Chrome vs. Polished Wheels
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,196
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From: Maryland
Chrome vs. Polished Wheels
Thinking about getting solid wheels for my 07 Fat Boy and I have heardtwo sides of the storywith Chrome vs. Polished wheels. I like the look of the chrome. But I have been told that it can be troublesome on wheels. Any advice?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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Likes: 29
RE: Chrome vs. Polished Wheels
Polished wheels look great when they are polished. However, they are a major pain to keep up.
Chrome wheels are easy to maintain. Just keep them fairly drya and you will be fine. Some cheap chromed things are known to peel. Howver, a set of good chromed wheels or a good job done on your stockers shouldn't be a problem.
I'd go with chrome. Matter of fact, I'd have my stockers smoothed and chromed.
Chrome wheels are easy to maintain. Just keep them fairly drya and you will be fine. Some cheap chromed things are known to peel. Howver, a set of good chromed wheels or a good job done on your stockers shouldn't be a problem.
I'd go with chrome. Matter of fact, I'd have my stockers smoothed and chromed.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 33
From: Acworth
RE: Chrome vs. Polished Wheels
My opinion: The Alum. wheelshould weigh less, and will never rust or flake. It should cost less I believe. You can always polishany imperfections that may occur. The chrome wheel looks betterwhen clean. Either,when clean look very good. I would probably go for the best deal available.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,519
Likes: 5
From: Slidell, LA
RE: Chrome vs. Polished Wheels
I have polished solid wheels on my RKC. See below in large photo. They are a bit of a pain to keep looking nice but I like the look and don't have the chrome worries. I do believe the polished are cheaper in general.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: Chrome vs. Polished Wheels
I prefer polished. Chrome - if not done really well - can crack and peel. Or it can be damaged from road trauma or during a tire change. Oxidation can occur under the chrome and it can bubble. When it does, it can't be repaired. If you get small damage on polished, you can usually polish it out to look like new.
On my '97, I had a polished 3 spoke wheel on the front, and achrome solid wheel on the back. Never had a problem with either one.
I have chrome wheels for my track car. The chrome is peeling off in a number of spots, and there's not much I can do about it. But they're for the track, so I don't really care.
I don't find polished to be a big deal to care for. Once or twice a year give it a good polish with Mothers billit creamand a power ball. Clean with whatever you clean the bike with. Lemon Pledge does a very nice quick job in between polishes.
In the end, it's your choice. Both have pluses and minues. It's up to you to decide what's more important.
On my '97, I had a polished 3 spoke wheel on the front, and achrome solid wheel on the back. Never had a problem with either one.
I have chrome wheels for my track car. The chrome is peeling off in a number of spots, and there's not much I can do about it. But they're for the track, so I don't really care.
I don't find polished to be a big deal to care for. Once or twice a year give it a good polish with Mothers billit creamand a power ball. Clean with whatever you clean the bike with. Lemon Pledge does a very nice quick job in between polishes.
In the end, it's your choice. Both have pluses and minues. It's up to you to decide what's more important.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 4
From: Columbus, OH
RE: Chrome vs. Polished Wheels
A solid wheel is going to be chrome plated aluminum. Get the chrome.
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RE: Chrome vs. Polished Wheels
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
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From: Lockport Township, IL
RE: Chrome vs. Polished Wheels
Chrome! Polished wheels only look good when they are new and it takes so much elbow grease to keep them looking nice. I'd rather spend the time riding than polishing.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Maryland
RE: Chrome vs. Polished Wheels
ORIGINAL: Mikey 1450
My opinion: The Alum. wheelshould weigh less, and will never rust or flake. It should cost less I believe. You can always polishany imperfections that may occur. The chrome wheel looks betterwhen clean. Either,when clean look very good. I would probably go for the best deal available.
My opinion: The Alum. wheelshould weigh less, and will never rust or flake. It should cost less I believe. You can always polishany imperfections that may occur. The chrome wheel looks betterwhen clean. Either,when clean look very good. I would probably go for the best deal available.