Not what you have, but what you think LOOKS better.

Just wondering, but I think spokes look the best on a sporty.

Definately spokes...though I have seen some nice mags, I just prefer spokes

i like mags not the stock ones but the one Randum77 has on his front is the style i hope to get come tax return time

Spokes look fine.........on someone else's bike.

They ride rougher, require hours of maintenance and have to be tuned and trued every 5000 miles.

Sure makes a good set of mags look better don't it.

require hours of maintenance and have to be tuned and trued every 5000 miles

Huh?

Not that I dont believe you, but I've never heard of this.

What does it entail?

I love Mags, they look good and are easy to maintain!!!:D

I LOVE spokes. I'm going to be doing a set from SunRims that Trak-Tek sells...black annodized aluminum rims with stainless spokes. Light, stylish, can't beat it.

There are some nice mags out there, but I tend to only really like the race style with the really thin spokes. Plus, a good set of mags will run upwards of $2000 for the pair, you can get away with spoked rims for a lot less money.

Too much BS with spokes...

Cleanings a PITA, trueing is a PITA....

Gimme my mags any day...I had spokes..hated'em....

Spokes look fine.........on someone else's bike.

They ride rougher, require hours of maintenance and have to be tuned and trued every 5000 miles.

Sure makes a good set of mags look better don't it.


My sporty has a mag in the back and laced wheel up front. Mag is ok fo rthe back as they have to endure all the lateral stresses of acceleration. But I think a motorcycle should have at least one laced wheel . But that's just me. I have never had any problems with laced wheels. Other than they are a pain to keep clean.

Mags definetly do it for me. Not into the spoke look.

Both are good in certain situations, but it has to be a mag or a custom billet wheel.
Far less maintinence. Spoke wheels are super strong coming from a ex Moto-x racer
stand point. The only thing wrong with them is they tend to pinch holes in the tubes
after awhile from hitting big bumps. From low pressures.

The MoCo spokes are notorious for corroding after 3-5 months or so, which makes
them look like dog sh*t after long.:yikes Don't know why they don't resolve the
problem. The look (spoke or mag) is in the eye of the beholder. Both are good.

I have not decided on either but to give info both ways i love spokes if they are twisted, my friends has his front wheel with twisted spokes, the twinkle in daylight and from street lights at night.

I have stock mags on mine now, but if i do buy some rims they are going to be mags again, I don't like the idea of a tube in my tire, but that is just personal preference. My brother has a 91 softail that had a flat, and the guy who fixed it really messed up just mounting the tire and tube.

If i'm going to spend money on buying a rim its not going to be something everyone else has that is for sure.

I voted spokes. Only reason I voted that is cause I like the 120 spoke wheels at lickscycles.com. They are cool as shit on a winter day. .. ... Skip that last sentence. lol

If I didn't have those, i would want my mags.

Third on the list is the diecast wheels from harley.

I dunno I can't decide it's either spokes or ummm spokes :D

Gazza

mags always look better to me

I like mags. Easier to maintain in my opinion. Don't have to worry about trueing them ever. Plus usually are easier to clean.

I like the looks of spokes, but wouldn't have them on my bike due to the increased maintenance, and my dislike of innertubes.

At some point, I may have my factory mags powder coated for a semi-custom look.

I picked spokes cause the look of mags just dont do it for me. True cleaning spokes is a PITA, but if I actually cleaned them I would want mags for the ease of cleaning.

I like the look of spokes. That being said, they are alot easier to KEEP in good shape than GET BACK in good shape. Unless you are riding off road, they don't require truing very often at all. If you hit something hard enough to knock it out of true, the rim's probably bent and outa go in the trash anyhow. I don't like having to run a tube though. Mags on my drum brake Ironhead? Hmmmmm.....

Gotta love the shine on my "smooth" laced wheels on my '05.

Do they make a "polished" mag for a Sporty? Maybe from being a car guy, or a crow :D , I like a shine on my wheels.

Mags, Billet preferably and not HD. I like pro-one, Rc Componenets, and P.M. to name a few.

I like mags cause I hate tubes. I also say I like mags cause they're easier to clean. Thats bogus of course, cause I never seem to get around to cleaning them.:o

Spokes look better,but roadside flat repairs are impossible.
I`d like my mags better if they had an easier to clean smooth surface,instead of the rough cast surface,that seems impossible to get brake dust off of.

Since I'm a pretty lazy person,i have to say mags . Less maintanance. Short scrub takes care of dirt. Also I hate to have a flat on the road. Had it twice with spoke's. Made it barely into the stealership w/flatfix spray.
Funny thing is, both times it wasn't my bike. :smoke

Not what you have, but what you think LOOKS better.

Just wondering, but I think spokes look the best on a sporty.
Mags defenately

I can't believe it, 50/50 split.

I'm still at a loss though, what is "truing" a spoked rim?

I can deduce that it entails spinning it on it's axle and see how out of round the rotation is (or not?), but just how often does it have to be done. I got a 96 and I doubt it's been done before.

I can't believe it, 50/50 split.That kinda goes along with what you see on the road.

Gazza

I can't believe it, 50/50 split.

I'm still at a loss though, what is "truing" a spoked rim?

I can deduce that it entails spinning it on it's axle and see how out of round the rotation is (or not?), but just how often does it have to be done. I got a 96 and I doubt it's been done before.

It shouldn't really NEED to be done, until you change rubber....unless you've been riding hard in rough terrain...

That was MY experience, anyway....

I always had the wheel (sans tire, of course) trued when I changed tires, if only for good measure...

Like the looks of spokes but the maintenance program of mags. I have mags and also have thought about powder coating them.
Live to Ride!

I can't believe it, 50/50 split.

I'm still at a loss though, what is "truing" a spoked rim?

I can deduce that it entails spinning it on it's axle and see how out of round the rotation is (or not?), but just how often does it have to be done. I got a 96 and I doubt it's been done before.



Sometimes bikes that are sujected to excessive acceleration, brutal cornering or MX aplications can warp laced wheels. That is to say when you look at it going down the street you can see a lateral wobble in the wheel. it must then be removed , the spokes tightend and spin balanced to get the wobble out. This is usually not an issue on street bikes and general riding. Even having it done when the problem manifests itself is really no big deal. Any competent shop can do it for very nominal costs. Mags really aren't much better. although they are not as prone to warping. I've seen them with chunks out of the rim and with cracks. At which time you need a fat wallet as they are not repairable and will have to be replaced.

I sort of figured this would be a straight "party line" vote! :laugh

I have to say that I lean toyward mags...but, I've seen bikes that lok great with spokes, too. Just depends upon how the bike is set-up...what color or color combo is used...

I am going to look into mags when my front tire is ready to be replaced,I dont care for innertubes myself....

My vote is for any spoked wheel OTHER than the HD OEM ones. The "chrome" on these just isn't up to snuff for what they charge. I wound up polishing off a bunch of the cadmium plating with harley's own soft strips and chrome cleaner. It's not like I went at them with steel wolol or anything. After 8000 miles the leading edges were all pitted, so I went at them with polish only to wind up with rust on them about two weeks later.....
I picked up a landmark front wheel with twisted stainless spokes, and I couldn't be happier with the way things look now.
All that aside, I am thinking about picking up an OEM mag for the rear.
-Drew
2003 883 XLH Taxes Paid................................

spokes like the look of mags too

Its all about personal taste now. most of the newer laced wheels are able to be run tubeless cause the spokes are sealed with silicone. dont know what will happen if they need trued but I have 13 spoke mags on mine but a buddy has laced wheels on his 95 and both look equally cool.

I used to think if they weren't spokes they were jokes but now that I have a few years on me and the fact I live down a 700' gravel drive I have come to appreciate my mags. They just clean up so darn easy compared to spokes. When I repaint this winter I plan on painting the frame, tins, and the non polished part of my mags to match.

Sam in IN
paying taxes as we speak

The 60 and 80 spokes look awsome but I would like some custom mags verses the stock mags on mine. I like the idea of tubeless tires verses tubr tire.

From the factory I like the spokes...if they're going to be mags then they have to be done right. I prefer something non-gray...like this...



http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/medium/Mike_s_Sporty2.JPG

Holy cow! Talk about a split. My vote made it 50/50. I like the spokes better; prettier (if you will), but their a hmmmm to clean!!! Some mags I like, but sometimes (depending on the bike - and I haven't seen any bikes on this forum that has ugly mags :D) they just look too plain.

So spokes look cool to some and others, like myself prefer mags. Aside from JUST looks, it appears spokes loose in a contest including PITA cleaning, truing, and the dreaded tubes in the tires. I don't ever want to go back to spokes. YMMV

Hmmmmm. Interesting thread, so thanks!

I ask this question out of ignorance, because I haven't seen one. But does anyone have spoked front wheels on their Sporty with dual front disk brakes?

I have a 1200R ('04) with duals and want to make the switch (though this thread might force me to rethink this a bit) from mags to spokes. I also have a 883L (actually Shark Babe's, but that's another thread). Hers has single front brake and laced wheels. I like the look so I began to look around and, lo and behold, could not find bikes with laced (spoked) front wheels that also had dual brakes.

That may just be a factor of probabilities in my limited search. Or... is there more to the story?

Picture might be nice if you have an example, and thanks in advance for any insight here.

From the factory I like the spokes...if they're going to be mags then they have to be done right. I prefer something non-gray...like this...



http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/medium/Mike_s_Sporty2.JPG



Thanks OLE!!!!:D

I personaly like the look of both, i like the weight saving of a spoke wheel. Persoanlly carbon fiber mags would rule my world.


Dean

Had both and to me the Mags were a bitch to get all of the brake dust off of due to the cast material grain. The laced wheels, well the brake dust comes right off with a wipe but keeping the spokes clean is a pain but even then, the corrosion appearance wipes off to a shine. If the laced wheel is solid from the get go, truing aint an issue.

Solid read wheel and a 21 inch laced up front for me.

Loco
So. Cal.

Hmmmmm. Interesting thread, so thanks!

I ask this question out of ignorance, because I haven't seen one. But does anyone have spoked front wheels on their Sporty with dual front disk brakes?

I have a 1200R ('04) with duals and want to make the switch (though this thread might force me to rethink this a bit) from mags to spokes. I also have a 883L (actually Shark Babe's, but that's another thread). Hers has single front brake and laced wheels. I like the look so I began to look around and, lo and behold, could not find bikes with laced (spoked) front wheels that also had dual brakes.

That may just be a factor of probabilities in my limited search. Or... is there more to the story?

Picture might be nice if you have an example, and thanks in advance for any insight here.

Here's my 05 1200R with factory spokes:

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/medium/102_0297.JPG

Here's my 05 1200R with factory spokes.
Thanks for the picture. Handsome ride and finally an answer! Like the colors and rear fender, too!

Stock, no less?!

J

Call me traditional but I lean to the look of spokes even if they do require a bit more maintenance. Only mags I like are gloss blacked out powdered coat HD OEM 9 or 13 spoke cast rims - really don't like the ultra$$$ OCC type billet stuff.

Thanks for the picture. Handsome ride and finally an answer! Like the colors and rear fender, too!

Stock, no less?!

J

The spokes were a $320 "option" from the factory, if I remember correctly.

Huh?

Not that I dont believe you, but I've never heard of this.

What does it entail?

Hi Matt.

Ok, when I bought my 2003 custom, it had a 21" lace wheel.
It rode rough, so i take it to the dealer as I have a 7 year warranty, they tell me that my lace rim needed to be trued and tuned.
This they said(And it is on the schedule) was a normal maintenance Item that should be done every 5000 miles.
They take the rim off and put it on a rim gig, and re torque the spokes in a pattern, and it costs about 2 hours labor per tire.
At 87.50 an hour that is 175.00 every 5000 miles to get a smooth ride. Mine do cause the front end to shimmy a bit, that is why i took it in to have it checked, and no, it is not covered by the warranty.
I wanted more grip up front anyway, so I ditched my Lace 21 for a cast 19.

Best move I ever did.

I am sure that you can go longer then the 5000 miles, and I am sure some do, but the ride quality of that spoke rim flat sucked.

I voted spokes. I like the "vintage" look. They are harder to keep clean but to me its well worth it.

Greg

I am a mag man but currently run a 21 inch spoke wheel on the front. Will be swithing back to my 19 in mag this summer.

Spokes or spokes or spokes or spokes, They make other wheels???? They are a labor of love.. Never cared for the easy way out...

I like spokes, cause chicks dig the sparkle!!

I started to get mags because of the ease of maintenance, but the look of spokes is just awesome so I went with them. I'm going to ride the :censor out of my bike, and I'll clean the spokes when they need it. Like several people on this thread have said, it's a labor of love. When 5K miles rolls around I'm going to have them respoked in stainless steel because it's not really that expensive.

...I'm going to have them respoked in stainless steel because it's not really that expensive.
That's a relative statement...how much have you been quoted?

Thanks!

My '03 had mags. I hated them. They were a b*tch to clean (damn brake dust), and looked like ass. I have spokes on the '05 front wheel and couldn't be happier. Easy to clean, just use a 2 dollar weel brush fron wally world and there ya go. A little harley-glaze on the rim twice a year and that's all folks. Now that being said, I do like the mags on the new dynas. If they were an option on sporties, I'd take them.

Spokes look better,but roadside flat repairs are impossible.
I`d like my mags better if they had an easier to clean smooth surface,instead of the rough cast surface,that seems impossible to get brake dust off of.
Dooley summed up my thoughts perfectly! I remember seeing one set of mags that came awfully close to emulating the look of spokes, but without the accompanying hassles. Think I remember where I saw them? Not bloody likely! :frownthre

:caflag: :chop :caflag:

And spokes are in the lead :tour

Cleaning them is also easier than most ppl think. Go and get yourself some Westleys (sp) Bleach White from some auto parts store and a medium sized soft bristle brush. Spray the Westleys on the entire rim (and whitewalls if ya got em), let it soak for about 5 min, then run water over it while brushing. Wha-laa! Clean as a whistle.

I like the mag look, but i have a 19" front spoke that I'm tryin to trade in the Swap Zone for a front mag!!!!!!

If you want to trade, see my thread please!!!!

Anyway, I wonder what the weight difference is between the two???

Mags all the way for me.

Sorry guys, but spokes are the only way to go. Light, strong, attractive, affordable. And I don't meant any of the twisty crap neither. Just an aluminum rim with stainless spokes. Clean and simple.

And I have to agree with the cleaning issue...what difference does it make to clean a wheel is the spoke is a small steel one or a fat aluminum one...they all get dirty, and the stock wheels are awful to clean. At least with smooth surfaces you can just wipe away rather than having to fight the dirt off.

ok, anyone out there that wants my solid rear and lace front? They're 06 with 3800 miles on them. I'd trade for your mags...

I love the look of spokes, just wish they could be run tubeless, I know, there are some companies that say they can run tube type tubeless, but I'm not sure about that, for me, anyway.

They could be made that way, but apparently there is not a demand for it. I think BMW does some that way

I love Radial laced spokes, if I ever get custom wheels, the front will be radial. Used to put them on my racing bicycle, radial in front, and radial on the non drive side in back.

I voted spokes, but like others have stated, they like both. My wife's 883 currently has one of each. Spokes on the front and a stock mag on the rear. I keep thinking about matching one or the otherup, but I can't decide. Besides, I'm busy with sheet metal paint and engine modifications right now.

I like the look of spokes..... Just think they are a PITA to keep clean

Guzzi and BMW have been using tubeless spokes for years. Pretty interesting design, if you take a close look at them.

But, as others have said, spokes are too high maintenance for my liking. I'd rather be riding than cleaning, so mags are the only way for me. I replaced the stock mags with the HD Thunderstar wheels, so I spend even less time cleaning the wheels. Same goes for "dechroming" the bike as much as I can. None of that chromed, flamed, polished HD doo-dads on my bike. Just more stuff to keep clean. But then again, seems that a good portion of HD riders are definitely more into form than function anyway...

Mags, easy to maintain.

Ride more, clean/maintain less.

Cheers,

Brett

I like the look of spokes. The bike I am getting has spokes on it now but will be changing them out to a 21" 60 or 80 spoke in the front and 16" 60-80 spoke in the back to make it set lower in the rear.

just put an 80 spoke on the front of mine,love the look. back is stock for now will probably do a 180 or 200 rear in the near future, warranty expires in June.I just posted some new pics with the 80 spoke in my gallery:clap

Spoked wheels look great but are a PITA to keep clean. Also have to run tubed tires - which is a REAL headache if you have a flat out on the road.

Mag wheels look almost as good a spokes and, because of the tubeless tires, a roadside repair is pretty easy, with the correct tire repair kit.

So, give me mags - anyday! :tour

Those of us old enough to remeber that "mag" (as in automotive terms) meant magnezium wheels, as opposed to steel, and were desireable as a performance option because they were lighter and reduced unsprung weight and improved handling. Anyone know if there is a significant weight difference between the 19" cast mag and the 21" spoked wheel? My personal prefference is for the mag wheel, both for looks and for the tubeless tire.

Both BMW and MotoGuzzi have tubeless spoked rims. The trick is to attach the "wheel end" of the spoke onto a ridge on the rim or attach it to the wheel "outside" of the tire bead. Most spoked wheels attach the spokes thru holes at or near the center of the wheel.

BMW has them on the GS bikes - maybe others. I had a 94 BMW R100GS/PD with these wheels.

Unless the tubless tire has a bad "slash type" hole, or the bead is damaged, or the tire has been run flat and the bead seal has broken, fixing a tubeless tire on the road is a snap. When I go on a longer ride I always carry my tire repair kit - with a CO2 gun and enough cartridges to fill a large rear tire.

WARNING: Some of the CO2 gun kits only supply a couple of CO2 cartridges - not enough to inflate a large rear tire. Go to WalMart and buy a few more - they come by the box and they're cheap. ;)

I love the look of spokes but my street rides have tubeless mags.

Switched to cast wheels (aka 'mags) many years ago and never going back to spokes.

The new Profile Laced Wheels (Spokes) I have on my 2005 are beautiful and simple to upkeep. They changed my mind about mags. I have had both. These are great. A Harley factory option well worth the money.

Mags, because if you ride much you will get a flat, and you can fix a flat with mags with a tire plug and a co2 inflater. If you just ride bar to bar it doesn't matter.

Spokes are by far more attractive.

If it were possible to check, I'd bet the more mature (older) a biker is, the more likely (not etched in stone of course) they'd be to choose spokes. Spokes are old skool style - traditional, classic, and attractive… and a great place to cloth pin a baseball card to for some great extra "potato-potato" sound.

http://www.epic-isti.com/images/racket.gif

JJ

I voted spokes only because they are all that i have ever had. never had money for mag wheels.I do not mind cleaning them, my old man taught me a trick or two about keeping them clean. if they sing when taped with a wrench handle they are good, if they thunk they need work. I took the front wheel off at 10 k and 15 k only found 2 thunkers both times. I checked the wheel run out and tire run out both were good both times. I try to avoid large bumps, curbs, potholes.

Wow, look at that. My vote made it dead even at 105 each!

I like the looks of most mags wheels better, except the stock Sporty ones. But I seen some laced wheels with the fancy spokes that are pretty cool.

I like spokes, just think they look more Hmmm how do I say it.... anyway like a bike should look. They are a PITA though, but it's worth it.

Wow this is a close vote, but I prefer spokes myself.

made dealer change spoked rims out for mags it was the deal maker for me .
stronger
less maintance
just look more like more performance

made dealer change spoked rims out for mags it was the deal maker for me .
stronger
less maintance
just look more like more performance

I agree that the factory mags do look more performance than the factory chromed out spoked wheels, but there are some really nice looking spoked rims out there that look like a flat out race wheel.

But I don't know if they're really stronger. Seems to me that a bike that got as much abuse as a dirtbike wouldn't use them if they weren't strong.

Mag wheels forever. I love em, even if they are terrible to clean.

I vote for spokes... but I do think the 5-star 21" front mag looks purddy :p

http://a1276.g.akamai.net/7/1276/734/588ba460245d91/resource.harley-davidson.com/media/images/productphotos/PNA/43979_98_M_7fb0.jpg

I wish it would fit on my Custom... then I might convert.

Most of the responses so far have been based on appearance. What about performance and/or feel? The 100/90 19 on a mag is almost 3/4 inch wider than the MH90 on the 21 inch laced wheel. What's the effect of that difference riding on a rain-grooved highway, or on those roads with other types of grooved imperfections along the line of travel? Do the narrower tires try to steer the bike more in those cases? And are there other handling differences due to the smaller contact patch? Just wondering.

Most of the responses so far have been based on appearance. What about performance and/or feel? The 100/90 19 on a mag is almost 3/4 inch wider than the MH90 on the 21 inch laced wheel. What's the effect of that difference riding on a rain-grooved highway, or on those roads with other types of grooved imperfections along the line of travel? Do the narrower tires try to steer the bike more in those cases? And are there other handling differences due to the smaller contact patch? Just wondering.

To answer some of your questions...

Tire dimensions can play a huge role in how a bike handles. The first, and most obvious is width. A wider tire offers a larger contact patch, but when on the front this comes with slower steering known as "scrubbing" (I think?). A wider tire is harder to turn.

The next dimension is hieght. Believe it or not, a shorter tire (to a certain degree) offers more traction. This is because when the bike is leaned over, the contact patch wants to muve up the sides of the tire, and a smaller tire allowes it to move more up the side.

I think as far as rain grooves go, either size tire won't feel much different given the same tread pattern.

And in any case, you can get mag 21" wheels, and spoked 19", so you don't have to commit to one or the other.

I have the 'smooth edged' profile laced wheels on the front and back of my
05 1200C and really like the looks of them.

They aren't that difficult to keep clean, and I just prefer the look of spoke wheels.

I've been running spoke wheels on my Harleys for many years, and they haven't required any extra maintenance as far as 'going out of true'.

http://dogsdoom.com/PI/1200c-03.jpg

I voted spokes, only because of appearance. I have stock mags, which look like crap. Why HD still goes with these mags is beyond me. Take a good look at Victory's mags, now they look really good. Why can't HD won't do something like that for stock mags is something I'll never understand. At least they're making an effort with the Dyna's new mags, but they sorta look like slightly different versions of the old stock mags we're all use to.

Mags= easy to clean, but I never clean mine. The old saying goes something like this: "you can't polish a turd".

http://www.weldmotorcycle.com/index_02.html#wire

The "Wire" wheel is the perfect solution, the look of wire spokes with the best features of a mag. They look pretty cool in black too. Too bad they're a ridiculous amount of money.

But I don't know if they're really stronger. Seems to me that a bike that got as much abuse as a dirtbike wouldn't use them if they weren't strong.[/QUOTE]

can't argue with that god knows I've beat the tar out of my dirt bikes and only replaced 1 back rim on my YZ490 and, that thing was hard on parts you guys think a sportster vibrates you should take 1 of these out for a spin ...it would crack the pipe about once a month lol thats when I learned to braze

sorry got lost in the memories:smoke

I like both, depending on how the rest of the bike is setup. They all look good for the most part, but I'd have to go with mags 'cause I would never have the patience to clean spokes.

I prefer the "mags" mostly from a safety standpoint. From what I've heard a blowout with a tubed tire can be really bad news. Correct me if I'm wrong as I'm no authority.

I have spokes on mine. IMHO, spokes look a little bit better, but mags are a lot more practical: easier to clean and keep clean, you can use tubeless tires, they don't get out of adjustment, etc. Spokes are cool, but they're very old MC technology.

From what I've heard a blowout with a tubed tire can be really bad news. Correct me if I'm wrong as I'm no authority.


...but don't NASCAR tires have tubes(liners) in them????

...but don't NASCAR tires have tubes(liners) in them????
I kinda doubt it, though not certain. I believe tubless tires run cooler....less friction.

The big advantage to spokes, is the light weight. The disadvantage is tubes and maintenance. Spoked wheels can require trueing, and if you get a flat they seem to go flat faster than a tubeless tire with a nail in it. Bad news at 75mph. Also when a freind had a flat in a remote area with a cast wheel he used a can of Fix a Flat and it got him home.

if you get a flat they seem to go flat faster than a tubeless tire with a nail in it. Bad news at 75mph. Also when a freind had a flat in a remote area with a cast wheel he used a can of Fix a Flat and it got him home.

This is very true, since it just happened to me. My bike was stuck in D.C. for three days because of a flat front tire. My next wheel will have sealed spokes because regular spokes will leave all the fix-a-flat out of the rim.
Sam

With regards to the question about NASCAR. Yes on tracks larger then a halfmile they run an inner linner. So that if they blow a tire or cut one down. There are not dumped onto the rim instantely. Also as far as heat. You can't really compare they are using nitrogen to air up their tires. It is more stable and doesn't have the massive fluctuations in heat build up as normal air.

Now with regards to spoke wheels. They have been running them in the Grand National Dirt Track series for years. Jay Springsteen ran them a few weeks ago at Springfield. Now you do need to take a punch and strike eat spoke after intial trueing and tightening. Then tighten them up a few more times. Make sure you take the wheel out of the trueing stand before doing that. You beat on the spokes with a hammer while in the stand will need to replace the wheel bearings.

Depends on the bike......and........some DT XR's ran one of each.

You are right about some XRs running mags. Guess just like with streetbikes depends on the rider. I would personally like a set of three spoke mags powdercoated black. Look similar to the VR1000 wheels. Then put an orange accent stripe around the edge of the rim. Would look very cool with my factory race team Orange and Black paint scheme.

I think spoke look better on the Custom/cruiser but mags seem to go better with the Roadsters.

However, I wish I could get 21" mags for my Custom for 2 reasons:
(1) You can go to dual front brakes
(2) You won't have a tube, so you can fix a flat in the middle of nowhere with a plug kit and a CO2 cylinder to refill it.

Hi one and all,

Personally I voted for Mags but anyone seen these before?

www dot at-american-cycles dot de slash athome slash teile slash felgen slash1_speichen.html

(not enough posts for URL's :frownone so please substitute dots and slashes)

Cheers
No Idea

Well, I just went over to mags...Bought this for the back first. Still have spokes up front for now:

http://i14.ebayimg.com/05/i/07/cd/4c/82_1.JPG


What do you all think?

I think that's a nice lookin' rim; not sure what the matching front would look like though...

That wheel looks like it's going 100 MPH already

Great lookin' thing of beauty

Cheers
No Idea

Yea...I'm not sure what I'll do with the front, either. $1,200 from the stealer.

$500.00 on E-Bay for this one, though. I couldn't pass it up. Yea, Baby.

Got Spokes right now.....Going to Mags....Just got these today from ebay...$127.50 + 26.00 shipping. Going to Powder Coat them....

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/Wheels.jpg

I have spokes, but went riding with a guy who has mags and he got a flat, when we put air in it leaked thru a nail hole and we put a screw into the tire and filled with air and voila, rode home about 75 miles and still had air. Cant do that with spokes so I may have to change my mind after my tube split. Very frustrating.

Spokes for *Looking*.... Mags fer *Riding*... cuz Im to dang lazee for cleaning/maintence

Definately mags. Who wants to spend any more time than they have to cleaning?

Well, I did it. I just bought the front Roadwinder to match my rear wheel. I guess that makes me officially in the "Mags" camp now. However, I haven't installed them yet...

Mags definetly do it for me. Not into the spoke look.


Plus one to that.......

I have spokes and i would never go back to harley mags. I found cleaning the mags a heck of more work then spokes....Keep them up and its never a problem.....Once week.....:)

I couldn't decide....I kept the 21" front spokes wheel and on the rear I replaced that god awful cast aluminun disc wheel with a Roadwinder!
I may eventually replace the front to match....if I find another great deal on a wheel.:clap

NoBo -

$299 on e-bay!

Mags here, I kept the chrome slotted fat boy rear wheel on my 2001 custom, but pitched the 21 front spoke for a 21 Lightning star chrome front wheel.

I've got the stock mags on my O6 1200R. Does replacing them with good aftermarket rims provide any kind of improvement in handleing? I have always up-graded my dirt bike spokes and rims to heavy duty and noticed a big improvement.

mags are cool,plus a hey of lot easier to fix a flat out on the road between here and somewhere

Mags, Do you know how may times my husband has had a simple flat and had to have his bike towed because you cant stick a plug in his tubed tires on the spoke wheels? Last time they had to order one and it took him 4 days to get his wideglide back! With my Mags I can just plug it and go on until I get a chance to get to a dealer.

I like the idea of plugging a mag wheeled tire on the road side. I have had far too many flats myself, so far only on spoke wheeled tires. Maybe that is because I have had far fewer bikes with mag wheels.

One question that comes to mind is what happens if the mag wheeled tire comes off the rim. How do you get air into it then? I use Victor brand sealer in all my tires, but don't really know if it works. I have had flats with brands other than Victor and those brands did not keep air in my tire when punctured.

My front is a 21" spoke wheel and my rear is that 16" slotted cast disk that comes standard on the '06 Sportster customs. I don't like the rear and am thinking of a spoke wheel replacement for it, but can't find a source. My other option is to leave the rear alone and get a mag front. I like those with three or five spokes that are shifted forward to show motion. Any opinions would be appreciated...

Thanks, Dan

spokes!! mags belong on my truck!!!

I love the spokes on my 06 custom. I hate not being able to use Perfomance Machine six piston calipers. I never mind stiking a patch on a tube, for a little while. But, hate to put tire irons on aluminium wheels.
you should figure that "mags" ain't Mg. They is aluminium.

They are pros and cons, all depends on individual liking and application.
Personally I like spoke because of 02 reasons. They are lighter and never run out of trend. :D

I have the stock mags, I'm considering a pair of red powercoated wheels with diamond cut spokes. Maybe a set of white side wall tires as well. Saw a sporty setup like that and loved it.

I love the spokes on my 06 custom. I hate not being able to use Perfomance Machine six piston calipers. I never mind stiking a patch on a tube, for a little while. But, hate to put tire irons on aluminium wheels.
you should figure that "mags" ain't Mg. They is aluminium.

They will be mags if that is what you order.

Spokes look fine.........on someone else's bike.

They ride rougher, require hours of maintenance and have to be tuned and trued every 5000 miles.

Sure makes a good set of mags look better don't it.

I started reading this thread again, and I am very curious (and concerned) about this statement... do are spoke wheels really that high maintenance?!? I mean, there are folks here who do 5-10K miles a season, easy. Is it a H-D recommendation to have the wheels tuned (or adjusted or whatever) that often?

Big question is, what are the safety ramifications if you don't do this? I mean, am I going to have to get my front wheel adjusted first thing next spring? (4500 miles July-Oct.)

Properly trued wheels should not need to be retrued for many thousands of miles. If they're torqued properly, they're very stiff & strong.

Some of the factory wheels I've seen should have been retrued before they ever rolled out of the showroom, but they're assembled by machine.

We guarnatee the truing on our wheels for as long as you own the wheel.

We guarnatee the truing on our wheels for as long as you own the wheel.

I'll have to remember this if i ever deiced to go spoked, because i know where i'll buy from. :D

Properly trued wheels should not need to be retrued for many thousands of miles. If they're torqued properly, they're very stiff & strong.

Some of the factory wheels I've seen should have been retrued before they ever rolled out of the showroom, but they're assembled by machine.

We guarnatee the truing on our wheels for as long as you own the wheel.
Chris, thanks kindly for responding...

Always giving me options, and something else to think about. :D

Spoke are way too much maintenance. I'll keep my dirty old mags

ok i know its a poll so im sorry if i ask this in the wrong place but can you polish or clean the spokes or will they rust after you polish them and what is the best stuff to clean them with thanks for any reply

Depends on the spokes. The old British bikes used to have cadmium- or zinc-plated spokes, and they'd rust if you got too aggressive cleaning them, like with steel wool or something.

Modern chrome-plated spokes are much better, though you can compromise the plating if you use anything abrasive on them. Rust usually doesn't show up for a couple of years though, where the old British stuff would rust right away.

The stainless-steel spokes we use (Buchanan's) will never rust. You could get away with using sandpaper on them if you needed to.

I think spokes have a more traditional look to them, however, they require a lot of maintenance. But there is nothing mo prettier than chrome spokes flashing the afternoon sun.

Mags on the other hand, offer a couple of advantages, from the maintenance end, of course, and then from the lack of need to use an inner tube, thus allowing the tire to run a bit cooler.

We like what we like. I have an 06 custom with 21" lace front. I don't like it, so does anyone want to trade their mag?

i only reason i have mags on my bike is because i got them so damn cheap. 500 dolla at a swap meet. i do have a laced 21" front that is dying to go on my bike but i think that it looks totally retarted with a mag in back with a lace in front. unless of course if you have a solid dish in rear. if anyone could help me out with the manufacture of these rims on the bike i would greatly appreciate it. they look like the REVTECH sprocket "SWEPT" in the j&p parts book, but they aren't it. ride on

:usmc:

Spokes! The more the merrier! Truing is a PITA, though, if it must be done (note that the carburator gets about 3 pages in the factory service manual and spokes get about 30). Ha...ha...love the looks, tho'. Only factory wheels I like more are the solid ones on the Fat Boy.

I thought it was a spokester, spokes are the way to go, clean old school

Spokes are for motorcycles

Mags are for cars... from the 70's...

:D

yep i said the same thing a few pages back. but now i am wondering, which is lighter?

i voted for mags but i will be putting spokes on my bike soon. going for lighter weight and looks. also different sizes that arent available in mags.

I love Radial laced spokes, if I ever get custom wheels, the front will be radial. Used to put them on my racing bicycle, radial in front, and radial on the non drive side in back.

OMG, don't even get me started with radial spokes. I want this wheel so bad I can taste it.

http://www.denniskirk.com/denniskirk/b2c/product_images/e/0/2/600pix/e02030020.jpg

This is NOT my bike, but Jeezus, these wheels are pure hotness...

http://www.sportster.org/thebikes/images/HawgWheeelz-1394-2.jpg

HOLY CLEANING TIME BATMAN! I only wash when I need to (I ride it too much to worry about dirt and bugs...and the factory spokes are enough to deal with) but DAYUM!

Spokes is pretty, especially chrome spokes in the setting sun .. spinning and glittering in the late afternoon sunlight. They are traditional to the bikes, but spokes can be a pain to clean.

I'm a fan of cast wheels, you can run tubless (cooler) and they are virtually maintenance free.

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/750/medium/black_wheels_006.jpg
black dimpleless from traktek!!!!!!!!

Schaaawing!

Schaaawing!


schaaawing is right! got the 18" front and rear black dimpleless and they look terrific. took less than an hour to lace one (rear). front hub is still mounted to old rim so no go yet. i think they will look pretty sweet on an all black and orange bike and im one step closer to my full cafe look and im sure better handling.:clap

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/750/medium/black_wheels_006.jpg
black dimpleless from traktek!!!!!!!!
THAT'S a nice lookin' rim! How much $ was it for both?

THAT'S a nice lookin' rim! How much $ was it for both?
thanks Ole, price...im trying to forget:doh . was a bit more for black anodizing but to me worth it. i think regular dimpless are 169. & 80 for spokes and nipples. plus you need donor hubs and new tires and tubes. it'll be under 1000. for everything.
i look at it this way. needed tires anyway, wanted better looks, wanted better handling, wanted to have as much of me in this bike as possible, wanted a winter project. these rims fill all my wants and needs. plus many custom wheels cost more than twice the price and dont have the timeless look of spokes.

I just got these, very happy with them so far. Will be installing this next week.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4-HARLEY-CHOPPER-WHEELS-by-WELD-CHR-2-WHEEL-SET_W0QQitemZ4582902962QQihZ002QQcategoryZ35578QQr dZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Will post a before and after pic, once all the goodies are installed. The Bobber rear fender tho will be raw metal. I gotta strip the fenders and tank after the prefit, and get them to the shop for paint.

THAT'S a nice lookin' rim! How much $ was it for both?

Ole, FYI, complete pair of wheels like Jim is building cost about $1175, assembled and trued.

They're a lot cheaper if you take the route Jim took, though. $450 of the above figure is for hubs, and $150 is for truing. Rims and spokes run about $575 for the pair of wheels.

Ole, FYI, complete pair of wheels like Jim is building cost about $1175, assembled and trued.

They're a lot cheaper if you take the route Jim took, though. $450 of the above figure is for hubs, and $150 is for truing. Rims and spokes run about $575 for the pair of wheels.

btw, im getting very close to being done. im just thousandths off from being perfectly straight. once spokes are just snugged up they are extremely rigid. im gonna hold off for tires and tubes till spring but really am excited since i still cant get over how great they look.


thanks chris, jim

Jim, if you can get them to within .015", your mechanic's spin balancer won't see any imbalance, really. You can verify this if you can get him to spin the wheels by themselves. Get them that close and they generally won't take more than 2 oz of weights, as long as the tire is decent and installed with the light side next to the valve stem.

Jim, if you can get them to within .015", your mechanic's spin balancer won't see any imbalance, really.


kinda figured that. im thinking the only noticable wobble will be from the tire. ive got all winter to get them about as perfect as possible.:banana

You're going to see a kink in each wheel where the welds are. Don't let it throw you as you watch the rim turn in the stand. Once you get the tires on, you won't be able to see anything heppening/moving as they roll down the road.

You're going to see a kink in each wheel where the welds are. Don't let it throw you as you watch the rim turn in the stand. Once you get the tires on, you won't be able to see anything heppening/moving as they roll down the road.


its ok, the welds are only on the inside. im not focusing on that. im just truing using the outside and edge. no hop, and the slightest side to side in one spot. thats the toughest part, getting the one spot right cause once i get that part, the side to side moves about 4" away. it is challenging but im enjoying the quiet.

twisted spokes are killer. sporty's are too short for a 21" billet wheel but spokes look great

I prefer spokes on the custom and mags on the roadsters.

I'm for spokes and trying to update my '04 . Motorcycles should have spokes.
I have a front with twisted spokes and I'm trying to get a rear which I will change to twisted spokes . Guess I'll learn about truing .

Life's an adventure ... why take the easy way .

I prefer spokes on the custom and mags on the roadsters.

+1
ditto.

I love the look of the spokes on my bike, but I have decided to go tubeless.

A flat tube in 115 degrees would suck. I can cary a plug kit and be happy with mags. People change all the time!

They still make spokes? Had my fill of spokes in the old days Mags for me.

Hi everybody....
I´m thinking aboout switching from my 21 " Spoke wheel to the HD Thunderstar wheel. I can get one cheap but it is the model 43975-00 which is not for my 2005 Sportster custom. Does anybody know why it should not fit?
By the way--ich have changed to a mid glide...Thanks and merry Christmas
Tom

have spokes now, but just ordered a 6 spoke 19" mag,

I chose spokes because I know that, sooner or later, I will replace the rims with something lighter. Plus, you can get aluminum rims in various colors. I'm thinking black, to match the tins.

Had mags once,but prefer spokes.must be the old school in me!

I prefer the look of spokes but I run mags because they are easier to maintain. I tend to keep my bikes a long time.

Spokes for looks, mags for low maintenance & tubeless tires.

:cheers

The factory combo of the mag/spokes of my 1200C is my taste. Does anybody here have a pic of a bike with the 21" HD "Profile Laced" wheel?

I prefer mags due to maintnance, but I think it depends on the overall style of the bike

I'm still looking for a 16 and 19 (spokes) for pre 99'....

Anyone have any they want to part with? If you do or know someone please PM me.

Tnx!

I really like the classic look of a spoke wheel

Mags are definatley less maintainance...But I like the look of spokes:D I think the spokes are a lot easier to clean than the stock, grey, cast HD mags that are on the Roadster. (Brake dust is a bitch to get off the rough finish of the mag). A mag with a smooth finish (easy to clean) is probably the best way to go...

Did spokes for 40 years cause there wasn't a choice. My current scoot came with mag-style aluminum racing wheels and I really like them. No urge to jump backwards here.

Spokes are a pain-in-the-butt to clean & polish. There's no way around that. Had one bike with stainless spokes. It always looked OK. But that was the best I could make it look... just OK :frownone :frownthre

My two cents worth...

I have no idea why every one keeps saying spokes are a pain to clean. I just use this shit called Westleys Bleach White tire and rim cleaner and a soft bristle brush. You spray the shit on, let it set for a few minutes, and brush, or rather just wipe the crap off. It's that easy.

Mags, for easy care and good looks I love the mags on my 1200!

I just love spokes...maybe I'm just "old" :D

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o272/cybermunster/IMG_0169.jpg

Had spokes on bikes and cars, a PIA to maintain and clean. Never again. For sale take off front Lace Wheel and tire with 9 miles on it. HD 21" off my custom

How did you have spokes on a car?

Did you drive a Model T?

How did you have spokes on a car?

Did you drive a Model T?

No I drove a TR3, a MGA and a MGB. You can still get "spokes" or wires on a Jaq or Ferarri. This was my last car with spokes and true knock offs (not the Ralph Nader people safe ones) less the windshield.

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/655/TR3.jpg

Well, that shut me up. :p

Nice ride

http://www.weldmotorcycle.com/index_02.html#wire

The "Wire" wheel is the perfect solution, the look of wire spokes with the best features of a mag. They look pretty cool in black too. Too bad they're a ridiculous amount of money.


I think they cost about twice as much as ridiculeous.

How did you have spokes on a car?

Did you drive a Model T?

British sports cars had spokes well into the '60s.

I just picked up this new 19" HD Revolver rim off E Bay for 399.00. and I love it . It looks better and it takes me about a minute to clean it. HD wants 1395.00 for this so I feel I got a great deal.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b38/CrashDummy123/DSCN0044-2.jpg

I just picked up this new 19" HD Revolver rim off E Bay for 399.00. and I love it . It looks better and it takes me about a minute to clean it. HD wants 1395.00 for this so I feel I got a great deal.


What'd you do with your laced 19", wanna get rid of it?

What'd you do with your laced 19", wanna get rid of it?

I already have a other forum member interested I just need to get him a shipping quote. If it don;t happen I will let you know.

Spokes give that classic look.

I prefer the look and safety of mag wheels. I Like spokes on certain styles, I think that some Ironheads would look rather disgusting with mags..

I just can not get over the PRICE difference.. To replace the stock mag wheels on my bike with a nice set it's anywhere from 1600-2400 depending on manufacturer. Of course the ones that I like are the PM Wrath style at 1199 per with matching rotor 399 and of course matchin brakes 449 so you're looking at approximatly 2050 per tire, and thats not including the sprocket.

And people wonder why I got a stupid caliper insert in my stocker :smoke

anyone have a 21" spoke they would like to get rid of?? if so please PM me i have a 19" spoke on mine now and want the 21

For my classic rig I like spokes. But on long distances, I prefer mags, the original HD-13-spoke-wheels. They´re allowed for sidecar use and I´ve no problems with broken spokes.

Winterbiker

[QUOTE=Jeffytune;202721]
They ride rougher, require hours of maintenance and have to be tuned and trued every 5000 miles.
QUOTE]

You need to get them trued and torqued RIGHT and forget it for years............

What about us 1/2 and 1/2 people??????????

I voted spokes because I want a black powder coated one for the front only. I have mags now.

Mags. I'm working on the 77 I have a rear mag (I'm still fiddling with the spacer).

Spokes can look good. I just think mags make sense.

:bump


Just to see, ya know.

I gotta vote spokes on this one. To me, it is the classic Harley look.

I like spokes also.

I like spokes, I got a 21" twisted spoke front wheel on mine and it looks awesome roll'n down the rode. on the other hand it is a pain to clean. but wouldnt trade it for nothin

I did not vote because I like spokes best for their looks but just bought a front mag because I want a smaller )19") rim with a wider tire (100/90-19 vs 80/80-21)

spokes are beautiful but....mags dont warp or get loose.strong as hell and practical

Hmmmm.....never heard that laced wheels need to be trued every 5000 miles... I've got over 10,000 on mine....they still look great (cause I take good care of 'em) and they're still true.

Yes they're a PITA to polish, but IMO there's nothing like the sparkle coming off a great set of laced wheels.

Laced wheels = old skool = cool!!!! :smoke

Mag wheels are for cars! :rolleyes:

Hmmmm.....never heard that laced wheels need to be trued every 5000 miles... I've got over 10,000 on mine....they still look great (cause I take good care of 'em) and they're still true.

Yes they're a PITA to polish, but IMO there's nothing like the sparkle coming off a great set of laced wheels.

Laced wheels = old skool = cool!!!! :smoke

Mag wheels are for cars! :rolleyes:


HRS, seems we are always on the same page as far as our taste goes man!:smoke

I like mags best.

In chrome of course! Even easier to clean.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t23/Urrell_album/HD4.jpg
:tour :tour :tour :tour :tour :tour :tour :tour :tour

In chrome of course! Even easier to clean.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t23/Urrell_album/HD4.jpg
:tour :tour :tour :tour :tour :tour :tour :tour :tour

Those look really good.

I voted mags. Spokes are for bicycles.

spokes are great if you have a dresser.I have a '79 sporty and would like to
put a nice pair of mags for my sporty. So in my mind mags make the bike.

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/fat_right_front.JPG

some laced wheels look like they belong on a bicycle not a Harley..... I like my 1 piece, billet Sturgis wheels.....

laced wheels..................old skool cool :smoke
custom alloy wheels........new skool cool :smoke

Ww

Spokes but I could go for mags if they are chrome

spokes have always been my favorite look. i think they make the bikes look more vintage. hell, my 88 and 89 Lincoln Towncars had spoked caps. ive seen some really great mags though, just not for MY bike.

I like my Mag wheel better then my spokes, I ride long distances and a plug kit and a can of air will get you much farther down the road and its a ton easier to clean. I bought my spoke mag wheel new on e bay for 399.00 and HD wants 1399.00 for the same wheel so it was a no brainer for me and I like that it still has somewhat of a factory sportster look to it. I will agree that spokes do look better on a old school bike.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b38/CrashDummy123/DSCN0044-2.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b38/CrashDummy123/DSCN0044-2.jpg

Aaaghhhhhhh!!! My eyes!!!

So..... very..... bright!!!

<Looks nice, Johnny!> http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m96/clarinetcat1/Smilies/coolshades.gif

mags look good on some..not for me though give me spokes :smoke

Nothing like a set of stainless spokes & nipples.

mags here have had both to much maintanance with spokes

mags way better IMO , stock FTW!

Mags for sure .With the tubeless tyres you can plug a flat on the road but not with spokes.

I like both. When tasteful and fit the bike.


KC3

my bike has a laced front and that big abomonation of a rear mag.. is that a rim or a sail?

anyway.. my preference is the 9 or 13 spoke mags.

Spokes look fine.........on someone else's bike.

They ride rougher, require hours of maintenance and have to be tuned and trued every 5000 miles.

Wow, is my dad in trouble. 42,000 miles on his 2005 Road King, laced wheels front and rear and all he's done is wash them. His RK rides pretty damn good.

Sounds like a pretty broad generalization to me.

spokes flex to much for me and if you get a flat on the road with a mag just plug it to get home cant do that with spokes

if you get a flat on the road with a mag just plug it to get home cant do that with spokes

I've put a can of Fix-a-flat in a guy's Heritage one day who was stopped on the side of the road with a flat rear tire with laced wheels, followed him 15 miles and the tire was still up. I offered to follow him down the interstate to the next exit, he said everything felt fine and for me to go on home. So don't say you can't plug a tire on a laced wheel and get home unless you've tried it. Lots of fairy tales running around here.

I vote for mags but, that being said I love the look of spokes. I agree, too much trouble to clean and I don't like the tube. I took a pair of stock 13 spoke harley mag wheels, had them ground down smooth and chromed. Solved the problem of cleaning brake dust on the rough finish but, I'm not sure how long the chrome will hold up.

I still love the looks of spokes. I have spokes on my other bike. But I built that with looks in mind. Don't mind the maint. and everything else that comes with spokes. There worth it.
My sporty is for riding, so I went mags this time and I love them, They stay true, I can run tubeless (safer). Cleaning is not an all day project. Pot holes (the small ones) aren't going to kill my wheels..

Spokes Look Better , But Rather Have Mags. Easier To Maintain And Can Be Plugged For A Quick Roadside Fix.

I'm goin' old school on this one, IMHO a motorcycle is supposed to have spokes. I think just to change things up a little I'm gonna put some Nightster (or similar) wheels on my black 883L.

I like the look of spokes but my first (unrepairable inner-tube) convinced me that mags were better!! :p

Love the look of spokes and are very traditional, but like cleaning my 90 mags a lot better, would like to get them chromed somday.

I was all spokes at first and have spokes ....... but look at some of those chromed mags ....... I waiver

I voted spokes. Stainless spokes with black anodised or powder coated hubs and rims just look stunning.
I had the stock mags on mine powder coated black, which fills a lot of the rough cast surface and makes it easier to clean off the brake dust. I wish someone would start buiding spoked wheels for Harleys like modern BMW and Aprilia big trailies have. The spokes are fitted through the sides of the rims, with the spoke nipples on the hub. Means they can be run with tubeless tyres (only downside of normal laced wheels is the PITA tubes), and can be trued without removing the tyre. And they look great, too...

Ever since I found this (http://www.hdwheels.com/index.htm) site, I'm sold on spokes forever.

I wouldn't trade my mags for all the spokes in the world.

Had the mags powdercoated. Like the easy of cleaning but am looking for the retro look. I had a 21" frt rim and hub powdercoated black and will be adding twisted spokes. Still looking for a rear spoke wheel. Will post pics when it all happens....

I prefer spokes but currently have mags..........

Cleaning has become easier since the invention of the cordless drill and the power ball. Spokes all the way!

I'll let you guess which i think are best

Spokes definitely Look Better all I need is someone to clean and true them for me :) Will take Mags...

I have a mag on the back and a spoke front, how do I vote? Spokes until you get a flat!!! I ride mine too much to worry about having spokes or mags, truthfully. Plus I am a broke bloke right now.

I like the look of spokes. However, practicality of care and cleaning leans me toward riding on something solid. Mags. (Well, my cast-stock wheels anyway.) Some of those nice billet wheels sure look good. (Until I see the price tag.)

I like the classic look of spokes.

i have mags but am gonna go with laced on front

Going by looks only, I think spokes have it hands down. I had a bike once with spokes and drums both front and back. I dealt with spokes and tubes because I had to but I prefer to own mags now for the low maintainence. The Spoked wheel may be lighter than the factory mag, even with a tube, rim strip, ect. When I changed my tires I found the factory Sportster mag was VERY heavy.

it all depends on the bike I prefer spokes but I think the nightsters look really good with the mags

it all depends on the bike I prefer spokes but I think the nightsters look really good with the mags

I thought Nightsters ONLY came with spokes....???
Do you mean aftermarket mags that someone put on?

I prefer mags. Better ride, less maintenance. Spokes are better in one way. If you run over a nail, patch it and buy a new tube....
Most HD shops wont patch or plug a tubeless tire.

I am torn....I like mags for the ease of maintenance and cleaning but love the look of spoke wheels, got that ole school look. I am in the process of switch the mags, the front is going to be a 21" powdercoated spoke, and would like a solid rear wheel, also powdercoated black. Has anyone done that look?
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/653/sportster_pics2_003-5x7.jpg
Had the stock mags powdercoated...

I like spokes, but the right set of mags is nice, too. Plus, with mags you don't have to worry about innertubes.

I like the stock mag on my recently purchased 1200S, but anyone have an easy way to clean them?

It really depends on the look of the bike,on mine I want wires but say on a 883R with the sweet paint that come on them with a blacked out motor the wires wouldn't look right at all,IMO:tour

definetly spokes look the best BUT earlier i saw a bike with stock mags they powdercoated gloss black, now i think i might do the same thing untill i can save the $ for nightster wheels.