I was out riding the other day enjoying the fine Phoenix weather. At one of my stops, I noticed a converted police bike with the exhaust pipes wrapped in the glass (not sure of proper name) and it had the heat shields on too.
Has anyone done this to their bike and how well does it work to reduce heat around the engine?

 

If you're talking about the exhaust wrap that's popular these days, it's basically for looks and effect only...some people claim that there's a performance boost, but I'll call BS on that...I reckon it's handy if the chrome on the exhaust has gone bad and ya don't want to rechrome or Jet Hot it... I don't like the idea of superheating the exhaust pipes inside the wrap... I seriously doubt you'll find too much difference in the heat from the engine, especially if you ride a Twinky, there's just too many other sources of heat closer to your seat!

 

Seems to make the pipes crack also

 

Yep, they are not really great for the metal+heat underneath the wrap. They definitely have a place though.. depending on the look you're going for. Also, if I bought a used pipe with or without heat shields, I might give the wrap a shot. I like that rat-bagger look.

 

Yes, I can see that happening due to the extreme heat and subsequent cooldown, would work-harden the metal. I don't know, if this was good stuff, it woulda been on stock motorcycles years ago...

 

I wrapped my Fullsack header under the shields and got rid of almost all the exhaust heat. It was unbearable with the stock '09 non-cat header (even wrapped). I guess I'll find out how long the header lasts?? It is an old hot rod trick to rid under hood heat.

 

I see the OP has an 08. The only way to solve the heat problem on that year bike, is to do what I recently did. Trade it for a bike at least 1 year newer. I had an 08 Ultra. That damn thing burned me up.

 

the exhaust wrap does aid performance as it keeps the exhaust gasses hot- same thing the jethot coatings do.

Hot exhaust gasses have better velocity in the system- and that aids performance.

there are downsides, the pipes can rust underneath, cracks may go undiscovered and it can look like crap.

but it does keep the heat in.

Mike