You have been so helpful to me!! I know you’re not really making videos anymore bc you’re busy with your own shop. Thanks though for all your videos like this. Getting ready to install new speakers etc.
A few years back I installed a batwing ferring including a pioneer road rates system with blue tooth a CD player and weather/ traffic alerts and I was able to even use my phone hands free. Was a great system. Came with a harness I had to route under the tank that was deatachable if you needed or just wanted to ride with no shield. I loosened the tank and rocked it backward then used a block to support the tail of it. I used fiberglass rod made specifically for routing lines in walls and the difficult passages. That part wasn't totally easy but the part that drove me crazy was distinguishing the wires I had to connect it to. Since the wires were sometimes more than one color individually.once I found my wires I used the light back clamps supplied to connect to . Played awesomely and loud. Only draw back was the CD player skipped if you hit a big enough bump.
Since I traded my 05 FLHRCI for a 19 FLTRXS with stage 1SE and Rhineharts I still have s decently loud stereo but pipes aren't as loud as in the road king
It surprises me with al those wires in the under seat and tank box, the vibration of the bike over time does not short out some of those wires. Amazing.
Awesome videos a great way to spend weekends drinking a beer and watching the snow melt in Idaho! I like the shop background guys doing funny stuff. You are great at making me understand my 2017 road glide special. Thanks
For sure. Because of the radio/amp reflash, a lot of guys have us do this job. Unless they can trailer it to the shop in the middle of the job. You certainly learn the bike well, though, since so much of it has to come apart! Thanks for watching!
Great video, loving the stage 2, love riding my Road Glide with da tunes blasting. Gonna price the system at my local Harley Dealership tomorrow ❤ride safe, and Mahalo & Aloha
That’s a lot of work to do for front speakers only I would’ve at least Ransom speaker wires from the Faring to the rear before I put the tank back on for future rear speakers
You would need a different amp unless your going to run 4 channels with a 2 channel amp. I need a touch more bass. There is too much treble in my stock system and itll already make my ears ring, i can't imagine more power/louder system
I know this is an old video, but I really enjoyed the more detailed install job (and longer video). I would love to see more technical repair videos, you do a good job of showing how HD techs approach jobs. Keep up the great work.
Had stage 2 boom audio on my 14sgs. Speakers blew after 4 years this winter I installed 2 6x9s in bags 4 6x5s fairing and lowers all bose speakers with a diamond audio amp. System sounds amazing now bike gets a lot of attention. I'd say spend the money for the good shit you won't regret it. All in all upgrade cost around 2.5k self installed so no labor cost 😀
Hi John great video. If I install and connect everything can I not install the fuse and then bring to the dealer to flash or will the amp require power for the radio to be flashed
I want to know too because HD shop install boom audio amp and rear audio but i think volume max was not powerfull .... I'm in France ! Thanks for your videos !
I've got the Stage II Boom on my 2019. The difference is amazing, HOWEVER, over 50 mph the sound quality to your ears reduces drastically the faster you ride, pretty much negating all the effort.
Road glide or street glide? What's your wind management look like? Triple tree deflector, crash bar deflectors, and a 12" pro touring klockwerks windshield made my stock 2020 gts system sound like a completely different set up. The Android auto update also seemed to add more volume which is a plus. After all those improvements (I used to have lower fairings, don't run them in the summer, will put them back on in the winter so that factor also effects the wind obviously) I still seem to have the curiosity to upgrade the audio even though I have no problem hearing audio at 75mph with a full face helmet. So whether or not you have similar wind management I'll either pull the trigger on this or you'll be optimizing your wind set up.
Mmmmnnhhhhnnnnnn!!!!! My favorite bike/color for 2018. That's one badass storm trooper looking bike right there! Especially sweet looking with those bars on there!
John I worked at Santa Anna Harley Davidson in Santa Anna California. I worked there for a little over a year around 1989 then it closed down. That was the time when HD started to remodel there shops to what they are today corporate. SAHD was the last of the ol school HD dealers in So Cal. Now there is Orange County HD. When I worked there my job was to do all the set ups on the new bikes that came in. I would uncreate the bike , set it up and service it then test run it. I would ride it down to the beach and back. After that I worked in Hollywood and was cast as a motorcycle mechanic on the series Melrose Place no lines just walked around with a wrench a lot. I now live in Colorado and ride a 2006 Street Glide as well as my original purchase 1983 FXSB shovel head. Love your videos and thanks for the tips what ever you do don’t get to professional keep them fun to watch. Have a good day my new friend.
It gets a big greasy thumbs up from me. I installed the stage 2 fairing and saddlebag speaker setup on my wife's SGS and it is brutal loud.. love the videos!!!
Also I noticed that if I have the bike off , ignition on it’s static as well as if it was running but if you switch it over to accessory mode it’s clear
I love your videos but the #1 thing that keeps me off a new Harley is the way everything has to go back to the dealer to be flashed, tuned, or calibrated. I love working on my current Harley because I can.
That's pretty much every fuel injected vehicle ever, you can buy a tuner and tune it yourself, but without a dyno you may just destroy the engine or make it run shit. You can also do an aftermarket amp and speakers yourself.
Hi John, question for you. I have been looking at the Rockford Fosgate upgrade for just the front speaker in my street glide. I don't know if you are familiar with Ryan Urlacher's channel, but he has a step by step install video that looks somewhat challenging but not impossible. So, you mentioned something about going with HD branded upgrades rather than aftermarket items. May i ask, why would I pay hundreds of dollars more for simply HD rather than something that would sound as good or better and not cost as much?
Hopefully you wouldn't. I'm sure as a Harley employee, filming in a Harley building and wearing a uniform, he is very regulated on what he can and can't say.
yip, picked up a new set of custom made chiseled bars yesterday, and swung past the dealership to look for some more parts to spoil the bike for Christmas. No stock (surprise....), but took the catalogue to get the order list going.
John.... there is nothing more vivid in my dreams than to own my first Harley, except for maybe having the maxed out stage 2 stereo setup. I've seen so many custom aftermarket HD installs that I'm wondering what the best direction to go is. A local stereo shop in SW Oklahoma does some super fantastic installs with high end Memphis Audio speakers and amps.... At any rate, the music along with the V-Twin rumble would indeed be "music to my ears".... Thanks for the video, tips etc... and Have a Merry Christmas man! Cheers!!
If there is a good audio shop, it may be a different story. I’ve had some amp troubles that I was unable to figure out for people (since I’m not an audio guy). I’ve also seen some horrible damage to the inside of fairing and stuff from people not knowing how to properly disassemble an HD. Just check out the reviews of the business, I guess. So what Harley do you want for your first one?
That's an excellent question. I probably would never do any cross country riding... but would enjoy a Ultra Limited.... however my styling taste tends to lean towards a Fatboy. I'd want something comfy to ride and capable of 1 or 2 hour trips from home at least... so realistically I'd probably buy a StreetGlide. My wife doesn't like to ride, so I'd be solo or riding with friends only... on weekends like to a bike night scene 60 miles away in OKC, OK.... my bro in law rides so we may kick off on a nearby out of state run to Texas, Arkansas etc... but that would be the furthest I'd ride away from home. What would you recommend? I'm a big guy... 6'1" and about 300 pounds so I'd need a bike to fit me. Something tells me I would look silly on a Fatboy... what do you think?
I’d go ride some of them. Rent one even. Go rent one and take that trip to Texas! Get the one you like to ride, and that makes you feel like a kid on Christmas when you see it in your garage. That’s the one I’d get!
John, I want your honest opinion. I have been watching you for awhile so I feel youre someone who will give honest opinion. I have a 2020 Road Glide and have been debating the Rockford Fosgate stage 3 speakers over everything else because of its good reviews and its plug and play easy install nature. Is this a recommendable kit or would you recommend something else. Thanks.
I had a Stage 2 Boom Audio upgrade put in my 2015 RGS. The radio does not sound like my friend's. So my 2 questions...1) can you see the new amp?? 2) What levels should I put my radio on as in Bass, Treble, Balance?? Thanks Diane
The new amp is in your fairing, so you can see it if you remove the fairing. Levels for bass and treble should be whatever you enjoy. The louder the volume, the harder bass is on speakers, though. Which is true for most speaker set ups, and not just HDs.
I got a used 2018 road glide special, it has Rockford front speakers and soundigital 4ch amp.. I am having issues with the Treble being just obnoxious and ear piercing even with Treble down all the way on the GT6.5. It's annoying and I thought it'd sound way better than it does
Got mine done today thanks to the video. Only question cause the instructions weren't too clear was do you still use the CAN jumper on the new harness? I did so hope thats correct. Unplugged the speakers until I go to the dealer.
depends on what year your bike is. 17 and later use a CAN connector under the right side cover. 14-16 use the Data Link Connector (DLC) under the left side cover. At least, I think that's what your'e talking about.
It was correct. The dealer pulled off the fairing and checked my work before flashing the bike. Said I did a clean job. All went well and now my tunes be bangin!
Another great video! I really like your real life comparisons between the different stages of the speaker upgrades. After listening to the stage 2 I have another upgrade to do to my 14 SGS! I do have one request, could you please list the artist of the music you use in videos? You have some great songs that you use during install work. Thanks again!
Hey John-as always great job on your videos. Did you ever do a saddle bag speaker installation video? I thought I saw one but can’t find it. If not DO one bro! :0). Questions: I have a 2018 Roadglide Special Blacked out version with dealer upgrades - Carlini Apes, Thunder exhaust, and speaker upgrade to the bags. My main gripe is the bags don’t come off without fighting the wire connectors! Are they supposed to be quick disconnecting or just a pain in the ASS! What do you use? Are these speakers supposed to have drains? Wash or rain water puddles up inside, so I have to open the bags up to drain the water off, sound normal to you? Not sure what speakers are installed on this one, yours in the video look better in the front obviously by the tweeters I don’t have! I can only assume I got an amplifier, not sure if I got two amps or need it? Mine sounds as good as yours in your video, which is a good thing I guess! Keep making videos dude! Later...
Hey John..great video..I have a 2017 road glide that I'm replacing the front and back speakers plus adding an amp(all after market)..going with 6.5 speakers in the front and back...having an issue with recognizing which plug/wires(in the front fairing) are for the rear speakers...started out with replacing the speakers first, haven't installed the amp yet..the problem is I cannot figure out which wires to splice into for the amp connections to the rear speakers(probably should let someone that knows more about it do it but I'm trying to save a buck like most do). any ideas on this?..also, before I finalize everything, will I need to have the dealership do anything like flash the system?
What Im trying to do is a radio delete. Turn the head and speakers cavities into storage. On an electraglide, btw. SO far all Ive found is that there exists a box to put in place of the 1 din stereo head slot. Now for the speaker holes. Of course the response I typically get is confusion "wh...why would you want to do that?" Look, I have my reasons.
I’m going to install a Rockford Fosgate amp and 4 Hertz speakers in my new 2018 RoadGlide Ultra. I know I need to have the radio flashed. My question is can I hook it all up and just not turn on the radio until it gets flashed or does the radio automatically turn on at start up? Or just not put the fuse in the amp power line at the battery until I take it to the shop to be flashed? Thanks very much. Dan
John question for you, when you are flashing the radio, do you have to do each set of speakers individually? i.e. woofers, then flash the mids and tweeters together. or does it flash everything all at once?
Yea. You tell the computer what the setup is, and it runs through each component (radio and each amp) one after the other flashing each one. Unless you change your setup at some point, it’s all good from that point on.
Awesome and informative Vid John. Quick question Sir: If I decided to put a set of speakers on my saddle bag lids, where would the amplifier for them go??
Hey John great stuff, i have a 17 RGS with the fairing stage 2 kit a recently lost the bass in the speakers. the dealership warrentied the speakers but still i feel the bass is not where it used to be initially. could the amp be broken?
My street glide already had as an amp hook up to the original speakers if I want to upgrade the speakers do I still have to take it to the dealership to reflash it?
Hey I have a question my 2013 road glide with the Harmon kardon radio is getting poor fm reception on stations I know have good reception via car radio and other bikes , I have 2 antennas on my your pack , any suggestions as what to look or test Thanks
Question - does service have tank and fender covers they use for all bikes? Or is that something you have to buy? Love your videos man, found you after I bought an 18' Street Rod a couple of weeks ago. (my first bike!) I'm 29 and have wanted a Ninja for the past 10 years, but as soon as I saw the Street Rod I was immediately swooned. Keep it up dude!
Hello great video I did install the stage 2 speakers but I have no bass even in the audio setup it does no change to the bass at all and the sound even lower than the stock,I did flash the system at the dealer twice So you think this bass issue it's a speakers problem or a flash problem ? Thanks man
@@TheHarleyTech it's from the moment I got it from the dealer after they install it, I found that the sound is lower even than the stock and when I checked the bass in audio setup it does nothing same sound level. Am afraid that they blow the speakers or if the speakers blown there wouldn't be any sound at all? Thanks man
@@TheHarleyTech for sure man ,I will do that ,but just as you were mention about blowing the speakers ,is blowing the speakers means that they are completely dead or they still sound ? Because I think they started the speakers and connect them before flash. Really appreciated your feed back man Merry Christmas to you and your family
I had J&M's installed at bike week with an amp and last year and so far this year the damn left speaker keeps cutting in and out with every bump in the road. I took fairing off and cannot find anything obvious. Last week both speakers cut out a few times though very briefly. I have the fairing off now and tips on what to look for or try? I was thinking of swapping the speakers to see if problem moves to the right. Defintely not satisfied with my J&M purchase I can tell ya that much. I went back to bike week the following year and man those guys gave me the damn run around. Never again will I buy expensive things that require them to install it at a bike event.
More power output for each one. I’d have to look up specs to make sure I get it all correct. I’ll try to get something put out in the future. I talk about the separate channels in this video. That’s what makes stage 2 far superior.
John, I have stage 1 amp and speakers upgrade (speakers in fairing only) on my 17 road glide, can I go stage 2 by just changing out the speakers since I already have the amp? would an additional flash be needed?
is that an additional wiring harness to what I have now for the stage 1 that also has a hook up for rear bag speakers if wanted or totally a different harness? would you happen to know the part number for the harness needed?
At what point does the owner need to start thinking about upgrading the stator during audio upgrades on the 2014+ non-cvo/non-SE touring models? I have a 2014 FLHTCU and would like to upgrade front, rear speakers and add lower fairing speakers.
The 3rd amp requires the alternator upgrade. So if you are wanting stage 1 speakers, You have plenty of charging power. Unfortunately, for stage 2 on the setup you’ve described, you need 3 amps. This would mean you’d need the bigger alternator kit.
That only applies to the NON- M8 bikes correct? From what I was told, the new M8 bikes have a upgraded charging system. Thanks for the video John Ive been on the fence of Stage 2 versus aftermarket and this sealed the deal for me, I have the painted fairing lowers on order and plan to install 6 speaker stage 2 system. Thanks again for these videos.
I have the stage 2 on my 16 ultra classic, front n back. But the back speakers will, frequently, sound much quieter than the front speakers. Any ideas?? Also, hook positive to battery 1st?? Wouldn't you hook negative 1st, that way when hooking it up it doesn't ground on bike?
Not sure about the speakers. It could just be a setting in the radio maybe? As far as positive and ground, until the ground is hooked up to the battery, the bike has no ground. That’s why you don’t hook up the ground until the positive is secured on the battery.
i have 2019 roadglide special can stage2 set be install on front lowers.thanks.like vido am allways looking to learn more on motorcycle. how stuff is done.ty
@@shadbolen1217 check out the Factory47 Roadglide Signature bars. I have the 14" and I love um. installed them myself, super easy if you are handy with a wrench. BTW I am 5'10"
Are the stage two speakers 2ohm? how would two Amps be installed? question why did the factory go with 2ohm speakers is that do to radio out put or for clarity at higher volume? sorry for jumping around. great videos keep up the good work. Merry Christmas to you
Yes they are 2 ohm. I think less resistance means more clarity, but I’m not an audio guy, just a highly trained unprofessional HD tech. The speakers have been 2 ohm since 06. Thanks for watching! Oh I almost forgot amp 1 is fairing, amp 2 is left saddlebag, amp 3 is right saddlebag, and amp 4 is tourpack. Maybe one day I’ll film me cutting up a $1000 saddlebag for the amp harness!
good afternoon,I'm installing a big system into my 2015 Road Glide. if I uses the JL audio Fix 86. do I have to get my radio flashed? Thank you for your help.
There isn’t a way to flash the radio anymore for aftermarket systems. If the shop computer can’t “see” an amp (it can only see HD amps) then it won’t give the option to flash. I’ve heard there are plug and play kits that are needed. I don’t do any aftermarket installs, though. So I’m not 100% sure about that.
Hello John . after installed speaker and amplifier do i have to brign to dealer for them upgrade , program software or some thing like that . or i can do it at home? thank you guy
You have been so helpful to me!! I know you’re not really making videos anymore bc you’re busy with your own shop. Thanks though for all your videos like this. Getting ready to install new speakers etc.
A few years back I installed a batwing ferring including a pioneer road rates system with blue tooth a CD player and weather/ traffic alerts and I was able to even use my phone hands free. Was a great system. Came with a harness I had to route under the tank that was deatachable if you needed or just wanted to ride with no shield. I loosened the tank and rocked it backward then used a block to support the tail of it. I used fiberglass rod made specifically for routing lines in walls and the difficult passages. That part wasn't totally easy but the part that drove me crazy was distinguishing the wires I had to connect it to. Since the wires were sometimes more than one color individually.once I found my wires I used the light back clamps supplied to connect to . Played awesomely and loud. Only draw back was the CD player skipped if you hit a big enough bump.
Since I traded my 05 FLHRCI for a 19 FLTRXS with stage 1SE and Rhineharts I still have s decently loud stereo but pipes aren't as loud as in the road king
It surprises me with al those wires in the under seat and tank box, the vibration of the bike over time does not short out some of those wires. Amazing.
Awesome videos a great way to spend weekends drinking a beer and watching the snow melt in Idaho! I like the shop background guys doing funny stuff. You are great at making me understand my 2017 road glide special. Thanks
Glad you enjoy them! Sorry about the snow, though.
I like doing projects like this myself because it lets me get to know my bike better
For sure. Because of the radio/amp reflash, a lot of guys have us do this job. Unless they can trailer it to the shop in the middle of the job. You certainly learn the bike well, though, since so much of it has to come apart! Thanks for watching!
Me too, especially because I mess it up the first time and learn the hard way...but I won't make the same mistakes twice!
Great video, loving the stage 2, love riding my Road Glide with da tunes blasting. Gonna price the system at my local Harley Dealership tomorrow ❤ride safe, and Mahalo & Aloha
NIce work brother! Great video. Love the added tips.
Great vid! Crazy how much better it sounds. Not a fan of the Bat Wing but would like some tunes on my Roadking. Keep em coming John.
That’s a lot of work to do for front speakers only I would’ve at least Ransom speaker wires from the Faring to the rear before I put the tank back on for future rear speakers
You would need a different amp unless your going to run 4 channels with a 2 channel amp. I need a touch more bass. There is too much treble in my stock system and itll already make my ears ring, i can't imagine more power/louder system
All your videos are awesome dude!
I know this is an old video, but I really enjoyed the more detailed install job (and longer video). I would love to see more technical repair videos, you do a good job of showing how HD techs approach jobs. Keep up the great work.
Had stage 2 boom audio on my 14sgs. Speakers blew after 4 years this winter I installed 2 6x9s in bags 4 6x5s fairing and lowers all bose speakers with a diamond audio amp. System sounds amazing now bike gets a lot of attention. I'd say spend the money for the good shit you won't regret it. All in all upgrade cost around 2.5k self installed so no labor cost 😀
there are so many better options out there for same price or maybe alil more. i bought a arc amp and its insane!!
Hi John great video. If I install and connect everything can I not install the fuse and then bring to the dealer to flash or will the amp require power for the radio to be flashed
I want to know too because HD shop install boom audio amp and rear audio but i think volume max was not powerfull ....
I'm in France !
Thanks for your videos !
Awesome video man keep up the amazing work
Awesome videos John. Keep up the good work, wouldn’t change a thing!
Thanks man
Awesome video as always, but I can't help but say -- DAMN, that's a good looking Road Glide. That white and black is amazing.
My takeaway from this video..is....Let you do it! :-) Great video!
100% correct!
@@antoniobrown3219 01XLbbmRM1
awesome vid John. can you possible do one including the bag speaker kit and the pros v cons of adding the bag speaker kit...thanks
That’s sounds awesome And it’s outside, the bike that you played to compare it with was inside and this is unbelievable nice job John
They are definitely awesome speakers!
Try sinister sound speakers you’ll be happy that you went with them
I wish you were my brother!! You got it! So smart!
Very interesting.... thanks for sharing. That's a lot of work!
I've got the Stage II Boom on my 2019. The difference is amazing, HOWEVER, over 50 mph the sound quality to your ears reduces drastically the faster you ride, pretty much negating all the effort.
Road glide or street glide? What's your wind management look like? Triple tree deflector, crash bar deflectors, and a 12" pro touring klockwerks windshield made my stock 2020 gts system sound like a completely different set up. The Android auto update also seemed to add more volume which is a plus. After all those improvements (I used to have lower fairings, don't run them in the summer, will put them back on in the winter so that factor also effects the wind obviously) I still seem to have the curiosity to upgrade the audio even though I have no problem hearing audio at 75mph with a full face helmet. So whether or not you have similar wind management I'll either pull the trigger on this or you'll be optimizing your wind set up.
Mmmmnnhhhhnnnnnn!!!!! My favorite bike/color for 2018. That's one badass storm trooper looking bike right there! Especially sweet looking with those bars on there!
If I had some money, I’d own this bike, for sure!
Good install John, Merry Christmas to you & family 👍😎
Thanks! Hope all is well on the other side of the pond!
Dude your vids make me want to work in a HD shop again.
How long did you work at HD?
John I worked at Santa Anna Harley Davidson in Santa Anna California. I worked there for a little over a year around 1989 then it closed down. That was the time when HD started to remodel there shops to what they are today corporate. SAHD was the last of the ol school HD dealers in So Cal. Now there is Orange County HD. When I worked there my job was to do all the set ups on the new bikes that came in. I would uncreate the bike , set it up and service it then test run it. I would ride it down to the beach and back. After that I worked in Hollywood and was cast as a motorcycle mechanic on the series Melrose Place no lines just walked around with a wrench a lot. I now live in Colorado and ride a 2006 Street Glide as well as my original purchase 1983 FXSB shovel head. Love your videos and thanks for the tips what ever you do don’t get to professional keep them fun to watch. Have a good day my new friend.
Great vids John. I'm hooked on your channel. So.....Keep em comin goddamnit!
Thanks man! Will do!
Hey John, I just had stage 2 sound done on my 2017 SGS because of your video! Sounds awesome! Thanks for the great content and keep it comin. Ride on!
Awesome! Thanks for the support!
It gets a big greasy thumbs up from me. I installed the stage 2 fairing and saddlebag speaker setup on my wife's SGS and it is brutal loud.. love the videos!!!
That’s a great setup! I bet she loves it!
Yes she does.
Also I noticed that if I have the bike off , ignition on it’s static as well as if it was running but if you switch it over to accessory mode it’s clear
Another great video John......I have a Dyan Wide Glide, Do you have a video for a system that has handle bar mounted speakers?
I love your videos but the #1 thing that keeps me off a new Harley is the way everything has to go back to the dealer to be flashed, tuned, or calibrated. I love working on my current Harley because I can.
That's pretty much every fuel injected vehicle ever, you can buy a tuner and tune it yourself, but without a dyno you may just destroy the engine or make it run shit. You can also do an aftermarket amp and speakers yourself.
Speakers? Let see some performance upgrades, cam install, dropping big bore cylinders onto high comp pistons, cool stuff like that.
I just did 3 videos on performance! Don’t you worry. There will be more!
Hi John,
question for you. I have been looking at the Rockford Fosgate upgrade for just the front speaker in my street glide. I don't know if you are familiar with Ryan Urlacher's channel, but he has a step by step install video that looks somewhat challenging but not impossible. So, you mentioned something about going with HD branded upgrades rather than aftermarket items. May i ask, why would I pay hundreds of dollars more for simply HD rather than something that would sound as good or better and not cost as much?
Hopefully you wouldn't. I'm sure as a Harley employee, filming in a Harley building and wearing a uniform, he is very regulated on what he can and can't say.
@@sroberts837 so have you tried the Rockford fosgate system and if so, what is your opinion on it?
Nice clean install, man I thought my ElectraGlide was a mess of wires these newer ones have miles of it
14 and later you could wire a damn house!
Great video! Have a 2018 Road Glide CVO, I want to add a tour pack with a speaker pods. Looking for some suggestions and if HD has a kit for this.
Must be nice temperature up here in Canada is - 23 degrees My Harley is parked in the igloo beside my house lol
Ouch. That’s cold. Sounds like your bike has it pretty good, though! Haha
Sweet video man. Good tips thanks dude
picked up the 2018 version on the P&A bible yesterday, actually
Future upgrades coming soon?
yip, picked up a new set of custom made chiseled bars yesterday, and swung past the dealership to look for some more parts to spoil the bike for Christmas. No stock (surprise....), but took the catalogue to get the order list going.
As many Road Glides that I’ve seen riding in the wild, I’ve rarely heard any of them listening to music for some reason.
What’s the labor hours to install just the amp and flash?
John.... there is nothing more vivid in my dreams than to own my first Harley, except for maybe having the maxed out stage 2 stereo setup. I've seen so many custom aftermarket HD installs that I'm wondering what the best direction to go is. A local stereo shop in SW Oklahoma does some super fantastic installs with high end Memphis Audio speakers and amps.... At any rate, the music along with the V-Twin rumble would indeed be "music to my ears".... Thanks for the video, tips etc... and Have a Merry Christmas man! Cheers!!
If there is a good audio shop, it may be a different story. I’ve had some amp troubles that I was unable to figure out for people (since I’m not an audio guy). I’ve also seen some horrible damage to the inside of fairing and stuff from people not knowing how to properly disassemble an HD. Just check out the reviews of the business, I guess. So what Harley do you want for your first one?
That's an excellent question. I probably would never do any cross country riding... but would enjoy a Ultra Limited.... however my styling taste tends to lean towards a Fatboy. I'd want something comfy to ride and capable of 1 or 2 hour trips from home at least... so realistically I'd probably buy a StreetGlide. My wife doesn't like to ride, so I'd be solo or riding with friends only... on weekends like to a bike night scene 60 miles away in OKC, OK.... my bro in law rides so we may kick off on a nearby out of state run to Texas, Arkansas etc... but that would be the furthest I'd ride away from home. What would you recommend? I'm a big guy... 6'1" and about 300 pounds so I'd need a bike to fit me. Something tells me I would look silly on a Fatboy... what do you think?
I’d go ride some of them. Rent one even. Go rent one and take that trip to Texas! Get the one you like to ride, and that makes you feel like a kid on Christmas when you see it in your garage. That’s the one I’d get!
That's a great idea...!
Harley here in Cincinnati Ohio told me $4300 plus for stage 2 front and back set up with 8-10hrs of labor🤯
Do yourself a favor and look into Sinister Sound, they are in West Harrison Indiana.
John, I want your honest opinion. I have been watching you for awhile so I feel youre someone who will give honest opinion. I have a 2020 Road Glide and have been debating the Rockford Fosgate stage 3 speakers over everything else because of its good reviews and its plug and play easy install nature. Is this a recommendable kit or would you recommend something else. Thanks.
I bought 2 front, 2 lid speakers, with 2 amps, only problem no wiring harness. What you recommend go with Harley or The Rockford fosgate system🙏
I had a Stage 2 Boom Audio upgrade put in my 2015 RGS. The radio does not sound like my friend's. So my 2 questions...1) can you see the new amp?? 2) What levels should I put my radio on as in Bass, Treble, Balance??
Thanks Diane
The new amp is in your fairing, so you can see it if you remove the fairing. Levels for bass and treble should be whatever you enjoy. The louder the volume, the harder bass is on speakers, though. Which is true for most speaker set ups, and not just HDs.
I got a used 2018 road glide special, it has Rockford front speakers and soundigital 4ch amp.. I am having issues with the Treble being just obnoxious and ear piercing even with Treble down all the way on the GT6.5. It's annoying and I thought it'd sound way better than it does
Got mine done today thanks to the video. Only question cause the instructions weren't too clear was do you still use the CAN jumper on the new harness? I did so hope thats correct. Unplugged the speakers until I go to the dealer.
depends on what year your bike is. 17 and later use a CAN connector under the right side cover. 14-16 use the Data Link Connector (DLC) under the left side cover. At least, I think that's what your'e talking about.
John Maxwell it is a 16. The can connector on the clutch side. It's part of the amp harness.
It was correct. The dealer pulled off the fairing and checked my work before flashing the bike. Said I did a clean job. All went well and now my tunes be bangin!
Awesome!
klockwerks makes a DynaMat kit for Road Glides that is supposed to reduce vibration and improve the sound quality any lthoughts
I can't imagine anything bad coming from a dynamat kit...
Damn that thing rocks!!
Another great video! I really like your real life comparisons between the different stages of the speaker upgrades. After listening to the stage 2 I have another upgrade to do to my 14 SGS! I do have one request, could you please list the artist of the music you use in videos? You have some great songs that you use during install work. Thanks again!
They are really nice speakers! I’ll start listing the songs in the future!
John do the make stage two systems for 05 ultra's ?
Hey John-as always great job on your videos. Did you ever do a saddle bag speaker installation video? I thought I saw one but can’t find it. If not DO one bro! :0). Questions: I have a 2018 Roadglide Special Blacked out version with dealer upgrades - Carlini Apes, Thunder exhaust, and speaker upgrade to the bags. My main gripe is the bags don’t come off without fighting the wire connectors! Are they supposed to be quick disconnecting or just a pain in the ASS! What do you use? Are these speakers supposed to have drains? Wash or rain water puddles up inside, so I have to open the bags up to drain the water off, sound normal to you? Not sure what speakers are installed on this one, yours in the video look better in the front obviously by the tweeters I don’t have! I can only assume I got an amplifier, not sure if I got two amps or need it? Mine sounds as good as yours in your video, which is a good thing I guess! Keep making videos dude! Later...
Can you change out the front speakers only? Without tearing it all down.
Hey John..great video..I have a 2017 road glide that I'm replacing the front and back speakers plus adding an amp(all after market)..going with 6.5 speakers in the front and back...having an issue with recognizing which plug/wires(in the front fairing) are for the rear speakers...started out with replacing the speakers first, haven't installed the amp yet..the problem is I cannot figure out which wires to splice into for the amp connections to the rear speakers(probably should let someone that knows more about it do it but I'm trying to save a buck like most do). any ideas on this?..also, before I finalize everything, will I need to have the dealership do anything like flash the system?
Love all of your videos, are those 12 or 14 inch Yaffe Bars? Or something else?
Stage 2 Boom Audio from stock is like NIGHT & DAY, PLEASE BELIEVE ME!
Very interesting video. Thank you very much.
Thanks for watching!
What Im trying to do is a radio delete. Turn the head and speakers cavities into storage. On an electraglide, btw. SO far all Ive found is that there exists a box to put in place of the 1 din stereo head slot. Now for the speaker holes.
Of course the response I typically get is confusion "wh...why would you want to do that?" Look, I have my reasons.
I’m going to install a Rockford Fosgate amp and 4 Hertz speakers in my new 2018 RoadGlide Ultra. I know I need to have the radio flashed. My question is can I hook it all up and just not turn on the radio until it gets flashed or does the radio automatically turn on at start up? Or just not put the fuse in the amp power line at the battery until I take it to the shop to be flashed?
Thanks very much.
Dan
John question for you, when you are flashing the radio, do you have to do each set of speakers individually? i.e. woofers, then flash the mids and tweeters together. or does it flash everything all at once?
It actually flashes the radio and all the amps (you can have up to 4 on some models) in one go. Pretty sweet, actually.
So even if you have multiple amps installed you only have to do the flash once?
Yea. You tell the computer what the setup is, and it runs through each component (radio and each amp) one after the other flashing each one. Unless you change your setup at some point, it’s all good from that point on.
Awesome and informative Vid John. Quick question Sir: If I decided to put a set of speakers on my saddle bag lids, where would the amplifier for them go??
It depends on which speakers you choose. The primary amp goes in the fairing, and any secondary amp that you may need goes in the saddlebag.
John Maxwell, thank you for the feedback sir. you're awesome!!
First, yet no notification.... somehow I clicked the “Bell”. All fixed now!
Awesome! Thanks for watching, and hitting the "bell." IT holds all the power
"Don't be THAT guy" ... Love it :))
sounds better than stock.
John, would you do a boom audio video installation for a Heritage?
If I get the job, I’ll be sure to film it!
no boom crap
Hey John great stuff, i have a 17 RGS with the fairing stage 2 kit a recently lost the bass in the speakers. the dealership warrentied the speakers but still i feel the bass is not where it used to be initially. could the amp be broken?
Good lord..how many billable hours to install an amp in addition to 1k in parts?
Phil Dolan too fuckin many
Ridiculous to be honest.
I wishs you were my tech!!
Hey John, on the road glide, where do you prefer to mount the hidden antenna base so as not to interfere with installation/ removal of the amp? Thx
I usually zip tie it to the portion of the harness with the radio plug on it. Dead center of everything.
John Maxwell Thanks John!
My street glide already had as an amp hook up to the original speakers if I want to upgrade the speakers do I still have to take it to the dealership to reflash it?
Hey I have a question my 2013 road glide with the Harmon kardon radio is getting poor fm reception on stations I know have good reception via car radio and other bikes , I have 2 antennas on my your pack , any suggestions as what to look or test Thanks
What band recorded the music starting at 11:00? That's some good stuff.
I second that one
Question - does service have tank and fender covers they use for all bikes? Or is that something you have to buy?
Love your videos man, found you after I bought an 18' Street Rod a couple of weeks ago. (my first bike!) I'm 29 and have wanted a Ninja for the past 10 years, but as soon as I saw the Street Rod I was immediately swooned.
Keep it up dude!
Thanks man! The shop bought my protectors, but they can be purchased from the Harley catalog as well.
Hello great video
I did install the stage 2 speakers but I have no bass even in the audio setup it does no change to the bass at all and the sound even lower than the stock,I did flash the system at the dealer twice
So you think this bass issue it's a speakers problem or a flash problem ?
Thanks man
Did it ever have bass? Seems something might be unplugged if there’s never been bass.
@@TheHarleyTech it's from the moment I got it from the dealer after they install it, I found that the sound is lower even than the stock and when I checked the bass in audio setup it does nothing same sound level.
Am afraid that they blow the speakers or if the speakers blown there wouldn't be any sound at all?
Thanks man
If the dealer installed it, make them fix it! That’s the luxury of paying top dollar for install, if a mistake is made, they need to cover it!
@@TheHarleyTech for sure man ,I will do that ,but just as you were mention about blowing the speakers ,is blowing the speakers means that they are completely dead or they still sound ?
Because I think they started the speakers and connect them before flash.
Really appreciated your feed back man
Merry Christmas to you and your family
Usually blown means they sound horrible. No sound generally means the amp is bad or they’re unplugged. Merry Christmas!
I had J&M's installed at bike week with an amp and last year and so far this year the damn left speaker keeps cutting in and out with every bump in the road. I took fairing off and cannot find anything obvious. Last week both speakers cut out a few times though very briefly. I have the fairing off now and tips on what to look for or try? I was thinking of swapping the speakers to see if problem moves to the right. Defintely not satisfied with my J&M purchase I can tell ya that much. I went back to bike week the following year and man those guys gave me the damn run around. Never again will I buy expensive things that require them to install it at a bike event.
Can the 6.5 stage 2 be installed without the amp? If I have a pair already and will it benefit at all instead of stock ?
Can you do a video for the rear speakers and harness. Thanks
I am just learning about audio stuff. What is Stage 1 for and Stage 2 and Stage 3? Can u explain the differences and advantages of each?
More power output for each one. I’d have to look up specs to make sure I get it all correct. I’ll try to get something put out in the future. I talk about the separate channels in this video. That’s what makes stage 2 far superior.
John, I have stage 1 amp and speakers upgrade (speakers in fairing only) on my 17 road glide, can I go stage 2 by just changing out the speakers since I already have the amp? would an additional flash be needed?
An additional flash and a different wiring harness are both needed.
is that an additional wiring harness to what I have now for the stage 1 that also has a hook up for rear bag speakers if wanted or totally a different harness? would you happen to know the part number for the harness needed?
At what point does the owner need to start thinking about upgrading the stator during audio upgrades on the 2014+ non-cvo/non-SE touring models? I have a 2014 FLHTCU and would like to upgrade front, rear speakers and add lower fairing speakers.
The 3rd amp requires the alternator upgrade. So if you are wanting stage 1 speakers, You have plenty of charging power. Unfortunately, for stage 2 on the setup you’ve described, you need 3 amps. This would mean you’d need the bigger alternator kit.
John Maxwell sounds expensive. Thanks John. Great video,
That only applies to the NON- M8 bikes correct? From what I was told, the new M8 bikes have a upgraded charging system. Thanks for the video John Ive been on the fence of Stage 2 versus aftermarket and this sealed the deal for me, I have the painted fairing lowers on order and plan to install 6 speaker stage 2 system. Thanks again for these videos.
Scott, I’ll have to look into the M8. The only bikes that I know come with an upgraded charging system are the CVOs.
Scott you are right! M8s do not require an upgrade sound system.
Are those Paul Yaffe bars? 14 " ?
Hey John,
How did you manage to not spill any gas? At least I didn’t see any spilled. Great videos man! Keep it up
$85 for 1 hour get that for 30 minutes, thanks for another good video
Why do the road glides handle bars have a pin going into them
I have the stage 2 on my 16 ultra classic, front n back. But the back speakers will, frequently, sound much quieter than the front speakers. Any ideas??
Also, hook positive to battery 1st?? Wouldn't you hook negative 1st, that way when hooking it up it doesn't ground on bike?
Not sure about the speakers. It could just be a setting in the radio maybe?
As far as positive and ground, until the ground is hooked up to the battery, the bike has no ground. That’s why you don’t hook up the ground until the positive is secured on the battery.
How do you rate the stage 2 on the road glide vs the same on a street glide?
i have 2019 roadglide special can stage2 set be install on front lowers.thanks.like vido am allways looking to learn more on motorcycle.
how stuff is done.ty
I just bought a 2018 road glide special, and was curious what bars are on the one in this video?
@@TheHarleyTech sweet, I love how they look.....love your videos btw
@@shadbolen1217 check out the Factory47 Roadglide Signature bars. I have the 14" and I love um. installed them myself, super easy if you are handy with a wrench. BTW I am 5'10"
@@Texas_Radical did you order through factory 47 or Harley? every time I go to their website i cant order them.
@@shadbolen1217 thru factory47 none of the HD dealers here in Houston will order anything but HD bars
Hey John what slips are on that scoot? Looks like Cobra NH?
Pretty sure they are.
What would a job like this cost to have done roughly. Parts and labor….all in
nice music, the name of the band minute 15:30?
Are the stage two speakers 2ohm? how would two Amps be installed? question why did the factory go with 2ohm speakers is that do to radio out put or for clarity at higher volume? sorry for jumping around. great videos keep up the good work. Merry Christmas to you
Yes they are 2 ohm. I think less resistance means more clarity, but I’m not an audio guy, just a highly trained unprofessional HD tech. The speakers have been 2 ohm since 06. Thanks for watching!
Oh I almost forgot amp 1 is fairing, amp 2 is left saddlebag, amp 3 is right saddlebag, and amp 4 is tourpack. Maybe one day I’ll film me cutting up a $1000 saddlebag for the amp harness!
good afternoon,I'm installing a big system into my 2015 Road Glide. if I uses the JL audio Fix 86. do I have to get my radio flashed? Thank you for your help.
There isn’t a way to flash the radio anymore for aftermarket systems. If the shop computer can’t “see” an amp (it can only see HD amps) then it won’t give the option to flash. I’ve heard there are plug and play kits that are needed. I don’t do any aftermarket installs, though. So I’m not 100% sure about that.
John Thank you. Please keep doing your videos. They are very informative
How do I get a pa book south side Harley in va beach va charges 30 bucks. In Colorado we didn’t have to pay nothing
i got an 1145 4 channel amp and 2 pioneer 6.75 speakers for 410$
What can’t I do to the radio ? can I install the upgrade myself?
Hello John . after installed speaker and amplifier do i have to brign to dealer for them upgrade , program software or some thing like that . or i can do it at home?
thank you guy
The dealer has to do it.
Before hooking the speakers up!
What's up Sir! Is any or all of this comparable to the Street Glide Special or no? ✌🏾
All of it except the actual speaker install
Good job enjoyed