Laced Wheels
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 696
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte
Laced Wheels
So I'm talking to the guy at the Charlotte HD dealership and he's giving me some info on a RK Classic that I'm wanting. He tells me that the laced wheels may not be the best choice if I plan to do any long distance travels because unlike the solid wheels, they have tubes.
I can understand that, it's a lot harder to get to the tube to repair it as opposed to being able to plug a tire on a solid wheel.
I would much rather have spokes than other types of wheels.
How big of a concern or problem has this been for ya'll?
Thanks
I can understand that, it's a lot harder to get to the tube to repair it as opposed to being able to plug a tire on a solid wheel.
I would much rather have spokes than other types of wheels.
How big of a concern or problem has this been for ya'll?
Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 1
From: North Jersey
RE: Laced Wheels
I had one flat last year on my Electra Glide. Got a tow to my dealer for repair. Having a good roadside assistance plan is the best defence since it is not likely you will want to repair a tube on the side of the road. The tubeless alloy wheels are definately an advantage, but I still love the traditional look of spokes. So I will keep them flat tires be damned. Frankly, I just don't worry about it. I have both AAA/RV and HOG roadside assistance. If one cannot respond due to the region I am in, the other will. Any break down, weather it be a flat or something mechanical, is usually a tow truck deal for a heavy touring bike anyway. This will be your way out of trouble near home or far away. Even a flat on an alloy wheel will leave you stranded if you break the bead on the rim.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Laced Wheels
Can you say "BULLSHEIT!!??".. sure ya can! Cost of new tube $17.00. Cost of new tire $150 (at dealer). YOU do the math.
I had the profile lace wheels on my Ultra. It isn't an issue. I switched over to the ThunderStar wheels because I liked the easier cleaning, and I liked the looks with some of the other mods I did. We have the standard lace wheels on the wife's Deluxe. We're going to change over to the 80 spoke wheel as soon as they come out with it in the profile style.
Whatever flips your switch, GO WITH IT!
I had the profile lace wheels on my Ultra. It isn't an issue. I switched over to the ThunderStar wheels because I liked the easier cleaning, and I liked the looks with some of the other mods I did. We have the standard lace wheels on the wife's Deluxe. We're going to change over to the 80 spoke wheel as soon as they come out with it in the profile style.
Whatever flips your switch, GO WITH IT!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
RE: Laced Wheels
There are many bikes out there that run tubes.They are only harder to repair in case of a flat.
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 716
Likes: 5
From: Harley Home
RE: Laced Wheels
I have been lucky I guess, no flats on a bike. Just my two cents but honestly I don't think that I would attempt a road side repair on a tire regardless of wheel style. If I did have solid wheels on my Ultra and did do a road side repair I would be very paranoid about the repair failing or having a blow out. I prefer the look of spokes on my bagger and if I am on a cross country trip and get a flat I'd call for a tow.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 991
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Laced Wheels
ORIGINAL: ultraultra
Can you say "BULLSHEIT!!??".. sure ya can! Cost of new tube $17.00. Cost of new tire $150 (at dealer). YOU do the math.
Can you say "BULLSHEIT!!??".. sure ya can! Cost of new tube $17.00. Cost of new tire $150 (at dealer). YOU do the math.
WhenI had the flat about a month ago,I was looking at almost $300.00 to replace a 1 month old tire, tube, and liner on my laced wheels.
Thankfully it was a defective tube, and the dealer did a no cost repair and tow.
Andthats the only tire trouble I have had with my ultra, running tubed tires and profile laced wheels.
Cleaning them is abit of a pain, but the look I like is Laced, and So, Laced it is.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 2
From: SouthEast Michigan
RE: Laced Wheels
All my motorcycles have had spokes and I have never been stranded.
So if the dealer says long distance riding is a problem with spokes, why do they put them on a Touring model?
So if the dealer says long distance riding is a problem with spokes, why do they put them on a Touring model?