Hey folks, I need your help. I read a post on this forum the other day concerning problems with spoked wheels. It seems that some are having problems with loose spokes, corrosion, etc. My 06 Ultra came with the laced wheels and I'm wondering if would be better to upgrade. Also I'm a little concerned about being down with a flat somewhere. I know I can plug a tubeless tire, but not so sure I would ever attempt to pull a wheel on the road side and attempt to patch a tube.

If you where to change from a laced wheel what would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

I could be wrong but I think that some of that stuff was more specific to the profile laced wheels. You have the other kind.
Same concerns about fixing flats applies though.

 

Factory harley alloy wheels are on ebay all the time, or in the catalog they have several styles, but you might find someone who wants to do a swap with you on here.

 

get the chrome ones that come stock in black. expensive but look good.

 

I read somewhere that a guy sealed his spokes with a THICK layer of silicone and now uses tubeless tires.

 

Pulling a wheel on the side of the road is practically impossible on a Harley.....especially the rear. No question the cast wheels would add to your peace of mind on the road. Check eBay for wheels or someone might just trade you out of yours on this forum. I've seen some very attractive stock cast spoked wheels that were chromed. Lots of choices out there. BTW, some years back, Hallcraft used to make a sealed 80 spoke wire wheel. They used a rubber strip that was bonded around the wheel....and they were tubeless. I ran them for over 2 years and never had a leak. Sold the bike, so have no idea how they held up after that.
On the other hand, I've ridden many a mile with others that have stock wire spokes and nobody has ever had a flat.....in over ten years of touring.....but we all watch our pressures and tread depth.

 

Thanks for the responses. I really like the way the laced wheels look. Maybe I will just leave well enough alone. As far as the flats go ... If you see a cobalt Ultra on the side of the road stop and give me a lift. LOL

thanks again