Spokes or Mags
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 371
From: North of Hell, South of Heaven
Spokes are classic, but mags allow for tubeless tires (try being 6,000 feet up the Blue Ridge Parkway with a flat and hoping for cell coverage to call for a tow), easier to keep balanced and easier to clean. I understand you can get tubeless spoked wheels, which is the way I would go if I had to have them.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
Not sure what you guys mean by 'not being able to seal a tubed tires' when out on the road.
For those of you that don't have the knowledge or equipment to repair a flat if necessary when on the road, 'Slime" makes a product that will seal a tube and allow you to continue on down the road. Below is a link;
http://www.slime.com/product/82/Tube-Sealant.html
When we are out on a long club run or something a couple of the guys will carry a can or two of the Slime Tube Tire Sealant. I believe it costs all of $5.50 a can or something like that.
Balancing is not an issue with either tubed or tubeless tires if you are running dyna beads.
Far as cleaning of spoked wheels, it's never been an issue, and even when riding in all types of weather conditions I've never had a problem with rust...
I just spray the wheel/tire down with Simple Green every couple of weeks. Spray it on, let it set for a couple minutes, then rinse it off... No big deal and you are good to go.
For those of you that don't have the knowledge or equipment to repair a flat if necessary when on the road, 'Slime" makes a product that will seal a tube and allow you to continue on down the road. Below is a link;
http://www.slime.com/product/82/Tube-Sealant.html
When we are out on a long club run or something a couple of the guys will carry a can or two of the Slime Tube Tire Sealant. I believe it costs all of $5.50 a can or something like that.
Balancing is not an issue with either tubed or tubeless tires if you are running dyna beads.
Far as cleaning of spoked wheels, it's never been an issue, and even when riding in all types of weather conditions I've never had a problem with rust...
I just spray the wheel/tire down with Simple Green every couple of weeks. Spray it on, let it set for a couple minutes, then rinse it off... No big deal and you are good to go.
Thread Starter
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Stage II
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Thank you for the lively debate. There's more mag people here than I expected and I'm not as leary of spokes as I was. I'll continue to educate myself on your big machines and look forward to the day my wife and I officially join your ranks.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
I got rid of spokes for the last time due to wear, spokes loosen and it seems HD had an issue on the 05's that caused me to have to tighten mine every 1000 miles, and when they start wobbling on the way home from a long trip, as mine did, it is a pain when all you want to do is get home.
When you tighten you will also cause a slight wear on the hub spoke holes, which mine clearly had and that can't be fixed without replacement of the hub.
With tubeless I carry a repair kit and can fix a flat in about 30 minutes or less with inflation using engine compression.
I have only had 1 flat (knock on wood) in the last 4 years, but I am prepared for it to happen again.
When you tighten you will also cause a slight wear on the hub spoke holes, which mine clearly had and that can't be fixed without replacement of the hub.
With tubeless I carry a repair kit and can fix a flat in about 30 minutes or less with inflation using engine compression.
I have only had 1 flat (knock on wood) in the last 4 years, but I am prepared for it to happen again.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 4
From: Newtown, PA
Not sure what you guys mean by 'not being able to seal a tubed tires' when out on the road.
For those of you that don't have the knowledge or equipment to repair a flat if necessary when on the road, 'Slime" makes a product that will seal a tube and allow you to continue on down the road. Below is a link;
http://www.slime.com/product/82/Tube-Sealant.html
When we are out on a long club run or something a couple of the guys will carry a can or two of the Slime Tube Tire Sealant. I believe it costs all of $5.50 a can or something like that.
Balancing is not an issue with either tubed or tubeless tires if you are running dyna beads.
Far as cleaning of spoked wheels, it's never been an issue, and even when riding in all types of weather conditions I've never had a problem with rust...
I just spray the wheel/tire down with Simple Green every couple of weeks. Spray it on, let it set for a couple minutes, then rinse it off... No big deal and you are good to go.
For those of you that don't have the knowledge or equipment to repair a flat if necessary when on the road, 'Slime" makes a product that will seal a tube and allow you to continue on down the road. Below is a link;
http://www.slime.com/product/82/Tube-Sealant.html
When we are out on a long club run or something a couple of the guys will carry a can or two of the Slime Tube Tire Sealant. I believe it costs all of $5.50 a can or something like that.
Balancing is not an issue with either tubed or tubeless tires if you are running dyna beads.
Far as cleaning of spoked wheels, it's never been an issue, and even when riding in all types of weather conditions I've never had a problem with rust...
I just spray the wheel/tire down with Simple Green every couple of weeks. Spray it on, let it set for a couple minutes, then rinse it off... No big deal and you are good to go.
Hi,
Have you ever used Slime to seal an inner tube on a spoked wheel? I am just curious as to your personal experience. The testimonials on the Slime website are all from people with non-spoked wheels (without inner tubes).
Has anyone else had any experience with Slime to seal a puncture in an inner tube?
Thanks,
Richard
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 599
Likes: 2
From: Montana
Spoke or "laced" wheels have always been a pain to keep clean and rust free for me personally. When "Candy" ('08 FXDC) needed new tires this spring, I chucked the spokes in favor of a set of stock "low rider" mags. Love the look of them, and they are soooo much easier to clean! I do not falt those who love the look of classic spokes, its just easier for me with the mags. Just boils down to your own personal taste!
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 5
From: West Branch, Michigan
Never have had a problem cleaning both our bikes spoked wheels. I use a swiffer duster and give them a swipe after every ride. Takes all of 10 seconds......and the swiffer gets inbetween the spokes with ease. The duster grabs and holds that brake dust like magic....and after several uses, just toss it. Light weight and easy to transport too.
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