Radio for Road King?
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 441
Likes: 0
From: Wyanet, IL
I own a 01 Road King Classic and searched for a long time to find a good looking audio system. I didn't like the looks of any of the systems, I wanted something simple and classic looking. I was surprised with the looks and the price of the boom audio kits. The price was pretty reasonable, and I heard them at a dealership and I was surprised at their performance. I didn't want to buy a system that I hadn't heard. I really thought about the J&M system, but the price was a little much if I remember right. I mounted the Boom Audio speakers on the top of my crash bars, and the controller on the top of my horn. I just put internally wired apes on it so I didn't want to clutter them up already. They are pretty good, but at about 65 I start to lose the sound between my Rinehart true duals and the wind noise. I spent a lot of time getting the angle of the speakers just right so the sound hits me in the face instead of the chest. My rider can hardly ever hear it at speeds. I think if I would of mounted them on the bars they would be a little better, and with a windshield I think they would be as good as sliced bread. But I still want my bike to look good more than I want to hear the music. I hope you found a good decision.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Ann Arbor, MI
I use my MP3 player kept low enough so I can still hear sirens, traffic, etc. Okay, so sometimes on weekend rides in the country I crank the **** out of it (a concert in my full face helmet). I also configured a little phone/MP3 player charger coming off my fixed tender cable that slips in my pocket--so I'm not relying on battery life. Just can't see spending money on a radio and speakers--and I still just don't get fairings. But I understand that this is just a personal taste issue for me. My $.02
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 24
From: Birchwood TN
Yeah while I am on my RK I will stick with my ipod nano and dre earbuds they work great. I wanted to go the speaker route...but I don't like the way it looks on a RK especially one with apes.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 2
From: Southeast Wisconsin
I really like my Harley Boom Speakers mounted on the bars. Without my shield up to 60 mph is when the music still sounds good, get over that and it fades a little bit. With my windshield running 70 mph all day is nothing, sounds amazing. I would spend the money on them again in a heartbeat.
If you go with handlebar mounted bars do be aware that you feel the music through the bars and your first few rides you feel like your front end is gonna fall off, but eventually you don't notice it.
If you go with handlebar mounted bars do be aware that you feel the music through the bars and your first few rides you feel like your front end is gonna fall off, but eventually you don't notice it.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 7
From: Michigan
I used the harley Road Tech Handlebar mounted radio for a few years, and then switched to a detachable woody's fairing this past year. I had zero complaints about the handlebar mounted radio, just wanted to switch to the fairing. I would completely recommend the RoadTech Radio to anyone.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 20
From: Southeast GA
This will get you the best sound at highway speeds. Better than a fairing and all the handlebar speakers..
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 441
Likes: 0
From: Wyanet, IL
That's why I mounted the Harley Boom speaker pods on my crash bar. The shape looks good and kind of mocks the passing lamps.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
As a previous poster said, at 70mph forget it unless you wanna spend major bucks. There's just no way to overcome the sounds of 70+ mph winds and exhaust with the kind of speakers that fit on a bike without spending serious money. Not saying you can't hear it, but the sound quality is not great because it's diminished with the surrounding noise.
Ear buds and your iPod is the way to go if you want something closer to clear/pure sound like in your car.
Ear buds and your iPod is the way to go if you want something closer to clear/pure sound like in your car.
Last edited by Arizona; Aug 17, 2011 at 02:40 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 440
Likes: 1
From: NW Burbs of Chicago
There is some danger of a ticket wearing earbuds while riding for Distracted Driving. Might beat the ticket but getting one sux in any case. Probably a state by state thing. I was advised here in Illinois it is a clear violation.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Medina, Ohio
Audio systems? I'm a new member and I think I've read most of info on audio systems. I have a Road King 07 (my 1st HD) and is it best to mount on the handlebars or crash bars? Do I spend say $200 on a "if" system or do I wait and save up say $500+ and get a better one? I've heard the J&M #MHAS-2008 at a recent show and it sounds great at $560. Is the HD Boom! #76262-08 at $400 good? Is the Kuryakyn #851 at $400 good? By the way I don't like earbuds because after a few hours they hurt. SO ?