Try the infinity Kappa 6.5 or the Polk 6.5
Replacement Front Fairing Speakers
I am considering replacing the stock speakers in my fairing with something else. I am not looking to spend big bucks on this since I am actually experimenting with the sound but not power. I want to get 6.5" speakers for my 2014 FLHX that are automotive replacements, or preferably marine speakers (since they would be waterproof) that will fit right into the stock openings without any modifications.
So here is my question; has anyone replaced their stock speakers with something other than the usual Harley or J&M Rokker or other motorcycle accessory vendor? If so, what did you use and how did it work out for you?
So here is my question; has anyone replaced their stock speakers with something other than the usual Harley or J&M Rokker or other motorcycle accessory vendor? If so, what did you use and how did it work out for you?
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Biketronics 7.1. Lifetime warranty
But they needed to be pushed by a good amp. Fosgate 300x2. $150.
But they needed to be pushed by a good amp. Fosgate 300x2. $150.
Biketronics 7.1. Lifetime warranty
But they needed to be pushed by a good amp. Fosgate 300x2. $150.
I did the same thing using an Alpine amp; sounds awesome!
Jax,Biketronics 7.1. Lifetime warranty
But they needed to be pushed by a good amp. Fosgate 300x2. $150.
These Biketronics speakers are in the Porsche price range; way out of my league for my intentions. I did mention that I didn't want to spend big bucks. Somewhere around $70-$100 per pair is what I'm thinking. Actually I think I found what I am looking for; the Polk DB651s; about $65.00 for the pair. Like I said, nothing too serious in the cost department. Just playing around.
This will give me something to do (weather and temps permitting) to the bike during my winter hibernation. I have never taken the fairing apart so this will be my adventure. It doesn't look too difficult (I hope!). I do have the H-D service manual.
Welcome to the forum, but a bit of bad news. It's ok to go with the speakers you want, but if you are going to 6.5 in. you will need the adapters. Your bike carries 5.25's as far as I know.Jax,
These Biketronics speakers are in the Porsche price range; way out of my league for my intentions. I did mention that I didn't want to spend big bucks. Somewhere around $70-$100 per pair is what I'm thinking. Actually I think I found what I am looking for; the Polk DB651s; about $65.00 for the pair. Like I said, nothing too serious in the cost department. Just playing around.
This will give me something to do (weather and temps permitting) to the bike during my winter hibernation. I have never taken the fairing apart so this will be my adventure. It doesn't look too difficult (I hope!). I do have the H-D service manual.
I thought this bike used the 6.5". I will have to dig a little deeper. Thanks for the head's up!Welcome to the forum, but a bit of bad news. It's ok to go with the speakers you want, but if you are going to 6.5 in. you will need the adapters. Your bike carries 5.25's as far as I know.
You are correct. 2014 and up use 6.5".I thought this bike used the 6.5". I will have to dig a little deeper. Thanks for the head's up!
FWIW, the stock speakers that H-D uses are not that bad. You shouldn't expect to see significant improvement simply by changing speakers alone. Depending on their efficiency and other specs, it's possible to make it worse by switching speakers.
If you really want to improve the sound, you should consider adding an amplifier as well as speakers in order to create some headroom for the system.
LOL....taking the fairing off is easy, getting it back on is a pain in the butt---have another set of hands available. And whatever you do dont let the fairing drop on your fender.Jax,
These Biketronics speakers are in the Porsche price range; way out of my league for my intentions. I did mention that I didn't want to spend big bucks. Somewhere around $70-$100 per pair is what I'm thinking. Actually I think I found what I am looking for; the Polk DB651s; about $65.00 for the pair. Like I said, nothing too serious in the cost department. Just playing around.
This will give me something to do (weather and temps permitting) to the bike during my winter hibernation. I have never taken the fairing apart so this will be my adventure. It doesn't look too difficult (I hope!). I do have the H-D service manual.
I had buddy just install the hawg wired speakers and amp, and it sounds real good! Not sure how much those speaker are. IF you are already inside the fairing you may as well add the amp- its easy. Coming from someone who has never wrenched on his own bike.
Definitely do an amp also or you will not be happy. I did speakers first in my 11 sg and not much different. Then added amp and saddle bag speakers and huge difference.
+ 1 on the amp upgrade. I installed the Infinity kappa 62.11i 6.5" along with the Soundstream PN4.520D amp and WOW it really wakes up the sound on these bikes.
Don't go the cheap route,you will just have to do it over later,spend the money and do it right the first time you won't regret it.
Plus once you upgrade the speakers and add an amp you can get a louder exhaust.$$$
Don't go the cheap route,you will just have to do it over later,spend the money and do it right the first time you won't regret it.
Plus once you upgrade the speakers and add an amp you can get a louder exhaust.$$$
As the OP, I decided to look inside the fairing and check out the stock audio speakers in my FLHX. I took measurements of the speaker and the speaker enclosure opening. I included some pictures of what I found and pointed out those areas that threw me for a loop when trying to take out the enclosure. After removing what I thought were all of the mounting screws, the dang enclosure wouldn't budge from its location. After looking further, I then found two, then three hidden bolts inside the fairing area where the enclosure was bolted on its side to the bracket that held the radio in place. These bolts were every difficult to extract but after some patience, I was able to remove all three. The arrows show those mounting holes on the enclosure and the area in the fairing where the mounting holes are located.
Looking at the speaker, I was very disappointed in the quality of the speaker. Very small magnet but it did have a small tweeter, and of course, made in China. Harley part # 76000096 is considered a 5.25" speaker. After looking at the speakers, I really would like to just replace them with a little better quality such as the Polk or equivalent. But not sure if the 6.5" replacement will fit into the existing enclosure since the enclosure opening is 5 5/8" in diameter.
Oh, yeah, I did get the bike back together with all hardware installed and everything working.
Looking at the speaker, I was very disappointed in the quality of the speaker. Very small magnet but it did have a small tweeter, and of course, made in China. Harley part # 76000096 is considered a 5.25" speaker. After looking at the speakers, I really would like to just replace them with a little better quality such as the Polk or equivalent. But not sure if the 6.5" replacement will fit into the existing enclosure since the enclosure opening is 5 5/8" in diameter.
Oh, yeah, I did get the bike back together with all hardware installed and everything working.
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The size of the magnet doesn't mean anything. It's simply matched to the power handling capability of the voice coil. The audio signal coming through the wiring is AC voltage. The voltage running through the coil creates a magnetic field. The interaction between the created magnetic field in the coil and the existing field from the magnet moves the cone.
A bigger magnet means a heavier voice coil. They have to be matched. But, when they strengthen the motor, they also almost always use heavier, stiffer materials in the cone and surround. So, if you don't increase the power, the "better" speakers may not perform as well as the stock ones.
If a speaker is rated to handle 50w RMS, you really need the match that with similar power to get the best out of it.
A bigger magnet means a heavier voice coil. They have to be matched. But, when they strengthen the motor, they also almost always use heavier, stiffer materials in the cone and surround. So, if you don't increase the power, the "better" speakers may not perform as well as the stock ones.
If a speaker is rated to handle 50w RMS, you really need the match that with similar power to get the best out of it.
I've been researching this lately for my 14 SG ,
In audio you get what you pay for it seems , most of your upper end audio installers are using Focal or Hertz speakers along with an amp. As there systems increase in price and quality the biggest difference is in the quality of speakers they use.
I understand what your attempting but I think your results will be a minimal improvement if at all with this segment of speakers. These new head units are touchy , you need to be SURE the speakers your using match the ohm rating of the stock speakers , if you do add an amp you will need / should have the dealer flash your Boom Box to " no amp , four , six , or eight speaker " setting. The place I talked to said they would ONLY recommend there level 3 and up for the 2014's and 15's .
After I talked to them I realized my thought of using Focal R165C's ( $170 pair ) and an Arc KS 125.2BX2 amp ($300 ) wasn't going to cut it as it is what there level 1 system uses , unless I stepped up to the Focal 165AC's ( $250 pair ) they will sell a plug & play level 3 system for $700 carry out or installed. This includes a custom wiring harness which is a key item.
They also told me that they have to modify the speaker area to fit the 6.5" speakers in the 14 & 15 bikes, which tells me that standard 6.5" speakers are likely NOT going to just drop in.
While $700 sounds a bit pricey when you compare it to the HD Boom Audio speakers and amp upgrade your getting ALOT more bang for your buck ,
Sorry for the long post , just think your not going to hear much difference with the speakers your thinking about, I'd wait till you can go with a little more. The DB ratings of stock vs BOOM Audio upgrade are only 1 DB @ 60mph . . . .thats a $800 speaker & amp upgrade.
In audio you get what you pay for it seems , most of your upper end audio installers are using Focal or Hertz speakers along with an amp. As there systems increase in price and quality the biggest difference is in the quality of speakers they use.
I understand what your attempting but I think your results will be a minimal improvement if at all with this segment of speakers. These new head units are touchy , you need to be SURE the speakers your using match the ohm rating of the stock speakers , if you do add an amp you will need / should have the dealer flash your Boom Box to " no amp , four , six , or eight speaker " setting. The place I talked to said they would ONLY recommend there level 3 and up for the 2014's and 15's .
After I talked to them I realized my thought of using Focal R165C's ( $170 pair ) and an Arc KS 125.2BX2 amp ($300 ) wasn't going to cut it as it is what there level 1 system uses , unless I stepped up to the Focal 165AC's ( $250 pair ) they will sell a plug & play level 3 system for $700 carry out or installed. This includes a custom wiring harness which is a key item.
They also told me that they have to modify the speaker area to fit the 6.5" speakers in the 14 & 15 bikes, which tells me that standard 6.5" speakers are likely NOT going to just drop in.
While $700 sounds a bit pricey when you compare it to the HD Boom Audio speakers and amp upgrade your getting ALOT more bang for your buck ,
Sorry for the long post , just think your not going to hear much difference with the speakers your thinking about, I'd wait till you can go with a little more. The DB ratings of stock vs BOOM Audio upgrade are only 1 DB @ 60mph . . . .thats a $800 speaker & amp upgrade.
These may be helpful in getting 6.5" speakers in the fairing ,
Amazon.com : Arc Audio 6.5" Speaker Adapter Rings for Harley Davidson : Vehicle Speakers : Car Electronics
Amazon.com : Arc Audio 6.5" Speaker Adapter Rings for Harley Davidson : Vehicle Speakers : Car Electronics
67Duce,I've been researching this lately for my 14 SG ,
I understand what your attempting but I think your results will be a minimal improvement if at all with this segment of speakers. These new head units are touchy , you need to be SURE the speakers your using match the ohm rating of the stock speakers , if you do add an amp you will need / should have the dealer flash your Boom Box to " no amp , four , six , or eight speaker " setting. The place I talked to said they would ONLY recommend there level 3 and up for the 2014's and 15's .
After I talked to them I realized my thought of using Focal R165C's ( $170 pair ) and an Arc KS 125.2BX2 amp ($300 ) wasn't going to cut it as it is what there level 1 system uses , unless I stepped up to the Focal 165AC's ( $250 pair ) they will sell a plug & play level 3 system for $700 carry out or installed. This includes a custom wiring harness which is a key item.
They also told me that they have to modify the speaker area to fit the 6.5" speakers in the 14 & 15 bikes, which tells me that standard 6.5" speakers are likely NOT going to just drop in.
While $700 sounds a bit pricey when you compare it to the HD Boom Audio speakers and amp upgrade your getting ALOT more bang for your buck ,
Sorry for the long post , just think your not going to hear much difference with the speakers your thinking about, I'd wait till you can go with a little more. The DB ratings of stock vs BOOM Audio upgrade are only 1 DB @ 60mph . . . .thats a $800 speaker & amp upgrade.
After reading more about these audio systems and also reading on another site about the required flashing of the stock Boom! radio if it applies to my 4.5" non-GPS radio, I decided it isn't worth it to me to go through all of this and the expense to hear "better quality" sound. So I will take a break from it all and not bother doing anything more and just enjoy the stock radio system for what it is. Spending $500.00+ is out of the question! Are those Focal speakers waterproof? They should be either marine or made of waterproof material to withstand the outdoor environment motorcycles subject audio equipment to.
The irony; when I bought the 2014 FLHX I had no interest in the radio at all. It just came with the bike. Then, after hearing another rider's bike with his "pumped" up audio system, I was blown away from the sound, and of course it peaked my curiosity.
Thanks to all for your assistance in helping me. It truly was a learning experience.
I guess I'm the opposite , when I bought mine I was fully expecting to upgrade the audio at some point , as you and I have both found those "pumped" systems don't come inexpensively.67Duce,
After reading more about these audio systems and also reading on another site about the required flashing of the stock Boom! radio if it applies to my 4.5" non-GPS radio, I decided it isn't worth it to me to go through all of this and the expense to hear "better quality" sound. So I will take a break from it all and not bother doing anything more and just enjoy the stock radio system for what it is. Spending $500.00+ is out of the question! Are those Focal speakers waterproof? They should be either marine or made of waterproof material to withstand the outdoor environment motorcycles subject audio equipment to.
The irony; when I bought the 2014 FLHX I had no interest in the radio at all. It just came with the bike. Then, after hearing another rider's bike with his "pumped" up audio system, I was blown away from the sound, and of course it peaked my curiosity.
Thanks to all for your assistance in helping me. It truly was a learning experience.
The Focal 165AC's can be had on ebay for $200 ,still you would need an amp to get the most out of them. They don't really say "Water Proof " but the cones are fiberglass with a butyl rubber surround , I think there fine as long as your not spraying them directly with a hose or power washer for sure.
I was told the reason for the flash is to flatten the stock Boom head units EQ , at louder levels it can cause the highs to distort. This flash is even required by Harley for BOOM Audio upgrades like adding a set of speakers.
I didn't mean to take the wind out of your sails , now that you mentioned why you became interested in upgrading your system I'm more certain your results would not be what your hoping for , just trying to make you aware before you spend your money.
Thanks for posting the pic's of your fairing and the tips on screw locations , pic's are always helpful , maybe save me some time when I get in there.
67Duce,I guess I'm the opposite , when I bought mine I was fully expecting to upgrade the audio at some point , as you and I have both found those "pumped" systems don't come inexpensively.
The Focal 165AC's can be had on ebay for $200 ,still you would need an amp to get the most out of them. They don't really say "Water Proof " but the cones are fiberglass with a butyl rubber surround , I think there fine as long as your not spraying them directly with a hose or power washer for sure.
I was told the reason for the flash is to flatten the stock Boom head units EQ , at louder levels it can cause the highs to distort. This flash is even required by Harley for BOOM Audio upgrades like adding a set of speakers.
I didn't mean to take the wind out of your sails , now that you mentioned why you became interested in upgrading your system I'm more certain your results would not be what your hoping for , just trying to make you aware before you spend your money.
Thanks for posting the pic's of your fairing and the tips on screw locations , pic's are always helpful , maybe save me some time when I get in there.
Keep this in mind when re-assembling the fairing and the audio components within the fairing; I was reading the service manual and it explains that the speaker enclosures are extremely important to the integrity, support and structure strength of the fairing. It is very important to reinstall all bolts and screws and torque them properly. Those three large bolts that go through the metal frame to the speaker enclosures are part of that structure as well as the two bolts that go through the amp bracket and into the speaker enclosures at the top.
Good luck with your installation.
This is a sickness we all have with always wanting to change things on toys that we have already spent way too much money for in the first place ! This is my first Harley and it only took me 50 years to finally spend the money on one......however, as I am finding out even though I got a Harley, I cant leave it alone ..... even though I promised the wife I would !
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