Wheels on 2008 FLHX with ABS -- Help!
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
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Wheels on 2008 FLHX with ABS -- Help!
I have a 2008 FLHX wih ABS and stock wheels. Thought a new set of H-D rotors would dress them up, but I'm still underwhelmed. I've been through the H-D accessory catalog and still haven't found anything that interesting. I'm intrigued by some of the setups I've seen on these forums, particularly the Hogpro offerings, but am concerned about going with a non-HD wheel and rotor. I'd love to hear from some people who can clarify some of these points:
1. ABS was a big reason I chose this bike, and I don't want to compromise its effectiveness. Wouldn't an H-D engineered system benefit from an H-D engineered wheel and rotor, or will the aftermarket wheels and rotors work just as well?
2. I love the way my bike handles on its stock 16s. But there doesn't seem to be any sense upgrading to a fancier 16-inch wheel as it all gets hidden behind the rotor. If I upgrade to a bigger wheel on the front, do I need to do the same on the back? And how will this affect the way the bike handles?
3. I was contemplating going with the same setup as the CVO Road King — 18" RoadWinder on the front, 17" on the back, and Harley's open-centered rotors. Figuring that if it works on that Harley ABS bike, it'll work on mine. Gets pricey — close to $3K. Flawed plan?
4. I've read that floating rotors are better than fixed rotors — in terms of squeaks, warping, etc. I'm assuming that a set of PM rotors would be just as good as H-D's, or no?
5. I'm concerned about whether it's possible to get real answers to any of these questions, as the ABS system is so new. Not sure whether my dealer would even install a third-party setup, and whether they, or anyone, would stand behind it. I'm in NJ, fwiw...
Any pictures or firsthand accounts would be VERY welcome. Thanks all.
My current setup:
1. ABS was a big reason I chose this bike, and I don't want to compromise its effectiveness. Wouldn't an H-D engineered system benefit from an H-D engineered wheel and rotor, or will the aftermarket wheels and rotors work just as well?
2. I love the way my bike handles on its stock 16s. But there doesn't seem to be any sense upgrading to a fancier 16-inch wheel as it all gets hidden behind the rotor. If I upgrade to a bigger wheel on the front, do I need to do the same on the back? And how will this affect the way the bike handles?
3. I was contemplating going with the same setup as the CVO Road King — 18" RoadWinder on the front, 17" on the back, and Harley's open-centered rotors. Figuring that if it works on that Harley ABS bike, it'll work on mine. Gets pricey — close to $3K. Flawed plan?
4. I've read that floating rotors are better than fixed rotors — in terms of squeaks, warping, etc. I'm assuming that a set of PM rotors would be just as good as H-D's, or no?
5. I'm concerned about whether it's possible to get real answers to any of these questions, as the ABS system is so new. Not sure whether my dealer would even install a third-party setup, and whether they, or anyone, would stand behind it. I'm in NJ, fwiw...
Any pictures or firsthand accounts would be VERY welcome. Thanks all.
My current setup:
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 580
Likes: 4
From: Sauble Beach
RE: Wheels on 2008 FLHX with ABS -- Help!
HogPro can set ya up with a complete ready to install '08 ABS 21/18 combo with matching 11.8" rotors & pulley. Tires mounted/balanced & rotors/pulley installed. How easy is that? Call Phil.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 0
From: Front Royal, Virginia
RE: Wheels on 2008 FLHX with ABS -- Help!
On my 02 RKC I have the 18" front Road Winder wheel. On the rear I have the 16" Road Winder wheel. I am selling the RKC this spring and I will sell my Road Winders if you are interested. I put them on the bike June 07. They are like brand new. What is included is the front and rear wheels, bearings, chrome spacers, chrome bolts and the Road Winder front rotors which I might add, make the front wheel. Also included is a Metzeler 18" front tire, ME880 with 6800 miles, plenty of tread left and a new rear Dunlop tire (6/700 miles). I believe the only change you would have to make is changing the wheel bearings to the ABS bearings. This setup cost me $3150 ( you are close when you said $3000). I'll take $1700 plus actual shipping from 22630 in Virginia. This deal should keep you under $2000. will keep a HD wheel on your bike and it will look great. And I have pictures to prove it. Give me an email address to send pics if you have any further interest. BTW, I love to stock SG wheel on my black bike or I would already made the swap.
Gary
Gary
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 7
From: FL & SoCal
RE: Wheels on 2008 FLHX with ABS -- Help!
Just my opinion and hopefully we can get someone to confirm but on a touring bike I'd think you'd benefit more from an 18" front wheel instead of a 21" incher. The 18 is going to be significantly wider giving you more contact to the road which should benefit with a smoother more stableand plushier ride. Dont get me wrong, the 21's look sweet on these bikes but the 18 might be more practical. Hopefully, we can get some confirmation on my theory......
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 9,486
Likes: 4
From: Hico, TX (once home to Billy the Kid)
RE: Wheels on 2008 FLHX with ABS -- Help!
ORIGINAL: dawg
I'd love to have your current black rotors[8D]
I'd love to have your current black rotors[8D]
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,559
Likes: 3,954
From: Vermont
RE: Wheels on 2008 FLHX with ABS -- Help!
ORIGINAL: rocknrod
Im thinking of going Chrome. So lets talk.
ORIGINAL: dawg
I'd love to have your current black rotors[8D]
I'd love to have your current black rotors[8D]
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