Article by Jenny Lefferts | Photos by Daniel Furon
From Issue 319 Of Cycle Source Magazine. See The Entire Digital Issue HERE Or Subscribe HERE Today And Get A Real Magazine Delivered To Your Door!
I’m finally mounting an amazing new exhaust designed specifically for Harley-Davidson Sportsters from 1993 to 2003. My bike, a ’93 Sportster, has seen countless enhancements over the years, including a previous exhaust. But let me be honest: the one I initially installed was a nightmare. Braking was nearly impossible because my leg had to bow out over it, and riding felt more like a wrestling match than a joyride.
From the start, my buddy Irish, a true Harley-Davidson parts OG, warned me the choice was a poor one. And, naturally, he was right. “Told ye,” he said, plain and simple. No fanfare, no gloating, just a few words from a man who doesn’t waste them.
Thankfully, the fix didn’t require me to wrestle with the bike myself. Colin from Motorious Speed Shop, who’s handled all the other upgrades, introduced me to FAB28, and the installation would be handled by their skilled crew in Antioch. Today, the FAB28 team would take care of the exhaust, delivering a setup designed to work with the bike, not against the rider.
I arrived at FAB28 on Sunday morning. The owner, Jay Padilla, and his crew were ready to pull the old exhaust and get my bike set up for serious, unadulterated power. Sounds dramatic? Maybe. But this isn’t just about looks, though the FAB28 system fits like a glove and turns heads. It’s about the ride. Smooth, precise, and powerful, this exhaust turns every twist of the throttle into pure enjoyment.
FAB28’s Sportster Exhaust System is the ultimate upgrade. Crafted from US-sourced stainless steel with 16-gauge tubing, it blends durability with a sleek, rugged look. Each piece is handmade with meticulous attention to detail, and precision TIG welding ensures a flawless finish that stands out on the road. The system delivers an average 8% increase in power over stock exhausts, giving your Sportster the boost it needs whether you’re cruising down the highway or carving through city streets.
The Evolution 888 Premium Muffler Series, also handmade from the finest US-sourced materials, takes performance and craftsmanship to the next level. Precision welded for maximum durability and engineered for optimal airflow, the 888 mufflers deliver a deep, rich exhaust note while increasing horsepower. This isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a full transformation, blending power, style, and American craftsmanship into every ride.
Step 1 — Remove Spring Clips & Flanges
Remove the spring clips and flanges from the existing exhaust system and set them aside for later use. Use a spring clip tool or needle-nose pliers.
Step 2 — Install Mounting Bracket
Install the mounting bracket using the FAB28-supplied Allen cap screws with a 1/4-inch hex socket.
Step 3 — Reinstall Spring Clips & Flanges
Reattach the existing spring clips and flanges onto both the front and rear headpipes.
Step 4 — Loosely Install Headpipes
Slide both front and rear headpipes into position but do not tighten yet.
Step 5 — Install Merge Collector
Position the merge collector and loosely fit the clamp. Leave it untightened for now.
Step 6 — Slide On Muffler
Slide the muffler onto the merge collector, ensuring it passes the clamp cleanly.
Step 7 — Tighten Muffler Clamp
Tighten the muffler clamp securely with a 15mm socket.
Step 8 — Tighten Headpipes
Now tighten the front and rear headpipes with a 1/2-inch socket.
Step 9 — Final Clean
Wipe down all new pipes with acetone to remove fingerprints and oils.
Time to Ride
With the installation done, I fired the bike up. The sound hit instantly, deep, rich, and alive. Shifting felt natural again, and every twist of the throttle delivered smooth, confident power.
Heading back to San Francisco, I felt every bit of my bike’s new muscle and none of my age. People instinctively moved out of my way. Every shift was smooth, and the growl of the Evolution 888 mufflers made it impossible not to grin. This wasn’t just an upgrade; it was a transformation. FAB28 had taken my Sportster from a bike that fought me at every turn to one that commanded the road.
The FAB28 Sportster Exhaust System isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a statement. From the flawless fit and rugged handmade design to the deep, commanding sound and noticeable boost in performance, this system transforms your bike from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether cruising city streets or chasing curves on the highway, FAB28 delivers a ride that’s smooth, powerful, and unapologetically American.
FAB28 Industries
Website: www.fab28industries.com
Instagram: @fab28.industries
Phone: 925-978-9961
