Finally got myself a R3 Classic



Ok real quick. The cat was not in the pipes in the 3-pipe system. It was right under the swing frame by the starter. It looks like a box. Otherwise there will be a smaller manifold to the header and route to to pipes. If he gutted the pipes well it's definitely louder. I can also see how it would add more decel pop. Without linking to the ecu I can not tell you which tune it has, but of the available Triumph OEM tunes I would suspect even the TORS TUNE would be leaner and gives decel pop without gutted pipes. Not sure if the previous owner said anything to you about tuning software or not so I will work on the not side. That being said you are limited on what you can do about the surging idle or as I call it the hunt for idle. But you should clean all the linkage springs between the throttle bodies and in front where the cables hook up. Do this with copious amounts of WD 40. As there are springs in between used to balance the three throttle bodies and springs for tension and return. If these get grimy the grit can raise havoc with the fueling system. A few pictures so you know what you are cleaning and lubricating with the WD40. Sorry I am away from home and limited to my phone.

Dude

Oh and the stepper motor: stick the straw under the rubber boot for a couple squirts
 
Beautiful ride! Welcome from Las Vegas...
-MIG