I have a 2014 FLHTCU, stock 4.3 HU. Was really leaning towards the BT 4180 with Pros and maybe some Titans in the lowers. No interest at this point in updating anything on the rear. Reading all of the comments here as well as a jillion others related to upgrades still has me scratching my head (that contains well worn 60 year-old ears):
Just go with the 7.1's?
Will the addition of the lowers make much difference?
With all of the issues regarding flashing the HU wait until resolved or
bite the bullet and replace the HU which frankly may exceed my installation skills or lack thereof?

OR quit reading all these audio forums and go back to just listening to the exhaust notes?

 

I'm in the same boat as you. I want to upgrade my audio, but my last attempt did not go well at all. I tried the Boom Stage II stuff and we never could get it work right.

I'm willing to spend the money on a top tier system, but I don't want to waste my time if it isn't going to work. I do wish Biketronics had speakers that would fit in the tour pack pods. The VTwinaudio pod adapters look kinda fugly to me.

 

Change the rear pods to the BT 7.1's.

 

I would, but I was told they won't fit the 2014 and newer bikes.

 

Dam. My Bad you got the 14. You're right.

 

I talked to John at Biketronics, and he suggested the adapters to accommodate the 6.5 Titan speakers in the pods. To his credit, he admitted that the adapters don't look like the greatest when installed. After seeing them on the Vtwinaudio site, I tend to agree. He stated the Alpine SPR60's could be used in the rear pods.....I wonder how well they'd hold up being powered by the 4180.

 

The alpines take a lot of power but they don't sound that good IMHO. You would be better of with the KSC67 kickers back there.

 

Kickers 41KSS654 they fit in the rear pod perfectly 120W RMS

 

Yeah those are the component version of the same speakers. They sound really good as well. Just have to find some where to mount the crossovers. They are HUGE!

 

Steering back toward the OP's questions. First, you can't really go wrong with the BT stuff. Second, any speakers you add that are in front of you, fairing and lowers, will make the most noticeable difference. So yes, the lowers will make a difference you can hear. Lids and rear pods add to the sound stage when standing still but you start loosing the ability to recognize that sound when going down the road since it is behind you. Passengers can hear them but you, not as much. Lastly, if you do find a double din aftermarket you like you can find all the help you need here to get it done. If you stick with the stock HU you will quite possibly run into the same flash issues that others are experiencing.