Looking to untalented some more HP out of my TTR I just purchased. What is the best X pipe brand that would retain the shield, create more power (and sound) and not impeded on the install of a skid plate in the future? Once there are more than a couple brands I reach out to the forums for help.
TEC Bike parts would meet your every demand. Relatively easy to fit, certainly provides more mid-range power and allows the fitment of a bash plate. Obviously being in the States, you would have to factor in the shipping cost and surely, there must be others out there more local to you?
Search functions in forums leave much to be desired. Also, with changing times come change of ideas and new inventions. What was good 2 years ago may be old news today. For these reasons, I choose to post this thread. I'll leave it up to everyone here if they want to post their opinions or just move on.
Wow! Who says it's been discussed as nauseam? I'm not sick of it! If it bores you that much, leave well alone for those who don't deem it's been discussed ad nauseam!
Great mod - Sorry I can't help you though, mine was supplied & fitted by A1 Moto - UK Triumph dealer. Good luck with your search.
Two of the best at the moment are TEC Parts and Motone. Both very well made, with the same secure fixing points as the original cat. Some other makes do not use the same points. Both of them utilise sections of pipe specifically designed to aid efficient passage of exhaust gases, as opposed to using off-the-shelf pipe sections (George Milburn of TEC explains this very clearly in his X-pipe fitting vid). The Motone costs a bit more but I think it's just got the edge in terms of quality, which is why I bought one. Recommended.
I ended up purchasing the Meerkat. Most had good reviews. Thanks for the help. I based my decision on some dyno charts that were available by an independent tester.
Are you happy with the fit of the Meerkat, in particular, does it seem secure enough when all clamped up? I’m thinking all the factory mounting points aren’t required for a light x-pipe, but would like to hear if you have any regrets after install?
I will let you know once I get it installed. I have yet to hear of one cracking from being under stress. From my 20+ years experience working on and being around cars I can't see this being an issue.
I tried a TEC one, terrible fit. Sent it back for a refund. Bought a Norman Hyde one (my second, the T100 had one) and it was millimeter perfect, like the other one This was the TEC:
I tried a TEC one, terrible fit. Sent it back for a refund. Bought a Norman Hyde one (my second, the T100 had one) and it was millimeter perfect, like the other one This was the TEC:
Not sure about the pipe adding power tbh. At least not without a custom map and/or Power Commander afterwards where the torque will be far more useful and noticeable than 3 or 4 hp.
Difficult to comment on a power increase without the Dyno evidence. However the X-pipe removes the restriction created by the cat, allowing exhaust gases to flow more easily. This gives a more responsive engine. For me the most obvious improvement was in acceleration. Worth it for that alone.
From an engineering standpoint, most high performance bikes utilize exhaust systems with spring secured slip joints for good reason, they don't self destruct or break mounting bolts due to normal extreme expansion or contractions normally associated with exhaust systems. What you perceive as a poor fit cold could be exactly as intended. Just food for thought.
Update : The Meerkat fits great. The tech who installed it was the service manager who has been around Triumph's for decades. He gave it two thumbs up as well. Sounds great. Noticeable increase in rev response and throttle response. It fit like OEM.
I installed my Meerkat X-pipe today. Super happy with the fit and finish. The Meerkat really cleans things up underneath because you can lose all the mounting brackets as it’s securely held by just the factory pipe clamps. I ordered the debadged stainless pipe, looks real clean! I also installed the new Motone skidplate to close things up a bit and protect against debris. I’m not real impressed with it... the cut outs don’t match the drain plug on the ThruxtonR and the curve didn’t match the frame as nice as I would have liked. Overall good enough though. Fired it up to check for leaks, all good, and sounds just a bit meaner as I hoped. I have the factory mufflers and think I will leave them as is.
