Clean and waxed is not the real problem. On a chrome wheel the chrome is thinner on the inside or near the bead and the "tire changer" roughs them up over the years till the chrome get messed up and they get a slow leak.
The Ultima wheel I am looking at is not chromed but polished. They are billet and CNC machined like the high dollar wheels. As far as the bearings go would be on the mechanic installing them.

 

last time I had a tire mounted I had a 240 put on a muscle wheel for my 02 V rod an they did it by hand. kinda surprised me but it went on pretty easily. They said they avoid using the tire mounter if possible...there wasn't a tire on it when I took it in though so I don't know if they would have removed an old one by hand.

 

I like that ultima wheel someone posted a link to on eBay. Now if I could just get in polished, or black and to accept a mechanical speedo

 

What kind of bike and what size wheel do you need?

 

I have a 97 FXDWG single disc brake, no speedo. and Im trying to find a Ultima, Manhatten Polished wheel to fit it. 21x2.15

 

I wonder if it might cheaper to have your wheel refinished.
When I looked at Ultima's site, I noticed they sell what amounts to a reducer for the older smaller axles and that is what is necessary to install it on your bike. That also explains why the listings in eBay ETC specify 2000-2006 models or something like that.

From Ultima's website:

NOTE: Use MW# 33-295 Axle Reducer for 3/4� axle applications

 

Yes, they say the reducer works fine. I have also seen that same wheel in 3/4 axel [ no reducer ] from a private individual seller on ebay but he want $550 with tire, scared of it being used and selling as new. This is the wheel, but will it fit my 97 WG and my bearings.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/122058519484...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

This is a similarly styled alternative at about the same price point.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/121079935192

I like these for around the same price.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/201629011411

The second link I posted is made by performance machine yet are still moderately priced. I like how the rotor side looks

Check the fitment, as I was just doing a quick search before going to sleep.

Have you thought about going with a dual disc setup?

 

Sounds like this listing will fit my bike with the flat bearings and 3/4 axel, plus only $350 for a new wheel then add the new tire is a good deal. If it fits.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/122058519484...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

Just so you are not pissed when you get the rim. We have 3/4 taped bearings. These are sealed 3/4 bearings or they could be 1" or even 25mm. Anyway you will need new front wheel axle spacers. Your old ones went inside the dust cup of the bearing. If you have a mechanical speedo like me you will need a now rotor with a notch cut out of it. I had to also cut down my speedo. If you are not doing the work. It could get pricey.