Q: Is my stock battery up to this?

A stock battery for the Harley touring models is just fine, as long as it is in good condition. We have found that the battery is actually the most critical element. There are two measures of power from a battery. One is cold-cranking amps, and the other is continuous current. Your bike's battery can have enough cranking amps to start the bike, so the battery 'seems' fine, but it can still lack the continuous current you need to run an amplifier. Believe it or not, this condition usually presents itself mostly in the Spring when bikes come out of storage, even if the bike has been on a trickle-charger. This condition can present as either the system not powering up at all, or the system lights up but has no sound. This is not unique to the Road King models, as riders with fully-faired touring bikes can also have this issue. A good quality new battery will solve the issue.

Q: Is the kit waterproof?

Absolutely, yes. The head unit, speakers, and amplifiers are all IP65 rated, meaning they are are protected from water jets from rain or washing the bike. The wiring connectors are waterproof Deutsch connectors, the same ones that Harley-Davidson uses on your stock wiring harnesses.

Q: Can I stream music directly from my phone?

Yes. The beauty of Bluetooth streaming is that you can keep your phone in your pocket or saddlebag, as the cockpit head unit will display the song you are playing. You can control the music, fast-forward or back, change mode (AM/FM Radio or Bluetooth), and control the volume from the head unit. The Bluetooth is compatible with both Android and Apple, and once you have paired it once, your phone auto-connects every ride. For those who prefer to plug-in a USB device, like USB stick with your music on it, the head unit also has a USB input, so you can just attach it with a USB cable, and you're all set.

Q: What about Sirius/XM?

The head unit doesn't have a SIM that can be activated, but you can just download the Sirius/XM App to your phone and stream it by Bluetooth to the head unit and out to your speakers. So, yes, you can ride your Road King with your favorite Sirius/XM channel - which includes Severe Weather Updates with Alerts from the Weather Channel, which we've found is actually a pretty important feature when you're on the road!

Q: How loud is it? Can I hear it at speed?

Yes. These systems are designed for open-air, highway-speed riding on naked Harleys. Power levels range from compact 2-speaker kits up to 1,100 Watt 6-speaker systems, using 3.5" bar speakers and 6.5" highway bar and saddlebag speakers voiced specifically for Road King and Softail pressure zones. You'll get clear, full sound at speed—not just in the driveway.

Q: Do I control the system with my phone on the handlebars?

No. Your phone becomes a music source in your pocket or bag, not the control surface. Havoc Roar Stereo systems use Aquatic AV head units and amplifiers for playback control, with large, glove-friendly buttons and stable Bluetooth. No more phone screens washing out, locking, or demanding your attention while you ride.

Question 1

What makes the Havoc HRS Stereo System the best upgrade for Harley-Davidson Road King and Softail Models?

Accepted Answer

We kept hearing from Road King riders and especially Heritage Softail riders about their frustration with Bluetooth streaming music they can't see or control without having to fiddle with their phone, or having volume controllers on the handlebars that break, or trying to secure an amplifier with a bracket that doesn't bolt anywhere on the bike.... So, we purpose engineered and designed the Havoc Roar Stereo System for Harley-Davidson Road King and Softail motorcycles. Each kit integrates Aquatic AV high-power waterproof Bluetooth head units with the same internals as used on Harley touring bikes that do have fairings, and we paired that with kits made with marine-grade speakers and amplifiers, precision-fitted into Havoc's CNC-machined housings and speaker pods along with our secure saddlebag amp bracket.

Question 2

How hard is installation?

Accepted Answer

All HRS systems come with detailed installation instructions. The 2-speaker, 4-speaker, and 6-speaker systems are designed as bolt-on kits for Harley-Davidson Road King models 1998-present. Each system has a variant for 1998-2013, and another for 2014-present because the handlebar nacelle covers changed in 2014, so be sure to choose the one in your model year range. Otherwise, each system includes plug-and-play wiring harnesses with waterproof connectors, and custom mounts with stainless steel hardware. No cutting or splicing required unless you install the Aquatic AV saddlebag speaker lids which do need to be cut out with the provided template. Some crimping of wire connectors is required for the amplifier lead as the plug has to be assembled inside the saddlebag. Otherwise, it's a straightforward direct fit. A skilled DIY rider can install the 2-speaker system in about 90 minutes. A shop can install the 6-speaker system in about 3-4 hours.

Question 3

Does the system use the stock wiring harness?

Accepted Answer

No, it does not use the bike's wiring. Separate harnesses are provided. We did think about tapping in to the accessory plug under the seat so you can use the toggle switch on the nacelle. But, after speaking with riders, we realized that this plug is already in use in most cases, for heated grips or other accessories, so we felt it best to leave that alone. The HSR Stereo has it's own power harness that you run under the fuel tank and connect directly to your battery. We wanted to keep a switch on the harness, though, to prevent the amp in the head unit from draining your battery during storage, so there is a waterproof toggle switch in the harness located just where the seat and fuel tank meet, that you secure to the frame.

Question 4

Do I have to upgrade my stock Harley charging system for a high-power stereo?

Accepted Answer

A 38A charging system can run the 1200 Watt 6-speaker setup while riding, provided it is in good condition. To check, warm the bike, rev to 2–3k RPM while playing the stereo loud. If voltage (at the amp) stays ≥13.0 V, you're golden. If not, then yes, you need to upgrade the charging system. However, if you plan to play the music loud when parked, you'll need a good battery to lean on. Check voltage at the battery while idling for 2–3 minutes. If power dips <12.2 V, then you're leaning on the battery. So, either don't demo loud at idle for too long, or add a good AGM battery (Odyssey or Deka). Also note an easy win is switching to LED headlights and passing lights can spare 3-6A.

Question 5

Is my stock battery up to this?

Accepted Answer

A stock battery for the Harley touring models is just fine, as long as it is in good condition. We have found that the battery is actually the most critical element. There are two measures of power from a battery. One is cold-cranking amps, and the other is continuous current. Your bike's battery can have enough cranking amps to start the bike, so the battery 'seems' fine, but it can still lack the continuous current you need to run an amplifier. Believe it or not, this condition usually presents itself mostly in the Spring when bikes come out of storage, even if the bike has been on a trickle-charger. This condition can present as either the system not powering up at all, or the system lights up but has no sound. This is not unique to the Road King models, as riders with fully-faired touring bikes can also have this issue. A good quality new battery will solve the issue.

Question 6

Is the kit waterproof?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, yes. The head unit, speakers, and amplifiers are all IP65 rated, meaning they are are protected from water jets from rain or washing the bike. The wiring connectors are waterproof Deutsch connectors, the same ones that Harley-Davidson uses on your stock wiring harnesses.

Question 7

Can I stream music directly from my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The beauty of Bluetooth streaming is that you can keep your phone in your pocket or saddlebag, as the cockpit head unit will display the song you are playing. You can control the music, fast-forward or back, change mode (AM/FM Radio or Bluetooth), and control the volume from the head unit. The Bluetooth is compatible with both Android and Apple, and once you have paired it once, your phone auto-connects every ride. For those who prefer to plug-in a USB device, like USB stick with your music on it, the head unit also has a USB input, so you can just attach it with a USB cable, and you're all set.

Question 8

What about Sirius/XM?

Accepted Answer

The head unit doesn't have a SIM that can be activated, but you can just download the Sirius/XM App to your phone and stream it by Bluetooth to the head unit and out to your speakers. So, yes, you can ride your Road King with your favorite Sirius/XM channel - which includes Severe Weather Updates with Alerts from the Weather Channel, which we've found is actually a pretty important feature when you're on the road!

Question 9

How loud is it? Can I hear it at speed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. These systems are designed for open-air, highway-speed riding on naked Harleys. Power levels range from compact 2-speaker kits up to 1,100 Watt 6-speaker systems, using 3.5" bar speakers and 6.5" highway bar and saddlebag speakers voiced specifically for Road King and Softail pressure zones. You'll get clear, full sound at speed—not just in the driveway.

Question 10

Do I control the system with my phone on the handlebars?

Accepted Answer

No. Your phone becomes a music source in your pocket or bag, not the control surface. Havoc Roar Stereo systems use Aquatic AV head units and amplifiers for playback control, with large, glove-friendly buttons and stable Bluetooth. No more phone screens washing out, locking, or demanding your attention while you ride.

Question 11

Are Havoc Roar Stereo systems waterproof?

Accepted Answer

The electronic components (head units, amplifiers, and speakers) use Aquatic AV marine-grade technology, designed for open-air, wet environments. They're weather-sealed, UV-resistant, and built to handle rain, washdowns, and long-ride conditions. As with any motorcycle audio, we recommend avoiding direct high-pressure spray on speaker cones and electronic faces.

Question 12

Will these systems work with loud pipes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The systems are designed with enough power and speaker area to compete with typical performance exhaust and wind noise on a naked Harley. If you run especially loud pipes and ride at higher sustained speeds, we recommend one of the 4- or 6-speaker systems with 6.5" speakers on the highway bars and/or in the saddlebag lids for best results.

Question 13

Which Road King models do Havoc Roar Stereo systems fit?

Accepted Answer

Havoc Roar Stereo Road King systems are designed for 1998–2025 Harley-Davidson Road King models, with kits and hardware tailored to the Road King nacelle, handlebars, highway bars, and saddlebags. Specific kit descriptions will note any model-year nuances.

Question 14

Do I need special saddlebags for the speaker lid systems?

Accepted Answer

You have options:
• Some kits use stock-style saddlebag lids cut for 6.5" speakers.
• Others use Bad Dad saddlebag speaker lids with integrated LEDs and bodylines that match the bags.
Each kit on the Road King page will clearly state if it uses stock lids or Bad Dad lids.

Question 15

Will the highway bar pods interfere with my legs or controls?

Accepted Answer

No. The 6.5" highway bar enclosures are designed to:
• Follow the lines of the engine guard
• Stay clear of your legs and foot controls
• Maintain ground clearance suitable for real-world riding
They're positioned so you can ride normally without feeling like you're wrapped around your speakers.

Question 16

Which Softail models do Havoc Roar Stereo systems fit?

Accepted Answer

The 2-Speaker system fit anything with handlebars. The 4-speaker systems need an engine guard/crash bar and a set of saddlebags – for these systems, the stock Heritage soft bags will do just fine. If your Softail doesn't have a crash bar, a OEM-replica full-size crash bar (not a "moustache bar") is required for the highway bar pods, and these can be sourced easily from the after-market. The full-on 6-Speaker system that uses saddlebag lid speakers as well are engineered for select Softail models from 1986–2017 with a 140 mm rear tire, and use the Bad Dad Competition Series bag and fender kits. Each kit description will specify the exact model fitment.

Question 17

Do I have to run the Bad Dad Competition bags and fender on a Softail?

Accepted Answer

Only for the 6-speaker Softail systems that include saddlebag speakers. Those kits are built around the Bad Dad Competition Series stretched saddlebags, rear fender, and saddlebag speaker lids with lights.
For 2- and 4-speaker Softail systems that use only handlebar and highway bar pods, you can run your existing rear fender and luggage setup.

Question 18

Will the Softail highway bar pods and bags affect passenger comfort or suspension travel?

Accepted Answer

The Softail systems are designed to:
• Keep highway bar pods clear of passenger leg space
• Place bags and speaker lids within normal suspension travel envelopes
• Preserve full use of passenger pegs/boards on compatible models
As with any custom build, final fitment depends on your exact model and any other modifications. A professional installer can help confirm clearances on your specific bike.

Question 19

What's the difference between RGB and Neo 6.5" speakers?

Accepted Answer

Many Havoc Roar Stereo systems let you choose between:
• Aquatic AV HS.113 RGB 6.5" Speakers
    ○ Integrated RGB illumination
    ○ Ideal for riders who want coordinated lighting in highway bar pods and saddlebag lids
• Aquatic AV HS.116 Neo 6.5" Speakers
    ○ High-efficiency Neodymium magnet design
    ○ No RGB—focused purely on maximum output and clarity
Both options share the same 6.5" billet pod enclosures and mounting; you choose based on style and performance preference.

Question 20

How is the RGB lighting controlled?

Accepted Answer

RGB illumination on the 6.5" speakers is app-controlled, allowing you to:
• Choose colors across the spectrum
• Match front and rear speaker colors on 4-speaker systems
• Select static colors, fades, or more dynamic effects depending on your preference
You decide whether the bike glows subtly or becomes a centerpiece at night rides and events.

Question 21

What's special about the 3.5" handlebar speakers?

Accepted Answer

The 3.5" speakers used in the Havoc Roar Stereo handlebar pods are built exclusively for these kits by Aquatic AV. They use a full aluminum structural frame that ties all components together, making them:
• Highly vibration-resistant for bar mounting on a big twin
• Capable of carrying a large magnet for their size, giving a full, rich sound that keeps up with the 6.5" speakers on the highway bars and in the bags.

Question 22

Does the system affect my Harley-Davidson factory warranty?

Accepted Answer

Installations performed correctly, without cutting or compromising factory safety systems, typically coexist with factory warranties. However, only Harley-Davidson and your selling dealer can make binding statements about your specific warranty coverage. If you have concerns, speak with your dealer about accessory installations and warranty impact.

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