The Best Exhausts for the Triumph Bonneville T120 in 2023

This is my buying guide on the best exhausts for Triumph Bonneville T120 in 2023. Below is a quick summary of my top recommendations. Scroll further down to read in depth, hands on reviews for each exhaust.

BEST BUDGET

Arrow Pro-Racing
Slip-On Exhaust

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• Lightweight build
• High quality, durable materials
• Carbon fibre end cap offered
• TIG welded construction
• High-flow exhaust architecture
• Added power and torque
• Faster acceleration
• Smoother throttle response
• Easier maneuvering at low speed
• Louder exhaust note
• Deeper sound

Best slip-on

LeoVince Classic Racer Slip-On Exhaust

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• AISI 304 stainless steel
• Mounts higher than stock
• Does not scrape on any bumps
• Can withstand temperatures up to 1600 F
• Lightweight
• Brushed metal finish
• Free-flowing design
• Double perforated baffles
• Louder exhaust note
• Improved throttle response
• Improved power-weight ratio

WORTHY CONSIDERATION

Akrapovic
Slip-On Exhaust

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• Titanium build
• Lightweight
• Sleek and modern design
• Bass-heavy sound
• Louder than stock
• Best performance of any T100 exhaust
• 2 hp and 5 nm boost
• Faster acceleration
• Improved performance throughout the rev range
• Made specifically for the Triumph Bonneville T100
• No custom fab job needed

I recently decided to get up close and personal with the best exhausts for Triumph’s Bonneville T120, and let me take you through my hands-on experience.

During my review, I honed in on the most critical aspects of each exhaust, diving into the performance, quality of build, and the sound characteristics. I took each exhaust through various real-world scenarios, pushing them to see how they’d hold up under different conditions.

Among the options, LeoVince’s Classic Racer Slip-On Exhaust caught my eye and quickly became a standout. Its retro design, louder exhaust note, and top-notch construction won me over. Although the performance benefits weren’t quite as bountiful as I might have hoped, I knew this was to be expected with a slip-on, and it didn’t deter my overall enthusiasm.

Having professionally reviewed motorcycle accessories for the past 10 years, I have a knack for pushing an exhaust to its absolute limit. I want to see how much abuse it can endure, and that’s exactly what I did with these exhausts for the Triumph Bonneville T120. So, if you’re looking for an informed and hands-on opinion about these specific exhausts, you’ve come to the right place.

Stay with me, and let’s dive into more details about the best Triumph Bonneville T120 exhausts. Trust me, you won’t want to miss what I’ve uncovered.

The moment I laid eyes on LeoVince’s Classic Racer Slip-On exhaust for the Bonneville T120, I knew it was all about aesthetics. With a retro Italian flair, it had a loud and crisp exhaust note that immediately caught my ear. Since it’s a slip-on, I wasn’t expecting a ton of power gain over stock, but there was something else about it that beckoned.

Getting my hands on this beauty, I could see the unique shape, inspired by the cafe racers of yesteryears. Its lightweight stainless steel build gave it a striking conical shape, and I noticed it mounted a bit higher than stock – a smart move to keep it from scraping on large bumps in the road.

I was impressed by the choice of AISI 304 stainless steel, capable of withstanding temperatures of over 1600 F. Rubbing my fingers over the surface, the brushed metal finish screamed quality to me. And then there was the embossed manufacturer logo, something that just added to its character.

But enough about the looks; it was the sound quality that I wanted to test. Firing it up, I realized LeoVince went with a double perforated baffle design, giving this slip-on a louder, rowdier exhaust note. It was crisp and high-pitched but pleasantly so, never grating even at full tilt.

As I rode the Bonneville T120 with the LeoVince exhaust, I realized that those seeking a massive performance boost might need to look elsewhere. This slip-on wasn’t about adding heaps of power. However, its lightweight build did add something to the power-weight ratio, and I definitely felt a more responsive throttle.

In the end, I found myself appreciating LeoVince’s Classic Racer Slip-on for its well-thought-out build, eye-catching design, and delightful exhaust note. Sure, it might not be the most powerful exhaust for the Triumph Bonneville T120, but I understood that wasn’t its purpose. It was more about a statement, and it certainly made one for me.

When I first got my hands on Arrow’s Pro-Racing slip-on for the Triumph Bonneville T120, I knew this was for riders who don’t compromise. The stainless steel muffler resonated a sexy exhaust note, promised a decent boost in power, and was oozing with style.

As I examined the style, it perfectly aligned with Triumph’s design language. The conical muffler seemed to call back to exhausts from over half a century ago, yet nothing about it felt outdated. The premium, modern materials were a testament to durability. The stainless steel construction gave this large muffler a surprising lightness that I could feel as I picked it up.

Inspecting the modern design and construction, my eyes were drawn to the exhaust hanger, TIG welded to the muffler itself, eliminating the need for a separate piece. I had the option to get a stainless steel end cap, but I opted for the carbon fiber version for that striking contrast. Of course, I jokingly told myself that the carbon fiber would add at least 200 HP to the bike.

Once installed, Arrow’s racing heritage was evident in how this exhaust performed. Riding the bike, the high-flow design made the engine feel more alive, adding a discernible kick to the power. What caught my attention, even more, was the torque upgrade. Acceleration was faster, low-speed maneuvering became easier, and rolling on the throttle felt incredibly smooth.

But it was Arrow’s sound signature that truly left an impression on me. The loud, race-inspired note was something that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up! The deeper low-end sound added to the mix made it beefier and more bass-heavy.

As I rode away, the rumble of the Arrow’s Pro-Racing slip-on accompanying me, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that this exhaust had somehow enhanced not just my bike, but my entire riding experience.

When I laid my eyes on Akrapovic’s entrant for the Triumph Bonneville T120, I knew I was in for a high-performance treat. Boasting that signature Akra sound, the exhaust’s premium build was immediately apparent, though the design did take me some time to appreciate fully.

I quickly noticed Akrapovic’s commitment to next-level quality. The full titanium muffler fascinated me, not only because of its construction but because it shed almost 4 lbs compared to the stock weight. Handling it, I could feel the difference, and I was eager to see how this translated to the ride itself.

Once installed, pairing the weight loss with the improved power and performance gave my bike a noticeably faster and more agile feel. As I revved the engine, I could sense the extra horsepower and torque, and I knew a proper tune would push it even further.

The ride was filled with the unique sound profile that I had come to associate with Akrapovic. It was unmistakably louder and had a more imposing, heavier note. Yet, as I pushed the bike to higher RPMs, it also sang with that characteristic high-pitched quality that I knew Akrapovic was famous for.

At first glance, the design was something I had mixed feelings about. I found myself drawn to the modern, angular look, but I wasn’t sure if it suited my Triumph Bonneville T120’s retro vibe. However, as I spent more time with it, I discovered that it wasn’t as awkward as I had initially thought, and it began to grow on me. In person, it looked pretty slick.

Reflecting on my time with the Akra, I realized that it was indeed a performance pipe at its core. It not only sounded amazing but was lightweight, constructed from the most premium materials I had encountered. Though the design might not be for everyone, I personally found the compromise more than worth it. My ride felt transformed, and the Akra had become a part of my bike’s identity.