I am upgrading my speakers on an 08 ultra. Right now I am just swapping out the fairing speakers with 6.5" kickers. Will I need an amp? Later I plan to add either lower fairing speakers and/or saddlebag speakers at which time I will add an amp but do I need 1 for just a simple swap of the fairing?

 

Upgrading speakers without an amp isn't worth it unless the stock speakers are blown. There are better options for upgrading the fairing than kicker speakers with an amp.
There is nothing wrong with upgrading in stages starting with the fairing, but also keeping in mind future upgrades, when purchasing equipment now.
Do you have a budget in mind for the fairing upgrade?
Is FM reception important?
Do you plan on doing the install yourself?

 

There is no upgrade without an amp. Your stock bike is set up on a 2 ohm system. The kickers are 4 ohm. You will need an external amp to push em. Now what you can do is throw some 2 ohm speakers in there but it won't give you any more sound than the stock speakers. Still need an amp. Many guys have tried that simple swap in the fairing and were very disappointed. Just trying to save you some grief.

 

Thanks for the advice. Should save me some time and $ in the long run. Any suggestions on an up that I can add on to later? I know nothing about audio. Thanks.

 

All of the amps we run in our motorcycles are class D amps. We run class D because they are the most efficient and obviously our bikes don't have the same charging system as a car. That said. The lower tier class D amps affect radio reception. So if you listen to FM radio on a regular basis there are only a few class D amps that will maintain your reception on a 13 and down bike. The 14 and up bikes do a much better job. Problem is. The list gets even shorter if you are on a budget.

If you want to keep your FM on an 08 bike your only budget option is the Rockford Fosgate PBR300X2. If you don't care about FM radio the field is wide open. Let us know your budget and we can go from there.

 

Thanks again. This forum is very helpful. I dont want to spend a fortune but a couple hundred seem reasonable for an amp. I want to keep FM for sure although I usually have a BT adapter and play from my phone. I will check out theRockford Fosgate PBR300x4 you reccomend. Will this allow me to add at least 2 more speakers later?

 

You don't want the PBR300X4 bro!!! I was talking about the PBR300X2. Huge difference.
The 4 is only 4 ohm compatible and as stated above it gets HOT!! Not good. If you want to run a 4 speaker system and keep FM you're gonna have to spend more than $200. It sucks but it's a fact.

 

Gannicus maybe you can help me out with some info. I have a 09 Electra glide classic with stock radio. I have a Hogtune amp and speakers but would like to upgrade. I use my IPod most of the time but I do like the FM. Any suggestions for something around $500

Thanks

 

Start a new thread brotha so we don't get talked up in this OPs mission.

Thx bro! Just makes this easier to track. A specific thread title is also helpful for those that will follow your footsteps.

T.

 

Good advise. Sorry