How to install an amp and speakers in Harley touring motorcycles.

How to install an aftermarket amp and speakers in your Harley Davidson touring motorcycle using the stock radio. Don't waste your money on Boom Audio upgrades. There is a point in the video where I test the sound...KZbin put a copyright claim on it for playing a song on the radio so I deleted the portion of audio from the clip...
Tools Required:
Wire Strippers
Wire Crimpers
Heat Shrink
Butt Connectors
Electrical Tape
1/2" and 3/16" Sockets with Ratchet
3/16" Allen Wrench
T25 / T27 Torx Bits
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Digital Multimeter or Computer Safe Test Light
Self Tapping Screws
Misc. Drill Bits
Velcro or Felt
8 GA. Wire (Red/Silver) 6 ft
2 Battery Ring Connectors 8 GA
40A Fuse
2 Female Spade Connectors
Items Installed:
Hertz Mille Pro 650.3 Coax Speakers
www.amazon.com...
Skar Audio SK-M4004D 4 Channel Amplifier
www.ebay.com/i...
American Hard Bag Harley Touring Fairing Speaker Grills for Aftermarket Speakers:
www.americanha...

[@osubam]

I've never done stereo stuff with motorcycles till now. I was told you have to use a line Leveler to take out the bass boost that HD likes to pump to the speakers. I was going to do it the way you did, but people are making me 2nd guess. Good video!

[@diydozier3205]

No issues. Everyone is a mechanic these days. It works fine for me.

[@yellowman328is]

Well explained, thanks for taking the time and sharing. I l like how you added the velcro to secure the amp.

[@diydozier3205]

Thank you!

[@65GasBoy]

Great video, but please change the battery in your smoke detector. (If thats what was "chirping" in the background)

[@diydozier3205]

Lol. Done.

[@HaiPham-dw2kg]

I though it my smoke detector. 😆

[@Ben_Diesel_Diagnostic]

That’s my thing complaint lol

[@mattkong2459]

Guardian front and center! Good video!

[@user-cq3qr1js9v]

not sure I can trust a guy that can't replace the battery in a smoke detector before making a video. lol

[@geraldwilliams3898]

Not a bad install for DIY. Few notes: I would recommend utilizing cooper lines for ground and hot. Use the switch control from the cigarette lighter, sauter wires prevents future headaches, the instructions for bridging are different from what I do. Overall good job

[@diydozier3205]

I am guessing you meant to say "copper"? Oxygen free copper is what I used. Thanks. Also the cigarette lighter is constant power so you cannot use that. Solder was not needed on this install. I run an electronics business. Thanks for your advise.

[@rickydean5483]

The cigarette lighter is not constant power. It’s accessory powered

[@rickydean5483]

There’s also an empty accessory plug in all touring bikes fairings that’s tan off the same wire that the cigarette lighter is. It’s usually located begins the voltage gauge. Purple wire with black connector.

[@roadassassin9445]

Should of let us hear it but you definitely explain everything swell I will be subscribing

[@diydozier3205]

KZbin copyright claim muted it. Was just the radio playing but it was labeled as copyright...So I deleted the clip.

[@rudyjuarez82]

When undoing screws on almost anything , especially your Harley , try to break the screws loose by hand , slight left turn, before allowing drill, especially impact, to unscrew. This will prevent breaking your threaded inserts loose. Never good! Always good practice on anything with threaded inserts. So when putting any bolt or screw , try to do this manually or you will impact the threaded insert when your drill or impact hits once the screw or bolt is tight.

[@sire45]

You can always you the power source on the dash as a on/off power source. Use the purple wire.

[@jesusdelacruz1576]

Great DIY video. The only video show how to install it. I'm assuming that this set up can be done on a Road Glide. Just curious though, how come did you connect the Positive 1 and Negative 2 for the audio and if i wanted to add 2 more speakers for the lower fairing do I use Negative 1 and Positive 2 AND Negative 3 and Positive 4 for speakers 3 and 4?

[@abwolfsto6039]

Awesome man do you have one to connect your subs in the bags

[@DonFitzgerald-b8c]

Don't use the RCA plugs at all?

[@rudyjuarez82]

When you probe a wire on automobiles of any type, always re-seal with liquid type to prevent corrosion from penetrating at the probe puncture area.

[@diydozier3205]

Not necessary. The probe hole is so tiny the wire insulation covers it back up once the probe is pulled. Thanks for commenting.

[@HaydenZ06]

@@diydozier3205 being a mechanic I’ve seen probed wires completely corrode internally. Makes for a very difficult diagnosis. Especially being a motorcycle where moisture will definitely be present. It’s good to reseal those holes

[@BIGMARKF11]

Good job weld explain you help me out a lot. Thanks.

[@ADRIAN-jr5th]

great video i be doing this tomorrow.

[@ryd-er-die6697]

Any issues with pinched wires from running them outside the wire channel under the tank? Im planning on adding an amp and upgrading the speakers on my 06 sg...thanks for the video

[@diydozier3205]

There is a channel you can run the wires in under the tank. No pinches in there.

[@chrisbromley8764]

Question, I did almost the exact job on my 2008 streetglide. Same amp but went with the Skar TX65 speakers 4 ohm. Wired it exactly like you did outside of I soldered directly to the speakers. Upon power up (without the engine running I get a rising interference(squelch?). Any ideas on what I can check? Is there anything you had to change after your vid was over? Thanks!

[@UndergroundAudio-nl9yh]

Where did you find that pistol probe?? I have been looking for that one

[@stevenmichaels2138]

was wondering why you skipped over the sound if the stereo after you finished, kind of anti climactic , and still wondering if the 2021 stereo needs to be flashed, all parts are ordered and will be doing the upgrade this week, hope to hear back.

[@diydozier3205]

I did take a video but the song on the radio warranted a copyright claim so it was removed. Sorry. Will not need a flash on the radio if installed in this manner.

[@Kenn1969]

Why not just remove the tank and run power wires in the factory plastic channel?. Kinda half ass for a $20,000 bike.

[@FUNKBOOGIE1]

DIY Dozier ? when drawing in more watt power from a new system, how do you keep everything charged ? do you have to beef up your motorcycle charging system ?

[@LVM4ever]

I just ordered this SKAR Amplifier and will be attempting the install this weekend on a 2014 HD Street Glide Special. Just one quick question! What did you do with the ground wires from the Left & Right inputs. I saw that you put them together and added a wire, but I don't remember or saw what you attached them to. TY

[@stevenmichaels2138]

Video was very helpful, have just bought the 2021 street glide that has the larger touch radio, does this require flashing, or is it also just as you did the install on this video, no flash.?

[@diydozier3205]

No flash.

[@jimw7247]

DIY Dozier awesome video helped me alot. PFFP brother, Raid. NC original chapter

[@diydozier3205]

Thanks! I'm with the Gunfighters now.

[@tedburkholder8156]

Question....Why not just run a 2 channel amp if you're just running 2 speakers anyway? Unless you decided to go 4 channel for the option of adding saddlebag lid speakers down the line?

[@KYcrop44]

So if I used a line output converter to convert the stereos output signal to low voltage and used a single rca cable to connect to the amp input side, on just channel one and two. Would that affect the output volume and quality? I’m running this setup and just bridged channel 1 and 2 for my outputs and I’m kind of disappointed in the volume. Yes it’s louder than the stock but I’m not blown away actually.

[@nitromustangal]

Perfect stereo install video best I've seen so far detailed on tools used and location of bolts 2019 street glide this is it Thank you..👊👊

[@freebehindbars8654]

No, a professional or done right allows runs wiring in the wiring tray of frame.

[@DatzDog]

Could you have used the plugs that your cut off to connect the speakers? Or does the amp have to be wired with the heat shrink connections? I would think youbcoukd just use the plugs that you snipped off the speaker input and outputs. Thanks

[@coreybanks2063]

Hello, I came across your video and was woundering how well is the Amp working for you now after all this time . I've read reviews that the AMP doesn't last very long , or people were having fan issues. Have you ran into any issues with yours?

[@diydozier3205]

@@coreybanks2063 no issues.

[@Brandon_Jackson]

Nice work!

[@diydozier3205]

Thank you!

[@RydinginStyle72]

So if you are installing two amplifiers with the factory radio, do you just connect the first amplifier to the front to speaker channels and then connect the second amplifier to the rear to speaker channels after you have the radio flashed? Also does the factory radio have those high-level outputs for the two rear channels on a Street Glide? Thank you

[@RanGer-498]

So you used a non marine grade amp in a motorcycle install..wonder how long this will last before A. Corrosion gets to it B.the circuit board goes bad from the vibration. 😐

[@diydozier3205]

You obviously don't know anything about the internal workings of the amp. The marine version was backordered so we got this. It's still going strong over 1-1/2 years later bud. Only 110 bucks. Already got our money's worth.. Thanks for the comment though.

[@RanGer-498]

@@diydozier3205 yup i know nothing other than amps such as that Marine grade amps are used more often in motorcycle builds vs normal car amps are because they are made to withstand the more difficult environments such as heavy humidity & temps of thecelenents since they are not inside of a car they also provide and protection from salt enviorments. Makers of marine amps also incluse protective features to the amp structure to reduce the effects of adverse environmental conditions on marine amps. Different models as well as designs of marine amps come with additional sealing that helps prevents water/moisture from entering into the amp’s interior. In most amp designs, the extra protection is usually in the form of a hard, epoxy-like coating on the circuit board as well as other parts that prevents oxidation and corrosion in different parts of the amp, This layer also protects solder points and electrical conductors from mechanical damage. Most car amps have anodized heat sinks, steel plates, and steel hardware. Vs marine amps that have use powder coated heat sinks & aluminum ends as well as bottom plates, and stainless steel hardware metals and this isto againmake the amp more resistant to corrosion compared to the ones used in car amps applications . Btw nvs audio (who hasca youtube channel as well ) who has won master installer countless times who does motorcycle competitions also does bot recommend a car amp in a motorcycle build. But hey like you ssid i dont under stand amps...guess thats why you wanted a marine grade one at first like you stated.

[@carlwhite7964]

How has the amp worked out for you so far, I am looking at RP-75.4ABM | 500 WATT 4-CHANNEL MARINE AMPLIFIER to run my fronts and Tour Pak, never her of skar amp. need to do homework. Thanks

[@diydozier3205]

Been a great amp for the owner. Glad I tried it out.

[@danielzamora3769]

Thank you for the video 💯

[@merrickjagger1704]

i guess I'm pretty off topic but does anyone know a good website to watch new movies online?

[@casonwaylon8780]

@Merrick Jagger lately I have been using FlixZone. You can find it on google :)

[@dantewyatt3590]

@Merrick Jagger i use flixzone. Just google for it =)

[@mauricejay7806]

@Merrick Jagger try FlixZone. You can find it by googling =)

[@SouthFork.Outdoors]

Now did you flash the radio beforehand or afterward? Trying to figure out before I attempt this myself

[@diydozier3205]

No flash required.

[@Chevy243]

I installed a amp but now when it turns on and running if I change station u hear a pop only when u change station or turn bike off bad ground??

[@greggriffin3242]

Wanted to hear it

[@diydozier3205]

...And I wanted you to hear it.

[@sidneysnottley6414]

Nicely explained - Thanks - Subscribed.

[@MK-us7bq]

Harley literally has a jumper harness for the ACC to run an amp. It’s included in the Fosgate kit as well. You can buy them separately direct for for like 10 bucks. No need to cut factory wiring… and you run an electrical shop but you have that Jenkee fuse holder you made? should have just ran the wire from the amp directly to the new speaker and left the factory wiring alone and not hacked it up. Wow Ray Charles do that ?

[@davidferguson77]

Can you send me the link to the harnesses that you identified?

[@04atlantagto]

I have a 2017 limited Low. I use 4 speakers so what do I do for the tour pack speakers?

[@jedklampet4082]

I don't really understand. This is the second video install wherein you don't let us hear the sound. Why is that? How can we buy this setup without hearing it?

[@danielzamora3769]

All I want is a amp and two subs in my Tri Glide Ultra TRIKE any tips for that what amp and subs combo would you suggest any tips would be awesome

[@diydozier3205]

There are soo many options available. It comes down to your budget and, preference of brand as well as what kind of sound you are looking for.

[@petelanzone484]

Going to get the radio flashed? Also - how come you didnt add a DSP?

[@diydozier3205]

No. No need for dsp.

[@RanGer-498]

@@diydozier3205 no need? It would make it sound 100% better.

[@diydozier3205]

@@RanGer-498 sounds great. Thanks for the comment. Don't believe all the garbage people post on the internet. This is real world experience with great results.

[@jeremyowen955]

What are the cases that your speakers sit in? I have never seen that before.

[@andyreyes9825]

You sir have just saved me $1500 or more. And I wanted to do skar audio. Already got skar lower fairing speakers. Now my question is, I do everything you did except bridge because I would have to run each speak it's own dedicated to the amps output, correct?

[@andyreyes9825]

Also, I was told u have to flash my radio due to the built in amp on mine, is that true? I have a 21 streetglide base

[@paulbouverette503]

Sounds so good ⁉️

[@philly.d6489]

Just wondering the way that you wired up this Harley I have the same type of bat wing but it's on the VTX is it basically the same principle to follow I know some things will be different but I watched your video multiple times and and this seems like something that i can do

[@diydozier3205]

Did I not show the wiring?

[@philly.d6489]

Yes you did what gauge was the power and negative wires just wonder Was it 0 gauge

[@diydozier3205]

@@philly.d6489 No need for that large of a wire. There’s a chart you can find online that shows wire gauge thickness based off power loads. But to be simple, you could use 10ga for anything up to 1000 watts on the bike.

[@robeggett9946]

Would these exact components work for a 2016 street glide special? Also, the speaker grills link does not currently appear correct.

[@diydozier3205]

Yes this setup will work in the 2016 street glide special.

[@john73fordman]

Did you flash the radio before the install?

[@diydozier3205]

No

[@estebandeleolopez7544]

Well the speakers fit on a 2018 Road Glide?

[@diydozier3205]

I believe Roadglides have a different speaker size but these should work with the proper bracket.

[@6xflowerranch890]

Did you have to take it all apart again to connect the cigarette lighter you forgot to plug in?

[@diydozier3205]

It was plugged in and working.

[@danielosborne170]

How many watt amp and speakers are you using? I just bought a 400 watt amp to run just my front speakers because i have another amp under my tour pak to run my back speakers. I have a 2007 Ultra Classic Cvo

[@diydozier3205]

I always suggest getting an amp that produces the RMS wattage of your speakers when running around 70-80% RMS power. Example: 2 speakers at 4 ohms are 200 watts RMS. I'd use a 500 watt rms amp at 4 ohms. The combined speakers will use 400 rms at most. Run the amp around 70-80% or until distortion is present in the speakers. Then back the amp down. It's best tuning amps with an oscilloscope.

[@sherminl1284]

Volunteer audio man no cutting needed, everything is plug n play

[@joshuayates4591]

I installed a two way Amp to my bike and the 25 fuse on the Amp keeps blowing do you have any idea why

[@diydozier3205]

Could be a pinched hot wire. Or it’s grounded out somewhere. Could also be that the resistance (ohm load) from the speakers is too low for the amp. Could have a hot wire connected to a ground wire. Many reasons this could happen. Don’t keep putting fuses in there. You could cause a fire. It is blowing for a reason.

[@joshuayates4591]

@@diydozier3205 thank you for your advice

[@Chevy243]

How do you know what amp to run??

[@diydozier3205]

Your amp power output should be 75% of the RMS power of your speakers.

[@stevenmichaels2138]

If you do this upgrade , the same amp is $139.99 on eBay brand new,,FYI no discount on the speakers. and the speaker grills are cheaper on Revzilla $29.95 and $7.00 shipping, American hard bag wanted $50.00 for the part and $22.00 for shipping, they are out of there damn minds,, total shipped $ 511.46 save ya some money..

[@diydozier3205]

Awesome! Thank you for the input!

[@jamieparrish9939]

Did you have engine feedback if so what is fix?

[@diydozier3205]

No

[@donnolan5125]

can you use the other wires to run to lower fairing speakers if you installed them?

[@diydozier3205]

Yes

[@gnt256]

what steps would be different if i were adding lower fairing speakers also?

[@diydozier3205]

If adding the lower speakers split the speaker wires from the fairing to go to a 4 channel with inputs in all four inputs.

[@Bennett6799]

Is the wiring the same coming from the radio to the in put? For the 4 speaker install

[@showtheride965]

I waiting through the whole video to hear the sound and you didn’t turn it on😡!!

[@diydozier3205]

It was turned on...Copyright claim from the song on the radio made me delete that portion.

[@AcesK9AGA]

Why didn’t you just tap into the cigarette lighter?

[@jeffdanner2487]

Do you have to flash it doing it that way.

[@TheHilomx6]

Yes

[@jeffdanner2487]

@@TheHilomx6 hey Chad what is the best way to find out who will flash my bike. i live in portland oregon

[@TheHilomx6]

Hey man there should be some local stereo shops in your area that sell rocford those guys almost always have the flash tool . Tell them you need ot flashed to 4 speakers no amp ..I know that sounds odd but thats what sets it at a flat curve nomatter what setuo you use this is what you need it flashed too

[@TheHilomx6]

Some harley dealerships will still do ot for people also

[@jeffdanner2487]

@@TheHilomx6 thanks a lot apppreciate the advice.

[@mosesporter8997]

Where did you order the mesh grilles?

[@diydozier3205]

Listed in description.

[@rwes2940]

Nice vid but disappointed not to hear it

[@diydozier3205]

Yea I'm sorry for that. I did actually record the audio. Tom Sawyer was playing on the radio and there ended up being a copyright claim on the sound clip so it was edited out.

[@jeremyowen955]

I guess you call it a speaker box or pod? Sorry at work hard to hear over the fans.

[@diydozier3205]

Pod

[@johnv1021]

Smoke detector chirp is annoying

[@marcmo7138]

could have just tapped power at the charger port or cigarette lighter on some bikes.

[@diydozier3205]

The 12v socket you are referring to is constant 12 volts.