Everything You Need to Know About Harley Davidson Radios

07/27/21

Are you looking to add some flare to your Harley Davidson motorcycle? As the engine roars down the highway, wouldn’t a motorcycle stereo system make the ride that much more enjoyable?

Here at Garage Bagger Stereo, we believe in giving your bike what it deserves—a brand new, high-quality sound system!

In this post, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about Harley Davison radios (2014 and newer). We’ll also discuss some of the leading radios offered here at Garage Bagger Stereo. Keep reading to learn more!

First off: Do Harleys have radios?

Like almost all cars and trucks, some motorcycles come with radios built in. However, that isn’t the case with most Harley Davidson motorcycles. In fact, radios can only be found in high-end touring models, like the Street Glide, Ultra Glide, and the Tri-Glide. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite tunes on your motorcycle—it just means you need to install an aftermarket radio or have a special kit.

Why are they rare?

You may be wondering why most Harleys don’t come with radios. First off, Harleys don’t have much protection from the elements. As your bike can face brutal winds and harsh rains, there’s little protection for your stereo system. Furthermore, those powerful winds can also make it hard to hear your music at all. That said, aftermarket radios are made with the ability to overpower those winds, allowing you to enjoy your music on the road.

So why are some Harleys built with radios? The Harley Davidson bikes with factory-built radios are heavyweight touring models made for riders who like cross-country travel. Since these bikes have fairings that protect riders from wind, they also help protect radios from the elements. With the addition of these fairings, wind noise doesn’t really impact sound quality.

Is installing a radio worth it?

If your bike doesn’t come with a radio, you may be considering if a Harley Davidson audio system is even worth it. As road noise and exhaust sound can really drown out the audio, does an aftermarket radio even make sense? Here at Garage Bagger Stereo, we think so!

As technology has advanced greatly over the years, aftermarket Harley Davidson radios are now built with exceptional sound quality. Furthermore, many models have high volume capabilities, meaning you can still hear the music while zipping down the road!

Even if you’re afraid of wind, engine, and road noise, many aftermarket radios come equipped with headphone jacks. This gives you clear audio without disturbing anyone. However, as headphones or earbuds can make you less aware of your surroundings, wearing them can be dangerous. That said, we advise installing a Harley Davidson audio system with high-quality speakers!

Radio Options

If you want to enjoy your tunes while driving down the road, you have a few options when it comes to Harley Davidson radios. First, you need to decide if you want to install Harley-Davidson’s Boom! Box GTS Infotainment System or an aftermarket radio. Keep reading to learn about the differences.

Harley-Davidson’s Boom! Box GTS Infotainment System

For Harley’s with existing radios, some models come with the Harley-Davidson Boom! Box GTS Infotainment System. Not only does this provide a great sound system for your ride, but it also comes loaded with navigation and music streaming capabilities. While this sound system doesn’t come standard on most bikes, it is possible to install this Harley Davidson stereo upgrade. All you need is a special radio kit! Whether you handle the installation on your own or get it done professionally, a Boom! Box GTS Infotainment System can take your bike to the next level! Some riders say this is the best Harley Davidson stereo upgrade on the market. However, if you want impeccable sound quality, you can’t go wrong with the aftermarket radio options!

Aftermarket Harley Davidson radios

Installing aftermarket Harley Davidson radios can give drivers incredible sound at an affordable price. Furthermore, the models today come loaded with features and capabilities. But before purchasing a Harley Davidson stereo upgrade, you need to decide on the best radio for your needs, including what special features you require. There are several different Harley Davidson radios out there, and you can even hook them up to an amplifier for even greater sound quality!

Choosing the Perfect Radio

Also called a Harley Davidson plug and play radio, an aftermarket radio only requires a special kit for a simple installation. These kits can help you install an aftermarket radio in minutes! Here are some factors to consider before purchasing a new radio:

Sound Quality

Are you looking for the best sound quality out there? Want to hear crisp music instead of blurred nonsense? If so, then you may want to purchase a high-end radio built with fantastic sound quality. As not all radios produce the same quality, it’s best to do your research before buying. However, if you want to take the sound up a notch, you may consider some additional Harley Davidson audio products, like high-quality speakers or an amplifier.

Ports and Connections

When shopping for the best Harley stereo upgrade, you also need to consider if you’ll be adding extra speakers or amplifiers. If so, you need to make sure your radio has the necessary ports and connections. Most aftermarket radios come with the right ports, but you always want to make sure.

Find the perfect radio at Garage Bagger Stereo!

Looking for the very best Harley stereo upgrade for your ride? Whether you need Harley speaker lids or a top-notch aftermarket radio, we can help you build the motorcycle stereo system of your dreams!

Here’s a list of some of the leading Harley Davidson radios we carry here at Garage Bagger Stereo:

As you’re having the time of your life on your Harley Davidson, a top-of-the-line motorcycle stereo system can take your adventures to new heights.

To find the best Harley Davidson audio equipment in the industry, check out Garage Bagger Stereo today!