Alloy vs wire wheels
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 270
Likes: 1
From:
WideGlide front end?
I wonder whether you can convert to dual front brakes with the wide glide front end? And whether you can put Buchanan Excel Aluminum spoked wheels on your current hubs? If you could do both, you'd have a much different handling bike. They would be vast improvements over the stock wheels/brakes. Jay
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Genova, Italy
Alloy wheels means tubeless tire, which are more safe.
Times ago I got a puncture while riding on highway, with tube type wheels: had been very difficult to control the bike for a safe stop...
I say alloy wheels forever!
Times ago I got a puncture while riding on highway, with tube type wheels: had been very difficult to control the bike for a safe stop...
I say alloy wheels forever!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
There are several issues about modern bikes, comparing the old and the new. Wheels are a bit like chains v belts, EFI v carbs, and the new stuff does have some merits. Once it was disc v drum brakes! I no longer have any wire-wheeled bikes. I like tubeless tyres and the ease of cleaning cast wheels and don't think I will ever buy a spoked-wheeled bike again. My oldest bike is my 21 year old Glide, but I don't spend much time looking over my shoulder, I'm still heading towards the horizon.
Last edited by grbrown; Jan 24, 2011 at 05:28 AM. Reason: Spelling!
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 14
From: Millsboro Delaware
I love the look of spokes!!! I also hate cleaning spokes!!!! That is why I am glad to have alloys!!!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 4
From: NC
I rode sportbikes with mags for 20 years, so when I wanted a classic machine to scoot around on I wanted Laced spokes.That was why I bought the Street Bob. I also took it one step further and bought a bigger wider set from Blackbike wheels. There are downsides like many have said already, harder to repair on roadside, and requiring a possible tune up at a later time, along with being harder to clean. But they are classy, and I get compliments all of the time as well.
I want to also add that if you REALLY want to run tubeless with spokes it IS possible to seal the spokes and run tubeless. The downside to this is when and IF they require retruing that the seal is damaged and they must be stripped of rim sealant and resealed which is a bit time consuming, but required. I ran TRUE wire wheels on my Buick Regal Low Rider for many years, and never had to retrue them and only had to reseal one due to me damaging the sealant with the tire machine upon breaking the bead, and not being quick enough releasing the pedal. The bead breaker punctured the sealant.
I may consider sealing my rims upon next tire swap, but doubt it. If a guy used Heavy Duty MOOSE brand Off road tubes I doubt a guy would EVER have to worry about a flat on the road,(excluding major tire /rim damage) Those tubes are like 4mm THICK. Can you tell that I am waving a flag for Laced Rimes
I want to also add that if you REALLY want to run tubeless with spokes it IS possible to seal the spokes and run tubeless. The downside to this is when and IF they require retruing that the seal is damaged and they must be stripped of rim sealant and resealed which is a bit time consuming, but required. I ran TRUE wire wheels on my Buick Regal Low Rider for many years, and never had to retrue them and only had to reseal one due to me damaging the sealant with the tire machine upon breaking the bead, and not being quick enough releasing the pedal. The bead breaker punctured the sealant.
I may consider sealing my rims upon next tire swap, but doubt it. If a guy used Heavy Duty MOOSE brand Off road tubes I doubt a guy would EVER have to worry about a flat on the road,(excluding major tire /rim damage) Those tubes are like 4mm THICK. Can you tell that I am waving a flag for Laced Rimes
