Steel Spoke Wheels versus Aluminum Spoke Wheels

Fellow rides, I would like tap into your knowledge and experiences:

I am looking at purchasing a new Road King Classic, and it has two wheel options - Chrome Steel with spokes and or Chrome Aluminum with spokes.

I do not want the discussion to be spokes vs. no spokes, but would like to hear about experiences and pros & cons of steel vs. aluminum spoke wheels.

Thanks.

 

I think you are refering to spoke wheels vs. cast aluminum.

Some people prefer the classic look of steel spoke wheels.While they may look nice they have issues IMO.They can rust,spokes need to be inspected and adjusted,hard to clean,must use a tube in most cases.

Cast wheels are maintainence free and use tubeless tires.

 

Don't think so. I think he asked the question correctly.

Specs for the 09 Road King Classic call for "laced steel chrome wheel" as standard, and "Chrome, Profile Laced Aluminum" wheels as an option. I don't understand how "laced aluminum" could be strong enough, but that's what it says.

 

So HD is offering a laced wheel with an aluminum rim?I thought they were steel chrome plated.

So what would be the difference other than it being lighter?

 

Aside from the fact that the profile rim is better looking and easier to clean, it will also weigh less.
Less unsprung weight will improve handling for sure.

 

I am NOT referring spoke wheels vs. cast aluminum.

They are Chrome Steel with spokes and or Chrome Aluminum with spokes - refer to to HD.com and look at the Road King or Road King Classic.

The Dealer told me the Aluminum with spokes will handle better and of course weights less.

 

The rim material here is the only difference I believe. In either case the rims will be strong enough for everything you'll put that wheel through. You might want to consider that if scratched the steel wheel would have a tendency to rust where the aluminum wheel would not. At best if the chrome is compromised with the aluminum it could peel. This would though be dependent on the original process and how good it was. The spokes in any case will be steel from the factory. The profile wheels come chrome patted. Sounds great but chrome spokes are hard to keep rust free. After adjustment the chrome around where the wrench goes is usually compromised at least a little inviting rust in. The best case scenario is to have polished stainless replacements done. They stay shiny (not quite as shiny as chrome) and always look good. The stock spokes I believe are coated in Zinc. These will grey out over a short time and are hard to keep looking good. I had my original spokes re laced with the stainless replacements on my 00 WideGlide and they looked great all the time till I bent the rim. No fault of the spokes though.
Just my two cents.

 

some good insight... thanks.

any one else?

I am wondering about the aluminum pitting or not looking so good after a while.

 

The Chrome, Profile Laced Aluminum wheel comes with steel chrome spokes. Its lighter, better looking & easier to clean.