Harley-Davidson Radio Multimedia Equipment Update

We're going to write a completely practical article dedicated especially to serious travelers on their Harley-Davidson Touring models, where we'll improve the original radio from the first Rushmore models.

Original equipment
In September 2013, the new Harley-Davidson Touring models from Project Rushmore were presented for the world premiere. These models featured significant improvements in comfort and entertainment, and, as a major innovation, included liquid cooling on some models.
One of the main features was the new radio with a 4.3-inch screen, with its innovative joystick-style control on the handlebar.

Adapting to needs
One of the foundations of the Rushmore models' design was that they were conceived with the needs and demands of users in mind, and that's why they quickly realized that users were asking for a more modern radio model, with a touch screen and GPS navigation with maps.
Said and done, the Boom Box 6.5GT replacement radio soon appeared in the Motor Company's accessories catalog, with its larger touchscreen, GPS with compass navigation and maps, and some performance upgrades. It was such a success that it was added as standard equipment on 2015 Touring models.

Direct replacement
So, let's upgrade the original 2014 radio model to a 6.5-inch Boom Box radio. While we're at it, and as an aesthetic improvement, we'll also install the fairing radio antenna kit, which allows us to do away with the traditional antenna mast, replacing it with an electronic system located under the batwing cover.

Let's get to work
We start as always by disconnecting the negative battery terminal to avoid any unpleasant surprises and proceed to remove the fairing cover or "batwing" following the instructions in the service manual.

We continue disassembling the clocks and will release the rear connections of the radio.

Next we will loosen the four screws that hold it to its support.

and we can now remove it, leaving the space free for the new equipment.

With the 2 radios together we can see the difference in size of the touch screen.

Assembly and update
We'll begin assembling the new device by following the previous steps in reverse. Instead of connecting the original antenna, we'll place the new one under the fairing using the adhesives provided in the kit.

and we will plug it into the corresponding connectors.

After this step, we'll take the opportunity to mount the new GPS signal receiving antenna on top of the radio, using its adhesive base on the surface that we previously cleaned with alcohol.

Now we can reassemble the fairing, first connecting the main headlight,

and test the new navigation mode, which will initially display a compass

until we take the vehicle outside and receive a sufficient signal from the global positioning satellites, after which we will see the map of our location on the screen.

Please note that due to system configuration, you may need to use a computer at your dealership or local workshop to configure the parameters (world zone, number of speakers, etc.).

As is well known, the software on these devices is constantly evolving, and if at any time we want to check or update the firmware, we just have to visit the manufacturer's website and in a few minutes we can update it ourselves via USB.

Frank Burguera

#harleymechanics