I just bought my 05 Fatboy and it came with the Polished spun Aluminum Wheels which are beautiful, but keep being told the wind will really affect the ride and hoping to make quite a few trips over the bay bridge this spring, summer and fall. I know there was another thread on this but I have some questions about replacment if I decide too.

I'd like to replace the front wheel with the 16" Hog Pro "Sonic" use my stock tire (only 1400 miles on bike) and keep my solid wheel in the back. Of course when you talk to wheel distributors they say you should replace front and back, rotors, pully and go to 18"and replace tires. THis seems like over kill to me but I don't have any experience in this area. Is there that much difference between 18's and 16's as far as ride? Would it look out of balance or strange to intermingle two different wheel designs as long as they were both polished aluminum? Should I replace the brake rotor on front to match the new wheel? Please give me some feed back.

Thanks - gasman

 

I personally like the polished wheels as you can tell below. I haven't had any major problems with the wheels and the wind. I've put 22000 miles on with them. I have been asked many times about the wind factor. First I suggest you ride a little if you haven't, and see for yourself. They have been selling fatboys since 1990 and the majority still have solid rims. I have been asked the same about the batwing fairing on mu ultra. I have no problem, but to each his own. If you decide to change, IMHO I would change both wheels to match and go chrome. I know I have the polished wheels, but over time chrome is much easier to maintain. The rotors and pully are cool looking, but if money is an issue, I would match the wheels first and do the pully and rotors if its worth it to you. My thoughts, because you asked.

Gene

 

Replaced my front with a thunderstar.

Mine isnt the mirror chrome model, but you can get it.

It dont come cheap though

ALL I replaced was the front wheel. I did not replace the rear, nor did I replace rotors or any other thing.

Someone just wanted to sell you some stuff

 

If yoiu decide to replace wheels. Replacing both should be a option.

The deuce has solid back and spoke front and there not the same size.

David

 

I replaced my solids with the 16 inch six spoke Harley wheels in chrome. I didn't do it because of wind problems, I haven't seen a lot of difference between the two. If I had the polished I would have kept them. I didn't like the look of the standard solid wheel. I also changed to the matching sprocket because the factory one didn't look right with the new wheels. I think the brake rotors are a waste of money. Just my 2 cents.

 

IMHO the solid wheels are a Fat Boy signature. There are lots of options on the wind thing, some say after 18 mph all rims have same effect. You make that call. Right now I still have the brushed Alunimum on mine but have a second set I am debating getting either "Black Chromed" or just Chromed. Of course I would get them polished either way. So if you do decide to get rid of your rims can I be first in line to buy them? Personally I like the looks of your bike as is.

V/R

Geno

 

I went with a set of RC Components "Wicked". Not cheap, but very sharp. And in my opinion, much better ride in a cross wind. If you can swing it, do both wheels and at least put a chrome cover on the rear pulley. I only did the front wheel first, then spent a few months looking at the rear wheel everytime that I rode and wished that I'd done 'em both. So I bit the bullet and got the rear one and a pulley cover. Much nicer looking.

 

I appreciate all the suggestions. Basically everyone is saying it is a personal preference item, not a handling problem. I already have a crome pully and belt guard just doesn't show on my signature. will add to thread. thanks a bunch.

[IMG]local://upfiles/6591/7F6DA6BE00AF4DEEB2EC1CB5C32A7C87.jpg[/IMG]

 

I’m in the middle of doing the same. But I’ve gone with 21 x 3.5 “ in the front and a 18 x 5.5 in the rear. Both are chrome fat spokes on black rims.

besides changing out the bearing size, don’t know if I’ll need to do the Rotors as well?? I pretty sure the front Fender will need to be replaced so I’m on the hunt for a wrap fender.
Might keep the old ones around in case I’m not totally happy with the new look. I’m shaking of just the thought of it

 

The wheels aren’t the problem with cross-wind... FUD (mostly) created to cause or justify purchases of replacements.

Look at the surface area, and position of the wheels, as opposed to the rest of the bike and the rider. Which do you think is going to be most influenced by cross-winds?

I rode mine for a couple of years before replacing them. No real difference between the OEM and the Ness wheels I have - a cross-wind is going to push you around either way.