An important process in upgrading our clients’ motorcycle audio systems here at Sweet Sounds in Mankato is the Harley-Davidson radio flashing process. Failing to compensate for the factory equalization curves found in new Harley Boom! Box infotainment systems is a recipe for disaster. Even the best of our Focal speakers will sound horrible using the factory EQ curve. This article will explain the process we use to ensure that the Harley motorcycles we upgrade sound amazing.
The Factory Harley-Davidson Radio EQ
Out of the box, the most common Harley radio configuration includes a strange EQ curve with a dip at 5kHz and bumps at 80 and 400 Hz. If we install an amplifier and premium speakers on these bikes, this EQ curve makes the new, high-quality speakers sound terrible.
Using our AudioControl SA-3050A audio analyzer, we have documented each of the 13 different factory EQ curves, including their response with the bass and treble boosted and cut all the way. As you can see from the image, some differ by more than 24dB from top to bottom, and none sounds good once we upgrade your speakers for better performance and more volume capability.
After The Harley Davidson Radio Flashing Process
As you can see, once we reflash the radio, the frequency response is smooth and natural. Other than at the extreme ends of the audio spectrum, everything is within a 3dB window. For some of our more complex systems, we can combine one of the preset curves with bass and treble adjustments to create a system that sounds exactly the way the client wants with realistic tonal balance and smooth response.
What Happens If We Don’t Flash A Harley Radio
A lot of shops say you can get away with the factory tune. The biggest problem with the tune is the huge 15dB boost at 80Hz. Not only does it sound bad, but this boost, combined with a quality amplifier, can also overwork even the best speakers we offer. The factory tuning is designed for speakers that have trouble playing below 100Hz. When you boost those cheap speakers, they end up sounding, well, better than if you didn’t. Once we install a speaker that plays fine down to 60 or 70Hz, the boost simply isn’t required. Unless you want to invest in a dedicated digital signal processing, the Harley-Davidson radio flashing process is mandatory when upgrading these systems.
Radio Flashing Equipment
We have invested in dedicated equipment to reconfigure Harley radios. This hardware communicates with the factory radio through the CAN bus data network on 2014 and newer Road Glide, Street Glide and Electra Glide bikes. We can change the radio configuration to any of the 13 available options quickly and easily. Harley-Davidson dealers won’t make these changes, no matter how much you beg. We know, we’ve tried.
Upgrade the Stereo on Your Harley-Davidson at Sweet Sounds
If you are tired of the bad sound of your Harley stereo, drop by Sweet Sounds in Mankato and speak with a member of our sales team. We’d be happy to show you how we can design and install an audio system upgrade that will sound amazing even when you’re rolling down the Interstate. For more information, give us a call at 507-345-8863 or send us an e-mail using our contact page.
I bought a different bike that has 4 speakers. Two don’t work. How do you tell if it was flashed. Of not, how much does it cost to get flashed? Thanks.
Hello Gerald,
Sorry for the delayed reply. I’m not aware of any simple way to tell what flash/programming is currently on your bike (there are quite a few to choose from).
If you’re in the local area we invite you to visit the store so we can inspect and listen to your bike and see if we can help you from there. We’re currently open M-F from 9-5.
Thank you!
Can I just upgrade speakers on the fairing of my 19 road glide without flashing stereo system..just looking for a better speaker with more rms…
You will likely be disappointed. Our entry level systems include speakers, amplifier and a flash and I wouldn’t suggest anything less.
I just installed a hogtunes Rev 4 on my Ultra and also did the front and back speakers with the Hogtunes Gen 4 6.5.. should I still reflash my boom box radio?
Hello,
Since I am not familiar with that equipment I would suggest you contact their tech support team for their recommendations. We offer the best from Rockford Fosgate and the ultimate from Focal if you’re interested in some other premium solutions and are in our area. Of course with these units, we always include the proper flash when installing the equipment on newer bikes. Thank you.
I in stalled a led headlight to see better at night, n now my radio is all static on every channel.what can i do the fix this so i can listen to my tunes on the road?
Hello Timothy,
There may be some incompatibilities between your lights and radio reception. I’d suggest contacting the tech support department where you purchased the lights from as a starting point.
Regards
I installed a Sony xav ax 7000 with Rockford fosgate speakers in the fairing on my 2014 streetglide. Do I need to have it flashed?
The flash will be useless if you are running the speakers directly off the Sony radio.
Does a 2011 triglide need to be flashed if stereo upgraded?
No. “Flashing” does not apply to that generation of bike.
I have fitted 4x hertz 6.5 speakers and installed saddle bag 6x9boss speakers and a hertz amp. Is there anyway to remotely do a stereo flash as i live in the uk and no one here seems to know what to do
Sorry, no, need the bike here.
Try to find a Rockford Fosgate dealer, probably your best bet.
Take care
I was also facing Harley Davidson entertainment system problems but, But after reading this blog, i get helpful information. thanks for sharing this nice info..
Well, I have recently changed out my stage 2 HDRF speakers in my 21 Roadglide limited. now I am not running the HDRF system in my bike, I do however have the RF TM400x4 amp, and have a flash for Rockford Fosgate(RF) System. I installed all Hertz speakers, SPL Neo’s, my question, or though is, that when I have the flash,(2 amp 6 speakers) which was recomended, does that actually change the output voltage running or not running. this is something that I have been told, thats how it can sound good sitting and engine off, and would be the same if the bike is running. when going down the highway, I can hear it, but I have it 2dots from full blast. can you give me any insight on this. sounds great, sitting and engine off, just would think that it would be better while rolling down the highway.
Thanks
I haven’t measured the signal output at engine off vs engine at idle vs engine at higher RPM’s, however, if there is a difference, it most likely would be more signal (louder) with higher RPM’s, not less (quieter). I believe most of those source units have pretty well regulated supplies in them which would suggest the signals levels won’t change much, if any. But if they did, with the higher DC voltage at higher RPM’s, this would lead to more signal, not less.
Road noise, exhaust noise and wind noise are all significant factors on a bike!
Does the utral road glide cvo 2011 need to flash? , i was adding boom audio expansionkit for 6 amps
4 original, 2 saddlebag adding
Thankiu
You will probably have to visit the HD dealer to VIN update the system. We flash the 14+ bikes. However, at that point, I would recommend looking at better solutions in the aftermarket. You’ll get far superior sound quality and more output.