Solid disc wheels
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
Likes: 12,707
From: South Carolina
Rear wheel makes no difference spoke or solid, the front wheel is what makes the bike squirrely in a wind gust, I`m guessing it shakes the front wheel a bit.
My spoked OEM wheel is down from the attic and is waiting for its new tire as we speak.
My spoked OEM wheel is down from the attic and is waiting for its new tire as we speak.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
That's bleedin' obvious - bikes with two solid disc wheels have been around for thirty years. Indeed they go back to before WW2 IIRC. You've made your point regarding your own experience, but there are countless other riders of solid disc front wheels out there.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
Likes: 12,707
From: South Carolina
I forgot to read your mind, thanks for the rest of the story.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,175
Likes: 2,483
From: Nor Cal
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 784
Likes: 317
From: NE Ohio
I always heard that the solid wheel wind thing was a myth, also. I just acquired a 2002 Fatboy, and sure enough there is a difference. I have owned many harleys and I definitely get pushed a round a little when the wind is just right.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,175
Likes: 2,483
From: Nor Cal
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Last edited by multihdrdr; Jul 24, 2020 at 06:37 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,562
Likes: 7,916
From: Long Island, New York
Keep in mind the OP is in Hawaii, he will not be riding across the Nebraska plains or any place like that with big cross winds. Hard to find a place to do 65 MPH over there, beautiful but not wide open. Good luck to all of us.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 456
Likes: 205
From: Manchester, MI
I have ridden a few Fatboys and love blaming the bike versus the rider. Let's approach this more scientifically. The 16" disk would be 5.6 square feet of surface area. Now the rotor is 3.1415 square feet. I know the rotor has holes to allow air movement but there is also the forks and the caliper to add in. For argument sake, let's just say the rotor is solid to compensate for the forks and caliper. The added surface area is 2.5 square feet. That is a piece of plywood that is 18" x 18". Go out is the wind and brace the edge of the piece of plywood on the ground and hold it to see the added side force. Remember that the added surface area is below the center of gravity and the ground is taking part of the force. You will see there is some push but not a whole lot. With all of the other surface areas on a touring bike, you will not notice it.
As to the looks, I think the solid disk in chrome is the best looking wheel out there. With some of the other crap I have seen people add on their bikes just for the looks that would effect the driveabilty, I would go for it.
As to the looks, I think the solid disk in chrome is the best looking wheel out there. With some of the other crap I have seen people add on their bikes just for the looks that would effect the driveabilty, I would go for it.
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