Different Wheels = Different Ride?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 7, 2013 | 11:46 AM

Geezr Glidr

Thread Starter

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 3,520

Likes: 270

From: Wellsboro, PA

Different Wheels = Different Ride?

2011 Limited Ultra. Did stretched bags & a fender cover in March. Thought I should do something with the front now, so I think I'm getting a plain SG front fender, and maybe new wheels. I like the 5 spoke wheels. I have those stock laced wheels on now. I heard that different wheels might give me a nicer ride than those stock laced ones. Nicer ride with different wheels?

Oct 7, 2013 | 12:17 PM

mwegryn

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 1,542

Likes: 5

From: Cleveland, OH

I would say the only way you would really change the overall ride quality is if you change the height of the sidewall or width of the tire. A lower profile and narrower tire will be more nimble, but not a cushy. They also tend to follow grooves and cracks in the road more. A comparison would be the Dyna Wide Glide and Fatbob. If you are going to keep the tire the same size, I don't think you'd feel a huge difference unless the new wheels are much lighter.

Oct 7, 2013 | 12:20 PM

mkguitar

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 14,744

Likes: 402

From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins

...or the weight of the wheel.

the reason for 'mag" wheels is that they weighed less.

unsprung weight ( the weight of parts which is not carried by the suspension) is a big deal.
lighter wheels, tires, brake rotors and fork lowers would contribute to better ride quality.
lighter wheels would also act less like a gyroscope.

mike

Oct 7, 2013 | 12:35 PM

fabrik8r

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 2,916

Likes: 31

From: earth

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkguitar

"MAG" is short for the lightweight material MAGnesium, over time and through improper usage the term mag has been adopted to describe any cast or billet wheels, mostly made of aluminum now. Anyway my SG "mag" wheels weigh 24lbs raw, no discs and no tire, upwards of 39lbs assembled, I wouldn't call that light just because it is a "mag" wheel.

Yes different wheels can equal a different ride, generally speaking lighter is better. In addition to the gyroscope effect, lighter wheels will accelerate and decelerate with less effort, meaning better braking and quicker acceleration. Suspension components will also have an easier job controlling less weght. The suspension will likely need retuned to maximize performance.

Oct 7, 2013 | 12:49 PM

mkguitar

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 14,744

Likes: 402

From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins

Yes, magnesium, was what I meant and I could have been more descriptive of the common use.
thanks

Mike

Oct 7, 2013 | 01:56 PM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,898

From: Bedford UK

Some Harley 'mags' are indeed very heavy! It is likely that a wire-spoked wheel is lighter than any cast aluminium wheel, with forged wheels potentially being a little lighter. Unfortunately most of them are produced as custom designs and weights are not mentioned in advertising. Dresser wheels are available in carbon-fibre - now they are truly light weight!

Oct 7, 2013 | 04:57 PM

giacomo56

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 1,521

Likes: 185

From: Ft Myers FL

05RK...I changed from the laced to the 9 spoke mags, also went to the Metzlers WWW 880's with the Dyna beads ( i don't think they make them any more, but the Avon Venoms are just as good in my opinion ) i do like the way my ride feels and handles...somehow i have more of an aggressive riding style, it might be because i feel the grip of the tires where i didn't feel it with my stock Dunlops.....OR....it's just in my head, and it possibly could be.