FatBoy Solid Rims

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Oct 29, 2020 | 08:25 AM

#21

John Corcacas

Novice

Joined: Feb 2020

Posts: 19

Likes: 13

From: Delaware eastern shore

I own a 2019 Fatboy 114 FLFBS

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIPbiker13

Is that based on actual experience or science?

I wonder, because I'm thinking the centrifugal force of the spinning wheel would be more than enough to counter the lateral pressure exerted by high winds. Also, in fast cross winds it would be an uncomfortable ride regardless of the rims and I think the danger from the winds would have to be enough to make riding dangerous long before the wheels being solid were a determining factor.

Mine just passed the one year mark and 6,000 miles. I really dig this bike for many reasons. However, when asked I tell them that the bike is awesome and if I had any complaints, it would be that crossing a tall bridge with a cross wind is an eye opener. You just have to be aware and awake for the push. My first bike with solid rims and the only one that I got this problem with. On the other hand, they look great.

Oct 30, 2020 | 10:56 AM

#22

Dan89FLSTC

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 20,974

Likes: 12,499

From: South Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitty901

Come on that myth has been around from day one The solid wheels are no different in wind than ones with holes in them. If power coat is what you want go for it. Bother in law had his chromed , Looked pretty good .
I have kept these as is for 24 years.

I noticed a difference the first time I rode my Softail after installing a solid wheel on the front, very twitchy behavior when in gusty crosswind.

I rebuilt front forks and replaced steering head bearings, but bike behaved with the same twitchiness (is that a word?).

I finally went back to the spoked wheel on front and immediately noticed the difference,

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Corcacas

if I had any complaints, it would be that crossing a tall bridge with a cross wind is an eye opener.

Exactly what I experienced.

I live in coastal SC, where it seems to be windy all the time, lots of long bridges and gusty winds, it was no fun crossing bridges...

Before I tried the solid wheel, I was convinced that it was just a myth, but no more...

This is just my actual experience, comparing a solid wheel to a spoked wheel, on the same motorcycle.

I have over 140,000 miles on my `89 Softail (bought it new), so I`m pretty familiar with it`s handling behavior.

Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Oct 30, 2020 at 11:14 AM.

Oct 30, 2020 | 01:20 PM

#23

Dehammer

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2018

Posts: 3,845

Likes: 3,388

From: Arizona

I don't notice wind push but my newer Fat Boy is a heavy bike. A 21 inch disk on the front of an FXR I would bet is noticeable.

I like the older non holed wheels much more than what I have on mine. Looks more like a machined part.