My Road King Audio Setup
 

I've spent a lot of time in here lately and have learned quite a bit from some very helpful individuals here. I wanted to detail the sound system I've decided to build for my Road King in hopes that it may benefit someone in the future.

-For starters I chose to purchase a Dead Center Fairing. Outstanding quality and customer service. Joel at DC was happy to spend time with me on the phone answering my questions, and exchanging a few emails. I purchased it through Iron Aces Speed Shop. They have been a very competent reseller with great communication and customer service. They purchase directly through Dead Center (others may purchase through distribution) and they saved me a few dollars vs. purchasing direct. I highly recommended Dead Center and Iron Aces.
Note: If you choose to purchase a DC, be careful of discount resellers. Make sure that the reseller is listed on Dead Centers website. You'll find Iron Aces listed.

-Now comes the audio. We'll start with the head unit. I was looking for something to use with my iPhone 5. It was a bit difficult to validate iPhone 5 support. Also wanted something that supports bluetooth. My last requirement was for 4V pre-out, however I settled for a 2V HU. I decided on the Pioneer DEH-X6500BT. I validated the iPhone 5 and Bluetooth support here. I found the best price to be .

-For an amplifier I wanted a four channel amp. If I ever decide to add a tour pack with speakers the infrastructure is there to support them. Based on UltaNutZ many recommendations I chose the Soundstream - PN4.520D. I purchased it through OnlineCarStereo.com. I used the code ocsavings that I found posted by another forum member to save a few more dollars.

-Speakers. Another popular choice the Polk Audio MM651. The SS amp will support the 2.7ohm load and should rock! Best price I found The speakers are the interface between you and the entire system. I think the few extra dollars spend on the MM651 make the best choice.

-Finally Poly-Fil. I'll be adding this Poly-Fil into the fairing behind the Polk speakers. This also came recommended by UltraNutz.

That's it. I'll add pictures to this thread as I build the system.

Thanks to UltraNutz, booch and others for answering all my pestering questions.

Cheers!

Install pics added

sweet! take pics and post a follow up for the group man.. I'm sure there will be lots who will benefit from it.

Agreed. I had a totally different system in mind before jumping on here. Thanks to you all!

Does the DC fairing have 6.5 holes for the speakers ??

Don't forget the amp install kit with fuse !!

Yes it does. 6.5" http://www.deadcentercycles.com/Prod...MSpeakers.aspx

Things are arriving :D
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps958cfb8b.jpg

what's that clear stuff? new acoustical foam? LOL

looking forward to seeing the "rest of the story"

Everything has arrived :D

A goodie box from Metra
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps2fa236d3.jpg

Soundstream Amp
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps1c4a16d9.jpg

Dead Center Fairing
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...psdaec69b0.jpg

Very cool. Subscribed.

I like the design of the Dead Center fairing. Mounting the speakers from the OUTSIDE is a great feature, Harley should take notice. Your system should totally ROCK!!!
I hope to see it in person on the 27th, gonna try to make it up to your Limestone ride. -Steevo-

Updating post. Will add more details shortly - here are some pics from todays progress.

Fairing ready for installation
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps95a808d2.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps7b3d0283.jpg

Bike ready for wiring installation.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps6765d3bd.jpg

Dead Center Quick Disconnect Harness
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...psae2c6431.jpg

Harness used for Amplifier quick disconnect
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...pscf7da9b0.jpg

Using marine rated, oxygen free, 10AWG power cabling from Metra Electronics.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps7aadb5a0.jpg

Battery side harness completed
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps3c9f8fc3.jpg

Dead Center harness and my 10AWG amp quick disconnect
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps9e346e2f.jpg

Installing of radio cage
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps76ca069e.jpg

Bend tabs tightly to edge
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...psc50415b9.jpg

Radio installed
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps2725a2ba.jpg

Next was the Soundstream amp. This was a heck of a process. Wasnt sure the amp was going to fit but after a few hours of engineering this bracket I was able to get it in the fairing.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps600b4abd.jpg

This was not the final rendition of the bracket but you can understand the concept.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps2072032f.jpg

Amp finally mounted with room for the fairing to seal.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...psfa9c55c9.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps1c46bebc.jpg

New holes for the 10AWG power and ground for the amp, plus additional wiring pic
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...psf22c2bf6.jpg

cute fender skirt! LOL

More to come tomorrow....

very nicely done sir!

you know you're jealous :D

sorry it took so long to respond.. You gave me a great idea so I was in the house looking for these horrible sheets my wife is so fond of to use to change my fluids and work on bikes! :icon_bowrofl:

Wiring continued
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps41cd754a.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps9ce9201e.jpg

Polk x-overs mounted with industrial velcro
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps903ac3e9.jpg

Additional support for amp bracket
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps167188e9.jpg

Installed poly-fil. Used the mounting hardware to keep in in place. I installed two layers.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps94c6bc67.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...psa78ec8b2.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps701d544c.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...pse65d4a41.jpg

Then I installed the protective ABS plastic that shields the equipment from moister. I didn't take a pic of that.

Finally I buttoned it all up, and back together.

Here's the fairing on the bike.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps0e712898.jpg

The fairing looks great on your bike!

Would you mind posting a photo or two of the other side, so that we can see your radio installation?

Nice! Wish I had all that space to work with lol

Looks SWEET!

Killer install job.

Beav

Not the best pic, but here's something.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...psd248fbc3.jpg

Looks great. Was wondering what that chrome thingy is on the lower left of the fairing by the clutch cable?

Thanks.

It's a lock for the fairing.

This is a badass looking setup, you did an awesome job!!! I am going to keep this thread in my history so I have a good refereance.

I have a Streetbob, I am modifing some hardbags to mount to the bike and I have been thinking about getting the DC fairing they make for the Dyna's. The fairing is slightly smaller and has about half the room inside it so adding an amp to the system like you did would be impossible. However, I asked them if I were to get the fairing, if they would be able to make the inner fairing with just the two speaker holes for the 6x9’s and no hole or cut out of any kind for the radio section. I am planning on using the Kicker PX150.2 http://www.kicker.com/pxi502 with and Kicker PX100.2 http://www.kicker.com/PX_Amplifiers to run my audio system. I have no use for an AM/FM/CD radio, all my listing is done via my iPhone. I believe this to amps used would fit inside the fairing were the radio would have originally been. I could then maybe cut out a section and maybe fiberglass in a pocket for the controller and the iPhone in the flat section where the radio hole would have been.

Thanks for the compliment.

I considered using that same device too. I also have no use for FM radio - If it's no on iHart then I don't need it. I just wasn't sure on the kicker, so I went with what I was more comfortable with. I also wanted something that could drive rear speakers for when I add them, which the SS amp will.

I actually bought all the audio equipment for $366.28

I just recently purchased a batwing Fairing from Reckless MC with color-matched paint inside and outside for my new 13 FLHR. I'm hoping I will get the same results. I also purchased color matched saddlebag lids from HD which ran me 600 bucks for the pair and an additional 100 bucks for the grills, I just don't feel comfortable getting the boom audio system for the saddle bags. Im going to put some Polk Audio AA2571-A MM571 5x7 Coax Speaker in the lids and Polk Audio AA2651-A MM651 6.5-Inch Coax Speaker in the fairings. I haven't decided what AMP I will be using and I was hoping for some input. My receiver will be a Pioneer DEH-X9500BHS Single Din In-Dash CD/MP3. It has 2 USB inputs in the back and I wanted to cut out hole in the fairing with a bracket so I can setup a swappable SSD Hard-drive. Im really hoping my visions can become reality so we will see how it goes. I should have the fairings and lids by June 3rd.

Great install, Just wonderin why you mounted the amp the way you did?
Is there no way it would mount ontop of the Headunit? like in the HD fairings.

This was the only way I found to mount the amp. You cannot lay it flat a the ends of the amp will hit the fairing as it wraps around.

DC said that they did not think the amp would fit, but I went for it and was able to get it to work after some tweaking.

If the fairing for the Softail is smaller than the RK I don't think the SS amp will fit. You'll want to check.

Added 3 more layers of poly-fil, for a total of 5. Adjusted the amp gain just slightly higher and set the x-over from HP to F. Also modified the antena to see if I can get any FM reception, doubtful tho with the SS Amp under the ABS.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h2...ps35f1393f.jpg

Thanks for the reply, I'm pretty sure the fairings are exactly the same its one the Q/D brackets that are different. DC says the HD fairing bra fits their fairing so they should all be the same.
I'm already in deep enough in buying the amp, so it's gotta go in, I'd love to see a pic of the bracket you made from the side to see how you shaped it, .

Ya did a great job.

Love this set up!! Great job.

Nice work!
Few questions if you don't mind, is the power into the head unit switched or straight wired? How does the iPhone attach, USB or aux? Why crossovers, are you planning tweeters or subs later? What would you change about this if you did it again?

See notes in quote.

Thanks for the detailed response, looks like you really did your homework!

This is an Awesome Write-up!!!!

Thank you for taking the time to share - it will come in handy when I do my Fairing.