Solid disc wheels
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 214
Likes: 29
From: Oahu, Hawaii
Solid disc wheels
I initially was going to purchase a solid disc wheel for the rear of my RGU. I am now considering the matching front. Living on an island I don’t do any of long range touring, we only have a few high wind days which are normally accompanied with storms and I wouldn’t be riding in that anyway. Is there handling woes to be considered aside from it catching more wind? I have Knuckle wheels now and those are basically 75% solid. I would either stay with 17/16 or do 19/16 diameters.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: My own little slice of heaven
Shouldn’t be an issue. You “may” feel the wind if there is a big gust but everyday riding.......go for it
it would be the same if you were asking about bikes picking up more wind if they have a fairing versus no fairing. The answer would be yes you may feel the cross wind a little more but does it really make a difference?
it would be the same if you were asking about bikes picking up more wind if they have a fairing versus no fairing. The answer would be yes you may feel the cross wind a little more but does it really make a difference?
Last edited by TracerBullet; Jul 23, 2020 at 06:14 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
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From: South Carolina
You can`t see the rear wheel on a touring bike unless the bags are removed.
The solid wheel on front will act a little squirrely in gusty wind, and trust me, it is not the same as the wind pushing against a fairing.
I noticed it right away when I put a solid wheel on the front of my Softail. Next tire change...the OEM spoke front wheel goes back on.
The solid wheel on front will act a little squirrely in gusty wind, and trust me, it is not the same as the wind pushing against a fairing.
I noticed it right away when I put a solid wheel on the front of my Softail. Next tire change...the OEM spoke front wheel goes back on.
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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
See if your dealer has a Fatboy to rent for a day. They've always had solid wheels and you can get a feel for the handling. Riding around the island and through H2 should give you an idea.
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From: Long Island, New York
It is absolutely negligible and in your riding environment, it will not be noticed. Fatboys have been running solid wheels front and back for a very long time. If it is something you want for aesthetics, have at it and good luck.
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From: Omaha,NE
^^This. I've owned several Fat Boys and the solid wheel/wind bit is a myth. I live in a very windy state. As stated, a negligible difference.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
I speak from experience of riding both wheels on the same machine on the same day.
I`ve been riding the same Softail for almost 32 years, I know exactly how it feels with both types of wheel.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jul 23, 2020 at 09:09 AM.
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From: Long Island, New York
I put a solid rear wheel on my 1997 Wide Glide in 1998. Probably rode around like that for 25k miles, never noticed a difference. Went back to spokes, same/same.