How to choose the right aftermarket exhaust set up for your Triumph Speed Twin 900 or Street Twin

For the Triumph Speed Twin 900 & Street Twin (2017 to Present)

At Hitchcox Motorcycles, we know that upgrading your exhaust is the first step in making your Triumph motorbike truly yours. We also know that motorcycle terminology can feel like a different language. If you've been looking at our Drag Pipes or Slip-ons but aren't sure which fits your bike or what a "dB Killer" actually is, this Triumph aftermarket exhaust guide is for you.


1. What Is a Triumph Exhaust Slip-On?

A slip-on is an exhaust muffler that simply "slips" onto your bike's existing pipes.

The Benefit: It's the easiest way to improve the look and sound of your Triumph motorbike without major mechanical work.

The Fit: All Hitchcox Motorcycles slip-ons are sold as a pair (one for each side). They are designed to reuse your bike's original clamps and rubber mounts, making them a perfect project for a beginner.

2. Identifying Your Bike: Euro 4, 5, or 5+?

Euro standards are emissions rules that change over time. Because Triumph updated the Speed Twin 900 (formerly the Street Twin) over the years, you need to know which version you have to ensure your Triumph exhaust parts fit perfectly.

Euro 4 (2017–2020): These models have the most flexibility for exhaust choice.

Euro 5 (2021–2024): 2021 was the final transition year. If your bike was registered in 2021, it is almost certainly a Euro 5 model.

Euro 5+ (2025–Present): The latest version of the Speed Twin 900, including the 2026 models.


3. Choose Your Triumph Aftermarket Exhaust Style

Reverse Cone Slip-Ons

Compatibility: Fits ALL models (2017 to date, including Euro 4, 5, and the new Euro 5+).

The Look: Classic, timeless cafe racer styling.

The Sound: These come with removable dB Killers.

What's a dB Killer? It's a small metal insert (baffle) that dampens the sound. If you want a deep but polite rumble, keep them in. If you want a louder, more aggressive roar, you can easily remove them with a single bolt.

Drag Pipe Slip-Ons

Compatibility: Built specifically for Euro 4 and Euro 5 models only (2017–2024). For Euro 4, it's a straight slip-on. For Euro 5, it's only compatible when paired with an X-Pipe and the catalytic converter is deleted.

Why? Due to changes in the exhaust headers on the newest 2025+ Euro 5+ bikes, these pipes will not fit. Hitchcox Motorcycles built these specifically for the earlier generations to ensure the best performance and fit.

The Look: Short, stubby, and aggressive.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

"Will this Triumph exhaust affect my catalytic converter?"

No. Our slip-ons are designed to retain your factory catalytic converter (the large box under your engine), keeping your bike's emissions system intact. However, if you want a more significant performance boost, our slip-ons are also fully compatible with an X-Pipe, a part that replaces the catalytic converter. For Euro 5 models with Drag Pipes, this is the only fitment option.

"Do I need a mechanic to fit a Hitchcox Motorcycles exhaust?"

Most of our customers fit these themselves. Because we use the stock mounting points and clamps, it's a very straightforward bolt-on job.

"Do I need to remap or tune the engine after fitting a Triumph aftermarket exhaust?"

If you are fitting slip-ons and keeping your catalytic converter, your bike's computer will automatically adjust. It's as simple as: fit, start, and ride.

That said, Triumph recommends a quick 15-minute retune after fitting a new exhaust. Just follow these simple steps:

  • Start your bike without touching the throttle and allow it to run until the fan comes on

  • Once the fan is on, leave it running for 15 minutes

  • After 15 minutes, turn the bike off and back on, the bike will re-learn itself

If you remove the CAT and fit an X-Pipe, a full remap is a wise choice to make sure the bike runs smoothly and avoids any error messages on the dash.


5. Triumph Exhaust Comparison: Reverse Cone vs. Drag Pipe

Feature

Reverse Cone Slip-Ons

Drag Pipe Slip-Ons

Years Covered

2017 to date

2017 to 2024

Emissions Fit

Euro 4, 5, & 5+

Euro 4 & 5 only

Sound Control

Removable dB Killers

Raw & aggressive

Mounting

Reuses stock clamps/mounts

Reuses stock clamps/mounts

Summary Checklist for Your Hitchcox Motorcycles Exhaust

  1. Confirm your year: Check your V5 or frame plate to identify your Euro rating

  2. Choose your style: Reverse Cone for classic cafe racer looks and maximum compatibility; Drag Pipe for a short, aggressive look (Euro 4 & 5 only)

  3. Decide on the catalytic converter: Keep it for a simple bolt-on fit, or delete it with an X-Pipe for more performance (remap recommended)

dB Killer: Start with it in and remove it later if you want more volume

May 12, 2026 — David Robinson