The 2024+ Platform Is Genuinely Different
The 2024 Harley-Davidson Touring redesign is not an incremental update. The new platform introduced revised fairings, a new Skyline™ OS infotainment system, and — critically for audio upgrades — a fundamentally different method of routing audio between the head unit, amplifier and speakers.
Traditional amplifier integration methods that work reliably on 2014–2023 models do not work on this platform. Products confirmed for the previous generation are not automatically compatible. This guide explains what the 2024+ platform actually requires, what is currently possible, and what to avoid.
The new Skyline™ OS platform first appeared on 2023.5 CVO models. If your bike has Skyline OS — regardless of the year on your registration — this guide applies to you.
The A2B Audio Bus: What Changed and Why It Matters
The most significant change for audio upgrades is the introduction of an A2B (Automotive Audio Bus) digital audio network. On previous Touring generations, audio was routed as a conventional analogue signal through speaker wires between the head unit and speakers. External amplifiers simply intercepted that signal.
On 2023.5+ models, the audio and control data travel as a digital signal over a managed communication bus. A traditional amplifier cannot receive this signal — it receives nothing.
Adding an external amplifier to a 2023.5+ Harley requires an A2B interface module that converts the digital A2B signal into a usable analogue line-level signal. Without it, amplifier installation will not work correctly regardless of the amplifier brand or model.
For a detailed technical explanation: Why 2023.5+ Harley Audio Upgrades Need an A2B Interface
What Has Also Changed on the 2024+ Platform
Beyond the A2B audio bus, the 2024+ Touring redesign changed several other aspects that affect audio upgrade compatibility:
- Fairing architecture — revised speaker positions and mounting points across Street Glide and Road Glide variants. Previous-generation speaker adapters and mounts do not carry over.
- Speaker cutout dimensions — different fairing openings to previous models. Speaker fitment must be confirmed specifically for the 2024+ platform, not assumed from 2014–2023 compatibility.
- Skyline™ OS integration — the new infotainment system changes how aftermarket head units and audio interfaces communicate with the bike. Not all previous-generation head unit solutions are compatible.
- Wiring connectors — wiring harness design has changed. Platform-specific harness kits are required. 2014–2023 harnesses do not fit.
Why Speaker Upgrades Remain the Clearest Starting Point
Speaker replacement on the 2024+ platform is more straightforward than amplifier integration — provided the speakers are confirmed compatible with the new fairing positions. This is the most accessible upgrade on the new platform and delivers a genuine improvement in clarity and frequency response.
The core limitation of factory power output remains — upgraded speakers on factory power still face the same volume ceiling at highway speed. But as a starting point while A2B interface solutions mature and expand, speaker upgrades on confirmed-compatible products are a sensible first step.
Amplifier Integration on 2024+ Models
External amplifier integration on the 2023.5+ platform is possible — but it requires an A2B interface between the head unit and the amplifier. The A2B module converts the digital audio signal to an analogue line-level output that a conventional amplifier can receive and amplify.
The upgrade path with A2B interface:
- A2B interface module receives the digital audio signal from the head unit
- Interface outputs a clean analogue line-level signal
- External amplifier receives and amplifies this signal
- Amplifier drives upgraded speakers in the standard way
When correctly installed, an A2B-based system can deliver the same quality of amplified audio as on previous generations. The additional interface step adds cost and installation complexity, but does not limit the ultimate result.
The Factory CarPlay Situation
2024+ Touring models with Skyline™ OS include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. For most riders on this platform, the head unit does not need to be replaced for connectivity. The upgrade focus shifts to speakers and amplification rather than the head unit.
What Actually Works on 2024+ Touring Models
- Speaker upgrades using products confirmed for 2024+ fairing positions
- Amplifier integration via A2B interface — required for any external amplifier
- Platform-specific wiring harnesses throughout
- DSP tuning after amplifier integration — same principles as previous generations once the A2B signal is converted
The most important principle on this platform: confirm compatibility for the 2024+ architecture specifically before purchasing any component. Do not assume compatibility based on previous-generation fitment.
Browse 2024+ Harley Touring Audio Upgrades
View confirmed-compatible audio upgrades for 2024+ Harley Touring models