I'm contemplating a Harley with fairing vs Road King. Are the on board speakers worth listening to at speed or should I use helmet mounted speaker to listening to music if I buy a Road King? TIA

 

Is that your primary consideration?

 

My fairing mounted speakers on my 08 Ultra sound as though they are in my helmet!

 

Although I've never tried helmet speakers, I've read numerous reports from those who do use them, that the sound quality is better (at least better than the stock HD speakers).

Be aware that if you get a Road King, there are several aftermarket companies that produce "drop on" fairings with built-in sound systems that are quite good.

As an aside, I don't think there's yet a way to rig up a Harley sound system to play through helmet-mounted speakers, even though some helmet setups (I think the Sena SMH-10 may be one) can play music coming in through bluetooth. But I don't believe the HD infotainment system can do "bluetooth out", at least insofar as music is concerned. I'm sure I'll be corrected on this if I'm wrong.

 

I used headphones when i had my Fatboy, sounded good but pretty much blocked anything else, moved up to a SG and was using my GPS hooked up to my Scala via bluetooth and now just use my fairing speakers. they sounds pretty dam good at speed and like it better. take a buddy's bike for a spin, see what you like and go from there. You'll read many different likes here.

 

The speaker issue is not my primary concern but one of several in trying to decide between a fairing bike such as the Street Glide Special and the Road King CVO. I suspect that until I can convince my wife to do road touring on the interstates that I will be doing weekend excursions with my bike buddies. The RKCVO seems more appropriate but both these bikes are not inexpensive and don't want to do a mistake on the purchase. I like the idea Nav and speakers but need an honest opinion on whether speakers on the SGS have any value.

 

I rarely wear a helmet.

i do use molded ear buds when touring.

keeps the road noise out and the music noise in, and allows an over-all lower level.

less ear fatigue, better audio quality.

I use my speakers in town typically below 45 mph


as far as a this/that choice test ride or a rental might be smart.

the riding experience is way different although the chassis and drivetrain are the same ( the SG has 12" shocks...30% less travel).

the batwing allows some weather protection...might be handy up there. the fairing is attached to the forks- wind gust can transfer to "steering input"- just to be aware of, the fairing also unloads the front end at wind speeds above 85ish. bike is much more stable at closer to legal pseeds


I prefer a batwing over the others for touring- but I do have other bikes which get used more in town, typically shorter rides, lower speeds, more bugs in face.





mike

 

Many folks don't realize each state has it's own laws regarding headphones or earbuds while riding. Some states forbid completely i.e. Mass. while some states only for communication with no music etc. Not trying to put a damper on your fun, just trying let you know when you may want to hide what you are wearing. http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/...tate-Laws.aspx

 

Stock Speakers aren't great but for under $500 a good amp and speakers will rock. Earbuds/hemet speakers are a pain/hassle.

 

If you wear a helmet, just get a Bluetooth helmet setup. It will link with your phone or MP3 player and give you all manner of tunes right into your helmet. Then you will not need to clutter up the clean lines of the Road King with a stereo and speakers.