Going to be the new owner of a 2003 XB9S-My first bike

[flaya564]

I'm picking it up tomorrow, I'm so excited and scared at the same time. It being my first bike, I was against the size of the motor but from what I've read, they are fairly tame for a "Sport Bike" and the engineering is beautiful.

The guy I'm buying it from has had his fun with the bike and has moved on to a Gold Wing, that should tell you how rough he was on it. He took the cover off and it looked brand new, besides the melted low beam lens.

Anything I should know about that year or any quarks that my come up?

Oh, any one from Maryland know of any issues with doing minor customizations
like fender eliminator and graphics? I'm thinking of wrapping the tank and swingarm in black reflective vinyl and either a flat black or a metallic anthracite for the fender, airbox, chin and tail.
Thanks.

 

[Stevenc150]

Welcome to your new addiction. [up] Make no illusions, there's nothing tame about the torque, these things have GOBS of torque, just be aware of it. You take any courses? These things are a Blast but no forgiveness to be found with the pavement. Either way, have fun and Ride Safe bro.

Edit: One last thing, like someone said before, "Dress for a crash, not the ride."

 

[flaya564]

Thanks. I took a riders course for the motor vehicles association. Mostly the basics and some rare occasion drills. The only thing I haven't bought are pants, I've got a good jacket, gloves and helmet.

Unlike my twin who bought an R6, I don't plan on getting too crazy on my bike. We've got alot of country roads out here and I plan on enjoying them.

 

[flaya564]

Just picked the bike up today. It was an hour ride home, half country half highway roads. Not a fan of long straight aways, kinda boring. The only thing I'd like to do (which I'm sure isn't the popular choice) is to get a quiet exhaust. It came a Corbin seat (very nice) and a Jardine exhaust.

Sounds nice just sitting there but on the road, I get a nice ringing in my ears. Any suggestion?

 

[MAGIC]

If it comes to exhaust anything aftermarket obviously gonna be loud as hell so only thing you can do is to downgrade to the stock muffler... or use some earplugs like a lot of Buellers do.

Ahh and welcome to the family. Ride on!

 

[taylor]

flaya564 if you think the pipe is to loud check this out. http://www.jardineproducts.com/products/productID/721

keep in mind its still loud but it does quiet it down a bit

 

[meetch]

Welcome and congratulations.... I recently purchased 03xb9s as well... and its been good to me... Small mods so far, mainly DIY stuff that I've found on this forum... Search around cause there is alot of stuff you can do for little cash..

As for the exhaust I had the same problem (my xb has the factory race kit) and did as Magic had suggested - Earplugs!

Enjoy your new toy and be safe...

 

[flaya564]

Thanks Taylor, I'm going to try that before finding a stock one.

I also wanted to thank you all for the positive responses and encouragement. I will definitely keep coming back to this site for tips tricks and mods. I'll get a list of mods together so I can start personalizing her.