Adding 6X9s to my saddlebags
Adding 6X9s to my saddlebags
I love music, its the only reason I own a touring bike.
Until I was in my early 40s I had no desire for a "bagger", but I wanted some tunes that I didn't have to wear pods to listen to.
I also love my music loud, so when I first bought my Street Glide I upgraded the stereo, speakers, and added the amp. I bought what was generally thought of as one of the best amps for the purpose as well as the best set of fairing speakers as well.
It sounds great cruising around town and bar hopping but if I get on the interstate my sound diminishes. Therefore I was thinking of adding 6X9s in the saddlebags. Unfortunately a friend of mine stated they don't help much. I don't know, I've never driven a bagger with 6X9s in the saddlebags.
All of that being said would dual 6X9s in each saddlebag make a significant difference over single ones? I want all of the sound I can get.
What is your experience?
Until I was in my early 40s I had no desire for a "bagger", but I wanted some tunes that I didn't have to wear pods to listen to.
I also love my music loud, so when I first bought my Street Glide I upgraded the stereo, speakers, and added the amp. I bought what was generally thought of as one of the best amps for the purpose as well as the best set of fairing speakers as well.
It sounds great cruising around town and bar hopping but if I get on the interstate my sound diminishes. Therefore I was thinking of adding 6X9s in the saddlebags. Unfortunately a friend of mine stated they don't help much. I don't know, I've never driven a bagger with 6X9s in the saddlebags.
All of that being said would dual 6X9s in each saddlebag make a significant difference over single ones? I want all of the sound I can get.
What is your experience?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,854
Likes: 1,002
From: Southern Virginia
I can't speak for dual 6x9s, but I have one in each lid (Hogtunes lids) and with about 200 watts going to each I can hear them just fine at any speed I travel at. I did wind up having to get a DSP to get the sound I liked out of them but it was well worth it. Without the DSP they sounded a little harsh (as did the front stage to my ears). Once I was able to assign an EQ setting to the input to the amp they were on I can play them as loud as I like and hear them great without the harsh tiring sound I had. If you are running the 09 Street Glide like your sig says a lot of folks like to put speakers in the lowers to help boost their front stage. Sometimes a good beefy four channel amp for the front stage and a second amp (a lot of times a four channel bridged) for the 6x9s in the lids. I went a similar route on my Ultra and really love being in the middle of all those good tunes.
With that being said don't forget about your front stage. Do you have good enough speakers with enough watts pushing them? I ask because if your front stage is stout enough the sound will not fade regardless of speed. You may want to address the weakness up front before attacking the rear.
With that being said don't forget about your front stage. Do you have good enough speakers with enough watts pushing them? I ask because if your front stage is stout enough the sound will not fade regardless of speed. You may want to address the weakness up front before attacking the rear.
I can't speak for dual 6x9s, but I have one in each lid (Hogtunes lids) and with about 200 watts going to each I can hear them just fine at any speed I travel at. I did wind up having to get a DSP to get the sound I liked out of them but it was well worth it. Without the DSP they sounded a little harsh (as did the front stage to my ears). Once I was able to assign an EQ setting to the input to the amp they were on I can play them as loud as I like and hear them great without the harsh tiring sound I had. If you are running the 09 Street Glide like your sig says a lot of folks like to put speakers in the lowers to help boost their front stage. Sometimes a good beefy four channel amp for the front stage and a second amp (a lot of times a four channel bridged) for the 6x9s in the lids. I went a similar route on my Ultra and really love being in the middle of all those good tunes.
With that being said don't forget about your front stage. Do you have good enough speakers with enough watts pushing them? I ask because if your front stage is stout enough the sound will not fade regardless of speed. You may want to address the weakness up front before attacking the rear.
With that being said don't forget about your front stage. Do you have good enough speakers with enough watts pushing them? I ask because if your front stage is stout enough the sound will not fade regardless of speed. You may want to address the weakness up front before attacking the rear.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,854
Likes: 1,002
From: Southern Virginia
It sounds great cruising around town and bar hopping but if I get on the interstate my sound diminishes.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 48
From: WI
I can't speak for dual 6x9s, but I have one in each lid (Hogtunes lids) and with about 200 watts going to each I can hear them just fine at any speed I travel at. I did wind up having to get a DSP to get the sound I liked out of them but it was well worth it. Without the DSP they sounded a little harsh (as did the front stage to my ears). Once I was able to assign an EQ setting to the input to the amp they were on I can play them as loud as I like and hear them great without the harsh tiring sound I had. If you are running the 09 Street Glide like your sig says a lot of folks like to put speakers in the lowers to help boost their front stage. Sometimes a good beefy four channel amp for the front stage and a second amp (a lot of times a four channel bridged) for the 6x9s in the lids. I went a similar route on my Ultra and really love being in the middle of all those good tunes.
With that being said don't forget about your front stage. Do you have good enough speakers with enough watts pushing them? I ask because if your front stage is stout enough the sound will not fade regardless of speed. You may want to address the weakness up front before attacking the rear.
With that being said don't forget about your front stage. Do you have good enough speakers with enough watts pushing them? I ask because if your front stage is stout enough the sound will not fade regardless of speed. You may want to address the weakness up front before attacking the rear.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1,603
From: High Point, NC.
I think that would run you around 700.
Stage III
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Greenville, SC
Saddlebag 6x9
The question to ask yourself is what type of sound are you looking for??? What type of music do you play? Rock, Rap, R&B etc...Do you want deep bass? clear high frequencies? or high output in general.
Adding 6x9s in the bag is definitely a foundation to a better quality system. The more speakers you add the better it will sound specially if you only have 2 at the moment.
I recommend adding 6x9s (Hertz, Diamond,Beyma) in the lids and adding 8" (Hertz, PRV, Ground Zero) mid bass inside each bag > two 6x9s in each bag if your goal is to gain higher output and deep bass.
Adding 6x9s in the bag is definitely a foundation to a better quality system. The more speakers you add the better it will sound specially if you only have 2 at the moment.
I recommend adding 6x9s (Hertz, Diamond,Beyma) in the lids and adding 8" (Hertz, PRV, Ground Zero) mid bass inside each bag > two 6x9s in each bag if your goal is to gain higher output and deep bass.