Well its been batted back and forth for a while I guess.

Some folks say there is no difference and some say there is.

I rode mine 5000 miles on the stock solid wheel, and then replaced it with a Thunderstar
2 weeks ago, and I gotta say that it definitely handles better. No question.

Put me in the "It does make a difference" column.

 

No doubt there is a difference in my opinion.

tm

 

I was thinking that there would be a difference, based on the things that I had heard, now I know for sure, thanks.

 

I whole heartedly agree with Chunks and TM (it does make a difference).
MY FB is so much better to ride with the Heritage front wheel I put on it. I think the fact that the MOCO now offers a spoked wheel as an option on the 06's should mean something.

 

Are we talking about ride stability from cross winds? Is that whats meant by better handling? I sure cant think of how else "handling" would be effected by a solid disc wheel except for unpsrung weight potentially. I know cross winds can have you wrestling with the bike at times, thats the nature of the beast. Both my softails run solid disc rims(18" diameter in fact). I personally just love the looks.

 

Same here. Don't see solid disks on many bikes. Keeping them on the VRSCA. Signature.

I would say there is some/minor handling issue with strong crosswinds, but nothing not manageable. Could also be what one is used to. Egads, when I'm on the sportbike (high profile, slab slided plastic fairing, light weight, etc.) one must really concentrate. I've been blown into the other lane on these things. Has never happened on the V-Rod.

 

I bought my Fat Boy cause I like the solid wheel. Yes I think they "catch" more wind then others but hey they look good...

 

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

 

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

 

Yep. Dats exactly what I'm referring to.

Also, the solid wheel was not a problem for me.
I didnt change the wheel because of it. In fact, by the time I did change it, I hardly even noticed it
anymore. You get used to it and it becomes a non-issue.

I noticed it again by the fact that it was gone with the new wheel

the new wheel was put on because I liked the looks of it better