Fairing speakers only and amp
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 998
From: Southern Virginia
I would love to have to opportunity to learn how to do that kind of stuff by myself. I thought about asking the shop to do an install on other suggested products just so I could learn the process, but I assumed their insurance would prevent me from entering their shop.
I’ve installed HU, EQ’s, and speakers in my old cars years ago, but it seems like things have gotten a lot more complicated. I wouldn’t have the first clue on how to install a LOC.
I’ve installed HU, EQ’s, and speakers in my old cars years ago, but it seems like things have gotten a lot more complicated. I wouldn’t have the first clue on how to install a LOC.
You then just run the black and red wires from your battery (fuse on the red positive close to the battery) in the wiring tray under the tank up to the inside of your fairing. For most budget amps these two wires would be 8 gauge Oxygen Free Copper (don't even touch CCA or Copper Coated Aluminum wire). You then mount the amp in the tray and connect the red and black power wires along with the turn on lead from your LOC. Then you run new 14 gauge copper speaker wires from the output of your amp to the speakers. Make sure everything is tied down and secure and you are done with the hardware installation.
I realize I may have missed something needed for the newer bikes since I don't have one, but the process I have described is the bulk of it. Then you can just follow the sticky to set your gains and you are done. Don't be scared to keep asking questions. The more info you gather the more confidence you will build.
I can also tell you that I have run 20+ sets of different speakers in my current bike just to learn so I can save others from doing and buying the wrong stuff. I am no expert by any means but I can tell you what speakers sound better than the RF setup from personal experience. Its a hobby for me. Not a cheap one but legal and better than booze or drugs. LOL
This is a fairly blanket opinion. FWIW folks here give advice on what works versus overpriced kits that fail on performance. Some really aren't looking for a huge upgrade and are satisfied with the kits, the cost, and what they perceive as an easy install. The general populous that comes here with questions are looking for the best bang for their buck and that's what the fine folks here try to help them with through trials of their own of knowing what works and what doesn't. And if you're losing 50% of your volume at highway speeds, then you did it wrong as well.
Then, sorry, you did something wrong if you actually believe that. I had NO trouble hearing my mmats setup at any speed. Yes you loss bass above about 50, but you still hear the speakers. But they were full and had very good bass and EQ.
My new setup is all up front and I dont even have to turn my volume past 3 to hear it at 80.
I get it. Some ppl have this conception that aftermarket audio is something above their capabilities. I was in that boat as well. First setup I paid to have done. The difference in how its installed is RF makes a harness for you. Otherwise, you buy a kit with power and ground wires for your amp, and use a LOC to convert your speaker level to RCA.
As bates said, we only give the options of better equipment to try to help save ppl money. In the end, what they want is all that matters. But I think the guys here that know, will always offer something other than overpriced "kits" every single time it comes up.
My new setup is all up front and I dont even have to turn my volume past 3 to hear it at 80.
I get it. Some ppl have this conception that aftermarket audio is something above their capabilities. I was in that boat as well. First setup I paid to have done. The difference in how its installed is RF makes a harness for you. Otherwise, you buy a kit with power and ground wires for your amp, and use a LOC to convert your speaker level to RCA.
As bates said, we only give the options of better equipment to try to help save ppl money. In the end, what they want is all that matters. But I think the guys here that know, will always offer something other than overpriced "kits" every single time it comes up.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 3,371
Likes: 689
From: indiana
RF Flash, RF wiring kit that plugs into the back of the radio, stock wiring. I don't like the BT Line Leveler, flash works much better. Good guess though, lots of people do that. The Mmats aren't as full as the Boom Stage 1 or the Kappa's I have had on before. They are all tuned the same, I just don't get the full sound from the Mmats. They are loud and clear though.
As long as you keep the gain around 12 o'clock they are great speakers. If you set it correctly it will smoke the tweeters. Good thing RF just sends out new ones.
No doubt. The OP was looking for simple, the RF install kit is just that and with the TMS400x4 has upgrade capability and plenty or power to make decent sound. The hardest part of the install is that one bolt on the pod that is really hard to get to. The OP would have to run the amp cables, that is about the most technical part of the install with the kit. I don't know about the quality of the pod speakers from RF but if they sound anything like the 6x9s they will sound good, I would just worry about blowing them as the amp seems to overpower the speakers they are designed for. I am actually in the market for a good 6.5 that has a fuller sound than the Mmats and also fit in the Pods. I may go back to the Boom Stage 1 until they pop then get something else. I was running the stock speakers on a PBR300x2 for a year and they never had any issues so not a bad speaker.
As long as you keep the gain around 12 o'clock they are great speakers. If you set it correctly it will smoke the tweeters. Good thing RF just sends out new ones.
No doubt. The OP was looking for simple, the RF install kit is just that and with the TMS400x4 has upgrade capability and plenty or power to make decent sound. The hardest part of the install is that one bolt on the pod that is really hard to get to. The OP would have to run the amp cables, that is about the most technical part of the install with the kit. I don't know about the quality of the pod speakers from RF but if they sound anything like the 6x9s they will sound good, I would just worry about blowing them as the amp seems to overpower the speakers they are designed for. I am actually in the market for a good 6.5 that has a fuller sound than the Mmats and also fit in the Pods. I may go back to the Boom Stage 1 until they pop then get something else. I was running the stock speakers on a PBR300x2 for a year and they never had any issues so not a bad speaker.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1,603
From: High Point, NC.
Again, he asked if there were better options.so he was given better options. In the end every one that comes here has to make up their own minds.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Lake, Ms
Originally Posted by TexasMotorcycleRider
I know for sure 100% that you are always going to respond to MY posts. You never let me down.
That's why the majority of the guys have moved away from the plug and play systems, they just don't compare volume wise or sound quality wise. Sure they are easy to install, even easier to uninstall at upgrade time.
Most of us have been there done that, so to speak, that's why we try to help save others that expensive step in the learning curve. Once you get the opportunity to hear a decent system, you will have a much different view of what you might want.
Where you at? Maybe some of the other members are closer than you think,