Hello,

I've been lurking on this site for about a year or so now. I was going to purchase my first harley several months ago, but some $$ things came up. Anyway I've recovered now and I'm looking forward to making a purchase in the near future. I went to my nearest dealer and test rode a dyna and a fatboy. The dyna is alot of fun, but I absolutely loved the balanced engine on the softail. I'm not a big fan of the floorboards, so forward controls would be my first mod. Ok, so heres my question. When I tested the bikes I got them up to around 70 mph or so, but I did not get out on the freeway in order to encounter any 18 wheelers. I've read conflicting opinions on the solid wheel issue. I rode rice rockets back in the and I could feel the push/pull when I passed 18 wheelers, but it was part of the ride and really no big deal. For those who have experienced both, do the solid wheels cause the bike to be blown around any worse than the way too lightweight crotch rockets? Changing the wheels would be to much $$ right now but I really like the fatty. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Yes, with the solid wheel you can and will feel the wind alot more than an open wheel style. IT takes some getting used to.

 

Honestly...I don't agree. I've had a Sporster and I've now got a Deluxe with the spokes and a Fat Boy Lo and they both get blown by a semi. But it's no different than with any bike. The bigger the bike, the more you feel wind blow it. I've got 2 suggestions... First, live with the floorboards for a while. They're a lot nicer than you seem to give them credit for. You have space to move your feet around on longer rides and if you want pegs than put a engine guard and highway pegs on the bike. But I think you'll regret it if you immediately take them off. And second, ride it with the solid wheels for a while too. They're nice wheels, easy to keep clean compared to the spokes and I don't think you'll have nearly as big of an issue with the simi's as you think.

Just my $.02

 

my first harley was a fatboy, and you do feel the wind and the tail wind off a semi, but its not scary after your first 3 semis, i by far was a novice rider, and i don't even think about it any longer while passing the trucks,, but you will notice it alot on a very windy day, as you will with most bikes, i definatly would not let that stop me from buying a fatboy if its what you like.

 

The solid wheels do not make a difference. People assume they do, so when they ride it does. A persons perception of reality is thier reality. In the real world, they do make a difference. I have had both and the ride is the same. The wind blows a lot here, and you are going to feel it regardless.

 

Thanx for the input everyone. tlb, I noticed in the pic that you have different wheels on yours. Was the wind issue a factor in that decision?

 

ive been riding my fatboy since 2000 and MAYBE encountered one or 2 times wind blowin thing,,,,but it was fringin windy out,,,,never a major problem,,,,get the fatty!!!!!!!!!

 

I've rode plenty of different bikes. Most had spokes. some had custom wheels and my Fatboy with the discs. I honestly can't tell any difference. The wind blows every bike around. My friend just put Fatboy discs on his 01 Heritage and he too says no difference.

 

I have a 05 fatty and live in Amarillo Tx (ALWAYS windy as hell). I got pushed around more on my sporty than my fatboy. Also I prefer the dics looks to all those damn spokes.

Also, floorboards, gotta keep those. I can stretch out a bit w/ just my heels on them or bring all of my foot on them for a more controlled feel. Now the heel/toe shifter, well I only use the toe but I like the looks of the whole unit so I did not remove the heel part.

In short, get the fatty.

Kirk

 

No, the solid disk wheels are a bitch to keep clean, if they are not chrome. I wanted something that looked different. I already said the wind does not have an effect on he solid wheels.