Cross winds on SG wheels
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Cruiser
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Cross winds on SG wheels
New to the forum and seriously considering getting a Street Glide, really like the way it looks. I know that some people have stated that cross winds on Fat Boy solid wheels is a problem, will cause a sideways push in either direction. Was wondering if anyone has ever experienced this with the stock SG or RK Custom wheels. This will be my second Harely, the first being a RK standard. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Southern California
RE: Cross winds on SG wheels
A couple of weeks ago road on Hwy 62 near Palm Springs, CA hit a stretch on my SG with 15-20mph cross winds. Had to lean into the wind but no more or less than the other four guys. 2 of them were running spokes and the other two were a RK Custom and an Ultra which I'm not sure which kind of wheels he's running.
In any event we seemed to take the brunt in the upper body vs at the wheel and don't think they made much difference either way.
Primo
In any event we seemed to take the brunt in the upper body vs at the wheel and don't think they made much difference either way.
Primo
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Cistern,Tx
RE: Cross winds on SG wheels
I had a Road King Custom and when we were coming thru Wyoming on our way to Sturgis we hit crosswinds and I did not notice anything on the Custom. The wheels are not solid like the Fat Boy so maybe that made a difference.
Road Captain
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From: Pekin, IN
RE: Cross winds on SG wheels
Aerodynamically, even the solid wheels will not cause the crosswind to push you anymore than spokes. When you consider the relatively small surface area of the wheels compared to the bike and rider and the fact that the leading edge of the front tire is in essence creating a fairing effect for the wheels. The crosswind speed would have to be above your forward speed to penetrate the wind shield created by the leading edge of your front tire.
If you are travelling 25 mph and have a crosswind of 35 mph, the wind would have and effect on the wheels. However, if your travelling 60 mph with a crosswind of 25 mph the wind will have no effect on the wheels at all.
Like stated in an earlier post. All riders, regardless of model of bike and wheels were required to compensate for the wind equally. The solid wheel thing is a myth.
Steve[sm=icon_rock.gif]
If you are travelling 25 mph and have a crosswind of 35 mph, the wind would have and effect on the wheels. However, if your travelling 60 mph with a crosswind of 25 mph the wind will have no effect on the wheels at all.
Like stated in an earlier post. All riders, regardless of model of bike and wheels were required to compensate for the wind equally. The solid wheel thing is a myth.
Steve[sm=icon_rock.gif]
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Southern California
RE: Cross winds on SG wheels
ORIGINAL: sedbiker62
Aerodynamically, even the solid wheels will not cause the crosswind to push you anymore than spokes. When you consider the relatively small surface area of the wheels compared to the bike and rider and the fact that the leading edge of the front tire is in essence creating a fairing effect for the wheels. The crosswind speed would have to be above your forward speed to penetrate the wind shield created by the leading edge of your front tire.
If you are travelling 25 mph and have a crosswind of 35 mph, the wind would have and effect on the wheels. However, if your travelling 60 mph with a crosswind of 25 mph the wind will have no effect on the wheels at all.
Like stated in an earlier post. All riders, regardless of model of bike and wheels were required to compensate for the wind equally. The solid wheel thing is a myth.
Steve[sm=icon_rock.gif]
Aerodynamically, even the solid wheels will not cause the crosswind to push you anymore than spokes. When you consider the relatively small surface area of the wheels compared to the bike and rider and the fact that the leading edge of the front tire is in essence creating a fairing effect for the wheels. The crosswind speed would have to be above your forward speed to penetrate the wind shield created by the leading edge of your front tire.
If you are travelling 25 mph and have a crosswind of 35 mph, the wind would have and effect on the wheels. However, if your travelling 60 mph with a crosswind of 25 mph the wind will have no effect on the wheels at all.
Like stated in an earlier post. All riders, regardless of model of bike and wheels were required to compensate for the wind equally. The solid wheel thing is a myth.
Steve[sm=icon_rock.gif]
Dude, that was an awesome explanation and your grasp of aerodynamic science is astounding but now I have to sit down. Your logic has me dizzy!
primo
RE: Cross winds on SG wheels
Had an 03 fatboy before the Ultra. Makes no differnce. Wind was never a factor. Think of oit this way. When you are doing 70 MPH even a spked wheel might as well be solid. It is turning so fast the space between the spokes is non existant.
Don' t let the solid wheel be of any concern in your decision.
Bonzo
Don' t let the solid wheel be of any concern in your decision.
Bonzo
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RE: Cross winds on SG wheels
My brother-in-law rides a Duece and has always said he feels the sideways push of crosswinds, but then again he doesn't ride when it's cloudy (might rain), at night, or on the highways. Maybe he should take up knitting....
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RE: Cross winds on SG wheels
bonzo2 and sedbiker62 are right. Makes no difference. Try shooting a BB gun or any rifle through a spoked wheel turning the equivalent of 30mph and you will never get through without destroying a spoke, maybe more. A solid wheel offers more crosswind resistance standing still but not above about 15 mph. Of course I could be wrong about all of this.
It's a myth.
It's a myth.
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