Solid Disc Wheels
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
RE: Solid Disc Wheels
I read somewhere that a spoke wheel at (X) speed would basically have the same effect as a solid surface.
I would also say you probably already have experience with windsince you have afairing and hard bags. I would think with your bike and it's weightyou wouldn't feel any difference at all.
I would also say you probably already have experience with windsince you have afairing and hard bags. I would think with your bike and it's weightyou wouldn't feel any difference at all.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 1,069
From: Brandon, Mississippi
RE: Solid Disc Wheels
This is the biggest HD urban myth of them all in my opinion. I have had my 05 FatBoyin the Gorge on I-84 numerous timesin the NW winds howling. If you do not know this area, it is a mecca for wind boards on the Columbia River! Anyway, on the SG I went to Courd'Alene. Going down I-90 terrible winds a week ago! Yes I guess I am doing a lane change all of a sudden kind of winds! The SG is worse then the FAT Boy with solid wheels in severe winds in my opinion. And we know why! My buddy riding on a Springer with spokeswas also fighting mothernaturelane changes in these conditions just as much as I was! You sum it all up, its just BS on these solid rims. There is so little addedsurface on them I doubt anyonecould notice a difference between a spoke and a solid rim on the same bike in severe winds! You take a SG mag rim they too are mostly closed with small openings. My SG is spoked smoothies.....Still got blown all over the place!
I wish Myth Busters would bust this Myth..... Because in my experience its exactly what it is! The difference has to be so small that it makes no difference! Let the Myth stop here!
.
I wish Myth Busters would bust this Myth..... Because in my experience its exactly what it is! The difference has to be so small that it makes no difference! Let the Myth stop here!
.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 953
Likes: 8
From:
RE: Solid Disc Wheels
I noticed a difference when I put a solid fatboy wheel on my FXST. I felt that the crosswinds would catch my wheel. Now that I have my new wheels, I don't feel blown around as much. Perhaps it's all in my head, but I can tell a difference.
[IMG]local://upfiles/13603/C09CD438B5684A659CD68BDE59DBC81C.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/13603/C09CD438B5684A659CD68BDE59DBC81C.jpg[/IMG]
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
RE: Solid Disc Wheels
urban myth
I've had them both ways (solid and open) and there was no difference.
Look at your picture and see how much wind could go through sideways anyway.
I've had them both ways (solid and open) and there was no difference.
Look at your picture and see how much wind could go through sideways anyway.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 897
Likes: 0
From: Bridge City, TX
RE: Solid Disc Wheels
ORIGINAL: Texas Fat Boy
urban myth
I've had them both ways (solid and open) and there was no difference.
Look at your picture and see how much wind could go through sideways anyway.
urban myth
I've had them both ways (solid and open) and there was no difference.
Look at your picture and see how much wind could go through sideways anyway.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Solid Disc Wheels
Its all about surface area with wind, and for steering to be affected by wind and solid wheels that would mean that some parts of the wheel (front or back) is gettting more wind than other parts, or a shudder effect cause by forward momentum, shape of the bike and the front forks, causing wind vibration.
But I would suggest that the heavier your bike, the more front end fender gear, and especially having dual front discs would present less of a change in wind turbulance than bikes with a wide open front wheel.
In high winds there will definitely be a difference on any bike, but especially for the thin wheelers ...
Eddie
But I would suggest that the heavier your bike, the more front end fender gear, and especially having dual front discs would present less of a change in wind turbulance than bikes with a wide open front wheel.
In high winds there will definitely be a difference on any bike, but especially for the thin wheelers ...
Eddie