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I was considering a 180 kit for my 02 fatboy, but am having serious second thoughts after talking to them. First off, their prices are ridiculous. Secondly, when asking them about wheel choices, he made it sound like I could only run their wheel, and going with anybody else would be a gamble. He specifically said not to run a DNA wheel, but couldn't/wouldn't elaborate as to why. He said I need a 18x5.5 wheel with a 3/16th's offset, but only told me the specific offset needed after i badgered him a lot. Anybody else deal with these guys get the same negative BS from them? They want $1k for one wheel/tire. It's bad enough they charge $700 for a pair of fender struts.
So who's running other wheels with their heartland kits.
I called Heartland back today and talked to somebody else. I gotta say that the person I spoke to today was the polar opposite of the guy i spoke to before. Very friendly, helpful, and informative. I guess I got a bad apple before. Anyway, just thought I'd throw the good out there with the bad.
After a phone call like that I wouldnt buy shat from 'em. I bet you could go to a local fab shop and have them make you some struts from your concepts...save you some $ and also have the pride that they were your design. That way you can run whatever wheel you want....IMO
No, they didnt just make me feel all better about it. I didnt buy a wheel/tire from them. He gave me a discount/free shipping on the 180 kit and I bought that. A local fab shop may or may not have been cheaper, but I don't see how that would give me any more "pride" since it's still somebody elses work. I know my mechanical limits. I do all the work that I can, but I got no problem paying somebody to do something that I don't have the skills to do, or the time/resources to learn. I know that makes me less "hardcore" than a lot of guys around these type of boards like to portray themselves as, but I could give a ****.
Last edited by honkylips; Aug 18, 2009 at 02:01 AM.
No, they didnt just make me feel all better about it. I didnt buy a wheel/tire from them. He gave me a discount/free shipping on the 180 kit and I bought that. A local fab shop may or may not have been cheaper, but I don't see how that would give me any more "pride" since it's still somebody elses work. I know my mechanical limits. I do all the work that I can, but I got no problem paying somebody to do something that I don't have the skills to do, or the time/resources to learn. I know that makes me less "hardcore" than a lot of guys around these type of boards like to portray themselves as, but I could give a ****.
I'm with ya' on saying forget the pride and get it done and back on your ride mentality!!
I will say that wanting a grand for a wheel sounds insane.
Forget all the portrayals and hardcore biker buildoff crap. Get that bike done and share some photos of it!!
I just bought an EZ Rock R kit from Jake at Heartland. Jake is one of two that answer the phones at Heartland and he has been very helpful and a pleasure to deal with.
As to the $1000 price tag on a tire/wheel, that's about what HD charged me 2 months ago for a Crossbones 200mm tire/wheel.
Lastly, I have the capabilities to manufacture my Heartland EZ Rock R kit. From solid modeling the design, programming, to 4 and 5-axis machining and turning. I know exactly what is involved in the way of machine tools , software, and most importantly, my time. I felt the price was fair based on the amount of my time it would take, so I paid them, as I would rather ride than work.
Lips........... so what was the final verdict on the wheel set up?? I called a while back (about a year and some change ago) and got the same run around. I already have the 180 kit on my bike which I love, but a grand for a wheel and tire?!?!?! Just seems a bit much, and not only that but what if I want to run something different?? The only reason I haven't bought it yet is b/c I am chillin in Iraq (actually coming up with SO many ideas for my ride) and am waiting til I get home to finish it up.
From what I was able to gather, the wheel needs a 3/16" offset, or you can space the pulley out. I haven't figured wheels out yet. Prolly do a 52 spoke fat wheel.
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