HD amp?
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
Did you use the Cycle Sounds Magic Box? And if not, how does it sound without it?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 102
From: Washington State
http://www.biketronics.com/
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 333
From: Upper Providence Pa
lcjayhawk
Quote:
Originally Posted by pretz View Post
I went with Biketronics components and they have life time warranty on speakers and amps. They sound awesome.
Did you use the Cycle Sounds Magic Box? And if not, how does it sound without it?
Icjayhawk---- Pretz is not referring to a 2014 if he used the retro kit, his post shows a pre '14 model bike. Biketronics does not have a plug and play available yet for '14's, possibly next month
Quote:
Originally Posted by pretz View Post
I went with Biketronics components and they have life time warranty on speakers and amps. They sound awesome.
Did you use the Cycle Sounds Magic Box? And if not, how does it sound without it?
No. Biketronics developed a Retro Radio kit, which makes it a true plug and play. I called directly and dealt with them. Awesome folks.
http://www.biketronics.com/
http://www.biketronics.com/
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 839
Likes: 6
From: Virginia
I was referring to the upgraded Boom speakers. My CVO came standard with the amp and 6.5 speakers. As others have pointed out, HD definitely charges a premium for the Boom Amp and speaker upgrade. For what they are charging, one could definitely put something better together themselves. That said, some people might be OK paying a slight premium for a factory option.
The only point to my second post was to point out that while HD's boom system may not be the best bang for the buck, it is a pretty good system that was designed to fit seamlessly. I'm lucky enough that mine was factory installed and is covered by my 7 year extended warranty.
I am curious, are you guys who are installing aftermarket amps having the head unit reprogrammed for an amp? I read that the JM systems tell you not to reprogram the radio. I find that my system loses bass as I get to higher volumes. I have no doubt they do this to protect the speakers from the amp. I don't blame HD for making the adjustment, but I wish my system had a touch more punch at max volume.
The only point to my second post was to point out that while HD's boom system may not be the best bang for the buck, it is a pretty good system that was designed to fit seamlessly. I'm lucky enough that mine was factory installed and is covered by my 7 year extended warranty.
I am curious, are you guys who are installing aftermarket amps having the head unit reprogrammed for an amp? I read that the JM systems tell you not to reprogram the radio. I find that my system loses bass as I get to higher volumes. I have no doubt they do this to protect the speakers from the amp. I don't blame HD for making the adjustment, but I wish my system had a touch more punch at max volume.
Novice
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 6
From: Central Florida
I selected Boom! Bagger Amp & Speaker kit (76000411) plus Boom! XM (76000351) for my new Limited. Local HD dealer installed it pre-delivery. Net installed cost $1,406.67. It is expensive but I place priority on factory parts, dealer support and warranty coverage. Can't tell you how it sounds yet because I am scheduled to take delivery of my new ride six hours and five minutes from now. I'm confident that sound quality will be terrific - probably more than I need on my motorcycle...
Last edited by BJI; Jun 28, 2014 at 02:01 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 839
Likes: 6
From: Virginia
I selected Boom! Bagger Amp & Speaker kit (76000411) plus Boom! XM (76000351) for my new Limited. Local HD dealer installed it pre-delivery. Net installed cost $1,406.67. It is expensive but I place priority on factory parts, dealer support and warranty coverage. Can't tell you how it sounds yet because I am scheduled to take delivery of my new ride six hours and five minutes from now. I'm confident that sound quality will be terrific - probably more than I need on my motorcycle...
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 8
From: YORKSHIRE GB
Exactly. Plus the $$$ install cost of $95/hr. For around 300-400 you can have a system that will beat the pants off of the HD Boom upgrade.
I wouldn't call myself a "Hater" either. I'm an educated consumer. I just can't bring myself to spend WAY more money on cheaply made, overpriced, and underperforming components, just because they say Harley on them and are "plug and play."
I wouldn't call myself a "Hater" either. I'm an educated consumer. I just can't bring myself to spend WAY more money on cheaply made, overpriced, and underperforming components, just because they say Harley on them and are "plug and play."
Novice
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 6
From: Central Florida
New bike is amazing. I enjoyed a nice first day with it yesterday.
Stereo with HD amp and 6.5 speaker upgrade sounds exceptionally clear and crisp. Surprising amounts of bass. Compared to my 2012 Limited (which had upgraded speakers), there is no comparison - '14 wins hands down. There is more volume available than I'll ever need - it does not distort and sound does not get "muddy" like my '12 did when volume is increased. After 5 hours of rocking while rolling, I find the sound quality terrific and it is probably more stereo than I need on a motorcycle, just as I expected. Joystick and touch-screen controls are a pleasure to have on the bike. I would recommend the HD Boom! amp & speaker kit (76000411) to anyone looking to take the stock unit up a notch - the only negative is the relatively high cost. Purchase decision for me came down to factory parts covered by HD warranty with HD dealer network to rely on if there is an issue down the road. I saw the installation before the fairing went back on - pretty amazing how it all fits inside so neatly - nice bit of engineering.
Now the disappointing part. First, the XM radio activation process was terrible - three phone calls and over an hour on the horn. Finally got it activated with the third representative. XM customer service really needs some improvement. Second, I have a problem with XM reception - it cuts in and out as I ride down the road. Seems like there is a loose or bad antenna. Hope it is not a poor antenna design. Will test some more today, but I believe a trip back to the dealer is in my future. So with regard to the XM module (76000351) - I can not recommend this part - at least not at this time - because my experience with it has not been good. Fingers crossed that it is a simple loose connection...
Stereo with HD amp and 6.5 speaker upgrade sounds exceptionally clear and crisp. Surprising amounts of bass. Compared to my 2012 Limited (which had upgraded speakers), there is no comparison - '14 wins hands down. There is more volume available than I'll ever need - it does not distort and sound does not get "muddy" like my '12 did when volume is increased. After 5 hours of rocking while rolling, I find the sound quality terrific and it is probably more stereo than I need on a motorcycle, just as I expected. Joystick and touch-screen controls are a pleasure to have on the bike. I would recommend the HD Boom! amp & speaker kit (76000411) to anyone looking to take the stock unit up a notch - the only negative is the relatively high cost. Purchase decision for me came down to factory parts covered by HD warranty with HD dealer network to rely on if there is an issue down the road. I saw the installation before the fairing went back on - pretty amazing how it all fits inside so neatly - nice bit of engineering.
Now the disappointing part. First, the XM radio activation process was terrible - three phone calls and over an hour on the horn. Finally got it activated with the third representative. XM customer service really needs some improvement. Second, I have a problem with XM reception - it cuts in and out as I ride down the road. Seems like there is a loose or bad antenna. Hope it is not a poor antenna design. Will test some more today, but I believe a trip back to the dealer is in my future. So with regard to the XM module (76000351) - I can not recommend this part - at least not at this time - because my experience with it has not been good. Fingers crossed that it is a simple loose connection...