Top 5 Harley Davidson Stereo Upgrades You Can Do Yourself

Upgrading your Harley Davidson stereo system can take your ride to the next level. Whether you’re cruising through the city or hitting the open road, having quality sound makes every journey more enjoyable. The best part? You don’t need to pay for expensive installation or complicated setups. With a little time, the right tools, and some basic know-how, you can easily upgrade your Harley’s stereo yourself. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 5 stereo upgrades you can do on your own.

1. Upgrade Your Speakers for Clearer Sound

Why It Matters

The stock speakers on Harley Davidson motorcycles can leave a lot to be desired. While they get the job done, they often don’t deliver the kind of crisp, clear sound that enhances your ride. Upgrading your Harley speakers is one of the easiest and most effective ways to significantly improve audio quality.

Whether you’re listening to music on a leisurely ride or cruising down the highway, clear sound is essential. By upgrading your speakers, you can enjoy better volume, clarity, and overall audio quality, even at higher speeds or when your engine’s roaring.

What You Need

When upgrading your speakers, you’ll want to choose ones that can handle the road’s vibrations and wind noise. 2-way and 3-way speakers are great options, as they combine woofers and tweeters to provide a balanced sound across all frequencies.

Additional Benefits

By upgrading to high-quality speakers, you’ll experience:

• Improved clarity at high speeds

• Better frequency range, from deep bass to sharp treble

• Reduced distortion, even when playing louder volumes

Upgrading your speakers is one of the best and easiest ways to dramatically improve your motorcycle’s audio system.

2. Install a New Head Unit for Better Control

Why It Matters

The head unit (or receiver) is the brain of your audio system. It controls the volume, tracks, and overall settings. Upgrading your head unit can completely transform the way you interact with your bike’s sound system, offering more features and better sound control.

With modern head units, you’ll have access to features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, which allow you to control everything from your smartphone or handlebar controls.

What You Need

Look for a head unit that is compatible with Harley Davidson bikes. Many newer units are designed specifically for motorcycles, with features like:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration

• Bluetooth for hands-free calling and streaming

• Touchscreen or button controls that are easy to use while riding

• Weather-resistant designs to handle the elements

One of the most popular options is the Soundstream V2, which is designed to fit Harley Davidson bikes 2014-2023 and provide modern, advanced features.

Additional Benefits

Upgrading your head unit gives you:

• Improved control with easy-to-use touchscreen or handlebar controls

• Smartphone integration for hands-free calling, navigation, and music streaming

• Better sound management, including equalizer settings and volume controls

3. Add an Amplifier for Louder, Clearer Sound

Why It Matters

If you’re looking for louder sound, a motorcycle amplifier is the key. Amplifiers boost the audio signal, allowing your speakers to produce louder and clearer sound at higher volumes. This is particularly important for riders who want to enjoy music while traveling at high speeds, where wind and engine noise can easily overpower the audio.

What You Need

When selecting an amplifier, look for one that matches your speakers’ wattage and impedance. Amplifiers with Class D technology are efficient and compact, making them perfect for motorcycle installations.

Additional Benefits

Adding an amplifier to your setup provides:

• Clearer sound at higher volumes

• Enhanced bass and treble, adding depth to your music

• Reduced distortion, even at full volume

4. Install a Subwoofer for Deep Bass

Why It Matters

For riders who love bass-heavy music, a motorcycle subwoofer is an essential addition to any motorcycle audio system. Subwoofers are designed to handle low-frequency sounds, providing the deep rumbling bass that makes music feel fuller and more immersive. Adding a subwoofer to your Harley will take your listening experience to new heights.

What You Need

Look for a compact, motorcycle-specific subwoofer that’s designed to fit in your bike’s available space, such as in a saddlebag or under the seat. Many subwoofers come with built-in amplifiers for easy installation.

Popular options include the Precision Power HD13.SBW and HD14.SBW, both of which are designed to fit Harley Davidson bikes and deliver deep, powerful bass.

Additional Benefits

Adding a subwoofer enhances your sound by:

• Delivering deep, powerful bass

• Improving sound balance, making music feel more complete

• Boosting volume without compromising clarity

5. Upgrade to Weatherproof Audio Components

Why It Matters

If you ride in various weather conditions, you need audio components that can handle the elements. Standard audio systems can be vulnerable to rain, humidity, and dust. Making sure you have weatherproof components ensures your system stays protected and performs reliably, no matter the weather.

What You Need

Choose speakers, head units, and amplifiers with high IP (Ingress Protection) ratings. Look for components that are IPx5-rated or higher for the best protection against water and dust.

Additional Benefits

Weatherproof audio components offer:

• Durability to withstand rain, dust, and road grime

• Reliable performance in all riding conditions

• Longer lifespan for your audio system

FAQs: Harley Davidson Stereo Upgrades

Can I install these stereo upgrades myself, or should I hire a professional?

Most of the upgrades in this guide can be done by yourself, especially if you’re using plug-and-play systems. However, if you're not comfortable with electrical work, professional installation is an option.

How do I choose the right speakers for my Harley Davidson?

When selecting speakers, look for ones designed specifically for motorcycles, ensuring they are durable, weather-resistant, and can produce clear sound at high speeds. Consider power handling (watts) and resistance (ohms) to match your amplifier.

Can I use my smartphone to control my upgraded stereo system?

Yes, many modern head units offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration, allowing you to control your stereo system directly from your smartphone for navigation, music, and calls.

Do I need to replace my Harley’s wiring when upgrading the stereo system?

In most cases, you can use your bike’s existing wiring, especially with plug-and-play systems. However, some upgrades may require new wiring, especially if you're adding amplifiers or custom components.

What’s the difference between a Class A/B and Class D amplifier for my bike?

Class A/B amplifiers are more traditional and provide high-quality sound, but they can be less efficient. Class D amplifiers, on the other hand, are more compact and energy-efficient, making them ideal for motorcycles where space and power consumption are important.

Upgrade Your Harley Davidson Audio System

Upgrading your Harley Davidson’s audio system doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With these five upgrades, you can easily enhance your ride’s sound and enjoy a richer, more immersive music experience. Whether you're looking for clearer sound, more bass, or greater control, there's an upgrade for every rider. So grab your tools, get started, and enjoy your next ride with a sound system that matches your bike’s performance.