Yamaha XSR MT09 Stainless De-Cat Pipework

The yamaha xsr mt09 stainless de-cat pipework from Max Torque Cans is the definitive upgrade for any XSR900 or MT09 owner who wants to shed unnecessary weight, free up restricted exhaust flow, and unlock the true character of their 900cc crossplane triple. Designed and manufactured right here in the UK from premium T304 stainless steel, this de-cat pipe replaces the oversized, cumbersome OEM catalyst box that sits buried in your downpipes — strangling performance and adding kilograms you simply do not need.

If you have been riding your Yamaha XSR900 or MT09 and wondering why it feels a little breathless in the mid-range, or why the exhaust note never quite has that raw, spine-tingling edge you were hoping for, the answer is almost certainly that enormous factory cat box. It weighs in at a staggering 5 kilograms.

The Max Torque Cans de-cat pipework tips the scales at just 0.7 kilograms — a saving of 4.3 kilograms in a single bolt-on modification. That is weight removed from a central, low position on the bike, improving handling balance, agility, and outright performance in one clever package.

Why Choose the Yamaha XSR MT09 Stainless De-Cat Pipework?

The standard OEM catalyst on the XSR900 and MT09 platform is large, heavy, and deeply restrictive. Yamaha engineers were required to package it into the exhaust headers to meet stringent emissions regulations, and as a result it creates a significant bottleneck in the exhaust flow path. By removing it entirely and replacing it with the yamaha xsr mt09 stainless de-cat pipework, you are giving your engine the ability to breathe freely — particularly at higher revs where flow restriction has the greatest impact on power delivery and throttle response.

Max Torque Cans manufacture this de-cat pipe from T304 stainless steel, the same high-grade material used in professional race pipework and performance exhaust systems. T304 stainless offers excellent resistance to heat cycling, corrosion, and the harsh British weather conditions your bike will face year-round. There are no weedy pressed-steel sections here — just clean, properly constructed stainless pipework built to last the life of your bike and beyond.

According to Yamaha Motor Europe, the MT09 and XSR900 share the same fundamental exhaust architecture, which means this de-cat solution works seamlessly across both models as well as the Niken 900cc triple. The engineering is precise, the fitment is proven, and the results speak for themselves on both the road and the track.

Technical Specifications and Material Quality

• Material: T304 stainless steel throughout — no mild steel, no compromises
• Weight saving: 4.3 kg compared to the standard cat box assembly
• Outlet diameter: 2 inch / 51 mm — compatible with a wide range of aftermarket cans and silencers
• Compatible bikes: Yamaha XSR900, MT09, and Niken 900cc headers
• Compatible silencers: OEM rear silencer and Max Torque Cans slip-on range
• Fuelling: No fuelling alterations required in most applications

Fitment and Installation of the Yamaha XSR MT09 Stainless De-Cat Pipework

Fitting the yamaha xsr mt09 stainless de-cat pipework does require a small amount of fabrication work — specifically, your standard OEM headers will need to be cut at the correct position to allow the new pipe to be welded in cleanly and securely. This is not a complicated job, but it does require access to a welder, either at home or through a local motorcycle workshop or fabricator.

Full photographic guidance and clear, step-by-step instructions are provided with every order so you know exactly where to make the cut and how the finished joint should look.

Once the de-cat pipe is welded and fitted, the 2 inch / 51 mm outlet accepts any compatible slip-on silencer or can of your choice, giving you complete flexibility over your final exhaust note and aesthetic. Whether you choose to retain your standard rear silencer for a more subtle tone or upgrade to one of the Max Torque Cans performance cans for maximum sound and fury, the fitment remains exactly the same as before — just without that large, ugly, restrictive cat box in the middle of the equation.

This is generally considered a workshop job, but a competent and mechanically minded rider with access to the right tools and welding equipment should be able to complete the installation at home. The key requirement is a clean, secure weld — if you are comfortable with that, the rest of the process is straightforward and well-documented.

MOT Compliance and Legal Considerations

One of the most common questions we receive about de-cat pipework concerns the MOT test, and we are pleased to give a very straightforward answer. In the United Kingdom, motorcycles are tested for noise during the MOT — not emissions. This means that provided your rear silencer is road-legal and meets noise regulations, fitting the yamaha xsr mt09 stainless de-cat pipework will not cause your bike to fail its annual test.

You can remove that heavy, restrictive catalyst and ride with complete confidence at MOT time.

This is one of the reasons why the yamaha xsr mt09 stainless de-cat pipework is such a popular choice among everyday riders who want genuine performance gains without compromising their ability to use the bike on the road legally. It is the best of both worlds — a freer-flowing, lighter, better-sounding machine that still passes its MOT without drama or complications.

It is worth noting that while this product removes the emissions catalyst from your headers, Max Torque Cans always recommends riders make themselves aware of their local regulations and ride responsibly. This product is intended for road and track use where permitted by law.

Performance Gains from the Yamaha XSR MT09 Stainless De-Cat Pipework

Removing 4.3 kilograms of cast-iron-equivalent weight from the centre of your motorcycle is a meaningful performance gain in itself, but the yamaha xsr mt09 stainless de-cat pipework delivers more than just a diet. By eliminating the flow restriction caused by the catalyst, exhaust gases exit the engine more freely and more quickly.

The result is improved throttle response, a more linear and aggressive power delivery across the rev range, and — crucially — a far more satisfying exhaust note from your silencer or performance can.

The MT09 and XSR900’s 900cc crossplane triple is already one of the most characterful and exciting engines in the middleweight naked segment. This de-cat pipe simply removes the artificial dampening imposed on it by the OEM catalyst and lets it perform the way it was always meant to. No remapping required. No complicated fuelling changes. Just bolt it up, weld it in, and ride.

Max Torque Cans exhausts are engineered specifically to deliver maximum power without requiring fuelling alterations, so you can enjoy the upgrade immediately after fitting without a trip to the dyno or an ECU tune — although for those who want to extract every last fraction of performance, a remap will always complement the freer-flowing setup beautifully and unlock even more potential from that characterful triple.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will the yamaha xsr mt09 stainless de-cat pipework fit both the XSR900 and MT09? Yes — this de-cat pipe is designed to fit Yamaha XSR900, MT09, and Niken models sharing the same 900cc header configuration.
• Do I need to remap my bike after fitting? No fuelling alterations are required in standard applications. The pipework is designed to work effectively with the OEM fuelling map straight out of the box.
• Can I keep my standard rear silencer? Absolutely. The 2 inch / 51 mm outlet is fully compatible with both the OEM rear silencer and aftermarket cans, so your choice of silencer remains completely flexible.
• Is welding required? Yes — the OEM headers need to be cut and the new de-cat pipe welded in at the correct position. Full instructions and photographs are included with your order.
• Will this fail my MOT? No. UK motorcycles are noise tested, not emission tested, so provided your rear silencer is road-legal, fitting this de-cat pipe will not affect your MOT result.
• How much weight will I save? The standard cat box weighs 5 kg. The yamaha xsr mt09 stainless de-cat pipework weighs just 0.7 kg — a saving of 4.3 kg.

If you are interested in de-cat solutions for other bikes, take a look at our Aprilia RS660 De-Cat DownPipes — another superb example of what properly engineered stainless pipework can do for a performance machine. We also have great options including the Triumph 765 Moto 2 De-Cat pipe for Triumph triple owners looking for the same kind of transformation.

Order your yamaha xsr mt09 stainless de-cat pipework today and experience the difference that 4.3 kilograms and a free-flowing exhaust path can make to one of the most exciting motorcycles on the road.