From choosing a scrambler exhaust to unforgettable rides at 14,130 feet.

From the twisty mountain roads of Colorado to the quiet hum of a garage at 3am, Triumph riders across the US are putting their own stamp on their machines and we love hearing how. This month, we caught up with Joe, who rides a Triumph Scrambler 900 he's named Scarlett, to talk about his experience with his Hitchcox aftermarket exhaust, what stood out to him about Hitchcox Motorcycles, and what's next on the build list.

What first drew you to a Hitchcox aftermarket exhaust?

For Joe, it started with hearing a Hitchcox Motorcycles exhaust on a similar bike. "The moment I first saw, and more importantly heard, a Hitchcox Motorcycles exhaust on a similar bike I knew right away that I had to have that on my Scrambler 900," he says.

Choosing the right Triumph exhaust wasn't just about looks or sound, though, the brand behind it mattered too. "Once I learned a bit more about the brand, about Tom's story as a former F1 fabricator, and the care that goes into each exhaust, it was a sure thing for me, I wanted nothing else on my bike."

What's your favourite thing about your Scrambler 900?

Joe points straight to the exhaust. "Honestly it's my Shotgun Slip-ons. Knowing the craftsmanship that went into them, and being able to talk directly with Tom as I chose a couple of custom details, was just a special experience in general." 

But it's the everyday effect that stands out most. "My exhaust completely changed the character of the bike, and it makes me smile every single time I turn on the ignition, and grin ear to ear when I get her out in the mountains and can open up the throttle full blast. Straight up British parallel twin symphony at its finest."

How has your scrambler exhaust changed your ride?

"It's changed the whole character of my bike, and I can't imagine it any other way."

Beyond the sound, there's a practical side too."The exhaust itself is so much smaller and lighter than the stock muffler, that alone reduced weight."

But it's the sound that keeps him grinning. "I never get tired of hearing my bike, no matter the speed or ride I'm on. And the pops that come on decel and a nice rev-matched downshift are just the cherry on top."

Any rides that really stand out?

Joe rides all over Colorado, but one morning stands out above the rest, a sunrise ride to the summit of Mt. Blue Sky, home to the highest paved road in North America at 14,130 feet.

 "I left my house around 3am, totally in the dark, to time my ride perfectly to reach the summit right at sunrise.”

"Riding up the mountain with no one around me for miles was a moment and a ride I'll never ever forget. That sound, on that road, so high in the mountains, all alone in the early morning light, was just sublime, a truly special moment I'll remember forever."

What stood out to you about Hitchcox Motorcycles as a brand?

Word of mouth led Joe to Hitchcox Motorcycles in the first place. "Some recommendations I got from other riders led me to finding Hitchcox Motorcycles, and then from there I was blown away by the level of craftsmanship and care that went into each product." 

Tom's background as a former F1 fabricator only reinforced that impression. "I had never seen or heard any other exhaust on the market that came even remotely close to the Hitchcox Motorcycles exhausts. I'll never put another exhaust on any bike I own from here on out."

What's next for Scarlett or your garage in general?

Joe's project list never really ends. "Next up for my Scrambler is upgraded suspension, and then I'm toying with the idea of a full front-end overhaul with new tracker bars, upgraded headlight, fog lights, and maybe a small windscreen. I've also thought about doing a tank swap for a larger T120 tank. There's always something to tinker with." 

Looking further ahead, he's already dreaming about his next build. "The real next project is likely going to be getting a Triumph Bobber and putting a Hitchcox Motorcycles full titanium drag system on it. Maybe next summer, hopefully!"

Riding a Triumph with a Hitchcox Motorcycles aftermarket exhaust and have a story to share? We'd love to feature you, get in touch and you could be next.