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I just realized the rear wheel on my 2007 standard is not the stock wheel. It appears to be a laced 16" wheel instead of the oem 17" "disk" style.
What are the pros/cons for the laced versus regular wheel?
Also, since it's a 16" rim, can I get away with lowering it slightly without the risk of bottoming out?
I've never lowered one of my softails, so I can't speak from experience on your lowering question. I will leave that to those who have done it.
I am a fan of Laced wheels, and love the old, school look.
All IMHO...
The Cons to a laced wheel;
You can't fix a flat with a plug kit while on the road.
They are a little harder to keep really clean than many cast/forged wheels.
They require a little more maintenance than a cast/forged wheel in that you need to check the spokes from time to time and possibly need to snug them up. There is a good, easy procedure to follow with a spoke torque wrench.
The Pros to a laced wheel;
I much prefer the look of a laced wheel on most bikes.
They are generally cheaper than many cast/forged wheels. In some case much, much cheaper.
If the spokes are damaged, they can be easily replaced.
I currently have 4 Harley motorcycles. Three have laced wheels, and one has OEM cast wheels. I have no plans, nor the desire, to replace any of the laced wheels on the three bikes that have them.
Last edited by hattitude; Oct 29, 2025 at 05:25 PM.
Thanks for the feedback! I don't mind the look of the laced wheels at all, just wondering if there are more or less issues with running a tube vs tubeless. And yeah, my rear wheel really needs to be cleaned, I just keep putting it off because it doesn't look fun lol.
Nice collection you have! I love the springers.
FYI, you can buy laced wheels that run tubeless. I had one on my 05 FXDLi
Did you ever have issues with your laced tubeless rims?
I heard a bunch of stories about issues with them. I also heard that many dealers would suggest the customer put a tube in them to avoid come backs.
They now have laced rims, where the spokes are attached on the rim outside of the tire bead. The Pan American has them. They too are tubeless and you can actually change a spoke without the need to deflate the tire.
Obviously a specialty application, but interesting concept
Last edited by hattitude; Oct 30, 2025 at 08:08 AM.
If you travel a lot like I do, you definitely want cast wheels, at least on the back. Been stranded a few times out in the sticks with a rear flat on a spoked wheel. I once rode over 300 miles home on a rear flat. About 6 cans of fix a flat and airing up every 30 miles. Changed to a cast wheel.
I hate spoke wheels - everything about them.
But there was a question on converting spoke wheels to tubeless. Many on the Triumph site have done the mod. It's pretty easy and trouble-free. I know when the tires need changing on my Bonneville - it's getting modified and going tubeless. The tubes will be thrown as far as I can. Tubes suck...
I did have a bike with a spoked wheel that was tubeless from the factory, and never had one issue with it. I broke a spoke and had to remove the inner seal to get the spoke nipple in place. Pretty easy and just have to clean the groove the rubber seal goes into. Nice deal.
I hate spoke wheels - everything about them.
But there was a question on converting spoke wheels to tubeless. Many on the Triumph site have done the mod. It's pretty easy and trouble-free. I know when the tires need changing on my Bonneville - it's getting modified and going tubeless. The tubes will be thrown as far as I can. Tubes suck...
I did have a bike with a spoked wheel that was tubeless from the factory, and never had one issue with it. I broke a spoke and had to remove the inner seal to get the spoke nipple in place. Pretty easy and just have to clean the groove the rubber seal goes into. Nice deal.
Gosh, don't hold back.
Tell us how you really feel....
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Laced rear wheel...
