Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all, I have an Electra X (2007) and intend to fit the 32mm Amal carb. It is also recommended that the standard down pipe is replaced due to restrictive inner pipe. Someone previously kindly advised that the inner pipe is spot welded in place and can be removed, but has anyone actually attempted to do this?. If so would love to know how and whether it was a reasonably straightforward job?

Hi Tzen.I just ditched the original down pipe and fitted the free flowing one as sold by our host. This was a big mistake, as the chrome job on the original was 897% more durable. One winter season riding with our host's down pipe made it look like rusted scrap metal, whilst the original was used three or four winter seasons and still looked nice and shiny. So please persevere, and try and cut out the inner pipe of your original exhaust. Hope someone comes along soon and tells you how. Good luck!

Hi Robin, thanks, that certainly offers a new dimension as I had thought the replacement pipe would be better quality! Definitely going to have to give this a go before committing. By the way, how much better was the performance?

Tzen, how would you get the inner pipe (actually the cat, I think) out, what with it being bent? I'm trying to visualise it.

I would guess the inner pipe keeps the outer cooler. Cutting that out may mean you burn the outer and make just as much mess of it.

Hi Thack, yes, I am not sure if this is possible because of the bend - hence I am hoping someone has done it already and can advise. My logic being it went in, so it must come out?!

Not sure it would classify as the cat though, aren't these usually in the end can if fitted?

Use a grinder on the the welds or cut the pipe with a hacksaw about an 1/8" behind the welds..

Frank, yes, also considered this and if the external pipe wall is manufactured from thinner gauge because of the internal pipe, then this certainly could be an issue. Nothing is straightforward eh!!!!

Tzen, I don't know for sure, but I'm almost certain the gases aren't hot enough in the silencer to achieve the operating temperature needed by the cat, hence why I think it's in the downpipe. Happy to be proved wrong, though!

Oh, Tzen, to your other point about it went in, so it must come out. I may well be talking rubbish, but I assumed the inner is welded into the outer *before* they are bent to shape.