Fatboy Solid Rims
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 249
Likes: 4
From: Northern Minnesota
Fatboy Solid Rims
Ok, I'm sure this is just another carousel thread but it is what it is.
I've got the solid aluminum rims (no bullet holes) on my 04 FB. Consequently the bike seems to get pushed around quite a bit in modest crosswinds. Nothing too unnerving (except when a stronger gust occurs) as I continue to "learn to ride more relaxed" and "just get use to it". I figure the rims act like mini sails in a crosswind and believe even Harley recognized that by adding the bullet holes to the newer rims. Now I know some say even spoked rims won't let wind through at 60 mph and have their evidence but I've ridden spoked and solids and it seems only the solids get pushed around in the crosswinds. Even read the solution of sticking a knee out to act as a foil to prevent the undesired movement. So, what say other Fatty owners? My plan is to change out both rims to the HD slotted mags #43919-07 front & #43931-08 rear and trust that will resolve the crosswind push issue. Certainly will be interesting to read others' thoughts and opinions.
I've got the solid aluminum rims (no bullet holes) on my 04 FB. Consequently the bike seems to get pushed around quite a bit in modest crosswinds. Nothing too unnerving (except when a stronger gust occurs) as I continue to "learn to ride more relaxed" and "just get use to it". I figure the rims act like mini sails in a crosswind and believe even Harley recognized that by adding the bullet holes to the newer rims. Now I know some say even spoked rims won't let wind through at 60 mph and have their evidence but I've ridden spoked and solids and it seems only the solids get pushed around in the crosswinds. Even read the solution of sticking a knee out to act as a foil to prevent the undesired movement. So, what say other Fatty owners? My plan is to change out both rims to the HD slotted mags #43919-07 front & #43931-08 rear and trust that will resolve the crosswind push issue. Certainly will be interesting to read others' thoughts and opinions.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: K.C.
Ripplingh2o, I've got a '01 Fatty with original solids. The bike will move around some in extreme (+30mph) crosswind. The worst was last year south of Hot Springs SD coming into Nebraska. It almost blew my tightly strapped half-shell off my head. Many other riders just stopped. I've never thought it was the solid wheels. I think most of movement is from the quick-detach windshield through my bars to my hands - "wagging it's head" if you will. Another bad case is absorbing the draft off an 18 wheeler flying by on I-80. If you find the slotted wheels make a diff please post. Interested to hear. Be glad you don't have a '77 BMW R100rs. That sucker would unexpectedly change lanes going across I-80 or I-90.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 526
Likes: 4
From: North Atlanta Georgia
I haven't noticed getting blown around, but even if I did, unless it were really bad, that wouldn't be my reason for spending cash on new wheels. I'll bet just adding the bullet holes would have zero effect on this, and that had nothing to do with HD adding the holes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 187
From: Florida
I don't have a problem with the stock wheels on my 13 Fat Boy. Don't recall a problem with my 06. Can't remember anything wrong with my 94 either, but then, I don't remember much back then anyway. Except for rides to Laconia & Sturgis every few years, and a few 50-75 mile hops between exits on I-95, I don't do a lot of interstate type riding, so I'm probably not an expert on them. Then again, most people who own Fatties probably are not planning to make interstates their primary routes anyway.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 272
From: Canton, GA
I've been in some serious crosswinds and I don't see it as any more of a problem on the Fatboy than any of the other bikes I ride. My riding buddies get blown all over too ...I don't think the rims make a difference
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 249
Likes: 4
From: Northern Minnesota
And you obviously know that because.....?
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 265
Likes: 11
From: Houston area
I haven't noticed any handling issues on my 08 Fatboy. I have also had a 96 Fatboy with solid wheels and did not notice any issues with those.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 147
Likes: 3
From: Kentucky
I had a Heritage with Fatboy wheels for three years. I noticed a little wobble in the turbulent air stream behind larger vehicles. The bike had no wobble if there were no other vehicles on the road in front of me.
My Slim with wire wheels is rock solid.
My Slim with wire wheels is rock solid.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 526
Likes: 4
From: North Atlanta Georgia
I obviously don't know much which is why I said "I'll bet...".
But again, I'll bet trying to get wind to go thru little holes spinning at a zillion rpm won't have an effect on much of anything.
But again, I'll bet trying to get wind to go thru little holes spinning at a zillion rpm won't have an effect on much of anything.