solid wheels
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Joined: Jul 2005
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solid wheels
I have a 02 Fat Boy with solid wheels, at times when riding the bike, I think I want to say swerve side to side just as if you were running on a grooved road, I have checked out both front and rear everything is tight, I have been told that the wind will catch the solid wheels and give you the same effect. Is this true?
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: solid wheels
Some people say they notice 'em catching wind, others say they can't tell the difference. After riding my Sloptail, wire on front, Sporty mag on back, and then riding a girl's Fat Boy (she wanted to ride a foot clutch/hand shift - hmm, seems to be a lotta gals on Fat Boys - must be chick bikes! 
), I could feel the difference. Once I had ridden it awhile, I didn't seem to notice it as much. Getting back on my bike I noticed the difference again.
), I could feel the difference. Once I had ridden it awhile, I didn't seem to notice it as much. Getting back on my bike I noticed the difference again.
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RE: solid wheels
I put Arlen Ness Criss Cross wheels on and it made a huge difference. Before with the solid wheels the wind would catch and push me with it, especially when a big truck went flying buy. This 03 was the first I had owned with the solid wheels and I really didn't realize what a differance they make. It didn't take me long to make the change. Now, there are riders here that will tell you that it is a myth, but in my opinion the open wheel makes a big difference.
Just my .02 worth
TM
Just my .02 worth
TM
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Moving Target
RE: solid wheels
When riding in a breeze of 5-10 mph my bike is near out of control, my new Fatboy wants to be all over the road. It reminds me of a flag waving in the wind. I thought it was just me, being I am a rookie rider. A buddy and I traded bikes for a short time and he noticed the handling problem and I was able to relax riding his bike. I don't understand why Harley-Davidson uses the solid wheel knowing the unstableness of them. I am not a happy camper with the solid wheels, they add to the danger on the road.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,865
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From: The 1980's
RE: solid wheels
You'll get a different answer from everyone who responds on this question. Some say that it makes a big difference and some say it makes no difference at all. After recently having the solid wheels taken off of my '02 Fat Boy and switching to a pair of RC Components "Wicked" wheels, I have to believe that the solids do catch the breeze and give you a little unwanted side to side movement.
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Joined: May 2005
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From:
RE: solid wheels
Part of the problem may be 1. Where you live, and 2. What all has been done with the bike (such as saddlebags, windshields, etc...)
I've never owned a Fatboy, but I've owned a V-Rod which also has solid disc wheels. The ones on the V-Rod are actually cupped, seeming like they would be even worse. Well, the first V-Rod I ever rode was a rental that we took from San Diego all the way to Las Vegas, all arid, dry, desert climate. Did freeway the whole time, running between 80 and 90 the whole way....no problems. No problem with the wheels catching wind and getting pushed around, even when going around semi's.
Now fast forward about 6 months. I got back to Kansas City and decided to buy a V-Rod. Got mine with a set of saddlebags and a sport windshield. Whenever I'd get above 55 on mine...oh yeah, I noticed a BIG difference! The bike would be pushed all over the road. A semi passing was dowright frightening. I got some five spoke PM wheels put on, and it made all the difference in the world. Bike would track straight and true down the freeway even on windy days.
My opinion...air density depending on where you live may make enough of a difference to account for people's opinions. The air here in Missouri if very muggy and humid in the summertime, and you can feel how heavy the air is just walking though it. I think when you get up to higher speeds, such air density can make a big difference with these wheels.
I've never owned a Fatboy, but I've owned a V-Rod which also has solid disc wheels. The ones on the V-Rod are actually cupped, seeming like they would be even worse. Well, the first V-Rod I ever rode was a rental that we took from San Diego all the way to Las Vegas, all arid, dry, desert climate. Did freeway the whole time, running between 80 and 90 the whole way....no problems. No problem with the wheels catching wind and getting pushed around, even when going around semi's.
Now fast forward about 6 months. I got back to Kansas City and decided to buy a V-Rod. Got mine with a set of saddlebags and a sport windshield. Whenever I'd get above 55 on mine...oh yeah, I noticed a BIG difference! The bike would be pushed all over the road. A semi passing was dowright frightening. I got some five spoke PM wheels put on, and it made all the difference in the world. Bike would track straight and true down the freeway even on windy days.
My opinion...air density depending on where you live may make enough of a difference to account for people's opinions. The air here in Missouri if very muggy and humid in the summertime, and you can feel how heavy the air is just walking though it. I think when you get up to higher speeds, such air density can make a big difference with these wheels.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: NC
RE: solid wheels
Indeed... I do notice it on my 04 fatty with solids stock wheels.
We caught about a 5mph crosswind last fall all the way to Myrtle Beach and it felt as if I was basically riding in a continuous left turn to compensate. The other guy with me on his springer (spokes) had no issues.. but I was struggling.. after a while it just gets old. Of course this is speed dependent though.. He was insistent on ripping it up there around 80mph. If I slowed to 70mph, it wasn't such a problem, and 65mph was fine.
We caught about a 5mph crosswind last fall all the way to Myrtle Beach and it felt as if I was basically riding in a continuous left turn to compensate. The other guy with me on his springer (spokes) had no issues.. but I was struggling.. after a while it just gets old. Of course this is speed dependent though.. He was insistent on ripping it up there around 80mph. If I slowed to 70mph, it wasn't such a problem, and 65mph was fine.
