Harley-Davidson Audio Installation Reference

Professional quick-reference guide for speaker fitment by model, Boom! system specifications, DSP processor selection, and field installation procedures. Built for installer shops on tablet or phone at the bike.

Speaker Fitment by Model & Year

Quick lookup for fairing, saddlebag, and tour-pak speaker sizes and specifications.

Model Family	Year Range	Fairing	Saddlebag	Tour-Pak	Notes
Road Glide	2015–2024	6.5" (2 speakers)	6x9" or 5.25"	6.5" or 5.25"	CVO models: 4 fairing speakers. Stock Boom! GTS on most models.
Street Glide	2014–2024	6.5" (2 speakers)	6x9" or 5.25"	Optional upgrade	Standard system has no Tour-Pak. Stage I/II adds sub capability.
Ultra Limited	2014–2024	6.5" (2 speakers)	6x9"	6.5" + 5.25" combo	Full system flagship. Highest upgrade potential. 28A alternator stock.
Road King	2014–2024	None (no fairing)	Optional saddlebag	None	Limited audio options. Handlebar speaker pods only. Niche market.
Softail (Heritage, Low Rider)	2018–2024	6.5" or none (heritage only)	5.25" saddlebag cavity	None	Warning: 6x9" does NOT fit without custom brackets. Use 6" or 5.25" components.
Sportster	2018–2024	4" tweeter pod (aftermarket)	5.25" (shallow mount only)	Under-seat 8" max	Shallow saddlebags (2.5" depth). Modular amp removal common for cruises.

Fairing Speaker Upgrade Components (2026)

Product	Type	Sensitivity	Freq Response	Mount Depth	Price
Audiofrog GB60	6" component set	89 dB @1W/1m	40 Hz – 20 kHz	2.5" (shallow)	$280
Focal Access 165 ASC	6.5" component set	87 dB @1W/1m	45 Hz – 20 kHz	3.2" (standard)	$320
Hertz Dieci DSK 160	6.5" component set	91 dB @1W/1m	30 Hz – 25 kHz	3.1"	$450

Pro Tip: Audiofrog GB60 is the de facto standard for Harley touring bikes. Shallow mount depth (2.5") clears fairing stay brackets. Weatherproof tweeter connector. Wehmeyer-endorsed for Harley-specific tuning.

Saddlebag & Tour-Pak Speaker Options

Product	Type	Power Handling	Sensitivity	Harley Fitment	Price
Audiofrog GB80	6x9" component	180W	89 dB	Perfect fitment	$240
Alpine SPS-610	6x9" coaxial	200W	87 dB	Standard fitment	$180
Hertz SP 250A Sub	10" ported + 250W amp	250W integrated	N/A	Tour-pak floor mount	$400
Audiofrog JS1 Sub	10" ported passive	Requires external amp	N/A	Tour-pak floor mount	$320 (+ amp $600–1k)

Critical Wiring Error to Avoid: Do NOT bridge saddlebag speakers at the amplifier. This collapses impedance and triggers amp shutdown. Wire left + right saddlebags in series per channel (total 8Ω per side). See Wiring tab for diagram.

Harley Boom! Audio System Specifications

Factory system specs, upgrade paths, and known limitations by Boom! version.

Boom! Audio GTS (2020–2024 Standard)

Head unit: 4.3" touchscreen, Bluetooth 5.1, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Factory speakers: Fairing 6.5" coaxial (80W RMS), saddlebag 6x9" (150W RMS each)
Amplifier: Integrated 2-channel amp in head unit (~80W per channel @ 4Ω)
DSP: Basic 3-band EQ, no time alignment, no RTA capability
Power: Weatherproofed HDMI + USB-C dock output (single-pair RCA, no sub line-out)
Limitation: No subwoofer support without external DSP adapter

Boom! Stage I (2021–2024 High-Spec)

Upgrade path: Fairing 6.5" component set, saddlebag 6x9" coaxial, tour-pak 8" subwoofer option
Amplifier: External 4-channel amp module (200W x4 @ 4Ω)
DSP: 7-band EQ, adjustable crossovers, input sensitivity control
Power draw: 18.5A on the 18A charging circuit (requires load balancing)
Known issue: Tour-pak sub power rating (150W) undershoots saddlebag output. Creates impedance mismatch → dull bass. Use dedicated 600W amp instead.

Boom! Stage II (2023–2024 Flagship)

Full system: Component front, aftermarket 6x9" saddlebag (180W), 10" active subwoofer in tour-pak
Amplifier: Dual 4-channel amps (400W x8 total), isolated ground planes, dedicated 4-gauge power
DSP: 31-band EQ, full time alignment (by model year), Bluetooth 5.2, OTA updates
Power requirement: 45A/60A alternator required (stock is 28A). Factory 18A circuit will NOT support this system.
Integration: Native Harley Infotainment Module (HIM), app-controlled tuning presets

System Selection Rule: GTS is baseline (80W per channel). Use external Cicada DSP adapter for any aftermarket amp/sub integration. Stage I/II require professional alternator upgrade + battery recabling.

Skyline OS (2024+)

All-in-one unified DSP/amp/head-unit platform with 40 MIPS ARM Cortex processing, real-time RTA, auto-EQ, speaker learning, and speed-triggered wind noise compensation. OTA firmware updates monthly. Critical limitation: NO third-party HDMI head unit swap. Locked ecosystem.

Aftermarket DSP Processors for Harley

Side-by-side comparison of OEM-integration capable DSP solutions.

DSP Model	Channels	Price	Bluetooth	Weather Rating	Best For
Cicada CX65.4	4	$1,300–$1,500	Yes (passthrough)	IP65 weatherproof	Industry standard for Harley baggers. HDMI input, 31-band EQ per channel, microsecond time alignment, USB RTA input.
ARC Audio Moto 720	4	$800–$950	No	IP54	Budget-conscious builds. Supports Boom! integration. Less DSP power than Cicada but reliable.
NAV-TV ZEN	4	$600–$700	No	IP54	OEM integration specialists. Supports factory infotainment bridging (older Boom! versions). Legacy product — new builds prefer Cicada.
Audison bit Play HD	6	$1,400–$1,600	Yes (Bluetooth receiver)	IP54	Premium builds. Integrated DSP + Bluetooth receiver. Excellent for multi-amp configurations.

Harley-Specific DSP Notes:

Wind noise compensation: Cicada and Audison support speed-triggered EQ profiles. ARC/NAV-TV do not.
Time alignment: Critical for open-air motorcycle tuning. Requires 50+ ms delay on front speakers to compensate for rear subwoofer placement.
Impedance matching: Cicada's gain structure is fixed—ensure amp is compatible (no overpowering high-gain amps).
Mounting: All fit in fairing pocket or under seat. Runs XLR/RCA to rear amplifier.

Recommended Setups by Rider Type

Touring / Long-Distance Riders

Setup: Cicada CX65.4 + 600W dedicated sub amp + Audiofrog GB60 fairing upgrade + Hertz SP 250A 10" ported sub

Rationale: Maximum wind noise compensation, extended highway range. Ported sub provides punch at cruise speeds (60+ mph where wind noise masks subwoofer directivity).

City / Weekend Riders

Setup: ARC Audio Moto 720 + 4-channel amp (bridged to 2 high-power channels for sub) + Audiofrog GB60 + sealed 8" subwoofer

Rationale: Lower cost, sealed sub eliminates wind noise through port. Adequate for city speeds (stop-and-go, slow cruises).

Minimalist / Stock-Plus Riders

Setup: Skip external DSP. Upgrade fairing to Audiofrog GB60, keep stock saddlebag, add compact Bluetooth amp (Audison VOCE or Mosconi Zero.2) with built-in EQ

Rationale: No wiring harness required, modular (removable for cruises), simple tuning interface, OEM integration stays intact.

Common Harley Installation Procedures

Step-by-step quick references for field technicians.

Fairing Speaker Removal & Upgrade (Road Glide / Street Glide)

Time estimate: 20–30 minutes per side
Remove outer fairing side cover (Phillips-head screw, 1 fastener per side)
Disconnect factory speaker weatherproof JST 4-pin connector (green/black pair, typically mounted inside the fairing pocket)
Remove speaker from baffle-mounted bracket (spring clips, 2 per speaker). Do NOT force—may crack plastic.
Upgrade: Install component tweeter in original location. Route woofer crossover to a hidden pocket (or route to behind-seat electrical area)
Reconnect weatherproof JST connector (or splice to new harness if upgrading to Audison/Cicada system)
Reinstall fairing cover. Seal weather gasket with silicone (marine-grade, not automotive)

Saddlebag Speaker Removal & Upgrade

Time estimate: 45 minutes per side (includes hardware cleaning)
Remove saddlebag from bike (4 bolts: 2 top, 2 side-mount rails)
Open saddlebag interior access panel (may be glued; carefully pry with trim tool)
Disconnect factory speaker Deutsch DT 4-pin connector inside bag cavity
Remove speaker baffle from inner door panel (bolted, typically 4 bolts—Torx T25)
Important: Inspect weatherproof gasket. Replace if cracked or hardened (common on bikes >5 years old).
Install upgraded 6x9" or 6" component (ensure mounting depth ≤ 3.2" for standard fitment)
Reconnect Deutsch DT connector. Apply conformal coating to connector pins (marine-grade)
Reinstall access panel, seal with outdoor-rated silicone caulk (NOT hot glue)
Reinstall saddlebag, torque bolts to 18 ft-lbs (critical—loose bags create rattle)

Tour-Pak Subwoofer Installation

Time estimate: 60–90 minutes (includes amp placement)
Remove tour-pak from bike (top latch + 2 side bolts). May require fork lift or jack assist.
Inspect interior floor pan for water damage (common issue). Dry with compressed air if damp.
Mount isolation pads on tour-pak floor (4 pads, 2"×2" rubber, spaced for sub footprint)
Install subwoofer on isolation frame (bolt down, M8 bolts torqued to 12 ft-lbs)
Amplifier placement: If using dedicated 600W amp, mount to side rail (typically right side). Use stainless steel L-brackets + vibration isolators.
Run power cable from battery through frame rail to amp (4-gauge minimum, fused at battery)
Run signal cables (RCA pairs from DSP to amp) through existing OEM conduit (left side tour-pak mounting rail). Do NOT share ground with power harness.
Install fused distribution block inside tour-pak (remote location, >12" from sub coil)
Seal all cable entry points with silicone (prevent water ingress)
Test system before reinstalling tour-pak on bike
Reinstall tour-pak, torque top latch to 35 ft-lbs, side bolts to 18 ft-lbs

Amplifier Mounting (Under Seat or Saddlebag)

Under-seat mounting: Harley seats have reinforced steel rails. Mount amp with 3/8" bolts + vibration isolators. Ensure amp is accessible for future service (not trapped by battery)
Saddlebag mounting (alternative): Remove interior lining, mount amp to aluminum L-bracket, secure with isolators to bag frame (not to door)
Ventilation critical: Ensure 2–3" clearance on all sides of amp heatsinks. Route 12V fan wire if amp draws >300W continuous
Ground point: Run 4-gauge ground directly from amp to battery negative terminal (NOT to frame ground). Frame ground is noisy on motorcycles due to vibration.

Critical Safety Procedure: When running power wire from battery, route through a in-line fuse holder (60A–80A fuse for typical 4-gauge runs). Fuse must be within 18" of battery. Test fuse before final assembly. An unfused main power line can cause electrical fire if wire is pinched during assembly.

Harley Wiring Reference & Connectors

Factory connectors, color codes, switched power sources, and critical CAN bus warnings.

Factory Boom! Audio Connector Pinouts

Boom! GTS / Stage I / Stage II — HDMI + USB-C weatherproof dock:

HDMI output: 5.1 digital audio (L, R, Center, Surround L/R, Subwoofer LFE)
USB-C output: Provides 5V / 2A for charging, data sync (not used for audio routing in stock config)
RCA converter needed: Use passive HDMI-to-RCA breakout adapter (Cicada, NAV-TV, or aftermarket) to convert digital to analog pre-amp levels

Speaker Connectors (Stock Harley Wiring)

Fairing speakers: Weatherproof JST 4-pin connector (green/black pair, mates every time with keyed housing)
Saddlebag speakers: Deutsch DT 4-pin connector (heavier duty, strain relief tab, designed for vibration resistance)
Tour-pak subwoofer: Deutsch DT 8-pin (power) + RCA pair for signal. Factory wiring is pre-terminated in many Stage I/II systems.
Connector preservation: Do NOT cut factory connectors. Always splice upstream of the connector using marine-grade solder or AMP crimp terminals (never wire nuts on a motorcycle).

Power Wiring: Battery to Amplifier

Standard 4-gauge run (200W–600W amp):

Battery positive: Connect 4-gauge power cable directly to battery positive terminal (not to alternator or starter). Use stainless steel lug + M8 bolt.
In-line fuse: Install ANL-style or ANL-equivalent 60A–80A fuse holder within 18" of battery. Test fuse on startup (should not blow with 10A baseline draw).
Routing: Run power cable through left frame rail (away from rotating engine parts, exhaust, and fuel line). Use tie-down straps every 12" to prevent chafing.
Engine bay routing: Do NOT run under engine oil pan (heat damage). Route above oil line or use adhesive-backed split loom (Hellerman Tyton 3/4" polyamide loom).
Amp ground: Run 4-gauge ground from amp negative directly back to battery negative (NOT to frame ground). Frame ground on Harley is chassis-via-oil-pan, creates RF noise.

Switched Power (Key-On Ignition)

Ignition source location: Harley Main Module (MMC) relay under seat (all years 2015+). Locate yellow/black wire labeled "KEY_ON" (12V when key is in ON position, 0V in OFF/ACC).
Connection: Use this wire to trigger amp remote turn-on (blue wire on most automotive amps).
Alternative (for older amps without remote trigger): Tap into fairing light circuit (brown/white wire in fairing connector)—lights on = amp on. Less ideal (amps stay on if lights accidentally left on).

CAN Bus Warning: Harley 2015+ models use CAN (Onboard Diagnostic) bus on the factory J-connector (6-pin black connector near MMC). Do NOT cut or splice these wires when routing audio harness. CAN bus carries engine diagnostics + infotainment control. Cutting these will trigger fault codes + disable Boom! head unit. Always route audio cables away from factory CAN/OEM wiring. Use separate conduit if necessary.

Saddlebag Wiring: Series Configuration (CRITICAL)

Why series? Parallel saddlebags at the amp = impedance collapse. A 4Ω + 4Ω parallel load becomes 2Ω, triggering amp shutdown protection.

Correct config: Left saddlebag 6x9" → positive wire to amp rear+ channel, negative wire to right saddlebag negative. Right saddlebag positive connects to right saddlebag positive → amp rear- channel. Total impedance = 8Ω per channel (safe for 4Ω minimum amps).
Verification: Ohm out the saddlebag loop before final assembly. Should read ~8Ω L-to-R per side.

Ground Distribution

Main ground: 4-gauge from amp negative → battery negative (same route as power, opposite side of frame if possible)
DSP ground: Use separate 10-gauge ground from DSP chassis to main amp ground point (inside tour-pak or saddlebag fuse block)
Signal ground (RCA shields): DO NOT ground RCA shield to frame. Ground at amplifier input only. Frame ground creates RF loop → noise.
Star grounding: All grounds converge at one point (fuse block or distribution block) before returning to battery negative. No intermediate ground paths.