Does anyone buy laced wheels anymore? Does anyone get them on a SG? The dealer has a 09SG with everything I want on the bike(abs,alarm,cruise) but it has laced wheels. I don't seem to see alot of bikes with laced wheels around.

 

Either you like spokes or you don't.

The issue with spokes on a touring bike is what happens when you are in the middle of no where and you get nail in your tire. Hopefully the tow truck can find you. With tubeless tires you can plug and go....you ride to the nearest shop to get a new tire if you choose or ride with the plug. I have never had any issues with a plugged tire but the choice is personal.

 

I have wire wheels on my 07 SG. wasn't my first choice, but the pewter denim was. i was thinking of changing to cast but now i'm leaning toward powdercoating the rims and staying with the wires. I like the old school look it adds.

 

Real Motorcycles have SPOKES! LOLs. Check out the sig below

 

My husband just bought an '07 Ultra and promptly bought a set of laced wheels on e-Bay for it.
Some folks just like the way they look.
(Myself included)

 

I saw an '09 with spokes at a local dealer just today. First Street Glide I had seen with spokes. Looked pretty good. Personally I like the way they look but don't like to worry about getting a flat in the middle of nowhere. I can plug my tire with the cast wheels. If you're not a "worryer" like I am, go for the spokes.

 

Been riding for 20+ yrs on spokes and never had a problem. You can "what if" so much that you will never enjoy the ride. If something happens it happens... that's all part of the ride. Besides, even if all those guys carry tire plugs with them when they ride, I wonder how many carry an air compressor? Bottom line, get what YOU like and don't worry about the what-if's!

 

I think a bike looks awful good with spoked wheels. Maybe I'm biased.

 

I have 2 monster sized CO2 cartidges that go everywhere with me. When I go on my long tours when I pull my trailer, I bring a small air compressor.

 

My Y2K FLHRC came with chrome spoke wheels. I thought the look of spokes and wide white walls looked pretty sharp(see my avatar). I liked the wheels a lot and they looked great when clean and polished, which meant a lot of cleaning and polishing. Then I hit a road hazard (another story) which resulted in a 6 inch long "flat spot" on my front wheel. It held seal but wasn't safe. I purchased 2 mags off ebay that came with mounted tires, all brake discs (3) and rear stock pulley. It took about an hour to swap out everything and cost - to my front door - $349. It was a steal and I rode for 1/2 of last season on the Dunlop tires. A great deal. In the end, I like this look too. I just get a big break on cleaning and can fix flats on the go. I don't miss the cleaning and polishing at all.

>carry an air compressor?
Why, yes I do. I found a new one for $12.00 at a local store that's specifically for on the road use - its powered by the battery. I use it to inflate the air bag under my cop seat every time I ride, anywhere I happen to be. When not in use, it sits in a saddlebag. Nothing like riding on air! I like it so much I had my saddle reupholstered a month ago.