I LOVE the look of the solid wheels, like on the FatBoy. Someone one this board has picture of some solids with engraved skulls- AWESOME!

What is the effect of solid wheels on the ride of a touring bike? Anything different? I've got a 2009 RKC on order and it's just something I'm considering after the fact. What do you think? (I'd prefer solids, but if it doesn't work for some reason, I'm inclined toward the profile lace wheels).

Thanks!

 

I have heard that a cross wind will really push you around with solid wheels. Haven't ridden one so I don't know first hand.

 

I would imagine starting and stopping would be effected as well based on centrifugal weight. Heavier wheel means longer stopping distance (or more effort required by brakes). Does the RKC come with ABS? Something else I'd personally be concerned about.

 

Its a myth, I had a Fat Boy and rode it in heavy wind more then a few times. My buddy gets pushed just as hard on his wire wheeled springer. A bagger has more side real estate then a Fatboy. The surface area of a solid wheel is so small in the big picture of side force. My Street Glide gets pushed around just as much. Put the wheels on you like, it will have little to do with fighting strong side winds.

 

It's a bunch of BS about solid wheels getting blown around. I have them and the wind doesn't bother me.
If anyone believes the BS about being blown around, maybe they should leave saddle bags, backrests, sissy bars, windshields off their bikes. Maybe even remove the gas tank, because a cross wind could catch it as well. Better wear a mess jacket as well, so that the crosswind doesn't catch you!

 

Common sense will tell you it makes a difference. How much depends on a lot of things. Size of bike, size of rider, rider skill, wind speed and direction ect. I don't think it's enough to discourage a rim choice or anything else for that matter.

 

My experience was that it was not a myth. When I switched from the stock solid front wheel on my '07 Fat Boy to a H-D Blade chrome one, there was a noticeable improvement in the bike's handling in heavy crosswinds. Since I went with a chrome solid on the rear, I don't believe a solid wheel on the back makes any difference, but am convinced that a solid wheel out front does affect handling in crosswinds. The big difference between your front wheel and saddle bags, backrests, sissy bars, windshields, et al, is you're not doing your steering with any of that other stuff.

Here's my Fat Boy after I made the switch to the Blade front wheel and solid chrome rear.

 

I had a fatboy for 4 years and i got my 08 sg and yes i can tell the difference! Would not go back to a solid wheel!!!

 

May effect it a little but I doubt you'll notice. Well, maybe you'll notice a little but who cares? You'll look cool.

 

No problems here been riding her 7 yrs.