How's it going everybody,

I never really liked the wheels on my fat bob, they don't really bother me, but I certainly wouldn't mind an upgrade you know. I'm really starting to want new wheels though and I was thinking lighter wheels should help the handling quit a bit shouldn't they, or is a 700+lb bike just to heavy to really benefit all that much? On the same account lighter wheels will also make it less stable at slow speeds right, but again realistically how much of a difference is there?
I'm guessing my OEM wheels are around 20lbs or so, on the opposite extreme are the carbon fiber wheels weighing in <5lbs. I imagine they would make a pretty significant difference in flipping the bike through turns right, but would it be equally unstable at low speeds? Right now it feels like it stands right up as soon as I think about twisting the throttle, I have no reservations about picking my feet up immediately. If you were to up ultra light wheels like that on is it safe to assume it would be a little wobbly when you pull out from a stop, what about slow turns out of side roads, or even U-Turns?

Maybe I'm over thinking this, I probably shouldn't be posting at 2am huh sportbikes obviously turn just fine, but they don't have all the extra weight up top either

 

There is no downside to lighter wheels. If you can afford it, do it.

 

That seemed to be the consensus but I thought there must be something so I thought I would check with people who have done it.

Thanks

 

I doubt you'll feel much if any difference on a 700lb. cruiser but wider will make a difference. I installed the HD stinger wheels (3.5" & 6" x 18") along with 130 and 200 radial Avon Cobras and it made a noticeable difference in handling plus they look pretty nice too.

 

By using a lighter wheel you reduce the unsprung weight which greatly improves handling. There are other factors that make your bike want to right itself when you give it some throttle. Most notably are the 2 heavy flywheels spinning on the same axis as your wheels.

 

DCLXVI has it right. Switching to lighter wheels reduces unsprung weight, which has many benefits... not the least of which is a more responsive suspension. Removing weight above the suspension only reduces load, but reducing weight below the suspension (i.e., unsprung weight) reduces load and inertia. Here's the engineering explanation if you're up for it.

 

I don't believe fitting lighter wheels will very much difference in the real world.
You'd probably see more benefit if you went on a diet and lost 20 pounds

 

You should read up on the topic of unsprung weight as it relates to how suspensions work.

 

Thanks guys.

I understand the theory, what I wanted to confirm is the real world results on a bike this heavy. Have any of you guys actually changed to lighter wheels and noticed the benefit?
Wider tires make it harder to lean don't they?

 

I went to lighter wheels and I notice a benefit.

My friend rides the stock fat bob wheels and he's just as fast as me.