Just got an 07 Firebolt XB12

[DougH]

So I went out and got an 07 firebolt xb12 for my first bike. I love the sound and feel of the bike...aside from it being a pants roaster. Anyone have any recommended mods for a novice rider for this bike? Bike already has added air intake and I plan to add some heat shielding so I dont fry myself. If any of you more experienced riders have any input I would appreciate it. Thanks guys and gals!

 

[rchuff]

PICS OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN.

 

[DougH]

She's got some use from the previous owners...32k miles but she had a complete engine rebuild by Harley at 22k. I think she's beautiful and I only paid 3k. This site is being finnicky about letting me upload a photo from my phone but I'll see what I can do.

 

[ReadyXB]

Congratulations and welcome!

 

[DougH]

 

[rchuff]

Are you sure that is not a picture of your buddies bike. Just messing with you and welcome to the site you will not find a better bunch of guys and gals to help you out if need be. [up] Nice bike.

 

[DougH]

Actually here it is next to my friends 12 Ninja 650 which is what I planned to get originally. I can't wait to ride her. I let my buddy ride it home and have to get it titleled still

 

[Honch777]

You said this is your first bike?

I really REALLY hope this is not the first bike you've been on... consider having EMTs waiting along your route.

 

[Sirius815]

^^ Really? I think the XB (9 or 12) is perfectly fine to learn to ride on...just don't be ham-fisted!

 

[Restlessrustler]

Dont listen to Honch777, but respect the throttle and if you punch it on a short bike and being a first bike, you will see the emts....but if you go slow and take it at a good pace you'll be ok....good luck and ask any questions here.....most of us are decent...lol!

 

[Honch777]

In my opinion, first timers should be on 500s, 650's or even better, dirt bikes (grass hurts WAY less that asphalt). Putting someone on a Firebolt with Zero experience is dangerous...

 

[DougH]

I took the MSF safety course and rode on the back of other bikes as a kid. In the MSF I road around three different little 250s. I know they are small and I know this is a much more powerful bike. I plan to take it slow and drive her around in a parking lot first before I even take her around the roads.

 

[Honch777]

Well that's good to hear, I had assumed by your "first bike" comment, that this was the first time you'd been on 2 wheels ever. Carry on then

 

[DougH]

Ya if I had never been on a bike before I'm sure if agree with you ha. Does anyone know if Odie of Special OPS Is still doing work? Waiting on an email reply. I really need some heat shielding. This girl is hot!

 

[Sirius815]

^^ If you wait about 2 months you get a response, then you send money and you wait another 6 months (or longer) and get your quality product. Don't expect contact except for when right before you send cash.

 

[djs2k2]

I got my heat shielding from odie, and I had no problems, quick responses, and cell phone conversations! With that being said everyone's experience is different! I have a 07 and it has over 30k the only thing that I have had to do is rocker box gasket and stator+vr. Runs stronger than the day I got her! Welcome!!!!!!!!!

 

[DougH]

Wow it only took a few days to hear from Odie. I got worried at first. I paid up. Hopefully it won't take months to actually get the products. Idk how anyone rides these without heat shields.

 

[Sirius815]

They don't really help as much as you think it will. A header heat shield is probably more effective along with ceramic coating.

 

[DougH]

Header heat shield? Do you mean a header wrap? Or is there something else I've missed that's out there?

 

[ztfdrake61]

American Sport Bike sells the comfort kit which was a factory upgrade option.

Here's the link.

XB Rear header heat shield