2007 Harley-Davidson Fxsts problems

Filed Mar 15, 2011 · Wheels · KY

This isn't a complaint, it's an observation. I own a harley davidson that has a solid cast aluminum rear wheel. The valve stem is visible on the right side of the wheel as you look toward the front of the bike. This is the same side of the bike that the mufflers and the rear brake disc are mounted. If a rider attempts to put air in the rear tire immediately after stopping, the mufflers are volcanic hot, and the rear disk is also quite hot. The rider is forced by design of the wheel to put his or her hands dangerously close to items on the bike that are hot enough to cause instant 2nd degree burns and if not careful, 3rd degree. I recommend the valve stem on this type of rear wheel design, be moved to stick through the left side of the wheel which would eliminate the rider from having to navigate around dangerously hot mufflers and a brake disk that can instantly burn him or her. Rear wheels with spoke design are not a problem, as the rider has the option of attacking the bike from the right or left. It should be noted in the owners manual that adding air after an initial stop is not recommended, but if necessary, use the left side of the bike when adding air to a spoke design wheel.