Boom Audio Speakers
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,456
Likes: 57,014
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I may be mistaken but I'm pretty sure that I read somewhere ( I think on this Forum ) that after the Boom Kit ( along with the amp ) is installed there is an "update" or a "download" through the dealer taht will increase the bass on your system. There are several HD amp part numbers for earlier set-ups and I do know that the earliest amp was not "updateable" but I do know that later amps were regarding bass output. Do your self a favor and check into this. Also don't forget to check the software on your HK to see if you have the latest version. Here is a link to the HK - HD site. Hope this helps.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...io-system.html
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...io-system.html
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
I did a lot of reading on this forum trying to make up my mind if it was worth it or not to spend the $150+ on the HD Boom speakers. Things I took into consideration:
- Obviously, sound quality. One of the biggest problems with speakers is that what sounds good to one person is going to sound like cr@p to another. I am not going to claim to be an expert (there are clearly more knowledgeable people on this forum), but I have been a HiFi hobbyist for 30+ years; I have listened to a lot of different audio setups and I know a little something about it. So, the basic question is: Do the Boom speakers sound better than stock? You bet. Much better. Night and day difference. Is it $150+ better? That's up to you to decide. For me, it was; as opposed to the cost of taking it to the next level (more).
- Why buy the HD speakers and not some other brand? Well, there very well might be better sounding speakers out there; won't argue that. When compared to the other speakers offered as OEM replacement speakers by other folks (for motorcycle applications; not marine or car); they are competitively priced. Would the other brands sound better? I don't know. Again, it is subjective. All I can say is that I am pretty satisfied with these and from what I have read on this forum, if there is a better speaker, it won't be as much of an improvement as the Boom speakers were over stock. That would be hard to imagine.
- Do they have more bass? No. Well, maybe a little. If you look at the charts that are provided, the speakers basically perform as well as advertised: minor improvement in bass and significant improvement in the higher frequencies. There are two things to keep in mind: First, your fairing is not a speaker box and second, they are only 5 1/2 inches. Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed. Keep in mind that a drum is more than deep bass. The drums on these speakers sound a lot better than stock. But, if you are expecting window rattling bass out of these speakers, you will be disappointed. (Continued) Ideally, these speakers should be complimented with a sub-woofer; they actually make a really nice mid-range to high-range speaker. If I were to take my audio setup to the next level, I would keep these speakers and simply add a powered sub-woofer; something like this. It is simple, cheap and pretty effective for anyone like me who appreciates decent audio quality, but can't afford thousands for an audio system.
- How much of an improvement? Well, how you do measure it? For me, it is about being able to hear my music on the highway, without distortion and with decent fidelity. These speakers get it done. In fact, I can turn them up loud enough that they hurt my ears, drown out all wind and exhaust noise; and still sound good, meaning good fidelity and no distortion. *shrug* Good enough for me and a significant improvement over stock.
- Installation was pretty simple. Removing and installing the outer fairing is a bit of a struggle (if you have passing lamps) for first timers (Note: There is an excellent write up on this forum on how to remove your outer fairing). There are really only two screws holding the speakers in (another reason why you really do not want woofers in your fairing) and they were in there tight. A wrench would work better than a screwdriver (T25 torx bit), but I got them out with a screwdriver. Only real magic (and I messed this up, but is not noticeable enough for me to be motivated to fix it) is the grills have "Harley Davidson" written on them in a circle around the tweeter and they are left and right specific. So, be careful there. In my defense, I installed mine in the dark and the lettering is black on black and impossible to see in low light (for me anyway).
All in all, it was a fun and easy project that did not cost an arm and a leg; and made a really nice improvement in the sound quality of the stock stereo.
- Obviously, sound quality. One of the biggest problems with speakers is that what sounds good to one person is going to sound like cr@p to another. I am not going to claim to be an expert (there are clearly more knowledgeable people on this forum), but I have been a HiFi hobbyist for 30+ years; I have listened to a lot of different audio setups and I know a little something about it. So, the basic question is: Do the Boom speakers sound better than stock? You bet. Much better. Night and day difference. Is it $150+ better? That's up to you to decide. For me, it was; as opposed to the cost of taking it to the next level (more).
- Why buy the HD speakers and not some other brand? Well, there very well might be better sounding speakers out there; won't argue that. When compared to the other speakers offered as OEM replacement speakers by other folks (for motorcycle applications; not marine or car); they are competitively priced. Would the other brands sound better? I don't know. Again, it is subjective. All I can say is that I am pretty satisfied with these and from what I have read on this forum, if there is a better speaker, it won't be as much of an improvement as the Boom speakers were over stock. That would be hard to imagine.
- Do they have more bass? No. Well, maybe a little. If you look at the charts that are provided, the speakers basically perform as well as advertised: minor improvement in bass and significant improvement in the higher frequencies. There are two things to keep in mind: First, your fairing is not a speaker box and second, they are only 5 1/2 inches. Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed. Keep in mind that a drum is more than deep bass. The drums on these speakers sound a lot better than stock. But, if you are expecting window rattling bass out of these speakers, you will be disappointed. (Continued) Ideally, these speakers should be complimented with a sub-woofer; they actually make a really nice mid-range to high-range speaker. If I were to take my audio setup to the next level, I would keep these speakers and simply add a powered sub-woofer; something like this. It is simple, cheap and pretty effective for anyone like me who appreciates decent audio quality, but can't afford thousands for an audio system.
- How much of an improvement? Well, how you do measure it? For me, it is about being able to hear my music on the highway, without distortion and with decent fidelity. These speakers get it done. In fact, I can turn them up loud enough that they hurt my ears, drown out all wind and exhaust noise; and still sound good, meaning good fidelity and no distortion. *shrug* Good enough for me and a significant improvement over stock.
- Installation was pretty simple. Removing and installing the outer fairing is a bit of a struggle (if you have passing lamps) for first timers (Note: There is an excellent write up on this forum on how to remove your outer fairing). There are really only two screws holding the speakers in (another reason why you really do not want woofers in your fairing) and they were in there tight. A wrench would work better than a screwdriver (T25 torx bit), but I got them out with a screwdriver. Only real magic (and I messed this up, but is not noticeable enough for me to be motivated to fix it) is the grills have "Harley Davidson" written on them in a circle around the tweeter and they are left and right specific. So, be careful there. In my defense, I installed mine in the dark and the lettering is black on black and impossible to see in low light (for me anyway).
All in all, it was a fun and easy project that did not cost an arm and a leg; and made a really nice improvement in the sound quality of the stock stereo.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: SC
Ask yourself if the audio system is for your enjoyment or it you want to impress everyone around you? I keep my automatic volume control engaged so the radio is reduced when coming to a stop and increased when I resume speed. I can enjoy my music w/o annoying those around me. I did replace the stock speakers with Boom, didn't feel the need to add an amp, the quality of sound is better at mid range. If you crank the volume up too high you will just create noise. I'm happy with the speaker only upgrade for myself. If I wanted to entertain the whole neighborhood....probably not.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,589
Likes: 98
From: Port Orange, Fl
I did a lot of reading on this forum trying to make up my mind if it was worth it or not to spend the $150+ on the HD Boom speakers. Things I took into consideration:
- Obviously, sound quality. One of the biggest problems with speakers is that what sounds good to one person is going to sound like cr@p to another. I am not going to claim to be an expert (there are clearly more knowledgeable people on this forum), but I have been a HiFi hobbyist for 30+ years; I have listened to a lot of different audio setups and I know a little something about it. So, the basic question is: Do the Boom speakers sound better than stock? You bet. Much better. Night and day difference. Is it $150+ better? That's up to you to decide. For me, it was; as opposed to the cost of taking it to the next level (more).
- Why buy the HD speakers and not some other brand? Well, there very well might be better sounding speakers out there; won't argue that. When compared to the other speakers offered as OEM replacement speakers by other folks (for motorcycle applications; not marine or car); they are competitively priced. Would the other brands sound better? I don't know. Again, it is subjective. All I can say is that I am pretty satisfied with these and from what I have read on this forum, if there is a better speaker, it won't be as much of an improvement as the Boom speakers were over stock. That would be hard to imagine.
- Do they have more bass? No. Well, maybe a little. If you look at the charts that are provided, the speakers basically perform as well as advertised: minor improvement in bass and significant improvement in the higher frequencies. There are two things to keep in mind: First, your fairing is not a speaker box and second, they are only 5 1/2 inches. Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed. Keep in mind that a drum is more than deep bass. The drums on these speakers sound a lot better than stock. But, if you are expecting window rattling bass out of these speakers, you will be disappointed. (Continued) Ideally, these speakers should be complimented with a sub-woofer; they actually make a really nice mid-range to high-range speaker. If I were to take my audio setup to the next level, I would keep these speakers and simply add a powered sub-woofer; something like this. It is simple, cheap and pretty effective for anyone like me who appreciates decent audio quality, but can't afford thousands for an audio system.
- How much of an improvement? Well, how you do measure it? For me, it is about being able to hear my music on the highway, without distortion and with decent fidelity. These speakers get it done. In fact, I can turn them up loud enough that they hurt my ears, drown out all wind and exhaust noise; and still sound good, meaning good fidelity and no distortion. *shrug* Good enough for me and a significant improvement over stock.
- Installation was pretty simple. Removing and installing the outer fairing is a bit of a struggle (if you have passing lamps) for first timers (Note: There is an excellent write up on this forum on how to remove your outer fairing). There are really only two screws holding the speakers in (another reason why you really do not want woofers in your fairing) and they were in there tight. A wrench would work better than a screwdriver (T25 torx bit), but I got them out with a screwdriver. Only real magic (and I messed this up, but is not noticeable enough for me to be motivated to fix it) is the grills have "Harley Davidson" written on them in a circle around the tweeter and they are left and right specific. So, be careful there. In my defense, I installed mine in the dark and the lettering is black on black and impossible to see in low light (for me anyway).
All in all, it was a fun and easy project that did not cost an arm and a leg; and made a really nice improvement in the sound quality of the stock stereo.
- Obviously, sound quality. One of the biggest problems with speakers is that what sounds good to one person is going to sound like cr@p to another. I am not going to claim to be an expert (there are clearly more knowledgeable people on this forum), but I have been a HiFi hobbyist for 30+ years; I have listened to a lot of different audio setups and I know a little something about it. So, the basic question is: Do the Boom speakers sound better than stock? You bet. Much better. Night and day difference. Is it $150+ better? That's up to you to decide. For me, it was; as opposed to the cost of taking it to the next level (more).
- Why buy the HD speakers and not some other brand? Well, there very well might be better sounding speakers out there; won't argue that. When compared to the other speakers offered as OEM replacement speakers by other folks (for motorcycle applications; not marine or car); they are competitively priced. Would the other brands sound better? I don't know. Again, it is subjective. All I can say is that I am pretty satisfied with these and from what I have read on this forum, if there is a better speaker, it won't be as much of an improvement as the Boom speakers were over stock. That would be hard to imagine.
- Do they have more bass? No. Well, maybe a little. If you look at the charts that are provided, the speakers basically perform as well as advertised: minor improvement in bass and significant improvement in the higher frequencies. There are two things to keep in mind: First, your fairing is not a speaker box and second, they are only 5 1/2 inches. Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed. Keep in mind that a drum is more than deep bass. The drums on these speakers sound a lot better than stock. But, if you are expecting window rattling bass out of these speakers, you will be disappointed. (Continued) Ideally, these speakers should be complimented with a sub-woofer; they actually make a really nice mid-range to high-range speaker. If I were to take my audio setup to the next level, I would keep these speakers and simply add a powered sub-woofer; something like this. It is simple, cheap and pretty effective for anyone like me who appreciates decent audio quality, but can't afford thousands for an audio system.
- How much of an improvement? Well, how you do measure it? For me, it is about being able to hear my music on the highway, without distortion and with decent fidelity. These speakers get it done. In fact, I can turn them up loud enough that they hurt my ears, drown out all wind and exhaust noise; and still sound good, meaning good fidelity and no distortion. *shrug* Good enough for me and a significant improvement over stock.
- Installation was pretty simple. Removing and installing the outer fairing is a bit of a struggle (if you have passing lamps) for first timers (Note: There is an excellent write up on this forum on how to remove your outer fairing). There are really only two screws holding the speakers in (another reason why you really do not want woofers in your fairing) and they were in there tight. A wrench would work better than a screwdriver (T25 torx bit), but I got them out with a screwdriver. Only real magic (and I messed this up, but is not noticeable enough for me to be motivated to fix it) is the grills have "Harley Davidson" written on them in a circle around the tweeter and they are left and right specific. So, be careful there. In my defense, I installed mine in the dark and the lettering is black on black and impossible to see in low light (for me anyway).
All in all, it was a fun and easy project that did not cost an arm and a leg; and made a really nice improvement in the sound quality of the stock stereo.
Where exactly are you going to put that 8" bazooka?
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
Tour pak. I think they make a 6" one too that might fit in a saddle bag. The problem will be porting it. Haven't thought it that far through yet.
I am personally not keen on the idea, because I like my bag space. But, some folks have been willing to give up a saddle bag or a good portion of the tour pak all in the quest for awesome sound. Of course, there would have to be some customization.
ETA
Looking at the dimensions for this particular product, it looks too long. But, I was just using it as an example. I've been toying with the idea of a custom enclosure for the tour pak.
ETAA
A quick Google turned this up, which will fit in either the tour pak or a saddle bag with room left over.
I am personally not keen on the idea, because I like my bag space. But, some folks have been willing to give up a saddle bag or a good portion of the tour pak all in the quest for awesome sound. Of course, there would have to be some customization.
ETA
Looking at the dimensions for this particular product, it looks too long. But, I was just using it as an example. I've been toying with the idea of a custom enclosure for the tour pak.
ETAA
A quick Google turned this up, which will fit in either the tour pak or a saddle bag with room left over.
Last edited by keith_stepp; Dec 5, 2011 at 03:20 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 586
Likes: 48
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Can we get verification on the proper part number for a 2012 Street Glide? I jotted down 77181-10 from another thread a while back. And do I really need the wiring harness listed earlier in this thread? I know 'yall have convinced me to order these even before I've heard the stock speakers on my bike - lol (I know the stock will leave me wanting something better though based on previous experiences)
Thanks!
Thanks!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,589
Likes: 98
From: Port Orange, Fl
Tour pak. I think they make a 6" one too that might fit in a saddle bag. The problem will be porting it. Haven't thought it that far through yet.
I am personally not keen on the idea, because I like my bag space. But, some folks have been willing to give up a saddle bag or a good portion of the tour pak all in the quest for awesome sound. Of course, there would have to be some customization.
ETA
Looking at the dimensions for this particular product, it looks too long. But, I was just using it as an example. I've been toying with the idea of a custom enclosure for the tour pak.
ETAA
A quick Google turned this up, which will fit in either the tour pak or a saddle bag with room left over.
I am personally not keen on the idea, because I like my bag space. But, some folks have been willing to give up a saddle bag or a good portion of the tour pak all in the quest for awesome sound. Of course, there would have to be some customization.
ETA
Looking at the dimensions for this particular product, it looks too long. But, I was just using it as an example. I've been toying with the idea of a custom enclosure for the tour pak.
ETAA
A quick Google turned this up, which will fit in either the tour pak or a saddle bag with room left over.
I like the way you think, I've thought of something along these lines last year when I had my 07. I was looking at some used ones on craigslist to give a try on the cheap. I mean, just adding the low-end feel will help accomplish what the fairing speakers simply will never do.
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Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
I like the way you think, I've thought of something along these lines last year when I had my 07. I was looking at some used ones on craigslist to give a try on the cheap. I mean, just adding the low-end feel will help accomplish what the fairing speakers simply will never do.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,456
Likes: 57,014
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I just need to figure out how to add some bass ports to the tour pak. The speaker pods you can buy are not nearly big enough to house a woofer and I am little worried about punching holes in the tour pak. The most logical place would be directly behind the passenger but, I am not sure how well that would work.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...3&default=none
Here is the instructions.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...ts/-J05154.pdf
Hope this helps.
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