Changing Wheel Style - Ideas?
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,706
Likes: 7
From: Woodstock, Ont , Can
Any time you increase unsprung weight, handling will suffer. I have a Blade wheel sitting behind my toolbox because it sucks in handling. Went back to the stock spoker. For now I'm choosing function over form. The only wheel that has about the same weight is the Tstar. Only 2 lbs more. Billets are all rediculously heavy.
Ron
Ron
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Here is dunlops web page, it will give U most tire sizes, width, OD, and load.
www.dunlopmotorcycle.com
www.dunlopmotorcycle.com
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 115
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From: Pataskala, Ohio
Thanks guys for taking the time to post some answers to my questions. I'd rather not make any purchases for upgrades that might look nice but will hurt the performance or especially the safety level of the bike. All of your suggestions will help to reduce the odds of that happening, and I appreciate it!
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Pataskala, Ohio
Any time you increase unsprung weight, handling will suffer. I have a Blade wheel sitting behind my toolbox because it sucks in handling. Went back to the stock spoker. For now I'm choosing function over form. The only wheel that has about the same weight is the Tstar. Only 2 lbs more. Billets are all rediculously heavy.
Ron
Ron
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,035
Likes: 5
From: near Buffalo, NY
If you are going to spend money on new wheels, you may as well spend a few more bucks and get quality wheels. Stay away from cast wheels. They're heavy, porous and weak. Buy forged. They are 10 times stronger and lighter, and non porous.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,706
Likes: 7
From: Woodstock, Ont , Can
By "Tstar", do you mean the "Thunderstar" wheel? And when you say it is only about two lbs. heavier, does this mean that you believe that two lbs. will not make a significant difference in the handling of my bike? I ask this because the Thunderstar is reasonably priced, and also a good looking wheel in my opinion. Do you know if it comes in a 3.5" width?... the Harley parts catalog I have does not say what widths it is available in.
Ron
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Pataskala, Ohio
I think I'm gonna phone my local Harley dealership in the morning and find out if I can get the 21" Thunderstar in a slightly wider wheel than the stock one that my Standard came with. Thanks for the info Ron!
One other option you could look into is procuring a set of Harley "Profile" wheels (AKA, smoothies), which were an available factory option on your bike. They consist of a solid forged disk in the rear and a chrome aluminum spoked wheel (versus the stock steel) up front. That's what I have in my sig pic. Since that photo was taken, I've added custom tapered spacers and aftermarket 2-piece rotors.
So these wheels you mention come in a "set"? Would they be in the new Harley parts catalog? I'm leaning towards getting away from a spoked wheel in the front, but I could be persuaded to stick with one if I could get both cost and performance. Besides, the set looks very nice on your bike in the photo.
So these wheels you mention come in a "set"? Would they be in the new Harley parts catalog? I'm leaning towards getting away from a spoked wheel in the front, but I could be persuaded to stick with one if I could get both cost and performance. Besides, the set looks very nice on your bike in the photo.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 115
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From: Pataskala, Ohio
Thanks Mr. Lucky, I'll check them out. I have to say though that I am having a heck of a time getting these wheel manufacturers to give me all of the info needed to make an educated purchase. Harley won't give out the weights of their wheels, at least that is what the woman in customer service told me. She said they they intentionally do not publish the weights.
Ron, where did you find these weights? I have been striking out everywhere trying to get info like this. You mentioned "a stock FXSTC aluminum laced wheel weighes 16 lbs". Can you tell me (or do you know where I can find out) how much my stock STEEL laced wheel weighs on my FXST? Also, I would love to know how much those aftermarket laced wheels weigh in the 21" x 3.5" size?
Any time you increase unsprung weight, handling will suffer. I have a Blade wheel sitting behind my toolbox because it sucks in handling. Went back to the stock spoker. For now I'm choosing function over form. The only wheel that has about the same weight is the Tstar. Only 2 lbs more. Billets are all rediculously heavy.
Ron
Ron
Last edited by John Bernard; Sep 8, 2009 at 02:07 PM. Reason: Spelling error
