Rims vs Spokes
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Dirty Jerzey
Rims vs Spokes
What are or are there any structural or ride differences in rims vs spokes? I like the spoke look and am thinking of buying a spoke rear rim. What are the differences between 40,60,80 spoke rims? What are the good spoke manufacturers in the industry? Thank for your feedback
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Rims vs Spokes
spokes are a pain in the a$$ to clean, I'm thinking of changing my front spoke wheel for a mag rim, but don't have the cash for it yet.
you can get far more than 80 spokes on a rim nowadays if you like that look, I've seen them with at least 100 spokes.
you can also get them in colors which looks pretty cool.
you can get far more than 80 spokes on a rim nowadays if you like that look, I've seen them with at least 100 spokes.
you can also get them in colors which looks pretty cool.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 56
From: north of Daytona
RE: Rims vs Spokes
The more spokes you get, the harder it is to get inside to clean your HUB etc.......
Use Cycle care 1 whitewall and wheel cleaner and a good tapered brush will
make it easier.
Get a good chrome wheel and stainless spokes.
If you are looking for a nostalgic look....40 spokes is plenty.
Chuck
Use Cycle care 1 whitewall and wheel cleaner and a good tapered brush will
make it easier.
Get a good chrome wheel and stainless spokes.
If you are looking for a nostalgic look....40 spokes is plenty.
Chuck
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City, UT
RE: Rims vs Spokes
Big downfall to most spoke rims is that you have to run with tubes. If you get a flat, you can't just plug it up and go, you've got to remove the wheel to fix it. But I believe Ride Wright http://www.ridewrightwheels.com/Home.htm and American Wire http://www.americanwire.com/motorcyclewheels.php both have an option for tubeless wire wheels. They are both pretty pricey but have awesome wheels.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Land, TX
RE: Rims vs Spokes
I have the same dilemma.I want a set of fat radial spoke wheels, but they will be a pain to clean. I am looking at a new set of billet wheels that have the same nostalgic look for my Heritage, I am just waiting on the right deal.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
RE: Rims vs Spokes
I agree to me the biggestdownfallspoke rims is that you have to run with tubes.
If you get a flat, you can't just plug it up and go, you've got to remove the wheel to fix it.
That sounds like a major bummer on a trip.
.........and I agree again spokes would be are a pain in the *** to clean.
I like just being about to just wipe off the brake dust on mine between washings.
If you get a flat, you can't just plug it up and go, you've got to remove the wheel to fix it.
That sounds like a major bummer on a trip.
.........and I agree again spokes would be are a pain in the *** to clean.
I like just being about to just wipe off the brake dust on mine between washings.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,918
Likes: 4,685
From: West Texas Sandhills
RE: Rims vs Spokes
I thinkthere is a difference between spokes and alloy wheels. I recently pulled my mags off and sent them to the chrome shop to be plated and installed my factory spoke wheels. Same tires and the bike feels a little less stable when leaning in tight turns. I had the wheels trued before I swapped them out. Spokes are also much higher maintence than mags, not only cleaning them, but having to get them tightened periodically and ocassionally having to get them trued.I also dont like having to use a tube.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 16
From: Peoria, AZ
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
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
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 0
From: NH
RE: Rims vs Spokes
ORIGINAL: Texas Fat Boy
I agree to me the biggestdownfallspoke rims is that you have to run with tubes.
If you get a flat, you can't just plug it up and go, you've got to remove the wheel to fix it.
That sounds like a major bummer on a trip.
.........and I agree again spokes would be are a pain in the *** to clean.
I like just being about to just wipe off the brake dust on mine between washings.
I agree to me the biggestdownfallspoke rims is that you have to run with tubes.
If you get a flat, you can't just plug it up and go, you've got to remove the wheel to fix it.
That sounds like a major bummer on a trip.
.........and I agree again spokes would be are a pain in the *** to clean.
I like just being about to just wipe off the brake dust on mine between washings.
Spokes look good on some bikes, but I prefer a nice forged wheel.
BTW Texas, it's looking sweet!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,035
Likes: 5
From: near Buffalo, NY
RE: Rims vs Spokes
Spoke wheels are torsionally the srongest wheel you can buy, period.
Doesn't seem possible, but it is true.
Radial spokes are the weakest.
In aluminum, stay away from cast aluminum like HD's cheaper wheel line.
If the wheel isn't forged, there will be thousands of tiny air pockets and imperfections. Also, cast wheels will break before they bend.
The forging process squeezes out all of the imperfections, tightens up all of the alloy moleculesand you end up with a super strong wheel capable offlexing before breaking.
Doesn't seem possible, but it is true.
Radial spokes are the weakest.
In aluminum, stay away from cast aluminum like HD's cheaper wheel line.
If the wheel isn't forged, there will be thousands of tiny air pockets and imperfections. Also, cast wheels will break before they bend.
The forging process squeezes out all of the imperfections, tightens up all of the alloy moleculesand you end up with a super strong wheel capable offlexing before breaking.