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A stupid question, but are most/all of these recommendations direct swap for the OEM? I have been looking at the Hog tunes route if the wife ever lets me spend the money......
A stupid question, but are most/all of these recommendations direct swap for the OEM? I have been looking at the Hog tunes route if the wife ever lets me spend the money......
No after market head unit is a direct swap for the OEM unit if you want the handlebar controls to work, that takes an adapter. Also you will need some kind of adaptive hardware to mount the head unit. . Most people get larger after market speakers which also require an adapter.
A stupid question, but are most/all of these recommendations direct swap for the OEM? I have been looking at the Hog tunes route if the wife ever lets me spend the money......
so i've done my research and read a lot about this topic, even asked for expert advice from another forum member...i still have the factory head unit...i think the hog tunes is like $300...personal preference, i wasn't really impressed...i wanna say, i spent about $350 for my parts, did the install myself...and pretty happy with the outcome...searched the forum, ebay, amazon for the est deals...after all, patience is a virtue...lot's of how-to instructions in the forum...s when the time came when i had all my parts in and supplies...i got a 12 pack and started work...lo and behold...i think maybe 3 hours of just taking my time...system is kick-***! Send me PM if you like more info.
I put in hogtunes speakers and 70.2 amp. Much louder but I wasn't impressed with the clarity so I went with HD Boom speakers...much better! My setup is loud and crisp/clear (although I do have the amp).
I have a 2012 Ultra Limited. I installed the Hogtunes Big Ultra set-up that comes with the 4 channel amp and 4 speakers (2 Frt/2 Rear). Then separately I purchased the Hogtunes Lower Fairing kit, which is 2- 7" woofers. The amp drives the fairing and lowers, with the rears hooked up to the bypass side of the amp. It sounds (and with the woofers "feels") fantastic. With all 6 speakers, you are literally surrounded in sound.
The entire set-up can be had on eBay for less than $600 and is really simple to install. Don't know what your issue is with installing an amp, but if you really want the sound to punch through the wind-noise, its the way to go...you'll never be sorry (IMHO). It sits right on top of the existing stereo with velcro, is simple to install, especially with all the matching square connectors for the speakers.
Sound systems are really subjective, some guys like completely different sound (more treble, less bass, etc.) or brands, and of course everyone thinks the system they ponied up the money for is great, but I've got to tell you, EVERYONE that hears/feels my set-up loves it. A friend of mine installed the Boom 5.25 fairing speakers with Boom speakers in the front fairing with no amp and yes, it gets louder without distorting like the stock speakers did, but it wasn't WOW; at all. And buying all 4 speakers/lower kit at the dealer wasn't that much cheaper...
Last edited by aaazdaddy; May 19, 2012 at 08:31 PM.
Reason: Correction
..i think maybe 3 hours of just taking my time...system is kick-***! .
This just goes to show how subjective bike audio is !!
Gonzo has only 2 speakers, and his system is "kick ***', and other guys are running a 4 CH 500 watt amp with 4 aftermarket 6 1/2" speakers, and are bitching !!
Whatever makes YOUR ears happy is all that matters !!
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