Decat pipes

A decat pipe, also called a cat delete, replaces the section that holds the original catalyst with a plain tube. It is strictly a track part: before you look at part numbers, ask yourself one question: will the bike be ridden on public roads?

A straight tube for the track

Riders fit one for track days and racing because it saves weight and opens up the sound, but it takes the bike outside its emissions approval: it is not legal on the road and will not pass an MOT or any other roadworthiness test. MIVV, IXIL, Akrapovič and Yoshimura make them for specific models, from the Duke 390 or Ninja 400 to the Ténéré 700, the Hayabusa or the Voge DS800 Rally and 900 DSX. Each brand's range has its own page: IXIL decat pipes and MIVV decat pipes.

Choosing yours

1. Search for the decat pipe by make, model and year. Some part numbers span two generations, such as the one for the Ninja 1000 SX and 1100 SX.
2. Check on the product page which exhaust it fits: many decat pipes are designed for a specific silencer from the same brand.
3. Keep the original part: it has to go back on if the bike ever returns to the road.

Common questions

Can I just hollow out the catalyst?

Gutting it has the same consequences as removing it: the bike no longer meets the approval it was registered with, it fails the roadworthiness test and riding it like that can lead to fines. If what you want is a different sound on the road, the answer is an approved silencer for your version; our motorcycle exhausts page explains how to choose one.

Does the ECU need remapping?

Often yes: without the catalyst, exhaust back pressure and the sensor readings change, and a new fuel map is usually needed. If in doubt, ask us on the chat before you order.

Looking for the opposite, the catalyst your exhaust needs to be road legal? It's under catalytic converters.