My 2022 Harley Ultra came with a reasonable sound system, but my problem is hearing loss from when I was in the military. That prompted me to order an amplifier and new speakers. Life got in the way and I got behind schedule and needed some help getting it installed.
The system I chose was Harleys Rockford-Fosgate 400W – 4 Channel
My local dealer SPACE COAST Harley-Davidson in Palm Bay Florida came to the rescue and installed the new Rockford Amplifier and Speakers. They even took photos so that I could focus on writing this article. Hopefully it will help you decide if you want to try the install sound system components or have the dealership do it.
I decided to get some help on this install for a couple of reasons.
The factory suggests installation is done by a technician at a Haley dealership.
Even if you do the install yourself the newly installed audio system and speakers will not play audio unless it is configured using the Harley-Davidson audio app or by an authorized Harley dealership, sneaky.
I have handled numerous upgrades over the years, and this one can be done if you have the time, knowledge and tools. I did not have the time.
If you decide to do the install yourself here is what to expect.
You will need a Harley Shop Manual for The Motorcycle You Are Working On because the instructions that come with the parts reference service manual information. Follow the instructions to Remove, Saddlebags, Side Covers, Main Fuse, Fuel Tank, Left Side Caddy, Lower Backbone Caddy, Windshield, Outer Fairing and any other items in the instructions.
Read through all the instruction and follow them closely. The Space Coast techs started with the primary amplifier kit.
Take care not to damage the painted surfaces, position the drill template on the left saddlebag and use tape to secure it in place
Use a 2 ½ inch hole-saw and a 13/64 in drill bit, drill the holes. Trim the edges and debur the holes.
Clean all surfaces with a 50-70% isopropyl alcohol and a 30-50% distilled water. Allow to dry completely.
Follow instructions on mounting the amplifier to the mounting bracket paying attention to torque settings and wiring harness routing.
Test fit the mounting bracket. It must be straight, centered and as close to the bottom of the saddlebag as possible.
Use marker or masking tape to mark location. Peal the tape from the mounting bracket and install it to the marked location.
NOTE: Once the bracket is taped into place it will be very difficult to remove without damaging the bracket.
Stand saddlebag up on end and allow the tape to cure for at least 24 hours.
Mount saddlebag to check harness length. Leave enough length to easily connect to saddlebag.
Remove screws retaining OEM speaker grille and speaker. SAVE SCREWS. Remove Speaker Grille. Disconnect terminals and remove speaker from enclosure.
Repeat on opposite side of motorcycle.
Put wires on new speakers. They have different size spade connectors to prevent improper assembly.
The new speaker grilles are side specific. The Bar and Shield logos are oriented towards the inboard. Install the screws and torque to 14-19-inch pounds using a cross pattern when tightening
NOTE: Do Not Remove Any Screws Securing Enclosure Halves Together
Remove Speaker and OEM speaker grille from inner fairing.
Repeat procedure on other side.
The new speaker grilles are side-specific. Verify proper orientation of the Bar & Shield emblem before proceeding.
Install Speakers and wiring following instruction procedure and torque settings.
Install speaker enclosures paying close attention to details and torque specifications in the instructions.
Note: To Prevent Possible Damage To The Sound System, Verify That The Ignition Is Off Before Installing The Main Fuse.
Have a Harley-Davidson Technician program the new system.
Never Operate The Vehicle With The Speaker Enclosures Removed. The Enclosures Provide Important Structural Support To The Fairing. Operating Without The Enclosures In Place Can Result In Damage To The Fairing Assembly.
Before Installing Outer Fairing, Check That Speakers Are Operating Correctly. Understand That Buzzing, Squeaks And Rattles May Be Heard Until Outer Fairing Is Installed.
Install outer fairing and windshield paying close attention to bolt pattern and Torque Specifications.
Install Left Side Caddy, Top Caddy, Lower Backbone Caddy, Fuel Tank, Side Covers, Saddlebags, Seat and any other items removed.
NOTE: As Previously Stated This Article Is A Brief Outline Of The Install. Follow The Instructions That Come With The Parts to Be Installed And In The Harley Service Manual.
Or Even Better Bring The Motorcycle To The Dealership To Have It Done. I Am Happy That I Decided To have Space Coast Harley-Davidson Handle This Install.
Now I Am Rocking Out Rolling Down The Highway Listening To My Favorite Tunes.
