No argument that the alloy wheels are easier to clean. But, the wire wheels are not that hard to keep looking good if you don't neglect them. I spray mine with Bike Bright, rinse, and blow dry. On rare occasions I'll manually clean the spokes while the bike is on my lift and I can spin the wheels.
As far as looks, IMHO the wire wheels are beautiful, classic, and one of the reasons I chose the America over the Speedmaster. I've owned 3 Triumphs since 1970 and they all had wire wheels. I'm sorry they dropped them on the America because I think they should have one cruiser with wire wheels. Harley still has them on some models because there are people that love them.
