Interstate rear speakers

[redbaron]

Hi, I'm new to the VRCC forum, as I just bought a 2001 Interstate. My question is, "What did Honda do with the rear speakers"?  . . . I have none. Were these optional, even though they placed rear speaker pods at the back and included a rear fader control?  I take it that's likely the ugly truth !!
Does anyone know where the wiring comes out to connect to the rear speakers if I install speakers in the rear pods? And color code for right left? And anyone know if there is an aftermarket supplier for the harness?
One other question: I can't seem to locate a supplier of chromed side covers, or the modified pods with driving lights . . . . anyone with info?

Thanks
Redbaron

[sandy]

The pods with driving lights was actually a light kit. You had to cut the holes and mount them. I don't believe they're still available. The rear speakers were an option which is why the fader is built into the radio. New Gold Wings are still this way. You can buy rear speakers for Wings and they plug in under the seat. The I/S wiring might be under the right side cover as I recall. I have a Tourer. J&M makes upgraded speakers for Wings that are a direct fit. $70 without a harness and $100 with a harness. The harness can be bought separate but I don't know if they fit a Valk plug. You might find discounts online. Some of the Wing guys are adding a certain size of Polk speakers for better sound. Factory Honda speakers are the worst. You might like it better to get a J&M headet for your helmet. That's what I do on the wing. I wouldn't bother adding rears or upgrading dash speakers.

[OverdueBill]

Several folks have adapted 5" Polk audio marine grade speakers to the front and rear.  The "how to" is around here somewhere.  Maybe the Old tech archives.  Try the search.  Valkyrie Bling and Things, a sponser here, has the chrome side covers.  He did have the lights but I believe he is out now.  Give him a try.  I saw some pods with lights on eBay a while back.  Whoooo Hoo they went high!  Welcome to the board.  Lots of good people and info to be found here.

[ptgb]

Welcome to the VRCC and to owning the greatest motorcycle ever made!

Yes, rear speakers were an option on the I/S. You can purchase a new set for the rears from a few different vendors:

OEM Speakers: http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=290&str=2

J&M used to make a set for the Valkyrie, but I can't find them right now.

Polk DB501 will fit with some modifications:

http://www.polkaudio.com/caraudio/products/speakers/5/db501/

If you do a search on this site for "polk speakers" or something of the sort, you should get a link to the modifications needed to install them. It involves some trimming of the speaker ring and the speaker pods, but it is nothing major. I changed both front and rear with the DB501's... supposedly the sound is a ton better... I can't say it is a huge difference, but it is better.

The connection for the rear speaker wires is under the right side cover... it is a white connector with four holes (2x2).

An aftermarket supplier for the speaker wire harness is http://www.electricalconnection.com/. I bought mine from him it is quality... the only thing is that it has gray sheathing so if you try to run the wire external of the trunk like Honda did it would be too visible, I did an underneath - interior run of the wire; involves some drilling but not too difficult.


** edit - sorry for the repeat information, was typing while the others were.

[Jess from VA]

Links for rear and front Polk audio upgrade.

http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t220/wixthedog/Rear%20Speaker%20Upgrade/

http://s161.photobucket.com/albums/t220/wixthedog/Front%20Speaker%20Upgrade/