FatBoy solid wheel handling issue

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Dec 20, 2005 | 05:39 PM

#11

chunks

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 1,101

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From: Pennsylvania

RE: FatBoy solid wheel handling issue

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Finalcut

I'm in. I went from a solid to a Thunder Star - and I'm very happy.

Thought that was the slotted 6 spoke wheel on yours?

Dec 20, 2005 | 06:07 PM

#12

chunks

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Road Master

Joined: May 2005

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From: Pennsylvania

RE: FatBoy solid wheel handling issue

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Fatbernie

Just to kick this up one more notch.....Do you guys have any opinion on changing only the front wheel verses changing front and back? It seems like not much of the rear one is exposed anyway. Did I just answer my own question?
BA

Leaving my rear wheel solid. I like it that way.
Since the rear wheel cant pivot like the front, I dont think it can affect the handling nearly as much.
Thats just my opinion though

Dec 20, 2005 | 08:39 PM

#13

FatBoy2five0

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 127

Likes: 27

From: SW, AR

RE: FatBoy solid wheel handling issue

as far as crooswinds go, I never had a problem with it, dont really see that there could really be that much difference, as far as spokes, or any configuration goes after they begin to spin at any rate of speed they pretty much become solid , try to get something through there be it wind or water or any solid object and it will be almost impossible , sure some will get through but nothing like when not moving . please dont try this with any human parts or you wont get them back, anyway I did not notice any difference with solid or spokes.

Dec 20, 2005 | 08:50 PM

#14

Maniac

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 3,235

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From: Albuquerque, NM

RE: FatBoy solid wheel handling issue

My 2 cents - It made a big difference on mine going from solid to spoke. At speeds above 50mph, the solid wheels had a tendency to track when there were crosswinds, especially when being passed by or passing a large vehicle, so I rarely ran over 75mph. Once I went with the spokes, the bike is so stable now I can cruise at 85 - 90 no problem.

Dec 21, 2005 | 03:17 AM

#15

chunks

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: May 2005

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From: Pennsylvania

RE: FatBoy solid wheel handling issue

Quote:

after they begin to spin at any rate of speed they pretty much become solid , try to get something through there be it wind or water or any solid object and it will be almost impossible

I've heard this said before, but the fact is that from a physics standpoint, its completely untrue.

No matter how fast they spin, they are no more solid than when they are not moving at all and
you can move just as much air through them.

They will "catch" no more air spinning than when they are still.

Hell, point a host at a spinning wheel if you want to test it. Some water is deflected its true,
but most of it will pass right through and water is SO much denser than air.

Air passes right through with very little resistance.

Dec 21, 2005 | 04:17 AM

#16

Finalcut

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2005

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From:

RE: FatBoy solid wheel handling issue

Quote:

Thought that was the slotted 6 spoke wheel on yours?

Hey Chunks - you're right - I don't know what the heck I was thinking. I think I have rim envy! The Thunderstar was the wheel that I wanted to get, but I ended up with a six spoke due to lack of cash!

What I would love to have would be a solid mirror chrome in the back and a mirror chrome Thunderstar in the front, but if I did that I wouldn't be able to make the house payment next month.

I think what I have is called a black slotted six spoke???

Hope I didn't confuse any one.

[IMG]local://upfiles/2050/B13471F392FD42DF9D63867AC8AF775A.jpg[/IMG]

Dec 21, 2005 | 11:38 AM

#17

chunks

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: May 2005

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From: Pennsylvania

RE: FatBoy solid wheel handling issue

No worries, I couldnt have afforded that chrome thunderstar either,

I got the least expensive of the 3 with the black powdercoat edges.
Called Black Thunderstar and described as "The original ThunderStar's roughneck cousin."

I dont think that mirror chrome would have looked good with the stock rear wheel though.

That aluminum with black edges matches our black bikes nicely

Dec 22, 2005 | 08:41 PM

#18

nearmiss

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 151

Likes: 1

From: North Carolina

RE: FatBoy solid wheel handling issue

I have had arlen ness wheels on a fatboy for 20k miles and no real difference in wind. But they do
weigh 8lbs less per wheel and tire. Agree with hdman that reducing the unsprung weight has improved
handling somewhat.