Fatboy Frustrations...Please Help
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 507
Likes: 4
From: Wentzville, Missouri
I have also ridden in some pretty nasty cross winds but pushed into another lane...never. Even with the almost solid wheels, wind, and semi's, I never felt that kind of out of control. It's not the wheels.......
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
I can get you pretty much any wheel on the sit in the stock sizes for your bike. There are lots of other sizes that will fit on your bike as well. The problem is that you are talking to the dealer. No offense but a lot of times the dealer parts guys only know what the Harley catalog says.
There are alwyas numerous combinations that will work on each bike but you need someone who know what what will work on what bike. This information is half of what we do. If you have questions, please feel free to ask here or give us a call once we open in a few hours.
There are alwyas numerous combinations that will work on each bike but you need someone who know what what will work on what bike. This information is half of what we do. If you have questions, please feel free to ask here or give us a call once we open in a few hours.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,306
Likes: 2,443
From: Eastern NE
High wind riding's something you have to adjust for...not swapping wheels. It'll blow you all over the road (same in cage, plane, etc.). Hard to predict if/when a gust will throw you around...just need to get mindset on "prediction" and don't let the wind/bike take control...you control them...
If you think it's bad in wide open spaces...try riding up/down mountain "wind channels" in the Rockies & Sierra Nevada's. Just have to put more thought & lean into your ride.
If you think it's bad in wide open spaces...try riding up/down mountain "wind channels" in the Rockies & Sierra Nevada's. Just have to put more thought & lean into your ride.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 653
Likes: 116
From: Texas
I have a 2012 Fatboy and it gets pushed around just as like my bagger.
In short I agree with the other comments it's not the wheels.
Cross winds and gusts on a motorcycle is just going to happen.
I have been talking to Hogpros this week about changing my wheels for a different look.
Lots of choices - good luck!
In short I agree with the other comments it's not the wheels.
Cross winds and gusts on a motorcycle is just going to happen.
I have been talking to Hogpros this week about changing my wheels for a different look.
Lots of choices - good luck!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 12,359
Likes: 74
From: WI
I was going to suggest HogPro, but I see he's already chimed in. I have no personal experience with him, but several forum members have had only positive comments about him and his shop.
This past summer I came off of a Street Bob (spokes) to the Fatty. Both bikes can be a struggle in high winds, but I find the Fatty just a bit easier. And the fact that it's a bit easier is likely attributed to the fact that it's slightly heavier. I really do not believe the wheels affect that wind that much, maybe a little, but not that much.
High winds are just part of riding and sometimes just plain sucks. The more you ride, the more comfortable you'll feel or just know when to not ride.
This past summer I came off of a Street Bob (spokes) to the Fatty. Both bikes can be a struggle in high winds, but I find the Fatty just a bit easier. And the fact that it's a bit easier is likely attributed to the fact that it's slightly heavier. I really do not believe the wheels affect that wind that much, maybe a little, but not that much.
High winds are just part of riding and sometimes just plain sucks. The more you ride, the more comfortable you'll feel or just know when to not ride.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
High wind riding's something you have to adjust for...not swapping wheels. It'll blow you all over the road (same in cage, plane, etc.). Hard to predict if/when a gust will throw you around...just need to get mindset on "prediction" and don't let the wind/bike take control...you control them...
If you think it's bad in wide open spaces...try riding up/down mountain "wind channels" in the Rockies & Sierra Nevada's. Just have to put more thought & lean into your ride.
If you think it's bad in wide open spaces...try riding up/down mountain "wind channels" in the Rockies & Sierra Nevada's. Just have to put more thought & lean into your ride.
Sounds like experience is what is needed, no offense. Riding through Wyoming on a twisting downhill 2-lane, it was like a funnel. Pretty spooky with the wind coming up and quartering was a challenge.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 434
From: PA
I think my first post here was exactly about this, I was bringing my fatboy home from the dealer after purchase and it felt as if I was riding on Ice..Well I can tell you now It's not your wheels.
What you need is seat time, don't change your wheels thinking it will improve your ride, It won't, as others have mentioned it gets better with experience.
What you need is seat time, don't change your wheels thinking it will improve your ride, It won't, as others have mentioned it gets better with experience.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Should have added that the less you "fight" the wind the better off you'll be. Mine pretty much leans into the wind and straightens up on its own as long as I'm not fighting it.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: west Michigan
I've been in plenty of wind too. The winds off Lake Michigan can really gust, maybe not as constant as your Texas winds. I was warned before I bought my FB about the solid wheels, I've not found them to be a problem, it's just that you have to adjust yourself while riding and go with it, plan for it.
I've looked at some of those mags and they look great, if you get some be sure to tell us how much difference you think it made while riding in the wind.
I've looked at some of those mags and they look great, if you get some be sure to tell us how much difference you think it made while riding in the wind.