Is it me or a problem with the wheels on a 2008 FatBoy catching a cross wind and moving the bike around while riding? I can't remember ever having this happen on my other bikes. Just wondering if the older FatBoys without the holes in the wheels had even a bigger problem with this.

 

It's somewhat of a problem with all bikes. I've heard more people complain about it when they have the solid wheels of a Fatty. But, I spoke to a few techs who all say the same thing......ALL wheels catch the wind. Even a spoked wheel becomes solid at 30 mph. So, spokes don't allow any more wind to pass through than the solids.

 

my vrod was bad too

 

It's all part of the dynamics most motorcycles display, especially unser speed. Besides my Fat Boy, I ride a Honda ST1300. In spite of being fairly aerodynamic, even that bike will be influenced by cross winds. Most experienced riders will counter the effects by either slowing down or adjust to the conditions as needed. The more you ride your bike of choice, the more you will adjust.
It's just part of riding a bike...
Ride safe...

 

Try to relax your arm and don't have a death grip on the bars. This generally help me. Also time and experience will help. I too have heard that spoked wheels are a solid at 30 mph.

 

I have not felt a difference going from an 05 Fatboy to an 03 Road King. Feel about the same to me with a cross wind.

 

I agree; don't think it's the wheels, think it's the overall profile of the bike + rider being tossed about: wheels are closer to the ground, less wind effect; the rider + size of the bike give more of a target, being higher up.