Reference Series · Cicada Audio
Speakers, Amplifiers, DSP and Complete Kits: Everything Cicada Makes for Harley Touring
Quick answer: Cicada Audio is a motorcycle-first range built for the heat, vibration, electrical noise and open-air acoustics of a Harley Touring bike. This guide maps the whole line: eight speaker families (from the flagship CHX horn coaxials to CMB pro mid-bass), the FLX and FLX PRO amplifier range, standalone DSP, complete pre-matched kits, and the harness and grille accessories that tie a build together, plus what changes on 2024+ A2B bikes. The fastest path for most riders is a complete kit matched to their model.
Cicada Audio is built around a single idea: motorcycle audio should be designed for motorcycles, not adapted from car audio. Every speaker, amplifier, DSP and harness in the Cicada range is engineered for the specific conditions Harley Touring riders face: heat, vibration, electrical noise, open-air acoustics, and the constant battle with wind at highway speed.
This guide covers the complete Cicada product range stocked by Motorcycle Audio Australia: every speaker line, every amplifier, both DSP options, complete system kits, and the harness and accessory range that ties it all together. If you want to go deeper on any one category, we link to the detailed guides at the bottom.
Table of Contents
- Complete System Kits: Start Here
- Speaker Lines Overview
- CHX: Pro Coaxial Horn Speakers
- CH: Coax-Horn Speakers
- CXX: Pro Coaxial Speakers
- CX: Coaxial Speakers
- RR: Horn Tweeters
- CM: Mid-Bass Drivers
- CXXM: Kevlar Mid-Bass Drivers
- CMB: Pro Mid-Bass Drivers
- CXK: Component Kits
- Amplifier Lines Overview
- FLX: Class-D Amplifiers
- FLX PRO: Amplifiers with Built-In DSP
- BFA: Extreme Monoblock
- Standalone DSP
- Harnesses, Grilles and Accessories
- 2024+ Harley Models: What Changes
- Go Deeper: Detailed Guides
Complete System Kits: The Fastest Path to a Matched System
If you want a Cicada system without sourcing individual components, this is where to start. Depending on the exact package, Cicada complete kits can include the matched amplifier, speakers, wiring, mounting hardware, grilles, crossovers and model-specific integration components, pre-engineered for Harley Touring fitment and pre-matched for impedance and power handling. Check the contents and fitment notes for the selected kit, including radio configuration, lid modification and A2B requirements where applicable.
Kits are available for both the 2014-2023 and 2024+ Touring platforms, across Street Glide, Road Glide, Ultra, Electra Glide, CVO variants and Road King configurations. Speaker choices within the kit range cover CX coaxial, CXX pro coaxial, CHX pro coaxial horn, and CM mid-bass with tweeter combinations, in front-only or front-and-rear configurations depending on the kit.
For riders who want DSP-controlled output from the box, kits built around the FLX PRO amplifier include the built-in DSP pre-configured for the system. These are the top-of-range kit options.
Why a complete kit matters for a DIY installer: Individual component selection requires matching speaker impedance, power handling, amplifier output, wiring gauge and mounting hardware across multiple separate purchases. A Cicada complete kit has already done that engineering. You are executing the install, not designing the system.
Browse all Cicada complete system kits →
Speaker Lines Overview
Cicada's speaker range covers eight primary speaker families, each built for a different purpose and position within a Harley Touring system, plus the CXXM Kevlar mid-bass range as an additional specialist option. The table below gives the fast overview; the detailed breakdowns follow.
| Line | Type | Sizes available | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHX | Pro coaxial horn | 5.25", 6.5", 6x9, 8" | Maximum projection, high-efficiency horn coaxial |
| CH | Coax-horn | 6.5" (Classic), 6x9, 8" (All-Weather) | Horn coaxial for fairing and weather-exposed positions |
| CXX | Pro coaxial | 4", 5.25", 5x7, 6.5", 6x9, 8" | High-output coaxial without horn tweeter |
| CX | Coaxial | 6.5", 6x9 | Entry coaxial; complete-kit and straightforward builds |
| RR | Horn tweeters | 0.5", 1" (two profiles), 3" (on 6x9 plate) | Add-on tweeters for fairing and lid positions |
| CM | Mid-bass | 6.5", 6x9, 8" | Dedicated mid-bass drivers for component builds |
| CXXM | Kevlar mid-bass | 6.5", 8" | Kevlar-cone mid-bass, lighter power than CM |
| CMB | Pro mid-bass | 6x9, 8", 10", 10" Neodymium | High-power mid-bass for serious and saddlebag builds |
| CXK | Component kit | 6.5" (14-23 & 24+), 6x9 (14-23 & 24+) | CM mid-bass plus RR tweeter, model-year-specific kits |
CHX: Pro Coaxial Horn Speakers
Sizes: 5.25", 6.5", 6x9, 8", available in 2Ω and 4Ω.
Construction: Carbon matrix composite cone, horn-loaded tweeter.
The CHX is Cicada's flagship coaxial line and the one most Harley riders encounter first. The horn-loaded tweeter is the defining feature: it projects high frequencies further and more efficiently than a dome tweeter, which means vocals and guitar cut through road noise at speed rather than being buried under it.
The trade-off is that horn coaxials are inherently bright; they are built to project, not to smooth. If your priority is a warm, relaxed, hi-fi tone, CHX will sound aggressive by comparison. If your priority is being able to hear the music clearly at 110 km/h with a helmet on, CHX is built for exactly that.
Available positions: Fairing (5.25" and 6.5"), saddlebag lids (6.5", 6x9), custom enclosures (8").
Impedance: 2Ω variants for direct connection to high-current FLX amplifiers; 4Ω variants for standard amplifier configurations.
CH: Coax-Horn Speakers
Sizes: 6.5" (Classic), 6x9 and 8" (All-Weather variants).
Construction: Horn coaxial design.
The CH line covers two distinct applications. The CH65 Larry Frederick Classic is a 6.5" fairing speaker: a refined horn coaxial with a focus on tonal balance alongside projection. The CH69 and CH8 are All-Weather variants, sealed against moisture and corrosion for positions exposed to direct spray, particularly saddlebag lids and other weather-exposed locations where a standard speaker would degrade over time.
If you are building a system for a bike that lives outside, rides in wet conditions, or is going into a position that sees regular water exposure, the All-Weather CH variants are the appropriate choice over standard speakers regardless of their output level.
CXX: Pro Coaxial Speakers
Sizes: 4", 5.25", 5x7, 6.5", 6x9, 8", available in 2Ω and 4Ω.
Construction: Dome tweeter, carbon matrix composite.
CXX is the pro coaxial line without a horn tweeter. The result is a speaker that handles more power and plays louder than a standard coaxial, but with a smoother, less directional top-end than the CHX. CXX is the better choice when you want serious output with a more balanced sound profile, particularly for longer riding sessions where the brightness of a horn coaxial can become fatiguing.
The 5x7 variant (CXX57) is worth noting separately: it is designed specifically for Boom! II bi-amp configurations in Harley saddlebag positions, where the factory wiring configuration applies two amplifier channels to a single speaker location.
CX: Coaxial Speakers
Sizes: 6.5", 6x9, available in 2Ω and 4Ω.
Construction: Coaxial with a built-in tweeter filter.
The CX is the standard coaxial in the Cicada range: below the CXX in power handling, but a clean, balanced speaker that works well in complete-kit configurations and straightforward fairing and lid builds. It is the practical entry point into the Cicada speaker range, and it is the speaker family used in the entry Cicada complete kits.
RR: Horn Tweeters
Options: RR05T (0.5" titanium), RR075T (1" shallow ring radiator), RR1T (1" titanium), RR3TM (3" horn on 6x9 plate).
Impedance: 4Ω and 8Ω depending on model.
Cicada's RR tweeter range is designed for systems where you want to add high-frequency extension and projection to a position that already has a mid-bass driver, or where you want to upgrade the tweeter in an existing component system.
The RR075T and RR1T are the most commonly used in Harley fairing applications, often paired with the branded fairing grille kits that include integrated tweeter mounting. The RR3TM is a 3" compression horn mounted to a 6x9" plate, designed for saddlebag lid positions where a larger horn is practical.
For the 2014-2023 platform, Cicada makes dedicated grille kits for Road Glide and Street Glide that incorporate RR tweeter mounting: CHDRGGTK for Road Glide and CHDSGGTK for Street Glide.
CM: Mid-Bass Drivers
Sizes: 6.5", 6x9, 8", available in 2Ω and 4Ω.
Construction: Carbon matrix composite cone, dedicated mid-bass design, 250W RMS.
CM drivers are not coaxials; they have no tweeter. They are purpose-built mid-bass drivers designed to reproduce the 80 to 800 Hz range accurately and with real punch. In a complete system, CM drivers handle the body of the music: the kick, bass guitar, male vocals, and the warmth that makes a system feel full rather than just loud.
CM drivers are used in two contexts: as the mid-bass element in component kits (paired with RR tweeters via the CXK kits), and as standalone drivers in saddlebag lid and rear positions in systems where the front stage has dedicated tweeters. Either way, they work with a crossover that protects them from high frequencies they are not designed to handle.
CXXM: Kevlar Mid-Bass Drivers
Sizes: 6.5", 8", available in 2Ω and 4Ω.
Construction: Kevlar cone, dedicated mid-bass design.
CXXM is Cicada's Kevlar-cone mid-bass line. Like the CM, it has no tweeter and does one job: reproduce the punch and body beneath a horn or coaxial front stage. The difference is cone material and power handling. CXXM uses a Kevlar cone and handles 100W RMS in the 6.5" and 200W RMS in the 8", where the carbon matrix CM is rated to 250W RMS.
In practice, CXXM suits mid-bass positions where you want the warmth a dedicated mid-bass adds without feeding it the highest-power amplification, while CM is the pick when the system is being pushed harder and the extra power handling earns its place. Both are dedicated mid-bass drivers that run behind a crossover.
Our guide Cicada CXXM vs CM-X Mid-Bass: Kevlar or Carbon Matrix? breaks the two ranges down size by size.
CMB: Pro Mid-Bass Drivers
Sizes: 6x9, 8", 10", 10" Neodymium.
Power handling: 500W RMS (8") to 800W RMS (10").
Impedance: 4Ω.
CMB is the high-power mid-bass line. Where CM covers most touring applications, CMB is for systems that are being pushed hard: saddlebag builds with serious amplification, 10" saddlebag mid-bass configurations, or systems where the installer needs maximum excursion and power handling from a mid-bass position.
The CMB10.S4NEO uses a neodymium magnet assembly. This is not a separate product line; neodymium magnets are used in specific CMB drivers where weight reduction matters without sacrificing output, typically in applications where total system weight is a consideration. The output and power handling specifications are the same as the standard CMB10.
CMB10 drivers in saddlebag positions require the Cicada 10" mounting ring and template kits (14HDRING10 for 2014-2023, 24HDRING10 for 2024+).
CXK: Component Kits
2014-2023 Touring: 14CXK65 (6.5"), CXK69 (6x9).
2024+ Road Glide: 24CXK65RG (6.5").
2024+ Street Glide: 24CXK65SG (6.5").
2024+ rear (both models): 24CXK69 (6x9).
Available in: 2Ω and 4Ω.
The CXK kits combine a CM mid-bass driver with RR tweeters, crossover hardware, and the mounting components required for the specific year and model. They are the correct answer when you want a properly crossed-over component system in the Harley fairing or saddlebag lid, rather than a coaxial that compromises between tweeter and mid-bass in a single driver.
The 2024+ kits are model-specific (Road Glide or Street Glide) because the fairing architecture changed significantly in the 2024 platform. Do not attempt to cross-fit these between models.
Amplifier Lines Overview
All Cicada amplifiers are Class-D, compact enough for Harley fairing and saddlebag installation, and built to handle the electrical environment of a Harley Touring bike. The range covers three distinct lines.
| Amp | Channels | RMS power | DSP | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLX500.4 | 4-ch | 125W x4 @2Ω | No | Front and rear coaxial systems, entry builds |
| FLX700.4 | 4-ch | 120W x4 @4Ω / 175W x4 @2Ω | No | Front and rear coaxial systems |
| FLX1000.4 | 4-ch | 254W x4 @2Ω | No | Higher-output coaxial or horn builds |
| FLX1400.4 | 4-ch | 350W x4 @2Ω | No | CHX or CMB-fed systems with headroom |
| FLX2000.4 | 4-ch | 542W x4 @2Ω | No | Extreme builds, multi-speaker systems |
| FLX700.4PRO | 4-ch + DSP | 120W x4 @4Ω / 175W x4 @2Ω | Built-in | CXX or CH systems with tuning control |
| FLX1400.4PRO | 4-ch + DSP | 350W x4 @2Ω | Built-in | CHX and CM builds needing DSP control |
| FLX1600.1 | Mono | 1,600W RMS | No | Saddlebag mid-bass or subwoofer |
| FLX2500.1 | Mono | 2,500W RMS | No | High-power dedicated sub stage |
| BFA5000.1 | Mono | 5,000W RMS | No | Extreme sub builds |
FLX: Class-D Amplifiers (No DSP)
The FLX range is the core Cicada amplifier line: compact, efficient, high-current, and matched to the power requirements of every speaker line from CXX through to CMB. The four-channel FLX amps cover fairing-plus-lids builds and front-plus-rear configurations. The monoblock FLX1600.1 and FLX2500.1 feed dedicated mid-bass or subwoofer positions.
Without built-in DSP, FLX amps rely on the head unit's onboard EQ and crossovers, or pair with a standalone Cicada DSP for a fully tuned result. For most Stage 1 and Stage 2 builds with good source material, the FLX without DSP is a clean, direct solution.
Read the full Cicada amplifier guide →
FLX PRO: Amplifiers with Built-In DSP
The FLX PRO models (FLX700.4PRO and FLX1400.4PRO) are the same form factor as the standard FLX range with a full DSP processor integrated into the amplifier chassis. The DSP handles crossover control, EQ, time alignment and channel routing, functions that would otherwise require a separate standalone processor.
The practical advantage is a cleaner install: one device where two would otherwise be required. The FLX PRO is the correct choice for CHX and CM component builds where proper crossover management is not optional, and for riders who want full DSP control without adding a dedicated DSP module to the system.
FLX PRO amplifiers are software-configured via Cicada's DIALD software on a Windows PC (there is no smartphone app). Configuration is typically handled by MAA before dispatch when ordered as part of a complete kit.
Cicada DSP Amps vs Standalone Processors, full comparison →
BFA: Extreme Monoblock
The BFA5000.1 is a 5,000W RMS monoblock amplifier, the largest in the Cicada range and built for extreme saddlebag sub builds where output is the only metric that matters. If you are asking whether you need the BFA, the answer is almost certainly no. If you know what it is and why you need it, you already know your answer.
Standalone DSP
Cicada offers a standalone DSP option for systems where the amplifier does not have DSP built in, or where the system's complexity requires more processing channels than the FLX PRO provides. Cicada DSP is tuned on a Windows PC with the DIALD software; there is no smartphone tuning app.
| DSP | Inputs / outputs | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| DSP412PRO (current) | 4 in / 12 out | The current Cicada standalone processor: large systems with front, rear, mid-bass and sub stages |
| DSP88v2 (legacy) | 8 in / 8 out | The earlier 8x8 processor, supported for existing systems; new builds are directed to the DSP412PRO |
When a standalone DSP is the right choice over an FLX PRO, and how to configure it, is covered in detail in the Cicada DSP guide.
Harnesses, Grilles and Accessories
The Cicada accessory range covers everything the speaker and amplifier products need for a clean, correct Harley Touring installation.
Power wiring kits: Harley-specific AWG-rated power and ground kits from 8 AWG (single amp) to 2 AWG heavy-duty dual-amp configurations. Using the correct wire gauge for the amp's current draw is not optional; undersized wiring is the most common cause of amplifier fuse failures.
Signal harnesses: Plug-and-play signal harnesses that connect the factory Harley radio or amplifier outputs to Cicada FLX amplifier inputs without cutting factory wiring. Includes T-harness solutions (HDTSLINKv2 for 2014-2023), front and rear output harnesses, and Y-harness configurations for dual-amp fairing setups.
Amplifier mounting: Model-specific amp mounting racks for the Road Glide and Street Glide fairings (2014-2023 and 2024+), and the saddlebag amplifier mounting rack for rear amp positions.
Speaker grilles: OEM-style branded grilles for 2014-2023 and 2024+ Road Glide and Street Glide fairing positions, replacement round grilles, and flush-mount billet grilles in 6.5" and 8" sizes. Some grille kits include integrated RR tweeter mounting.
Lid and saddlebag kits: Cut-in mounting kits for 6x9" saddlebag lid speaker installation (CHDLID for 2014-2023, 24CHDLID for 2024+), 8" lid kits, extended saddlebag systems with 10" bag cutouts, and saddlebag ABS dividers to isolate speaker air space from the bag interior.
Port kits: 3" and 4" aero port kits for ported saddlebag enclosures, with and without integrated LED rings. Model-specific versions for 2014-2023 and 2024+ platforms.
A2B interface harnesses: Direct-connect harnesses for integrating Cicada amplifiers with NAV-TV and Volunteer Audio A2B interfaces on 2023.5+ Skyline OS bikes. See the A2B interface guide for context on why these are needed on the 2024+ platform.
Timers and triggers: Remote turn-on and turn-off timers (ATT1 single-channel, ATT4 four-channel) for controlling amp power cycling independently of the bike's ignition output.
2024+ Harley Touring Models: What Changes
The 2024+ Harley-Davidson Touring models (Street Glide, Road Glide and CVO variants on the new platform) use a digital audio network (A2B) rather than the analogue signal path of the 2014-2023 bikes. This changes what is required at the amplifier integration point.
A speaker-only replacement that retains the factory amplification does not need an A2B interface. When adding or replacing amplification on a Skyline system, a compatible A2B interface is the correct foundation. A basic line output converter cannot connect to the digital A2B bus, and while an analogue signal exists after the factory amplifier, it is already amplified and processed, which makes it a poor source for a serious aftermarket build. The interface communicates with the supported A2B system and produces predictable analogue outputs for the amplifier while retaining supported factory controls.
Cicada stocks direct-connect harnesses for the NAV-TV ZEN-H and Volunteer Audio (SeirenHD) A2B interfaces, as well as a complete kit (24HDZENHCAKIT) that includes the ZEN-H interface and the Cicada amplifier harness as a matched package.
The 2024+ CXK component kits, complete system kits and amplifier mounting hardware are also platform-specific and not interchangeable with 2014-2023 parts.
Full detail on the 2024+ audio architecture and what is required: Why 2023.5+ Harley Audio Upgrades Need an A2B Interface →
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Cicada kit is right for a stock 2014-2023 Harley Touring?
Start with the complete kits section of this guide. Kits pair a matched amplifier, speakers and wiring harness for specific Harley platforms. If you want to tell us your model and goals, we can recommend the right stage.
Do I need DSP with a Cicada complete kit?
Kits built around the FLX PRO amplifiers include built-in DSP. For kits with a standard FLX amplifier, DSP can be added later via a standalone processor. Many riders find a well-matched coaxial kit excellent without it.
What wiring do I need for a Cicada FLX700.4 on a Harley?
Use the wiring package specified for the exact amplifier and complete kit. Current MAA FLX700.4PRO complete systems use the HDPG6K 6 AWG kit, while lower-current FLX500-class packages commonly use HDPG8K. Whether a stock electrical system copes depends on the charging output, other accessories, wiring and how hard the system is used, so confirm voltage under load rather than assuming; see the charging system guide.
Can I install a Cicada system myself?
Yes. Complete kits include plug-and-play wiring harnesses designed for each Harley platform, with no cutting of factory wiring required. Riders comfortable with basic electrical work can typically complete the install in a half to full day.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us your bike and what you want from the system, and we'll recommend the right Cicada setup for your riding style and budget.
Get a Recommendation →Go Deeper: Detailed Guides
This guide covers the full Cicada product range at an overview level. For deeper technical detail on specific categories:
- Cicada Motorcycle Speakers Guide: CHX vs CH vs CXX vs CM vs CMB in detail, with fitment guidance and application notes
- Cicada CXXM vs CM-X Mid-Bass: Kevlar or Carbon Matrix?: choosing between the Kevlar and carbon matrix mid-bass ranges, size by size
- Cicada Motorcycle Amplifiers Guide: FLX model comparison, power matching and installation requirements
- Cicada DSP: Amps vs Standalone Processors: FLX PRO vs a standalone Cicada DSP, when to choose which
- How to Plan a Staged Cicada Build: stage-by-stage build planning from first amp to full system
- Why Motorcycle Speakers Distort at Highway Speed: the physics of open-air motorcycle audio and what it means for your build
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