Help Guide: How to choose the right exhaust set up for a Speed 400 or Scrambler 400X

If you own a Triumph motorbike and you're thinking about your first upgrade, the exhaust is one of the most popular and rewarding places to start. Whether you ride a Triumph Speed 400 or a Scrambler 400X, this Hitchcox Motorcycles exhaust guide breaks down everything you need to know. From slip-ons to full systems, so you can choose the right Triumph aftermarket exhaust for your bike and riding style.

 

1. Understanding Your Triumph Motorbike's Setup

Both the Triumph Speed 400 and Triumph Scrambler 400X use a modern Euro 5-compliant engine with a catalytic converter and fuel injection system.

That means:

  • The exhaust system is designed to plug and play, no modifications needed

  • Sensors and catalytic converters play a key role

  • Changes to the exhaust affect sound, weight, and sometimes performance


2. Triumph Exhaust Slip-On: Simple, Safe, and Everyday Friendly

A slip-on replaces only the rear silencer while keeping the original headers and catalytic converter. It's the easiest way to upgrade your Triumph exhaust with minimal hassle and transform the bike.

Key Features

  • Fits Speed 400 & Scrambler 400X (2024 and newer)

  • Euro 5 and Euro 5+ compatible (so 2024 and 2025 onwards)

  • Retains the catalytic converter

  • Reuses stock mounting equipment, clamps, and AV mounts

What This Means for You

Slip-ons are the easiest Triumph aftermarket exhaust upgrade:

  • Quick installation using existing hardware

  • Fully emissions-compliant (including newer Euro 5+ bikes)

  • No major mechanical changes required

Best for:

  • New riders

  • Daily road use

  • Improving sound without complexity


3. Triumph Exhaust Full System Low Mount: Performance-Focused Upgrade

A low-mount full system replaces everything from the headers back and keeps a traditional roadster-style exhaust position. It's a true Triumph aftermarket exhaust upgrade for riders who want real performance gains.

Key Features

  • Fits Speed 400 & Scrambler 400X (2024)

  • Euro 5 compatible (not Euro 5+) so 2025 onwards bikes won't fit

  • Deletes the catalytic converter

  • Reuses stock mounting equipment, clamps, and AV mounts

What This Means for You

Removing the catalytic converter:

  • Reduces weight

  • Improves exhaust flow

  • Produces a deeper, more aggressive sound

However:

  • Not compatible with newer Euro 5+ systems

  • Requires a full remap at a Triumph dealership to run smoothly and avoid error lights on the dash

  • More involved installation than a slip-on

Best for:

  • Riders wanting stronger performance gains

  • A cleaner, minimalist low exhaust look


4. Triumph Exhaust Full System High Mount: Scrambler Style & Maximum Impact

High-mount systems relocate the exhaust higher up along the bike, giving a more off-road, scrambler-inspired look. This is the most visually striking Hitchcox Motorcycles exhaust option available.

Key Features

  • Fits Speed 400 & Scrambler 400X (2024 only)

  • Not compatible with newer 2025 Triumph motorbike models

  • Euro 5 compatible

  • Deletes the catalytic converter

  • Reuses stock mounting equipment

What This Means for You

  • Dramatic visual transformation (classic scrambler styling)

  • Increased ground clearance

  • Louder, more aggressive tone

But:

  • Not Euro 5+ compliant

  • Not compatible with updated 2025 bikes

  • Less discreet for everyday road use

Best for:

  • Riders building a scrambler-style bike

  • Off-road or adventure-inspired setups

  • Maximum visual impact


5. Euro 5 vs Euro 5+: Why Compatibility Matters for Your Triumph Aftermarket Exhaust

When choosing a Triumph exhaust upgrade, knowing which emissions standard your bike meets is essential.

Euro 5 (2024 models) Standard emissions compliance with the usual exhaust sensor setup.

Euro 5+ (2025+ models) Stricter emissions monitoring, often with additional sensors and tighter ECU control.

Important takeaway:

  • Slip-ons = compatible with both Euro 5 and Euro 5+

  • Full systems = Euro 5 only (not Euro 5+)


6. Catalytic Converter: Keep It or Remove It?

Keeping the catalytic converter (slip-on):

  • Maintains emissions compliance

  • Keeps installation straightforward

  • Quieter, simpler result

Removing it (full systems):

  • Increases sound and flow

  • Reduces weight and improves performance

  • May affect legality depending on your region

7. Do You Need a Remap With a Hitchcox Motorcycles Exhaust?

This is an important practical difference between the systems.

A slip-on doesn't require a full remap, a quick 15-minute autotune is all that's needed. A full system, whether low or high mount, requires a full remap at a Triumph dealership to run properly and avoid error codes on the dashboard. It's worth factoring this into your budget when planning your Triumph aftermarket exhaust upgrade.


8. Installation & Compatibility Notes

All Hitchcox Motorcycles exhaust systems are designed for straightforward installation:

  • Reuse of stock mounting hardware, clamps, and AV mounts

  • Designed specifically for the 2024 Triumph Speed 400 & Scrambler 400X

  • High-mount systems are not compatible with newer 2025 model updates


9. Which Triumph Exhaust Should You Choose?

Go for a Slip-On if you want:

  • Easy installation

  • Full Euro 5 / 5+ compatibility

  • No major changes to the bike

Choose a Low-Mount Full System if you want:

  • Better performance and weight reduction

  • A clean, traditional roadster look

Choose a High-Mount Full System if you want:

  • Scrambler styling

  • Maximum visual and sound impact

  • A more off-road-inspired build

Final Thoughts on Triumph Aftermarket Exhaust Upgrades

For most new riders, a slip-on is the ideal starting point as it enhances your Triumph motorbike without adding complexity or compatibility concerns. Full Hitchcox Motorcycles exhaust systems, whether low or high mount, offer bigger gains in sound and performance, but come with stricter compatibility requirements, a mandatory dealership remap, and are limited to 2024 Euro 5 models only.

Whichever route you choose, understanding how Euro standards and catalytic converters affect your setup will ensure you get the right Triumph exhaust for your bike and your riding style.

 

May 12, 2026 — David Robinson