Hi, was flipping through the HD parts catalog and was diggin the Fat Bob slotted gloss black cut back wheels (399.95 ea). In the part description says requires purchase of wheel installation kit?

I'm no mechanic but it seems odd to me. Is this crap or is there no way to reduce/re-use? What is the kit for/do?

Thanks!

 

I think they are referring to the correct spacers, etc. needed to fit the new wheel to your bike. You might be able to re-use some stuff. I would use new bearings also, timken or allballs. Ride safe.

 

If you look up the part #, the description shows you a picture.
New rims do not come with the guts. The guts are specific to most models.
Axle sleeve (can vary 1/8"), bearings, valve stems and shims.

 

Thanks for the replies. The model of wheel I'm interested in looks just like the 'stock' Fat Bob wheels but painted black. So I was like wtf? An extra 138. for parts I already have? Wondering if it would be cheaper just to take the bike to an experienced body shop and have them paint the wheels? Anyone done that?

hrmmmm

 

You'd be better off powdercoating the wheels, professional painting might not hold up as well and would cost about the same. Or you could get some Plasti-dip (for a flat finish) or Appliance Epoxy (for gloss) in a spray can. Both work very well for wheels. There are quite a few threads on here with pictures of both.

Also, wheel kits are not always nessecary. I would wait and see what you can reuse from your current wheels. The only thing that definitely need to be replaced would be the bearings, and you can get those by themselves from many different companies. If you do need different spacers (either inside the wheel or outside) you could probably have them cut at your local machine shop. You'd save a ton if you only needed to have yours cut shorter.

 

To me, it is a matter of convenience. The wheel installation kits come with everything you need to install the new wheels including bearings, spacers, valve stems, etc. They also come with instructions for different wheel/bike combinations. But, as you state, if all you are doing is using the same wheel in a different finish, all you really need is new bearings and the tools to remove/install them.