
- Street Glide: FLHX, FLHXS, FLHXST, CVO FLHXSE (2017–2026)
- Road Glide: FLTRX, FLTRXS, FLTRXST, FLTRU, FLTRK, CVO FLTRXSE (2017–2026)
- Electra Glide & Ultra Classic: FLHT, FLHTC, FLHTCU, FLHTK, FLHTKL (2017–2026)
- Road King: FLHR, FLHRC, FLHRXS Road King Special (2017–2026)
- CVO Bagger Models: All M8 CVO Street Glide, Road Glide, and Limited models (2017–2026)
Step-by-Step DIY Installation Guide
Upgrading to Vance & Hines Torquer 450 mufflers is a quick 45-minute project using standard garage tools.
Required Tools & Supplies
- 3/8″ Drive Ratchet with 1/2″ and 9/16″ sockets
- Torque wrench (ft-lbs)
- High-temperature copper anti-seize compound
- Rubbing alcohol / glass cleaner and a clean microfiber towel
Step 1: Removing Factory Mufflers
Ensure the bike is completely cool. Remove saddlebags to gain full access to rear mounting hardware. Loosen the factory Torx exhaust clamps where the mufflers connect to the header pipe. Remove the two rear 5/16″ mounting bolts underneath each saddlebag support bracket. Carefully twist and slide the stock mufflers rearward off the head pipes.
Step 2: Preparing the Torquer 450 Slip-Ons
Apply a thin layer of copper high-temp anti-seize onto the expansion ends of your factory head pipes. Slide the included heavy-duty Torca exhaust clamps over the front inlets of your new 4.5-inch Torquer 450 mufflers.
Step 3: Alignment and Bracket Securing
Slide each Torquer 450 muffler onto its corresponding head pipe (note: the right-side muffler inlet is larger to match the factory collector). Align the top bracket channels with the rubber frame isolation mounts. Thread in the stock mounting bolts loosely. Check alignment from the rear of the bike to confirm both 4.5-inch end caps sit level with your saddlebag cutouts.
Step 4: Torque Specifications & Surface Wipe-Down
Torque the rear mounting bracket bolts to 18 ft-lbs. Tighten the front heavy-duty Torca barrel clamps to 38–42 ft-lbs.
CRITICAL WARNING: Clean all chrome or matte black surfaces thoroughly with rubbing alcohol before starting the engine. Fingerprints or grease left on the metal will permanently bake into the finish during the first thermal cycle!
Sound Profile & EFI Tuning Requirements
Acoustic Sound Breakdown
The Torquer 450 delivers a signature deep-bass pitch—unmistakably deeper and punchier than standard 4-inch mufflers. Thanks to the internal louvered density packing, it provides a muscular roar under heavy acceleration while maintaining a comfortable, non-droney frequency at 70 MPH highway speeds.
Is EFI Tuning Required?
- Mufflers Only: If you are installing these slip-ons on an otherwise stock motorcycle with a factory air cleaner, an ECU tuner is optional. The factory ECM can compensate for minor exhaust airflow changes.
- Full Stage 1 Upgrade: If you install these mufflers alongside a high-flow air cleaner kit, you must tune the ECU using a flash tuner like the Vance & Hines Fuelpak FP4. This prevents lean running conditions, engine overheating, and deceleration popping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these 4.5″ Torquer 450 mufflers fit Trike models?
No. Harley Trike platforms (Tri Glide, Freewheeler, Road Glide 3) require dedicated Trike-specific slip-on part numbers to clear rear bodywork and frame mounting locations.
Do I need to remove the catalytic converter to install these mufflers?
No. On 2017–2026 Harley Touring models, the catalytic converter is located inside the factory head pipe collector junction, not inside the mufflers. Installing these slip-ons retains your stock catalyst and keeps emissions systems intact.
Are quiet baffles available for the Torquer 450 series?
The Torquer 450 is engineered from the factory with the acoustic-dampening LS500 baffle to provide a deep, controlled tone without requiring additional quiet inserts.
Upgrade Your M8 Bagger Today
Unleash the full torque potential and deep V-Twin rumble of your 2017–2026 Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle with the Vance & Hines 4 1/2″ Torquer 450 Slip-On Mufflers. Order today with full manufacturer warranty coverage and fast US shipping!
