Modern Audio Upgrades for 1998–2013 Harley-Davidson Touring Models
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
When these bikes were released, factory audio systems were built around CD changers, wired inputs, and limited tuning. A modern head unit adds:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Brighter, higher-resolution displays
- Cleaner audio output 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 riders now expect.
Head Unit Options for 1998–2013 Touring Models
All options below are Harley-specific, plug & play, and retain factory handlebar controls. No cutting factory looms, no universal brackets, no guesswork.
Soundstream WHD.SG
Fitment: 1998–2013 Street Glide / Electra Glide / Ultra
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- 7” QLCD capacitive touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Bluetooth 5.0
- 13-band EQ with active crossovers
- Built-in Class-D amplifier (4 × 50W RMS)
- 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 WHD.RG
Fitment: 1998–2013 Road Glide
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- 7” high-brightness QLED touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Built-in Class-D amplifier (4 × 50W RMS)
- 13-band EQ, time alignment, 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 shark-nose install with modern connectivity and proper tuning control.
Rockford Fosgate Digital Media Receiver
Fitment: All 1998–2013 Harley-Davidson Touring models
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- 3-colour LCD display
- Bluetooth audio streaming
- USB & AUX inputs
- Internal amplifier (4 × 50W peak)
- Weather-resistant construction
- Retains factory handlebar controls (plug & play)
Best suited to:
Riders who want improved sound quality and Bluetooth reliability without a touchscreen — simple, durable, and easy to live with.
Which One Should I Choose?
- Have a Road Glide? → Soundstream WHD.RG
- Want wireless CarPlay / Android Auto? → Soundstream WHD.SG or WHD.RG
- Prefer physical buttons and minimal tech? → Rockford Fosgate Digital Media Receiver
- Planning future amp or DSP upgrades? → Soundstream WHD.SG or WHD.RG
Feature Comparison
| Feature | WHD.SG | WHD.RG | Rockford Fosgate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitment | Street Glide / Electra / Ultra | Road Glide | All Touring |
| Display | 7” QLCD Touch | 7” QLED Touch | 3-Colour LCD |
| Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Yes |
| Built-in Amp | 4 × 50W RMS | 4 × 50W RMS | 4 × 50W Peak |
| Audio Tuning | 13-band EQ + XO | EQ, XO, Time Align | Basic |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes | No |
| Camera Input | Yes | Yes | No |
| 5V RCA Outputs | Yes | Yes | No |
| Factory Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plug & Play | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Why Motorcycle Audio Australia?
- Harley-specific products — not universal compromises
- Plug & play systems that retain factory controls
- Local support from people who install and tune these bikes
- Upgrade paths that scale properly with speakers, amps and DSP
Final Notes
A head unit upgrade is one of the few changes that improves every ride, not just weekend blasts. Navigation works properly. Audio is clearer. Controls make sense again.
It doesn’t change the bike you love — it simply removes the parts that feel dated.