hello I'm wondering if anybody tried to put the iPod or stereo system in just the rear bags. Can you get enough power out of just the rears to hear it or any other suggestions I really don't want to put anything on the front. 2013 Softail Deluxe. Thank you

 

sitting still yeah, you'll hear it fine. Moving you'll be able to hear a little but IMO wouldn't be worth it.

 

I would be willing to go what ever watts it would take if that would help. I'm not sure if 200 watt amp for 800 watt amp I don't know? Suggestions

 

the bags, are they the leather bags or the hard bags?

 

I agree ...when moving you won't hear much. You would be better off wearing a set of earphones and your iPod.

 

was thinking hard bags. Just really didnt want to put anything on the front

 

I have to agree with Ultra the resident expert and 1 sweet. There is just too much noise to overcome to get quality sound from behind while cruising at 50+ MPH. You have the wind, and other vehicles creating noise from in front of you and therefore in front of the source of your sound system. Not to mention the fact that your only speakers would be right next to your exhaust another competing factor when considering MC sound system configuration. I am sure if you poured enough money into it, you might get some semblance of quality, I just wonder what the point of critical mass is where the juice is no longer worth the squeeze. Just my two cents. My dad has a 2012 fatboy lo with leather saddlebags. And has considered multiple handlebar systems, primarily the boom, and the J&M. He was ready to pull the trigger on the J&M Audio handlebar system if it wouldn't have interfered with his HD Zumo GPS Mounting Point which was already on his bike. I have been trying to convince him to go with an aftermarket batwing fairing. Then he gets the sound when he wants it, for long cruises or what have you, and he has the option for the quick disconnect and removal.

 

well if you do decide to do this, going the hard bag route will definitely provide you with more options for speakers. I've seen only 1 company that ever made leather bag lids with speaker provisions for softails and you had to send you bags to them so they could sew them in place. I don't even think they're in business anymore as I can't find them any longer.

If I were you, I would look at 2 different setups for your ride;

J&M MHAS-2008 - I had this on my RK and absolutely loved it. Great sound and was actually quite impressed for such small speakers.

Shark Motorcycle Audio - don't have any experience with these but from what I read, they're not bad.

 

IMO trying to preserve the front you are going to take up a lot of bag space between the amp and speakers. I have a 300 watt amp (HW CS300) for just my rear speakers, you can hear them, but as mentioned almost useless while moving at a decent speed. I don't like ear phones, but in your case it might be something to look into. Out of curiousity if you plan to put everything in the bags, how are you going to control the volume, select songs, etc?