Cicada Audio vs Wild Boar Audio
Two Harley Audio Systems. Two Very Different Design Philosophies.
Most Harley-Davidson riders upgrade their audio for one simple reason:
They’re tired of cranking the volume all the way up — and still losing vocals once the wind comes up.
The Cicada Audio 14CXCX-2X2 system and the Wild Boar WBARG / WBASG KIT-2R systems are two of the most popular amplified front-speaker upgrades for modern Harley touring bikes. Both are purpose-built, plug-and-play, and designed specifically for fairing-mounted speakers.
They solve the same problem — but they go about it in very different ways.
Quick Comparison (The 30-Second Scan)
| Feature | Cicada Audio 14CXCX-2X2 | Wild Boar KIT-2R (RG / SG) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (AUD) | $1,670 | $1,450 |
| Total Power Output | 500W (250W × 2 @ 2Ω) | 400W (200W × 2 @ 4Ω) |
| Speaker Impedance | 2Ω coaxials | 4Ω coaxials |
| Fitment | Road Glide & Street Glide (2014–2023) | Road Glide (WBARG-KIT-2R) (2015–2023) Street Glide (WBASG-KIT-2R) (2014–2023) |
| Radio Flash Required | Yes (mandatory) | Yes (mandatory) |
| FM Reception Technology | Standard | R.E.M.I.T. noise suppression |
| Expandability Direction | DSP / system complexity | Multi-amp / power stacking |
Important Setup Requirement
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Both systems require a radio flash to achieve their intended sound quality. Without it, factory EQ curves and limiters can choke your output and make a premium kit sound average.
Typical cost & time: $150–$300 AUD, about 30 minutes (TechnoResearch or dealer flash).
No flash = wasted money, regardless of brand.
The Radio Flash: The Most Important Step Nobody Mentions
From the factory, Harley-Davidson radios apply aggressive processing designed to protect small OEM speakers. That includes:
- Heavy EQ curves
- Dynamic compression
- Bass roll-off at higher volumes
- Output limiting
That’s fine for stock systems — but it cripples amplified upgrades.
Without a flash:
- Bass collapses early
- Midrange becomes congested
- Highs turn brittle
- You run out of usable volume long before the system’s limits
A proper radio flash removes the factory EQ and limiters, unlocks cleaner output, and allows the amplifier to do the work. It’s the difference between “meh… it’s better” and “okay, that’s what I paid for”.
System Architecture: 2Ω vs 4Ω Is a Design Choice, Not a Numbers Game
This is where the two systems truly diverge.
Cicada Audio: 2Ω Efficiency & Headroom
The Cicada system is built around a 2-ohm speaker platform, allowing the amplifier to deliver higher output with less voltage swing.
What that means on the road:
- Stronger midrange presence
- More usable volume before distortion
- Better clarity as wind and road noise increase
Yes, 2Ω systems draw more current — which is exactly why Cicada includes a proper 8-AWG fused power kit in the box. The electrical side is designed to support the load safely and consistently.
This isn’t about being loud for the sake of it — it’s about maintaining authority at speed.
Wild Boar Audio: 4Ω Stability & Control
Wild Boar takes a different approach, using a 4-ohm speaker platform paired with a highly efficient Class-D amplifier.
What that delivers:
- Cooler operation
- More conservative electrical demand
- Predictable, repeatable output
This design prioritises balance and consistency rather than chasing maximum current delivery. It’s a system that remains composed and controlled on long rides.
How They Sound (Once Flashed Properly)
This is where specs stop mattering.
Cicada Audio sounds:
- Forward
- Dynamic
- Present
That presence isn’t harshness or fatigue. It’s vocals staying locked in front of you when wind and speed try to pull them away.
Wild Boar Audio sounds:
- Smooth
- Balanced
- Relaxed
It doesn’t push forward — it holds its ground. Long rides feel effortless, familiar, and controlled.
One system feels like it’s pushing into the wind.
The other feels like it’s cruising with it.
Fitment & Ownership Reality (This Matters More Than Specs)
Here’s the corrected and accurate picture.
Cicada Audio
- One kit fits both Road Glide and Street Glide
- Includes mounting hardware and branded grilles for both platforms
- Value lies in single-SKU versatility and future flexibility
Wild Boar Audio
- Separate SKUs for Road Glide and Street Glide
- WBARG-KIT-2R (Road Glide) and WBASG-KIT-2R (Street Glide) are electrically, acoustically, and mechanically identical
- The only difference is fairing-specific speaker grilles
In real terms:
- Cicada focuses on one system that adapts to multiple bikes
- Wild Boar focuses on platform-specific cosmetic integration
Expandability: Two Very Different Growth Paths
Both systems can grow — just in different directions.
Cicada Expansion Path (Complexity-Focused)
- Clean wiring foundation
- Easy DSP integration
- Rear speakers and subwoofer support
- Designed for system sophistication over time
Wild Boar Expansion Path (Power-Focused)
- Compact amplifier footprint
- Designed to stack up to three amplifiers in the fairing
- Path to 1,200+ watts without relocating hardware
- Designed for maximum output density
One grows in intelligence. The other grows in muscle.
A Critical Wild Boar Advantage: R.E.M.I.T. Technology
Wild Boar’s R.E.M.I.T. technology is designed to maintain clean FM reception — something most high-power Class-D motorcycle amps destroy.
If you listen to FM regularly, this isn’t a minor detail. It’s a deal-breaker-level feature.
So… Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Cicada Audio if you:
- Want maximum clarity at highway speeds
- Prefer presence and authority over laid-back tuning
- Plan to add DSP, rear speakers, or subs later
- Value one kit that works across multiple Harley platforms
Choose Wild Boar Audio if you:
- Value balance and long-ride comfort
- Listen to FM radio frequently
- Plan to stack serious power in the fairing over time
Final Verdict
Neither of these systems wins on specs alone — and that’s exactly the point.
The flash unlocks them.
The architecture defines them.
The rider chooses between them.
Both deliver what Harley riders actually want: clear, usable audio that survives wind, speed, and distance.
They just take different roads to get there.