Car Amp Question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 31, 2012 | 12:31 AM

notrailers

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 760

Likes: 1

From: USA

Car Amp Question

I've read a lot of post on this forum as a well as others regarding stereo upgrades. My question is: Do car amps damage the electrical charging system on our Baggers?

Thanks

Aug 31, 2012 | 12:51 AM

dbell66253

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 5,240

Likes: 10

From: South Florida

It would depend on the power draw of the amp. A lot of the amps used on bikes are car amps.

Aug 31, 2012 | 01:12 AM

notrailers

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 760

Likes: 1

From: USA

When reviewing the spec sheets of the different car amps what should I be looking for? What is an acceptable power draw?
thanks

Aug 31, 2012 | 03:44 AM

dbell66253

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 5,240

Likes: 10

From: South Florida

There are a couple of factors that come into play, such as what equipment you already have on your bike. Also what year is your bike, I believe it was 07 when they started putting in the stronger stators. Hopefully somebody with more knowledge will chime in, but as a general rule, most modern amps that will fit in your fairing, or not take up your saddlebag will be ok. What car amps are you looking at, the rockford fosgate and JL mini amps or Arc audio are reasonablely priced, and will supply more than adequate power.

Aug 31, 2012 | 09:16 AM

GLACIERPEARL

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 2,930

Likes: 4

From: OHIO......UGH !!

I run 2 of the ALPINE PDX4.150 amps. That's 1200 watts on an '06, and I run the factory charging system & battery.

Don't think you'll need more than that.

Sep 3, 2012 | 06:13 PM

notrailers

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 760

Likes: 1

From: USA

Are there any technical audio members on this forum? I know companies like Yaffe and others resell small footprint car amps for Harley applications, but I'm looking for information on what is an acceptable amp/watt draw. I'm asking because I hear feedback about over loading the system and burning out stators. I've even seen stereo config. that run a separate battery in the saddle bag.

Thanks

Sep 3, 2012 | 10:01 PM

iclick

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 11,615

Likes: 50

From: Baton Rouge, LA

The Arc 125.2 and Elf E2125X are popular 2-channel upgrades for Harleys. I've had the Elf for one year without issues, linking it up to two 6½" Biketronics-Hertz speakers and Hogtunes Tweeter Pods. The 3Ω BT wire in parallel with the 6Ω Pods to give a 2Ω output, which maximizes the amp's power (125w x 2 RMS).

I think the biggest issue with car amps is size, as few of them will fit under a fairing.

Last edited by iclick; Sep 4, 2012 at 11:41 AM.