Hello, Valk fam.
After searching for some time, I finally got a pair of Polk DB501s (used) being shipped out to me. Most, if not all, of the previous topics with website links for installation instructions are dead. So, if you have done this upgrade, I would appreciate advice or instructions on how you did it.
First off with the Polks, from my understanding, there might be 3 different ways to mount these.
1. Remove the stock speakers from their mounts/gaskets and attach them to the Polks.
2. Something to do with a Dremel tool - I imagine this would be dremeling some of the inner fairing to get the mounts of the Polks to fit properly, can't really find more information because the link would not be available.
3. Modify the Polk's mounting bracket to fit inside the inner fairing.
I would like to keep everything as close to stock on my motorcycle because that's just the kind of person I am. My preferred method would be 3. If this is possible and if one of you guys has done this please let me know, and for those who did it differently, let us know as well.
The next thing I would like to touch upon is amps. I am pretty novice when it comes to anything electrical and I haven't come across anything on the forum in regards to installations of amps. What I would like to do is install the amp in the fairing. I would also be seeking any recommendations for amplifiers. Here is the current selection of amps that I have found that previous riders have recommended/used in their Interstates.
Pyle Hydra Marine Amplifier - Upgraded Elite Series 400 Watt 4 Channel Audio ($46.27)
https://a.co/d/gUinCbcSoundstream ST4.10000D Compact 4-Channel Car Amplifier 90WX4 ($114.95)
https://a.co/d/eiEHIXjRockford Fosgate PBR300X4 Punch BRT 300-Watt Ultra Compact 4-Channel ($259.99)
https://a.co/d/7NclX4wClarion XC2410 300 Watt 4-Channel ($199.99)
https://a.co/d/fKBaxn9Kenwood KAC-M1814 4-Channel Compact Bridgeable Marine/Motorsports 400W Max Power ($109.99)
https://a.co/d/789XePJSidenote: The one recommended was the model M1804. I was not able to find any of those available but I did find this one instead, they're the same size, I think the difference is that the M1814 is marine-rated?
Kendwood KAC-M1804https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KAM1804/Kenwood-KAC-M1804.html?tp=35782Alpine KTP-445A Head Unit Power Pack ($237.99)
https://a.co/d/5D1cVN4Alright, so I don't know jack when it comes to amps. I was thinking of going with the Kenwood, Clarion, or Soundstream just because of their smaller dimensions and the price being fairly low in comparison. I would consider the Pyle but the only two reviews I've read from members on the forum said they were not satisfied with it, and it has pretty big dimensions - I'm not sure if they had it installed in the fairing or not. I'd like to hear your opinion on these if you have used them in the past! I'm no audiophile so specs and all that don't translate to me, I just assume bigger number means better
When it comes to the wiring of the amplifier, I'm think these are the connections I will have to make.
- Amp to ground
- Amp to battery
- Amp RCA cables to/from head unit
- Amp to remote turn on lead from stereos wiring harness
- Front speakers to amp
https://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php?topic=71762.40According to this forum post, the interstate has a factory amp. One of the members said "Factory amp stays, It also controls other functions. When adding an amp, you will be putting it between the factory amp and speakers. You’ll use the wired inputs on amp not the rca inputs." I'm a bit unclear on that so if anyone can help me understand, I'll appreciate it. I think I have to order the wiring myself too if I'm not mistaken. Let me know if there's something I'm missing concerning the installation of the amp.
Anyway, thanks in advance if you stuck around to read this long post! Hope this helps out anyone else in the future who are also looking to upgrade their stereo system
