Vaquero speaker question

Myklops · 10-04-2014, 04:42 PM

Hey fellow Vaquero owners. Anyone upsize the 5.25 inch speakers to 6.5's? I see several speaker adapter rings on the interwebs including one from arc audio that's made for HD's. Maybe they'll worn anyway? I'm just interested in better bass response, and audio is a lot like engines; there's no replacement for displacement.

**HwyRider** · 10-04-2014, 08:28 PM

You can stick the biggest speakers in there that you can find and you still won't get the bass on a bike.

Myklops · 10-04-2014, 11:43 PM

I get that, but I've also heard the new Harley bagger audio and it kicks infinitely more ass than Kawi's factory audio. The street glide special is loud and clear, and really pounds with extra amplification. And to think one can't get bass response out of smaller speakers is somewhat of a falsehood. Good speakers with PROPER amplification will create excellent bass. Granted, 6.5 inch speakers won't create the type of thump that a 12" subwoofer will create, but with the proper enclosure and clear signal driving them, they can pound pretty well.

My question wasn't concerning how big of speakers can I jam on my bike. I was asking if anyone has put bigger speakers in place of the 5.25 inch speakers that come factory on the Voyager and Vaquero. Particularly, 6.5 inch speakers!

**HwyRider** · 10-05-2014, 12:21 AM

My answer was to say that the bass gets drowned out when riding at speed. Sitting in a lot listening to a stereo is different than 70 miles per hour with the wind in your ears.

jase64 · 10-05-2014, 05:13 AM

Any kind of exhaust will cancel out the bass, I installed a clarion 75 watt per channel amp and infinity speaker (sounds awesome) much better than stock. I don't think its worth the money to over due it. I usually turn my music down to a nice back ground sound. When I hear a song I love I crank it up.

Myklops · 10-05-2014, 05:05 PM

I was thinking about fabricating my own set of sealed enclosures to go behind the Arc Audio 6.5's I'm buying. Cover the inside of the fairing in Acoustimat and puttig back wave dampening in the enclosures. The enclosures will be really cheap since I'll be making them out of MDF and coating them in rhinoliner to keep moisture out and further quell any vibration. Add an Arc Audio 2-channel 125 watt class H amp to the mix, and I should have a pretty nice setup. I may drop the extra coin on a 4-channel so I have the ability to add in some bag-mounted 6x9's this winter.

I'm a huge nerd and an audiophile when it comes to stereo equipment. Huge props to Kawi for making a user-friendly stock setup that performs okay out of the box. Just as with any other motorcycle, I'm just not happy with it unless I'm tinkering with something.

When I do make the enclosures for the front, I'll be taking photos as I go, and probably creating some kind of walk-thru for anyone that may be interested in doing the same to their Voyager/Vaquero.

Also, I'm pretty sure I can fabricate bag-mounted speaker enclosures that will require cutting of the bag, but without need for a repaint. We'll see though. Either way, I'll keep you guys posted on how it's coming along.

**HwyRider** · 10-05-2014, 06:02 PM

I would check the price of the bag before I started cutting.

Myklops · 10-05-2014, 10:07 PM

Checked. Don't care. Custom > anything from a catalog. If I waited for an effective aftermarket solution to bag-mounted Kawi speakers, I'd probably die of old age.

**HwyRider** · 10-05-2014, 10:23 PM

You may want to check with this user to see what he found when mounting in the bags and how the sound was.

http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=39287

REID · 11-02-2014, 01:27 PM

I just put some 5.25 Polk Audio Marine speakers in my 2014 Vaq'. They sound great even at freeway speeds.I was more worried about the water affecting the stock ones when i washed my bike, nearly impossible to lee h2o out, so in went marine speakers.

dabull · 11-02-2014, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REID

I just put some 5.25 Polk Audio Marine speakers in my 2014 Vaq'. They sound great even at freeway speeds.I was more worried about the water affecting the stock ones when i washed my bike, nearly impossible to lee h2o out, so in went marine speakers.

Straight speaker exchange? Amp? Didn't need amp? Thx;)

napom · 11-02-2014, 04:36 PM

I have Polks on my Voyager . . . Sound a whole lot cleaner than stock, and look nicer behind the grills . . . No amp yet, byt am going to install powerpucks this winter . . .

nomadz · 11-02-2014, 04:52 PM

Powerpucks??

recumbentbob · 11-02-2014, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomadz

Powerpucks??

Not very good reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004C2...&robot_redir=1

jase64 · 11-03-2014, 03:26 AM

This AMP is a very good option http://www.amazon.com/Clarion-Electr...fier+4+channel and easy to install. Paired with infinity speakers http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Refer...5+1+4+speakers The sound is awesome and I couldn't be happier.

10-04-2014, 04:42 PM	#1
Myklops Jr. Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 30	Vaquero speaker question Hey fellow Vaquero owners. Anyone upsize the 5.25 inch speakers to 6.5's? I see several speaker adapter rings on the interwebs including one from arc audio that's made for HD's. Maybe they'll worn anyway? I'm just interested in better bass response, and audio is a lot like engines; there's no replacement for displacement. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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10-04-2014, 08:28 PM	#2
HwyRider Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Shore, MA Posts: 4,629	You can stick the biggest speakers in there that you can find and you still won't get the bass on a bike. __________________ VBA # 02424 VROC # 35971 2010 Nomad 1700 Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Titanium
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10-05-2014, 12:21 AM	#4
HwyRider Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Shore, MA Posts: 4,629	My answer was to say that the bass gets drowned out when riding at speed. Sitting in a lot listening to a stereo is different than 70 miles per hour with the wind in your ears. __________________ VBA # 02424 VROC # 35971 2010 Nomad 1700 Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Titanium
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10-05-2014, 05:13 AM	#5
jase64 Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Spencer MA Posts: 98	Any kind of exhaust will cancel out the bass, I installed a clarion 75 watt per channel amp and infinity speaker (sounds awesome) much better than stock. I don't think its worth the money to over due it. I usually turn my music down to a nice back ground sound. When I hear a song I love I crank it up. __________________ 2011 BLACK VAQUERO FP Combat 2-1 exhaust EJK GEN 3 DRIVING AUX LIGHTS KURYAKYN GRIPS RAY'S THROTTLE MODE CORBIN YOUNG GUNS SEAT CHROME TANK COVER 14" WINDSHEILD INFINITY SPEAKERS KURYAKYN CUP HOLDER IPOD CONNECTOR TORDADO AIR KIT RIDE THE LIGHTNING Login or Register to Remove Ads
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10-05-2014, 06:02 PM	#7
HwyRider Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Shore, MA Posts: 4,629	I would check the price of the bag before I started cutting. __________________ VBA # 02424 VROC # 35971 2010 Nomad 1700 Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Titanium
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10-04-2014, 11:43 PM	#3
Myklops Jr. Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 30	I get that, but I've also heard the new Harley bagger audio and it kicks infinitely more ass than Kawi's factory audio. The street glide special is loud and clear, and really pounds with extra amplification. And to think one can't get bass response out of smaller speakers is somewhat of a falsehood. Good speakers with PROPER amplification will create excellent bass. Granted, 6.5 inch speakers won't create the type of thump that a 12" subwoofer will create, but with the proper enclosure and clear signal driving them, they can pound pretty well. My question wasn't concerning how big of speakers can I jam on my bike. I was asking if anyone has put bigger speakers in place of the 5.25 inch speakers that come factory on the Voyager and Vaquero. Particularly, 6.5 inch speakers!
	0

10-05-2014, 05:05 PM	#6
Myklops Jr. Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 30	I was thinking about fabricating my own set of sealed enclosures to go behind the Arc Audio 6.5's I'm buying. Cover the inside of the fairing in Acoustimat and puttig back wave dampening in the enclosures. The enclosures will be really cheap since I'll be making them out of MDF and coating them in rhinoliner to keep moisture out and further quell any vibration. Add an Arc Audio 2-channel 125 watt class H amp to the mix, and I should have a pretty nice setup. I may drop the extra coin on a 4-channel so I have the ability to add in some bag-mounted 6x9's this winter. I'm a huge nerd and an audiophile when it comes to stereo equipment. Huge props to Kawi for making a user-friendly stock setup that performs okay out of the box. Just as with any other motorcycle, I'm just not happy with it unless I'm tinkering with something. When I do make the enclosures for the front, I'll be taking photos as I go, and probably creating some kind of walk-thru for anyone that may be interested in doing the same to their Voyager/Vaquero. Also, I'm pretty sure I can fabricate bag-mounted speaker enclosures that will require cutting of the bag, but without need for a repaint. We'll see though. Either way, I'll keep you guys posted on how it's coming along.
	0

10-05-2014, 10:07 PM	#8
Myklops Jr. Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 30	Checked. Don't care. Custom > anything from a catalog. If I waited for an effective aftermarket solution to bag-mounted Kawi speakers, I'd probably die of old age.
	0

10-05-2014, 10:23 PM	#9
HwyRider Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Shore, MA Posts: 4,629	You may want to check with this user to see what he found when mounting in the bags and how the sound was. http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=39287 __________________ VBA # 02424 VROC # 35971 2010 Nomad 1700 Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Titanium
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11-02-2014, 01:27 PM	#10
REID Jr. Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: SAN PABLO,CA. Posts: 11	Speakers I just put some 5.25 Polk Audio Marine speakers in my 2014 Vaq'. They sound great even at freeway speeds.I was more worried about the water affecting the stock ones when i washed my bike, nearly impossible to lee h2o out, so in went marine speakers.
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11-02-2014, 04:36 PM	#12
napom Advanced Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: VA Posts: 566	I have Polks on my Voyager . . . Sound a whole lot cleaner than stock, and look nicer behind the grills . . . No amp yet, byt am going to install powerpucks this winter . . . __________________ 2011 Voyager ABS Thunder Air Kit Power Pro Cobra Tri-Ovals Wrapped Header Pipes Heat Deflectors (from ebay) CB/Rear Speakers Avon grips with Throttle Magic by RACNRAY Shiny Chrome stuff Michelin Commander IIs Kury T/S Mirrors Sagebrush Design tank bib w/pouch Russell Day Long Seat w/Backrest Lots of Miles and Many More Smiles! Blue Knights - Virginia II Ride With Pride
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11-02-2014, 04:52 PM	#13
nomadz Jr. Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Richibucto, NB Canada Posts: 34	Powerpucks??
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11-03-2014, 03:26 AM	#15
jase64 Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Spencer MA Posts: 98	This AMP is a very good option http://www.amazon.com/Clarion-Electr...fier+4+channel and easy to install. Paired with infinity speakers http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Refer...5+1+4+speakers The sound is awesome and I couldn't be happier. __________________ 2011 BLACK VAQUERO FP Combat 2-1 exhaust EJK GEN 3 DRIVING AUX LIGHTS KURYAKYN GRIPS RAY'S THROTTLE MODE CORBIN YOUNG GUNS SEAT CHROME TANK COVER 14" WINDSHEILD INFINITY SPEAKERS KURYAKYN CUP HOLDER IPOD CONNECTOR TORDADO AIR KIT RIDE THE LIGHTNING Last edited by jase64; 11-03-2014 at 03:30 AM.
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