Seen an interesting thread on here about fitting a breakout front wheel to a softail standard, the result looked pretty ace.
Since my particular bike came out with spoked front and rear, the breakout option would not have suited.
Bought myself an aluminium billet,chromed, 21x3.5 inch front rim with stainless steel spokes from a mob in the U.S called HD Wheels.
It was not cheap.
They did have a 21x3.5 inch chromed steel one available which was a lot cheaper,but they did not make them and it sounded like they probably were made in China.
Gotta say that the one I bought sure looks like good quality.
So, to describe the following pictures....
The plan was to use the standard hub and lace the new rim to it with the new stainless spokes and nipples.
Thought it would be a good idea to measure the distance between the standard rim and the fork sliders/legs beforehand. (first 2 pics). So that I could lace up the new one accordingly.
A little bit astonished that the front wheel from factory is offset. I had heard the rear one is as well.
I did mention this to the spare parts guy in my local Harley shop and his thoughts were something like......"Yeah, the wheels are offset to make up for the chunky,weighty, primary drive.
Either way, left hand corners on my bike have always instilled a feeling of trepidation, and total lack of confidence.
Anyway there are a couple more pictures comparing the standard radius type rim to the new fatter 3.50 one.
The new one all laced up from front view and side view.
Looking forward to getting a new Pirelli night Dragon 21x120 fitted tomorrow. It will also fit a 21x130 Dunlop that the breakouts come standard with.If I wanted to go down that road.
Afterthought....Billet machined aluminium rims run much truer than steel banded(welded) ones. Also are meant to be stronger.
Pic's???
Pic's Sparra?
Feel like like "Captain Dickhed " here right now.
Will keep trying to upload the pics.
F I I K.
Sorrry guys.
Melltdown of computer in precipitious remote location.
Will post the pics when normality returns.
Ok.
Pics are there now.
Will put another one on once I have the tyre fitted.
Cheers mate...did you lace it up yourself and if you did have you done them before???
Posted By Far Canal on 09 Feb 2015 7:11 PM
Interesting you should mention that. I noticed my Springer front wheel is offset by a good 10mm.and figured it was just a springer thing.
I've mentioned it on here before but never heard an explaination that made sense (to me, at least).
Nice job on the lacing, by the way!
Got the tyre fitted today and took bike for a good ride on the twistiest roads around here. Must say that I'm happy with it, seems more solid on the road than the 90mm wide tyre.
The mudguard was a mighty tight fit, although the picture does not really show it the was some clearance.However after a ride and the tyre warming up it did expand and the clearance became too close for comfort. Decided to elongate the mounting holes with a chainsaw file(see pics) so the guard could slide up a bit, This gave a more acceptable clearance.
Sparra, Yes I did lace it up myself. I have only laced up one other wheel.Put a fatter back rim on my old Honda 754 bobber about 6 months ago and laced it up with stainless spokes. It was one of the welded steel type rims and was not exactly round. Strangely enough the specifications for one of those rims was +or- 2mm!. Which when you think about it can mean a total variation of 4mm. Got it to the point where it wouldn't true anymore (within the specs) and it's fine.
This new one being billet aluminium and machined is spot on round. Reckon I got it to within a tally ho paper thickness true.
