0020: Decatting the Bonneville T120, What You Should Know & Was it Worth It?

[@MrEye4get]

Great assessment and comments! I decided to purchase the Motone X-pipe conversion kit. I am also sad to say the Booster Plug can no longer be installed on newer (2021+) Triumph motorcycles due to government-mandated realtime emissions monitoring on all motorcycles.

[@johnwantz4939]

Just saw your video. Appreciated your honesty about this up?grade. I'm a 64 year old dude who bought my first motorcycle two years ago this month... a T-120. It scared the hell out of me with so much power! If I was twenty something I suppose I'd do the tweeks here and there to get more performance. My opinion...Triumph did a great job with the stock product. Yeah I've bought some simple accessories to suit my style tastes. I smile when parked next to Harleys and folks will admire my bike rather than the the lounge chairs on wheels.

[@jvalequin]

Well said. This latest round from Hinkley is just spot on.

[@band79]

I did the same myself, and i agree with all your points at the end. The difference in sound and performance was marginal, not that i regret, but maybe i wouldnt have bothered if i knew the end result. Thanks for your videos 👍

[@scottstambaugh8473]

Just put same unit in my Thruxton R, and I gotta say, yup, bigger job than I expected. It is now significantly louder, which I'm not super big on, but I can absolutely feel a performance difference. I'm still working with the front exhaust connections, because I have a leak and I'm having trouble getting pipes into the decat unit, but so far am jazzed by the results. It is absolutely faster and ballsier throughout the rev range, and honestly, I didn't expect it to be that pronounced.

[@jvalequin]

Now that is an interesting question. Do you think the Thruxton might be tuned in a way that takes better advantage of the increased airflow?

[@scottstambaugh8473]

@@jvalequin the Thruxton is definitely in a different state of tune, as it makes significantly more horsepower. But how any of that works with airflow, I have no idea. My first reactions were, it is not subtle. I'm not a terribly sensitive barometer on things like this, and I absolutely noticed a difference.

[@BATMAN777888]

Thanks for sharing. Great video. You have now put me off even attempting this on my new T120 black.

[@GettinAuld]

Subbed! Nice to find another Triumph channel on the tubes.

[@DriveRangePro]

Great honest video about the benifits - thanks. I've installed the booster plug on my 2018 T120 and done a re-map (Tune ECU) to get the 100% throttle and better fuelling. Which is a much easier way to get more power and keep the emissions legal.

[@ifilmhackersdotcom]

This video was enough to cross this idea from my mind. Even if I manage to pull off this whole thing, I'd just not have any confidence riding the bike afterwards.

[@nyscribbler]

Thanks so much for the review - saved me a whole lot of time as I’m passing on doing cat removable based on your ROI assessment!

[@Fifthstone1]

Thanks for this excellent video! I have a need T120 and coming from the Harley world am chomping at the bit to make some mods. After seeing how much of a PITA this was for you vs the modest wins, I’ve crossed this one off my wishlist. Thanks!

[@pyootchnich]

thanks for saving a few years of my life I would have lost due to frustration. I'll either be satisfied with my slip ons or take it to the shop.

[@motonoob4k]

Absolutely love your intro… Good videos.

[@tomtardif4387]

I put the same cross pipe in my T120 when a booster plug and Joe Vince stainless steel performance pipes and it performs a really nice sounds awesome and gets great gas mileage lightened 35 lb from the bike the performance pipes were a lot lighter than the stock pipes. And if you are going to do the cross pipe make sure you have exhaust gaskets before you start because you may end up ruining one or two like I did... LOL and my dealership cannot order the gaskets they were on backorder. My bike sits in the garage for two weeks till I decided to order from a dealership in England. I got the part in one week. It's been over a month I told them to cancel the order at my dealership in Maine. I only had to pay about $20 more for shipping it was well worth it because now I'm riding. I didn't find it all that difficult to do. Just fun getting to some bolts like the one under the gas tank.

[@rkrzbk]

I am so glad i saw that Bike Shed video before trying to install it. I just paid to get it done. $200 probably worth it

[@joesanchez7018]

Who installed it for you. My shop wants 400

[@csc-photo]

New obstacle in this mod - the 2022 T120 models use WELDS instead of clamps, on the link pipe connections at the rear of the cat. Trickier to get off the bike with pipes attached, and (since I don't have welding skills...) I needed to order 2016-2019 link pipes / clamps / gaskets to do the job ($360 with a 15% discount from my dealer). From what I hear, Triumph and other manufacturers are being pressured to make it more difficult to modify exhaust systems. Leaving this here for others so they don't get surprised by this new cat setup. I think the Thruxton RS and a few other models started the cat welds a year or two ago, but it's new for the T120 in 2022. Not sure about T100 or other models.

[@steve5370]

My issue too - .I have the black pipes

[@csc-photo]

@@steve5370 Same. T120 Black. My approach - oem center stand, 2016-2019 link pipes, and the TEC x-pipe. More $ but I think it'll be worth it. My bigger dilemma - getting the welded cat OFF the bike. My hunch is the left frame rail will need to come off entirely (not just loosened), at the very least. Possibly both frame rails - left first / twist cat down / re-attach / same procedure on right side.

[@csc-photo]

@@steve5370 UPDATE - got word from British Customs that a solution is in the works. They put me on a contact list so I'll be alerted when it's available. I'm going to sit tight and wait for now, instead of ordering link pipes from the dealer. Getting a center stand in the meantime. Hope this helps!

[@tsmgguy]

Have to add that installing the Tec Bike Parts X-pipe on my T120 didn't change the sound, but it gave me a bit more of it. It's not a hooligan sounding bike by any means.

[@tsmgguy]

Getting the cat shield/mount out with the cat mounted to it was an incredible feat since there's just no working clearance in there. You are the man! I didn't try, instead swinging down the left lower frame tube and just sliding the cat out to the left. Cat delete and TEC X-pipe installation was no easy task on my T120, either. It took me most of a weekend. I'd add one more reason to delete the cat: heat reduction. I live in a hot climate and this has been very welcome. The bike's throttle is also now much smoother. Other really worthy little mods are replacing the swoopy front brake discs with the much lighter and better looking T100 discs. This also improves turn in and reduces unsprung weight by four pounds. Replacing the stock T120 headlamp with that of the T100 reduces weight even more, gets you much more room in the headlight shell, and gives a high beam that works very well indeed. Enjoyed the video, thanks!

[@thomasmarsh3752]

I just completed this mod on my T120 - pretty significant power boost, but I've also already pulled the airbox, installed a Baak intake, and swapped out BC Sleeper Pro pipes. Both steps in the process, decat and airbox removal, produced noticeable torque and power gains. Not sure if decat alone would accomplish this, since I did the airbox first. Highly recommend both steps.

[@jvalequin]

Thanks for sharing. Haven't tried the intake road, glad to hear it produced some major results!

[@sgtshak2806]

Thank you for saving me from another "you bought what?" domestic again. I'll just stick with the Predator Pro's. My T100 is for chugging & cruising, not "racing". Cheers!

[@robgerety]

Good video. Very much a straight shooter. I have some BC shorty cans on my 2022 T100 . Nice subtle sound improvement. Ain't no way I am going to put an X pipe in. Not worth it.

[@buddhastaxi666]

Was going to de cat , now I will not bother....1200 Thruxton with V&H mufflers. The electric throttle on a Bonneville is not as good as cable. That sounds like a smarter mod. After all if I wanted just performance I could have kept my zx14R.

[@christopherberry8477]

Stuart Fillingham has a full video of a de-cat/X-Pipe install.

[@jvalequin]

Thanks for sharing, his videos are fantastic. Didn't realize he'd done one on this particular job. Could you give us a link for anyone searching?

[@fciscokid]

Thanks for the tutorial video , well worth the effort.

[@jvalequin]

Thank you for watching.

[@laikatravels]

I’m getting the new Speedmaster at the end of the month. A decat was going to be one of my first jobs. It looks like the hassle factor outweight’s the gain! Think I’ll reconsider. Thanks for sharing

[@jvalequin]

It may have just been my bike and the cross pipe I went with, it's so hard to say!

[@scottroberts4551]

It's pretty easy to install the X-Pipe. I noticed a ton more power with X-Pipe + British Customs exhaust - the engine is now alive. Do it!

[@johnhudghton2287]

Good honest video. Thanks.

[@USMCCGAGNG]

So what your saying is my tool kit, a screwdriver, a hammer, duct tape and some wire isn't going to do the job?

[@jvalequin]

You would be 100% correct! :D

[@TheMotorradRider]

Thank you for the video and in particular the honesty that you shared on the end results. I have been considering whether to do the de-cat but have really been “sitting on the fence” as I have just installed British Customs Predator Pros on my T120 and they sound absolutely superb. I am really starting to think that it’s just not worth it for the small gains that are attained. Thanks again for the helpful insight.

[@danield831]

Talk to the guys at BC where you bought the pipes about the performance gains from the xpipe

[@petewebb6952]

Very helpful, thanks. I still can’t make up my mind. The four reasons you give about sum it up. Given my dealership want £250 to £330 inclusive the cost is another factor.

[@jvalequin]

If I could go back, I would like to try the Booster Plug on its own with a remap vs. the route I took.

[@stkildadave]

How many hour's did it take you to do this job 🤔

[@carlbutel2035]

Great vid. I’m enjoying your channel. I did the tec x-pipe in my Street Twin. Apart from the increase in sound the only other thing I noticed was the rather large increase in smoke emissions. However I don’t see that happening in any other x pipe conversion video - including yours… and it got me a little worried. Did you notice any increase of smoke when revving your bike?

[@steve5370]

I have 2021 T120 Black (Euro5) the intermidiate pipes are welded into the cat on the outlet sides, so you cannot fit an off the shelf X pipe - to me it looks like a complete exhuast replacement, unless some one out there can enlighten me further! not even sure how you would get the OEM cat out of the frame?

[@jvalequin]

I really hate to hear they are wielded on now. I suppose it would have to be a full system, or at least the headers and link pipes...

[@steve5370]

@@jvalequin yes, its a 2 into 2 Tec Bike system for me, plus working out how to remove the Cat with the intermidiate pipes welded on to the convertor

[@GoD_Quake]

You shouldn’t use your torque wrench to break loose bolts. You’ll potentially damage it and put it out of spec. You really should use a proper breaker bar.

[@LondonSteveLee]

If you set your torque wrench to it's maximum setting and it DOESN'T click before breaking the bolt loose then you're doing no harm at all. In this case we are talking a bolt that's done up to 80nm. Most big torque wrenches go up to 140nm. True, once you get a click then don't add more pressure - that's how you screw a torque wrench.

[@x-man5056]

@@LondonSteveLee It is a meter not a breaker bar. Breaking torque with a torque wrench is an absolute no-no. Your solution is just abuse of the meter. A fastener done to 80nm could be cross-threaded and/or corroded and exceed the 140nm but that doesn't matter anyway. Don't use a hammer to adjust a wrist watch and don't use a torque wrench for a breaker bar or even as a ratchet (except during the final torquing). It is a meter. A measuring instrument.

[@randyhanlon4746]

Triumph built a bike around the catalytic converter. What the....

[@jvalequin]

I'd say that is a fair assessment.

[@chrisbolton2500]

Did the same job on my Thruxton R. As you've found, it was a pig of a job.........with a capital P. Worth it ? Hell yes...........!!

[@jvalequin]

What cross pipe did you go with?

[@chrisbolton2500]

@@jvalequin Like you, I went with the TEC product. By far and away the best value x pipe I could find. They are located less than 100 miles from me, in the north of England. I know some have had good results with the Motone custom unit. But the TEC was well made at a good price, and came with a lifetime guarantee. I fitted the Vance & Hines silencers and a Power Commander V at the same time. The bike was then custom tuned, by Dynojet UK. Honestly, I dont think you will reap the full benefit with any of the modifications made in isolation.

[@kevinh82]

Hey friend, may i ask why you think its worth it?

[@chrisbolton2500]

@@kevinh82 Like most, I was looking for improved sound from the exhaust. For many, I suppose that's reason enough, and yes, it does sound better as far as I'm concerned, but of course this is subjective. The Cat does strangle the exhaust, and it also runs very lean. A few more bhp is released, but again, real world use, I doubt it would be that noticeable to be honest. I wanted to fit a supercharger to my machine, so I wanted the widest possible scope to tune so perhaps my motivation and subsequent satisfaction with the process differd from most. (I fitted the supercharger kit supplied by TTS Engineering)

[@kevinh82]

@@chrisbolton2500 Thanks for the elaboration, appreciate it 🙂

[@x-man5056]

I'm doing a 2022 SS 900 right now. It would have been pretty easy but some dimwit put the clamp on the left tube with the Allen head facing directly to the frame upright. I will have to modify a Allen just to hopefully loosen the clamp enough to be able to turn it to were I can easily get it the rest of the way. But no worries about taking the frame apart. No Cat will be better for your engine, It won't have to work as had to breath. The heat under your motor is not exactly helpful either.

[@jvalequin]

Sorry to hear about that clamp! Yikes.

[@x-man5056]

@@jvalequin I don't even see how in the heck they managed to do it.

[@jvalequin]

@@x-man5056 that's the start of every good wrenching story!

[@felipemvm]

loved the video, but I waited for a sound test :( and it never came

[@AffyNoX]

I have a speed twin, it has a balance pipe just after the O2 sensor connecting both the exhaust before the cat. Is it still required this x pipe if we want to remove the cat, will a straight pipe do?

[@stkildadave]

Thanks for the information. I was going to install the x pipe myself, but after seeing what I'm up against, I'm not sure now. How many hours did it take you to install. Thanx

[@MrStingraybernard]

I’ve done this and you made it way more harder then you had to

[@jvalequin]

Ok... How so?

[@iLLuzion1st]

Instead of being a turd do actually have any advice or suggestions?

[@chadmock5883]

i let my dealer perform this. for the money it was worth it..Drop it off. pick it up. done. If anything goes wrong they own the job. If you like to wrench and are determined yes you can do it. For sure it frees up the motor and reduces foot heat. And it lets out the Triumph growl as most of the noise baffling is in the cat and not the silencers. I would suggest a K&N highflow air filter to go along with it.. more air in more air out. Your engine braking will be reduced. In the end for me sound is the only real benefit. In the future i wont touch it. Im interested in the booster plug due to my throttle liking to "take off" on me. Best i can describe it. Will try this next. Thank you for sharing this video and i enjoy watching them.

[@triskelworkshop2855]

I made the desision before buying my brand new T120, so when i picked it up, it already came with the x-pipe installed. No hasseling or extra cost there, it was a pure dealership service. I have no idea how my bike would have performed with the factory installed cat, but i'm more than happy with it's sound (with factory pipes) and performance as it is now

[@jvalequin]

What brand cross pipe did you go with?

[@chadmock5883]

Tiny Triumph Shop I bought the TEC. Runs about $175.00 if I recall.

[@jvalequin]

@@chadmock5883 same here, I'm curious about how it compares to the Motone.

[@chadmock5883]

Tiny Triumph Shop in respects to its function they are all likely going to be similar. I’ve heard that Norman Hyde has some issues with fitment. No direct experience with that one though. So far mine has been great. 4500 miles no issues.

[@acbike]

Great video and evaluation. One topic you did not mention. Did you experienced any reduction in engine temperature? I mean, do you feel more comfortable around your legs when the radiator´s ventilators goes on? Thanks

[@jvalequin]

You know, that is a great question. I can't say that I recall the radiator ever being too hot to notice in the first place. I don't live in a particularly warm part of the country. Hopefully someone else who has done the mod can chime in.

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Nice narration and summation.:-) I must admit I had mine done at a service, and I run original silencers. No noticeable change in performance: it was sweet before, and is sweet now, but does sound less "woolly". On the throttle has a bit of a bark. I have also fitted (yup, I did that one!) a KN filter to compliment the X pipe.. If one looks inside the cat. it's a miracle the bike runs at all. Pick a good smooth flow X pipe (Motone, Tec?)

[@jvalequin]

Been a huge fan of Tec for years, that's the one I picked. How about you?

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@jvalequin Mines a Motone, but the three that keep being recommended seem to be Tecs, Hyde, and the Motone?

[@HoangDuong-mi4ow]

Do you need a tune after decatting it?

[@jvalequin]

Nope, didn't really have any issues. After I added the Booster Plug, I did have it tuned. I can't say there was much of a difference before/after. The Booster Plug made the most notable change to the fueling on the bike in a overwhelmingly positive direction.

[@viktorask]

@@jvalequin People never learn what is fuel trims are. It doesnt matter you install booster plug or removed cat, fule trims will adjust to perfect AFR and no more no less fuel will be added under cold or worm conditions. I can tell you, booster plug is waist of money as ECU sees cold temp and monitor presure and then monitors what AFR comes out of your exaust, then makes AFR to make engine run perfect.

[@volt7cooltangs701]

Great vid mate

[@bernibeckmann9753]

I believe the cat gets very hot. That alone is my interest for de-catting. I'm not sure how a heat sink under the engine/oil pan is a good thing.

[@jminogue413]

I'm asking - how the hell did you get that cat off

[@jvalequin]

.....veeeeeerrrrry carefully. I hear the new Bonnies have the cats wielded in. :(

[@nicholasspinicelli2911]

Subscribed! I just bought the same exact bike, and my TEC X-pipe is coming in today actually :) Also picked up some MotoGadget MBlaze Pin indicators, British Customs retro tail light, mirrors from a Street Triple, and some other goodies. Thanks for the informative video! What town are you located in? Salt Lake City here.

[@jvalequin]

Awesome brother, keep us posted on the progress with the bike! I'm about an hour north of Nashville.

[@robertshireykelly8690]

@@jvalequin I'm in Nashville and just got a 2016 T120 a few months ago! LOVING IT, but clearly conflicted about getting aftermarket slip-ons and decatting, considering I'm this deep in the comments, haha. Thanks for the review!

[@jvalequin]

@@robertshireykelly8690 let us know which way you go!

[@geezersgarage8181]

Does the computer need to be re-calibrated after this mod ?

[@jvalequin]

I'm not positive that it does. From what I hear, the ECUs on the new Triumphs are much more adaptable than their air cooled predecessors. I ran it for a good month or so after the mod with the stock map on the ECU but recently had the bike in the shop and they remapped the ECU. The bike ran marginally better after it was remapped.

[@geezersgarage8181]

@@jvalequin Thanks for your reply. I read the comment below that a dealer performed this work. Isn't it illegal to tamper with emission devices ?

[@jvalequin]

@@geezersgarage8181 I believe different states have different legislation on the matter. CA is very strict about emissions regulations, other states not so much. I'm no lawyer though. 😁

[@wells799]

yes the x-pipe makes a difference to the performence to me nisa ride ps like your videos

[@jvalequin]

Thanks brother!

[@Chef-Chad]

I have a 2022 T120. Triumph welded the Cat in place so I cannot use an X-pipe. Instead, I have to replace the whole exhaust system. I going to replace it with 2-1 Low GP exhaust from British Customs. I hope it is worth it, weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[@jvalequin]

Hate Triumph is having to weld them on now!

[@Chef-Chad]

@@jvalequin Euro 6 is a grift just like the rest of climate money paid to the rich so they can have a carbon foot print of a small nation state

[@petewebb6952]

I think the sound of my T120 is improving, after a year or so anyway, without the decat...

[@jvalequin]

I wonder if that is the ECU slowly adapting?! Someone who knows more about this should chime in!

[@nickaxe771]

You dont need to remover the plate above the cat. Also a huge benefit to me anyway.....its the dam engine braking with the cat fitted.....its horrendous..like putting the brakes on....now its just like a normal bike with normal engine braking. I have the T100....its more lively....less jumpy on low throttle openings....pull a higher gear at a lower speed. And I love the sound....no to noisy.I would not like that....just right to me....with the std peashooter exhaust.....would never part with them.....they look to good...old school. I fitted the British TES X-Pipe....not mentioned in the instruction vid....but I did read it elsewhere.....how to let the ECU re-set immediately after the install on the first engine start.....you must not open the throttle till the procedure is done. Basically start up....let idle/tick over till the cooling fan kicks in.....leave running still dont touch the throttle.....and wait a further 12mins....stop the motor....re start it.....that it...job done. TEC do say in there instruction this procedure is not req....but I did it anyway.....I get no popping on the over run....Thank God...would not like that.

[@mcplutt]

105 Nm for the bolt to the crankcase. At least for the Street Twin 900.

[@RichardSmith-xp5yf]

I just did this on my Speedmaster. What a bitch! I cut my cat out to get it out of the frame. Half way through the job, I wish I would’ve just left it alone and just added the new pipes and left the cat alone. Your bud will help a lot of people. I do like the sound though.

[@nicholasspinicelli2911]

Hey Tiny! Roughly how many miles did your pony have before you did the cat delete? I ask because my T120 now has like 750 miles, and man does it feel so much different and it does sound better (post-primary break in period). I actually have the TEC cat delete and am now wondering if it's worth the $200. I don't know man. I also heard it was more "tin" sounding? That might be a bad thing.

[@jvalequin]

Hey Nick, I had just over 1500 miles on her before I did the delete. I will say to the "tin" sound, make absolutely sure the gaskets are tight on the cross pipe. You can wet your hand and feel around the gaskets for any air while the bike is running. I originally had a really "tinny" sound coming from the clutch side of the bike, it turns out one of the gaskets was not properly seated!

[@nicholasspinicelli2911]

@@jvalequin Huh, good to know! I think I'll do the install, simply because A: returns of anything suck, B: there is reportedly more power, C: you mentioning the "tin-sound" puts my mind at ease. How did you go about fixing the gasket? Did you have to take it ALL apart again to fix it?

[@jvalequin]

@@nicholasspinicelli2911 fixing it only required removing the offending gasket and reinstalling it. YMMV, but it shouldn't require taking anything off at all!

[@EazyDuz18]

It's not difficult. It's just removing and reinstalling bolts.

[@Zimmermann310]

Easy job.

[@tofuandsoybean6218]

I have own my t120 since 2016 and never want or have desire to decat the bike simply I know this is not the bike to do it on.

[@estgassantana9068]

NO THANKS I PAY 200 thanks for the video

[@bruno.veloce]

"Diiim" kkkkkk!

[@fideoioioi]

I hate your "dings"... couldn't finish the video. Watching Stuart's