Help Guide: What Exhaust Should I Put on My Triumph?

How to choose the right exhaust for your Triumph: A Complete Buyer's Guide

By David Robinson

Choosing a new Triumph exhaust can completely change the look, sound and character of your motorcycle. But with different exhaust styles, materials, finishes, emissions standards and fitment options available, knowing where to start isn't always straightforward.

Should you choose slip-ons or a full system? Is a reverse cone right for your bike? Do you need a remap? What about the dB killer? And, perhaps most importantly, will the exhaust actually fit your Triumph?

At Hitchcox Motorcycles, we build handcrafted exhaust systems specifically for Triumph motorcycles, so we know that choosing the right system is about more than simply finding an exhaust that looks good.

In this guide, we'll take you through the key things to consider before choosing your Triumph aftermarket exhaust.

1. Start With Your Triumph Model and Year

Before choosing an exhaust, the first thing you need to know is exactly which Triumph you have.

Triumph has made significant changes to its motorcycles over the years, and exhaust fitment can vary between model years and emissions specifications.

For example, the same model name can cover motorcycles with different exhaust and ECU configurations depending on when the bike was manufactured.

You should have the following information to hand:

• Triumph model
• Engine size
• Model year
• VIN, if required
• Euro emissions specification

If you're unsure, your V5 or motorcycle documentation can help confirm the bike's registration details. If you're still not certain, contact us before ordering and we'll help you identify the correct setup.

Why does the year matter?

The emissions specification of your Triumph can affect exhaust design, oxygen sensor positions, catalytic converter arrangements and ECU requirements.

As a general guide:

• Euro 4: approximately 2017–2020
• Euro 5: approximately 2021–2024
• Euro 5+: 2025 onwards

These dates are a useful starting point, but they aren't a substitute for checking your individual motorcycle.

2. Slip-Ons or a Full Exhaust System?

One of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether you want to replace just the silencers or the complete exhaust system.

Slip-On Exhausts

A slip-on replaces the original silencer while retaining much of the motorcycle's original exhaust system.

They're a popular choice if you're looking for:

• A deeper, more distinctive exhaust note
• A change in styling
• A relatively straightforward installation
• Less modification to the original exhaust system
• The ability to retain the catalytic converter on compatible setups

For many Triumph owners, slip-ons offer a simple way to change the appearance and sound of the motorcycle without replacing everything.

Hitchcox slip-on systems are designed around the individual Triumph model and, depending on the application, reuse the original mounting points and hardware.

For example, our T120 slip-ons are designed for 2017 onwards and are available for Euro 4, Euro 5 and Euro 5+ motorcycles.

Who are slip-ons best for? Slip-ons are a good starting point if you like the performance and character of your Triumph but want to change its sound and appearance.

3. What Is a Full Exhaust System?

A full system replaces significantly more of the original exhaust than a slip-on.

Depending on the Triumph and the system, this can include the headers, crossover sections and silencers.

A full system gives you much more freedom over:

• Exhaust routing
• Overall appearance
• Pipe diameter and design
• Materials
• Sound character
• Weight
• The position and style of the silencers

It's also the route to consider if you're looking for a much more substantial change to the motorcycle.

For example, our T100 and T120 full drag system replaces the original catalytic-converter section with a crossover pipe and is available in 304 stainless steel or titanium.

Who are full systems best for? A full system is worth considering if you want to make a more significant change to your Triumph's appearance, exhaust note and exhaust configuration.

4. Which Exhaust Style Should You Choose?

Once you've decided between a slip-on and a full system, it's time to think about the design.

Different exhaust shapes don't just look different. They can also produce noticeably different sound characteristics.

Reverse Cone Exhausts

The reverse cone is a classic motorcycle exhaust design that works particularly well with Triumph's modern-classic styling.

The wider rear section gives the exhaust a purposeful, traditional appearance while allowing you to retain a relatively compact overall design.

Reverse cone systems are available across a number of Hitchcox Triumph applications and can be supplied with removable dB killers on compatible products.

They're a particularly popular choice if you want a classic, clean and understated look.

Shotgun Exhausts

Shotgun-style exhausts offer a shorter, more aggressive appearance.

They're particularly suited to motorcycles where you want the exhaust to become a more obvious part of the bike's overall design.

Depending on the Triumph model and exhaust configuration, shotgun systems can offer a different sound and visual character from a traditional reverse cone.

If you're choosing between the two, think about the motorcycle as a whole. Do you want the exhaust to blend into the bike's classic lines? Or do you want it to become one of the first things people notice?

Drag Pipes

Drag pipes are about as direct as an exhaust design gets.

They provide a stripped-back, aggressive appearance and are designed for riders who want a raw character.

However, they aren't suitable for every Triumph or every emissions specification.

For example, Hitchcox's T100/T120 full drag system is specifically described as the loudest Triumph aftermarket exhaust option in that range and does not use removable dB killers.

So if you're considering a drag-style system, make sure you understand exactly what you're buying before ordering.

5. How Loud Do You Want Your Triumph to Be?

This is one of the most important questions to ask yourself.

More noise isn't necessarily better.

The ideal exhaust sound is subjective, and what sounds fantastic on a short ride may become tiring on a two-hour journey.

That's why some Hitchcox exhaust systems use removable dB killers.

A dB killer, sometimes called a baffle, reduces the volume and changes the character of the exhaust note.

Depending on the exhaust, you may be able to choose between different sound levels.

With the dB killer installed - you'll generally get a more controlled exhaust note that's better suited to everyday riding.

With the dB killer removed - the exhaust becomes louder and more open, with a more aggressive character.

If your chosen exhaust has a removable dB killer, this can give you some flexibility to find the sound you're happiest with.

6. Stainless Steel or Titanium?

The material you choose affects both the appearance and characteristics of your exhaust.

At Hitchcox, many of our systems are available in 304 stainless steel, while selected systems are also available in titanium.

304 Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an excellent choice if you want:

• Long-term durability
• A traditional metallic appearance
• Excellent corrosion resistance
• A choice of finishes
• Great value for a handcrafted exhaust

It can also be ceramic coated on compatible systems if you're looking for a black finish.

Titanium

Titanium is particularly appealing if weight saving is important to you.

It also develops its own distinctive appearance as it experiences heat cycles, which can create the characteristic blue, purple and gold colouring many riders associate with titanium exhaust systems.

Hitchcox's T100/T120 full drag system, for example, is available in titanium as well as 304 stainless steel.

Which should you choose? If you're building a motorcycle around durability, classic looks and value, stainless steel is an excellent choice. If you're looking for low weight and the distinctive appearance of titanium, titanium may be the better fit.

7. What About the Finish?

The exhaust doesn't have to be brushed silver.

Depending on the system, you may be able to choose between different finishes to complement the rest of your Triumph.

Popular choices include:

• Brushed stainless steel - a classic, understated finish that works particularly well with traditional Triumph builds.
• Ceramic black - ideal for a darker, more contemporary appearance.
• Titanium - for riders who want the distinctive colour and finish that develops through heat cycling.

The right finish depends largely on the rest of your motorcycle. Take a look at your engine casings, wheels, frame and other components and consider whether you want the exhaust to stand out or blend in.

8. Do I Need a Remap?

This is one of the most common questions we get. The short answer is — no, it's not mandatory.

As a general rule, a straightforward slip-on installation that retains the original catalytic converter will not need a full ECU remap. Modern Triumph ECUs can make adjustments using information from the motorcycle's sensors. This is the 15-minute autotune feature.

However, a full exhaust system or a setup that removes the catalytic converter changes the exhaust configuration much more substantially.

In those cases, a remap still isn't mandatory, but it's a good idea.

Hitchcox's technical guidance recommends a remap for its full exhaust systems, particularly where the catalytic converter is removed.

If you're unsure what your particular exhaust requires, check the product-specific fitting information before ordering.

9. Don't Forget the Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter is an important part of the motorcycle's emissions system.

Some aftermarket exhaust configurations retain the original catalytic converter, while others replace or remove it.

This is an important distinction when choosing an exhaust.

A slip-on system that retains the original catalytic converter is generally a much simpler modification than replacing the entire exhaust system and catalytic-converter arrangement.

If your chosen setup removes the catalytic converter, make sure you understand the implications for:

• Your motorcycle's emissions system
• ECU fuelling
• Dashboard warning lights
• MOT requirements
• Your particular Euro specification

The rules and requirements can depend on the motorcycle and how the exhaust is configured, so don't assume that an exhaust designed for one Triumph is automatically suitable for another.

10. What About Euro 5+?

If you've got a newer Triumph, this is particularly important.

Euro 5+ motorcycles have additional emissions monitoring and can have different sensor arrangements compared with earlier Euro 4 and Euro 5 bikes.

That means an exhaust that fits an earlier Triumph model isn't necessarily suitable for the latest version.

At Hitchcox, our Euro 5+ configurations take the revised sensor positions into account where applicable.

If you've got a 2025 or newer Triumph, always check the exact fitment before ordering.

11. How Much Difference Will an Exhaust Make?

It depends on what you change.

A slip-on exhaust can make a substantial difference to the sound and appearance of your motorcycle without changing the entire exhaust system.

A full system is a much more comprehensive modification and can alter the exhaust flow, weight, appearance and overall character of the bike.

But it's important not to buy an exhaust purely because you expect a huge horsepower increase.

For many Triumph riders, the real appeal is the combination of sound, appearance, craftsmanship and riding experience.

Your motorcycle should sound and look the way you want it to.

12. Think About How You Actually Ride

Before ordering, think about where and how you use your Triumph.

Mainly commuting? A moderate-volume slip-on with the dB killer installed may make more sense.

Weekend rides? You may want something more distinctive in both sound and appearance.

Long-distance touring? Consider how you'll feel about the exhaust after several hours in the saddle, rather than just how it sounds when you blip the throttle.

Custom build? This is where a full system, different material or alternative exhaust routing can completely transform the appearance of the motorcycle.

There's no single exhaust that's right for every Triumph rider. The best starting point is understanding what you actually want to change.

13. A Simple Triumph Exhaust Decision Guide

Still not sure? Use this as a starting point.

I mainly want a better sound - Look at slip-on exhausts. They're a straightforward way to change the character of your Triumph without necessarily replacing the complete exhaust system.

I want a different look and sound - Consider slip-ons or a full system, depending on how dramatic a change you're looking for.

I want to completely transform the bike - Look at a full exhaust system. This gives you much more scope to change the appearance and exhaust configuration.

I want a classic Triumph look - Consider a reverse cone design.

I want something shorter and more aggressive - Look at shotgun or drag-style designs, where compatible with your motorcycle.

I want the lightest possible system - Consider titanium, where available.

I want to keep things simple - Look for a compatible slip-on that retains the original catalytic converter.

14. Before You Order: The Hitchcox Motorcycles Checklist

Before clicking Add to Cart, make sure you've checked all of the following:

• Triumph model
• Engine size
• Model year
• Euro 4, Euro 5 or Euro 5+
• Slip-on or full system
• Exhaust style
• dB killer options
• Stainless steel or titanium
• Finish
• Catalytic converter configuration
• Whether a remap is recommended
• Exact fitment

If you're unsure about any of these, contact us before ordering. It's much easier to confirm your motorcycle's specification before the exhaust is made than to discover afterwards that you've selected the wrong configuration.