Harley Davidson Dyna Glide: Aftermarket Sound System Modifications
In this article, we'll describe ways to add sounds to your Dyna. Though the roar of the engine is a wonderful thing, on a long trip it can get monotonous. We'll cover some simple methods, requiring no modifications to your bike, intermediate ones that most DIY types can probably handle, and more extensive sound system installations.
This article applies to the Harley Davidson Dyna Glide.
You're headed off to Stugis or maybe Daytona Beach and you may be thinking some tunes would help to cover the miles, but how? Depending on how capable and integrated a system you want to end up with, there are a lot of options out there. Since I first installed a music system on my personal bikes, I never ride without them any more. You may just want music, or perhaps you want to keep up with current events or your favorite sports team while on the road, whatever your needs there's likely a system for you.
Basic – MP3 Player/Phone and Earphones
DIY Cost – Less than $200 (Cost is limited to the cost of the player itself, some ear buds and perhaps a handlebar mount.)
Professional Cost – N/A
Skill Level – Easy; if you can use a smart phone, you've got this covered.
The absolute simplest method to add tunes to your ride is to stuff a digital music player in your pocket. The bud-type earphones that usually come with these players will fit under your helmet, but may not do a very good job of subduing ambient noise like wind or your exhaust system. A step up would be to add some in-ear model phones with foam or rubber seals. If you use a smartphone for your source, you may want to invest in Bluetooth connected earphones, or even a Bluetooth helmet with built-in speakers. This solution is somewhat limited as you cannot easily access your device to change songs or playlists. Further, the controls aren't really designed for use with gloved hands, making them a little difficult to use even when stopped. Most simple MP3 players do not include AM/FM radio, so if you want to keep track of the score, weather, or news, this may not fit the bill. The advantages is you probably already own one and its not permanently mounted to your bike, so it can move from bike to bike with you. There are many available mounting methods to place your player in an accessible location, both handlebar mounted clips and magnetic, or more permanently, mounted pouches. Recommended for its easy installation.
Intermediate – Bike Mounted and Powered System
DIY Cost – $300-$800
Professional Cost – $600-$1,100
Skill Level – Intermediate; though these systems are mostly plug and play, you'll still need to connect to your bike's electrical system.
An example of an intermediate system would be the products made by Cycle Sounds or even available as genuine Harley Davidson components from your Harley dealer. A system like this requires the installation of speakers and amplifier, and a radio if you would like that as well. For the Dyna Glide, since there usually is no faring, you'll need handlebar mounted components or the Harley Boom windshield speaker (if you have a windshield).
In many cases, these can be engineered to be completely plug and play for your particular model. This means installation is simplified and there's no need to splice into the bike's wiring harnesses. Further, should you sell your ride someday, these types of installations are reversible. The radio component will often provide an amplifier, plus auxiliary input and USB ports to charge as well as connect to your phone. If you've already invested in a phone or MP3 player mount as a starter system, no worries, you can still use it with this intermediate system. For most people, a system like this would provide all the sounds and features needed. Recommended for riders who want more sound than the basic can offer.
Advanced – High Powered Sound Systems
DIY Cost – $1,000 and up
Professional Cost – This can run several thousand dollars depending on the system.
Skill Level – Difficult; likely there will be considerable custom work involved, requiring professional services.
There's really no limit to how advanced your sound system can be. Besides the basic AM/FM and digital music capability of an intermediate system, additional desirable features might include XM Sirius radio, rider to passenger intercom, bike to bike communications and integrated navigation. With the Dyna, there are some limitations as to where to install things without a faring, bags or other bodywork. it will be a real challenge to build an integrated system and preserve the bike's clean lines, but speakers can be mounted in hard or soft bags, on highway and handlebars; also, amplifiers are getting smaller and smaller all the time. Typically, the real high powered bike systems are on baggers, for obvious reasons. Recommended for riders who want added features, such as the XM Sirius radio.
Related Discussions and Sites
- Sound System on a Dyna - HDForums.com
- Dyna Sound Systems Options - HDForums.com
- Cycle Sounds - CycleSounds.com
- Amplifiers and Speakers - Harley-Davidson.com
