[Jimaroo]

Has anyone swapped the solid wheels out for non-solid and actually experienced less wind-buffeting?
Theory or fact?
I've got chrome solids and experience some buffeting, but I don't think it's any worse than my last bike (which was a low-rider with mags) but that was back a few years - and memory f a d e s. I ride normal highway speeds, two-up usually. :ride:

 

[mjw930]

Some people claim no effect, others are adimate that aftermarket wheels like the PM's reduce or eliminate the "sail" effect.

Fatboy riders have lived with this for years and almost every one of them that's changed the front wheel notes improved highway riding.

Every bike I've owned with solid wheels exhibits more movement on the highway than bikes with spokes or open wheels.

 

[Jimaroo]

To sail or not to sail...

It would have to be a substantial difference for me to make the change. I chromed the factory wheels because I like the original styling effect, and the problem is not critical - just a little annoying.
(Of course, my problem is that I am a Fatboy riding on a V-Rod, so the problem might be intensified!)
Maybe I'll just ask everyone with open-wheel V-Rods at Daytona if I can take a spin up 95 on their bike! :rofl:

 

[Americancustoms]

I ran solids on a previous fatboy and swithed to villan PMs huge difference in a windy situation, but day to day with the sun shining nothing. DH

 

[jcolodny]

I agree with Mark that while others may not have exprerienced this problem, I definetly have. Going down the highway with a stong crosswind, or passing a big truck will do it every time. I like the look of the stock wheel, so I am keeping mine.

Best solution to minimize problem: Changing fork oil to SE Racing 15w, and getting a Superbrace.

See this thread:
http://www.v-rodforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1891&highlight=superbrace

 

[dlevi03]

I get pushed around in my pickem up truck just as much as do on my V-Rod when I pass a semi. Not enough of a problem for me to justify the expense for that reason alone.

 

[EEROD]

how about this wheel ???

I have the same "buffeting" issues and am interested in a mag front wheel.

Anyone got one of these RMD Billet modified stock V Rod wheels (style 626) ???

http://www.rmdbillet.com/product_categories.asp

 

[ErVikingo]

I'm not sure that these have substantially less surface area vs the stock ones to actually reduce the buffeting.

 

[Karlos]

I have read stuff on this before - what I find compelling is the statements by some that when a spoked whell is spinning at whatever rpm you get at 60 or 70 MPH you won't get air flowing through it anyway. If that is true, and it makes sense to me (but what the hell do I know?) then the buffet of a cross wind would have to be substantially similar wouldn't it? But then again, the turbulence caused by spinning spokes as oppossed to a flat disk, might dissipate that impact too somehow, deflect it or something. What about all the other real estate offered by the bike and rider profile? Maybe you just notice it more because the front wheel on a v-rod is way out there on longer forks and a bigger rake, and because the effect is transmitted straight to your hands.

I noticed the buffeting when I first got the bike, but don't really notice it at all now - unless its in extreme conditions. My frame of reference isn't wide enough though for my seat of the pants opinion to be very relevant. MJW930 would be a lot better for that, as would many others on this forum.

Just chucking a few ideas out there...

 

[Jimaroo]

Well, I bit the bullet and took Jcolodny and Worm's advise. I ordered the Superbrace from Superbrace.com and I'll install it and try it out when I receive it. I don't love the looks of it necessarily, but I really want to keep the solid-wheel factory look of the bike because I think that's one of the things that makes a V-Rod a V-Rod. Actually, my whole front end is chrome and the Superbrace is polished, but I'll just keep it polished up nice.
I'll post what I think of the Superbrace when I get it, install it and run down the Interstate looking for big trucks. :vrod:

 

[daveyrocket]

Be nice when playing with the BIG trucks !

 

[Greg687]

Jimaroo, looking forward to hearing how this goes for you. I have been looking at that brace too, but haven't really been sold on it yet.
Greg

 

[ctvrod]

Hi

I was going to order one this week, look forward to your thoughts.

 

[Super Kaz]

I'm not an Engineer but really think the Buffeting is the same No matter what front wheel you have.If spending $1500 on a New Front wheel helped you then Thats Great!I still think it's more of a Placebo Effect.Maybe one of Our Engineers can set us straight on the Perceived Buffeting effects of Our Solid front Wheel!

 

[Greg687]

I can't give you an engineering reply, but I acn give you another example...
I have raced bicycles, and for aerodynamics, a solid disk wheel is best. They are frequently used on front an rear for indoor track racing- because there is no wind. Outdoors, it is common to use a disk rear with a spoked front, either conventional spokes (low spoke count) or bladed carbon. Even a rim with a deep cross section can give you a noticeable sail effect in a cross wind. So, if it causes an adverse effect on a lightweight bicycle, it should cause a similar effect, though not as strong, on a heavier V-Rod. I know it is there, but my old Kawasaki was affected by crosswinds too, so..... let the flames begin, I am wearing my nomex underwear.....

 

[Super Kaz]

Greg,
in my younger days I was a Pro Triathlete and Cat 1-2 Bike Racer.I was sponsored by Haral Bicycles out of Lucerne France.I had a few bikes,but my Fastest was a Dual Disk TT Bike.The Front wheel was only 24inches so the mass was much less,but I'm all to familiar with the Feeling of getting Sucked under a Semi while out training! :tmbsdow: Now that bike weight 17.5lbs with Both Disk!Our/My Bike weighs 735lbs with me on and I'm 150lbs!Thats a Big Big Difference! :spank: I highly Doubt HD would make something"V-rod front wheel" that was dangerous and could be Proved in a Court of Law! :diablo:

 

[Val]

I wonder how much body weight affects it. It bothered me alot when I first got the bike, but my DH didn't notice it all. I'm definitely not blown around anywhere near as much since I got the PM Monaco front wheel. But by the new wheel came, I'd pretty much gotten used to it and think I just learned to anticipate the buffeting without thinking about it anymore.

 

[Greg687]

I agree with you Kaz. I guess in my post I wasnt clear enough.... On my Kawa the sail part was ME, so when the wind caught me from the right, it would push my upper body to the left... you tended to go the way the wind blew. With the V-rod, its the opposite. The sail parts are the wheels. When the wind is from the right, the wind blows the bike to the left from under you, but because of the way counter steering works, the bike is leaning to the right... steering INTO the wind. I much prefer this to the other way. Absolutely, HD would not use a wheel with that much potential liability attached to it... and they have been using a solid wheel for years on the Fat boys.
Glad to know I am not the only one around here to have raced on a pedal powered 2wheeler. I am trying to get back into it this year, but probably wont race mountain bikes or do regular road racing anymore. Want to stick to Time Trials.

 

[Dan]

Kaz, you are killing all my theories of why I need those new PM wheels!! I think the wind buffetting is absolutely horrible and should be addressed ASAP by all dealers and grant some discounts toward aftermarket wheels. :mrgr: :diablo:

 

[Super Kaz]

Dan,
Please forgive! :notworth: Do not let your Other Half Read this then and Our Secret will be Safe!
Greg,
As i said I have not raced bikes 12 years,but we do have one National Vet Champion cyclist name Rob "rhauft" is a member.He's not as active as he used to be here,but thats another story! :hidesbeh: