A client from Richmond recently visited Extreme Audio to discuss upgrading his 2005 Harley-Davidson Road Glide audio system. For most enthusiasts, the factory sound systems on Harley cruisers simply aren’t up to the task of sounding good at highway speeds. This client was clear that he wanted something loud, but he didn’t want the bike to look like it was modified. We showed him a few source unit and speaker upgrade options and decided on a plan that would look and sound great!
Aquatic AV Source Unit Upgrade
Our plan to upgrade this Harley-Davidson Road Glide audio system included replacing all the factory-installed equipment on the bike. We removed the factory radio and mounted an Aquatic AV AQ-MP-5BT-H Digital Media Receiver in the dash. This unique radio includes a storage compartment behind the fold-down front panel to hold a smartphone as large as an iPhone 8 Plus or Galaxy Note. Bluetooth connectivity allows the client to stream music from the phone, and the inclusion of the AVRCP Bluetooth protocol lets him select different songs right from the face of the radio.
The Aquatic AV radio also includes an AM/FM tuner, a USB port for playback of MP3 files and an auxiliary input for legacy media players that use old-fashioned wires. The AQ-MP-5BT-H carries an IP55 water and dust intrusion rating. It is constructed using materials that won’t fade under prolonged UV exposure.
Harley-Davidson Upgrades from Rockford Fosgate
The next step was to address the need for better speakers and an amplifier. We turned to Rockford Fosgate and installed one of their TM400x4ad four-channel amplifiers using their RFKHD9813 mounting kit. Next, we installed a pair of TMS6RG speakers in the factory locations in the front fairing. Rockford designed these upgraded speakers with integrated grilles specifically for 1998-2013 Road Glide motorcycles.
The last step in the installation process was to remove the rear bag lids to install the TMS69BL9813 speaker kit. This kit includes a pair of element-ready 6×9-inch speakers, two-piece mounting brackets and speaker grilles that works with the Harley lid. Unlike replacement lids that require color-matched painting, this installation takes a few hours instead of a few days.
Another Happy Harley Owner!
Once we had the amplifier configured and the system tested, it was time to reassemble the bike and turn it back over to the client. He loved the way the upgrades looked and was blown away by how much better it sounded. If you are near Mechanicsville or Midlothian, and are looking for a Harley-Davidson Road Glide audio system upgrade, drop by either of our stores or send us an e-mail using our contact page.
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