Product Comparison · Head Units
If you own a 1998-2013 Harley-Davidson Touring bike, a modern head unit is the single biggest upgrade to day-to-day usability: wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a brighter display and cleaner tuning, all without changing the character of the bike. Here are the five plug-and-play options we fit, how they compare and how to choose.
Four of these options add wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Rockford PMX-HD9813 is a simpler Bluetooth receiver with large physical controls.
Why Modernise Instead of Replacing?
Most riders with a 1998-2013 Harley-Davidson Touring model have already invested heavily in the parts that matter: comfort, suspension, exhaust, ergonomics. The bike rides the way it should. What usually hasn't kept up is the audio and dash technology.
Modernising the head unit brings day-to-day usability improvements without changing the character of the bike, and without the cost or compromise of moving to a newer model.
What You Gain From a Head Unit Upgrade
Across this generation, factory audio systems were built around cassette or CD players, basic wired inputs and limited tuning. Depending on the model you choose, a modern head unit can add:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Brighter, higher-resolution displays
- A cleaner signal foundation and better tuning control for a system designed to perform at highway speeds
- Proper EQ and crossover control
- Navigation, voice control and optional camera inputs
- Plug & play integration that retains factory controls
The result isn't just better sound. It's a cockpit that works the way you now expect.
Important: Check for a Factory Amplifier Before Ordering
Before upgrading any 1998-2013 Touring model, check whether the bike has a separate factory amplifier, and if so, what brand it is. Some 1998-2013 CVO, Ultra and factory-amplified Touring models use a separate OEM amplifier. The exact configuration and location vary by model and year: on many bikes the amp sits under or near the Tour-Pak rather than under the fairing.
MTX-branded factory amplifiers can generally be retained with the compatible SoundStream head units listed below. Harman Kardon factory amplifiers are different: they wait for a digital turn-on command on the CAN bus, which most aftermarket radios cannot issue. As of August 2026 the SoundStream SG.V2 can retain a Harman Kardon amplifier on supported 2009 to 2013 batwing models when fitted with an iDataLink Maestro RR2 module on current firmware — SoundStream Reserve describes this as an industry first for the platform. The WHD.SG, WHD.9813 and WHD.RG cannot. On 1998 to 2008 bikes, and on Road Glide models where the SG.V2 does not fit, a Harman Kardon amplifier must still be replaced or bypassed, which involves rewiring.
Do not rely on the Harman Kardon branding on the factory radio alone. A Harman Kardon-branded source unit does not always mean a separate amplifier is fitted. Confirm whether the bike has a separate amplifier and identify its brand before ordering. If your bike has a Harman Kardon amp, the budget line is either a Maestro RR2 module (supported 2009 to 2013 batwing bikes, with the SG.V2) or a replacement amplifier and rewiring (everything else). Contact MAA if you are unsure which applies to your bike.
Head Unit Options for 1998-2013 Touring Models
All options below are Harley-specific and use factory-style mounting and wiring on compatible bikes, retaining the factory handlebar controls. No universal brackets, no guesswork. Note that factory amplifiers, CB and intercom systems, rear controls and some Ultra rear-speaker configurations may need additional work or may not be retained, so check each product page and the amplifier note above.
SoundStream WHD.SG
Fitment: 2006-2013 Street Glide, 1998-2013 Electra Glide / Ultra and 2009-2013 Tri Glide (Batwing)
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- 7" optically bonded QLCD capacitive touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Bluetooth 5.0
- 13-band EQ with active crossovers
- Built-in 200W peak, 4-channel Class A/B amplifier, 2-ohm stable
- IPx5 weather-resistant faceplate
- USB input, camera input, 5V RCA outputs
- Retains factory handlebar controls (plug & play)
Best suited to: Batwing-fairing riders who want modern smartphone integration and a factory-style fit, with a clean path to future amp and DSP upgrades.
SoundStream SG.V2
Fitment: Batwing Touring: 2006-2013 Street Glide, 1998-2013 Electra Glide / Ultra and 2009-2013 Tri Glide
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- 8.3" high-definition widescreen LCD, ultra-bright 1000 NIT backlight
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- iDataLink® Maestro® RR2 integration: up to 10 digital gauges, advanced controls, and factory Harman Kardon amplifier retention (supported 2009-2013 models)
- Built-in iGo Primo® GPS navigation; Australian maps available separately through Naviextras
- Wireless Bluetooth headsets, rider & passenger, no WHIM module required
- Rally Mode™: broadcast music to unlimited nearby riders
- 200W Class-D amplifier, 5V RCA outputs
- IPx5 water resistance, 5-year warranty
Australian mapping note: iGo Primo is built in, but Australian maps are not preloaded. Most Australian riders will use Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze through CarPlay or Android Auto.
Best suited to: Batwing Touring riders who want the most complete head unit upgrade: premium daylight-readable display, Maestro® vehicle integration with real-time gauges, wireless passenger comms without a WHIM module, and built-in GPS navigation. The definitive premium option for 2006-2013 Street Glide and Batwing models.
SoundStream WHD.RG
Fitment: 1998-2013 Road Glide (Sharknose)
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- 7" optically bonded QLCD touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Built-in 200W peak, 4-channel Class A/B amplifier, 2-ohm stable
- 13-band EQ, active crossovers
- USB input, camera input, 5V RCA outputs
- IPx5 water resistance
- Retains factory handlebar controls (plug & play)
Best suited to: Road Glide riders who want a purpose-built, clean Sharknose install with modern connectivity and proper tuning control.
SoundStream WHD.9813
Fitment: All 1998-2013 Harley-Davidson® Touring models (Street Glide from 2006)
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- 7.7" widescreen Quantum Film LCD touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Bluetooth audio & hands-free calling
- Handlebar controls built in, no separate module required
- 4-channel Class A/B amplifier, 2-ohm stable
- 5V RCA outputs (front, rear, subwoofer)
- 15-band EQ with active crossovers
- IPx5 water resistance, 2-year warranty
Best suited to: riders who want a clean, plug-and-play wireless CarPlay/Android Auto upgrade that fits the entire 1998-2013 Touring range: Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra, Ultra, and Tri Glide. Strong value with proper 5V RCA pre-outs for future amp upgrades. Note: it does not provide the direct rider/passenger Bluetooth-headset integration offered by the SG.V2. Factory amplifier compatibility depends on the amplifier brand — the WHD.9813 retains MTX amplifiers but cannot activate a Harman Kardon amplifier; see the compatibility section above.
Rockford Fosgate PMX-HD9813 Digital Media Receiver
Fitment: Select 2006-2013 Street Glide, 1998-2013 Road Glide and Electra Glide (not factory-amplified systems)
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- 3-inch full-colour TFT display with day/night mode
- Bluetooth audio streaming (A2DP) and Pandora control
- USB (1.5A charging) & AUX inputs
- Built-in four-channel amplifier: 25W RMS × 4 (at 4Ω)
- 4V RCA pre-outs
- 7-band graphic EQ plus parametric EQ, selectable crossovers
- Retains factory handlebar controls (plug & play)
- 2-year warranty
Best suited to: riders who want improved sound quality and Bluetooth reliability without a touchscreen: simple, durable, and easy to live with. Not compatible with factory-amplified systems, CB, intercom, rear volume controls, the rear speakers on 1998-2005 Ultras, or factory satellite radio, so confirm your setup before ordering.
Which Head Unit Should I Choose?
- Have a Road Glide and want the fairing-specific option? → SoundStream WHD.RG
- Have a Batwing model and want the premium option, or need to keep a factory Harman Kardon amplifier? → SoundStream SG.V2 (Maestro® gauges, built-in GPS, wireless headsets, Rally Mode™, and the only unit here that retains a Harman Kardon amp on supported 2009-2013 models)
- Want one CarPlay model that fits both Road Glide and Batwing Touring? → SoundStream WHD.9813
- Want a simpler, more affordable Batwing-specific CarPlay unit? → SoundStream WHD.SG
- Prefer large physical controls and Bluetooth rather than a touchscreen? → Rockford Fosgate PMX-HD9813
- Building toward external amplifiers or a DSP? → any SoundStream option, with 5V front, rear and subwoofer pre-outs
Feature Comparison
| Feature | SG.V2 | WHD.SG | WHD.RG | WHD.9813 | Rockford PMX-HD9813 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitment | Batwing (SG 2006-2013, Electra, Ultra, Tri Glide 2009-2013) | SG 2006-2013, Electra, Ultra, Tri Glide 2009-2013 | Road Glide | All 1998-2013 Touring | Select SG / RG / Electra Glide |
| Display | 8.3" HD LCD 1000 NIT | 7" QLCD Touch | 7" QLCD Touch | 7.7" Quantum Film LCD | 3" full-colour TFT |
| Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0 | 5.0 | Yes | Yes |
| Headset Integration | Yes (no WHIM needed) | No | No | No | No |
| Built-in GPS | Yes (iGo Primo®, AU maps via Naviextras) | No | No | No | No |
| Maestro® RR2 Gauges | Yes (2009-2013) | No | No | No | No |
| Factory Harman Kardon amp retention | Yes — supported 2009-2013 models, with Maestro RR2 | No | No | No | No |
| Rally Mode™ | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Built-in Amp | 200W Class-D | 200W Class A/B (2Ω) | 200W Class A/B (2Ω) | 4-ch Class A/B (2Ω) | 25W RMS × 4 (4Ω) |
| RCA pre-out voltage | 5V | 5V | 5V | 5V | 4V |
| Factory Controls Retained | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
What Comes After the Head Unit
A new head unit is a strong starting point, but most 1998-2013 riders find the improvement accelerates when speakers and amplification are upgraded alongside it.
For a full factory speaker size breakdown across all Harley-Davidson Touring eras, see: What Size Speakers Does My Harley Have? Factory Speaker Sizes by Year and Model.
Key considerations for the next steps:
- Batwing fairing speakers: 1998-2013 Batwing Touring models use a genuine 5.25-inch factory position. A 6.5-inch speaker requires a suitable Harley-specific adaptor and confirmed clearance.
- Road Glide fairing speakers: the 1998-2013 Sharknose uses generation-specific mounting, grilles and wiring. Dedicated 6.5-inch direct-fit packages are available, but a generic 6.5-inch car speaker should not be assumed to fit.
- Amplification and DSP: once you move past the factory amplifier — whether it was removed, bypassed, or retained and later replaced — a compact amplifier or DSP amplifier provides the power, crossover control, equalisation and time alignment needed to tune the system properly for your speaker positions and open-air riding.
- Tour-Pak speakers: 1998-2013 Ultra and Electra Glide Tour-Pak pods use genuine 5.25" factory speaker positions. A 6.5" upgrade may be possible with the appropriate adaptor and sufficient mounting depth.
- Saddlebag speakers: factory or aftermarket speaker-equipped lids commonly use a 5x7" position on this generation. Standard saddlebags without speaker lids do not already have a speaker cutout.
Once you've chosen a head unit, the model-specific guides cover the full system approach for your fairing:
- 1998-2013 Batwing Touring Audio Upgrades: What Actually Works
- Road Glide 1998-2013 Audio Upgrades: What Actually Works
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these head units keep my factory handlebar controls?
Yes. Every option listed retains the compatible factory audio controls, including volume and track or station controls, through the original handlebar switches.
Which of these fits a Road Glide?
The SoundStream WHD.RG is purpose-built for the 1998-2013 Road Glide Sharknose fairing, and the WHD.9813 also fits Road Glide as part of its all-model coverage. The WHD.SG and SG.V2 are Batwing-only (Street Glide, Electra Glide, Ultra, Tri Glide).
Will an aftermarket head unit work with my factory amplifier?
It depends on the amplifier and on which head unit you choose. MTX-branded factory amplifiers can generally be retained with the compatible SoundStream units. Harman Kardon factory amplifiers can now be retained by the SG.V2 on supported 2009 to 2013 batwing models, fitted with an iDataLink Maestro RR2 module on current firmware; no other head unit here can activate one, and on 1998 to 2008 bikes it must be replaced or bypassed. Check whether your bike has a separate amplifier, and its brand, before ordering.
Can I add an amplifier or DSP later?
Yes. All four SoundStream units provide 5V RCA pre-outs for front, rear and subwoofer, and the Rockford has 4V pre-outs, so any of them can feed an external amplifier or DSP when you expand the system.
Not Sure Which Head Unit Fits?
Tell us your exact model, year and factory radio, and whether the bike has a factory amplifier, and we'll confirm the right plug-and-play head unit for your build.
Get in Touch →Shop 1998-2013 head units
- SoundStream WHD.SG (Batwing)
- SoundStream SG.V2 (Batwing premium)
- SoundStream WHD.RG (Road Glide)
- SoundStream WHD.9813 (all models)
- Rockford Fosgate PMX-HD9813
Or browse audio for the 1998-2013 Batwing Touring and 1998-2013 Road Glide.
Not sure what fits your bike? Contact Motorcycle Audio Australia with your year, exact model, factory radio, current speaker locations and whether the bike has a factory amplifier, and we'll confirm the right parts →
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