| Size | 6.5 · Horn-Loaded |
| Impedance | 2 Ohm |
| Power | 250W RMS |
| Year Range | 1998-2013, 2014-2023, 2024+ |
| Location | Fairing, Lower Fairing, Tour Pack |
The evolved 6.5-inch horn coaxial for 2014+ Harley factory positions — 99 dB, removable horn flange, bi-amp capable
The Cicada Audio CH65.2V2 is a 6.5-inch 2Ω horn coaxial for 2014+ Harley-Davidson factory speaker positions — 250W RMS, 99 dB sensitivity, aluminium horn tweeter, Black Coat™ OFC mid-bass voice coil, shortening ring, external 12 dB crossover with optional tweeter attenuator, and a removable threaded horn flange. Bi-amp capable. Sold as pair.
The CH65.2V2 builds on the horn coaxial format with three additions that matter in practice: a shortening ring that reduces inductance variation for tighter transient response, a removable threaded horn flange for straightforward colour customisation, and a crossover with an optional tweeter attenuator that lets you dial in treble level to suit the riding environment. Sensitivity is 99 dB — 2.6 dB above the CH65.2C Classic — which at the same amplifier power translates to meaningfully more output. For 2Ω amplifier builds where horn efficiency is already the design advantage, that extra headroom is audible.
Who This Is For
For 2Ω amplifier builds where maximum sensitivity and output are the priority, and for riders who want more control over the system — whether that's bi-amping the tweeter channel, adjusting treble level with the attenuator, or customising the horn colour to match the build. The CH65.2V2 is the V2 upgrade for existing CH65.2C users who want the performance improvements, and the correct choice for new builds running a dedicated 2Ω-rated amplifier. For bridged amplifier configurations or 4Ω builds, the CH65.4C is the correct impedance choice.
What This Is Best For
- Maximum sensitivity from a factory 6.5-inch position — 99 dB at 1W/1m is exceptional for a coaxial in a factory mounting location. Against a 91 dB conventional coaxial, the CH65.2V2 requires less than one-eighth the amplifier power to produce the same SPL, or delivers substantially more output at the same power. On a Harley at highway speed, where every decibel above wind and engine noise matters, this is the single most impactful specification on the sheet.
- Bi-amp builds with a dedicated tweeter channel — the CH65.2V2 supports bi-amplification, with the horn tweeters wired to their own dedicated amplifier channel independent of the mid-bass. For multi-channel builds running the FLX1400.4PRO or similar DSP amplifiers, this opens time alignment and level control per driver — not just per speaker pair.
- Treble tuning via the attenuator — the external crossover includes an optional tweeter attenuator resistor. On a bike where the fairing position creates a hot upper midrange, or for riders who prefer a more relaxed treble balance, this lets you adjust tweeter level at installation without touching the amplifier DSP.
- Removable horn flange for colour matching — the threaded horn flange unscrews for colour modification or replacement. For custom builds where speaker aesthetics are part of the design brief, this is a practical feature rather than a cosmetic one.
- Tighter transient response via shortening ring — the shortening ring (Faraday ring) around the pole piece reduces the inductance variation that causes distortion and smears transient detail at higher output levels. At 250W RMS, the driver is designed to work hard — the shortening ring is what keeps it controlled when it does.
- ±3 dB frequency response — the CH65.2V2 achieves ±3 dB over 75 Hz – 20 kHz, tighter than the ±5 dB of the CH65.2C Classic. For riders using the CH65.2V2 as the primary source speaker without post-processing EQ, this translates to a more tonally consistent output across the frequency range before any tuning is applied.
2Ω vs 4Ω — Choosing the Right Version
The CH65.2V2 is a 2Ω speaker. Choose the 2Ω version when running a dedicated 2Ω-rated amplifier in stereo — this is where the CH65.2V2 delivers its full rated output. For bridged amplifier configurations where a minimum 4Ω bridged load is required, the CH65.4C (4Ω) is the correct choice. If you are bi-amping, confirm the impedance of both the tweeter and mid-bass sections before selecting channels and wiring.
The Bottom Line
99 dB sensitivity, 250W RMS, bi-amp capable, removable horn flange, and a ±3 dB response in a direct-fit 6.5-inch horn coaxial for 2014+ Harley factory positions. For riders upgrading from the CH65.2C Classic, the V2 delivers the same horn character with more output headroom and more build flexibility. Add to cart above. For the 4Ω variant, the CH65.4C is the correct choice for bridged configurations.
What's Inside the CH65.2V2
The tweeter is an aluminium dome in a horn waveguide — the same core architecture as the CH65.2C, now with a removable threaded horn flange. The flange unscrews for colour modification: a practical accommodation for custom builds where speaker appearance is part of the design. The aluminium dome itself delivers a bright, low-distortion, extended high-frequency response — harder and more projected in character than a soft dome. On the road: the horn waveguide couples the tweeter's output more efficiently to the air than a free-air dome, which is a primary reason for the 99 dB sensitivity figure — and why the CH65.2V2 maintains clarity at highway speed where lower-sensitivity drivers struggle.
The mid-bass cone is water resistant treated paper — lightweight, thermally stable, and efficiently coupled to the motor. The 2-inch mid-bass voice coil is wound with Black Coat™ OFC copper, Cicada's high-conductivity, thermally optimised winding treatment that reduces resistance and handles the thermal load of sustained 250W RMS operation. The 1.4-inch / 36mm tweeter voice coil is an aluminium diaphragm high-temp design for sustained high-frequency output without thermal compression. On the road: consistent mid-bass output and tweeter clarity across a full riding day, without the performance drop that comes from thermal compression in lower-rated voice coils.
The motor is an N35SH neodymium — H-grade temperature rating for sustained thermal stability in a fairing enclosure. The die-cast aluminium basket with Vortex Flow Venting™ channels airflow through the motor to manage heat at high output levels.
Shortening Ring — What It Does
A shortening ring (Faraday ring) is a conductive ring fitted around the pole piece of the motor. As the voice coil moves, its inductance varies — and inductance variation causes non-linear distortion and blurs transient detail, particularly at higher output levels where coil excursion is greatest. The shortening ring creates a mirror current that opposes and cancels the inductance variation, holding the voice coil's electrical behaviour more linear across the excursion range. The practical result is lower distortion at high output and tighter, more controlled transient response — the driver tracks the signal more accurately when it is working hardest. On the road: at volume levels where other 6.5-inch drivers start to blur and compress, the CH65.2V2 remains controlled.
Bi-Amp Capability
The CH65.2V2 supports bi-amplification — the horn tweeter and mid-bass cone can be driven from separate dedicated amplifier channels. In a conventional coaxial install, the passive crossover splits the amplifier signal between the tweeter and mid-bass. In a bi-amp configuration, the passive crossover is bypassed (or supplemented by the active crossover in the amplifier or DSP), and each driver receives its own dedicated channel with independent level, time alignment, and gain control. For builds using a DSP amplifier with per-channel processing, bi-amping the CH65.2V2 gives full control over the tweeter level and timing — a significant step up from passive crossover operation. Confirm crossover point and channel assignment with your DSP before wiring.
Crossover and Tweeter Attenuator
The external 12 dB crossover crosses over at 4 kHz with a 12 dB/octave slope. It includes an optional tweeter attenuator resistor — a passive component that reduces tweeter output level relative to the mid-bass. On a Street Glide fairing where the upper midrange is already acoustically reinforced by the enclosure geometry, or for riders who prefer a less prominent treble balance, the attenuator resistor can be installed at the crossover to reduce tweeter level without EQ. It is optional: the default configuration runs without it, and the attenuator is a field-adjustable option at installation.
Sensitivity — What 99 dB Means in Practice
At 99 dB (1W/1m), the CH65.2V2 is among the most sensitive 6.5-inch motorcycle coaxials available. The gap between 99 dB and a conventional 91 dB motorcycle speaker is 8 dB. That gap requires the 91 dB speaker to use approximately 6.3× the amplifier power to match the CH65.2V2's output at 1W. Compared to the CH65.2C Classic at 96.4 dB, the V2 is 2.6 dB more sensitive — roughly 1.8× the acoustic output at the same amplifier power. For a Harley at highway speed where 85–95 dB of ambient noise is normal, that efficiency advantage is not academic — it is the difference between a system that competes with the environment and one that doesn't.
Why 2Ω — Amplifier Pairing
Dedicated motorcycle amplifiers including the FLX700.4PRO, FLX1400.4, and FLX2000.4 publish their rated output at 2Ω. At 250W RMS power capacity, the CH65.2V2 is built for those operating conditions — handling the full rated output of the amplifier into a speaker capable of sustaining it. For bridged configurations requiring a 4Ω minimum load, the CH65.4C (4Ω) is the correct impedance choice.
Fitment
- Designed for 2014+ Harley-Davidson factory 6.5-inch speaker positions.
- Harley-Davidson Street Glide (2014+): Batwing fairing lower speaker positions.
- Harley-Davidson Road Glide (2014+): Fairing speaker positions.
- Lower Fairing (Road Glide® 2015–2023): Factory lower fairing speaker positions.
- Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited (2014+): Fairing and lid positions.
- Harley-Davidson CVO models (2014+): Factory 6.5-inch speaker positions.
- Mounting Depth: 76 mm (3.0 in). Mounting Diameter (cutout): 145 mm (5.7 in).
- Requires a dedicated amplifier rated at 2Ω — FLX700.4PRO, FLX1400.4, FLX2000.4, and other 2Ω-stable motorcycle amplifiers.
Technical Specifications
| Driver Size | 6.5 in (165 mm) |
| Impedance | 2Ω nominal |
| Power Handling — RMS | 250W RMS |
| Power Handling — Peak | 500W peak |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB (1W/1m — 2.83V average) |
| Frequency Response | 75 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB) |
| Voice Coil — Mid-bass | 2.0 in (51 mm) — Black Coat™ OFC copper, High-Temp |
| Voice Coil — Tweeter | 1.4 in (36 mm) — Aluminium diaphragm, High-Temp |
| Magnet Type | Neodymium N35SH |
| Cone Material | Water resistant treated paper |
| Tweeter Dome | Aluminium |
| Tweeter Loading | Horn waveguide — removable threaded flange |
| Shortening Ring | Yes — inductance linearisation |
| Crossover | External 12 dB @ 4 kHz — with optional tweeter attenuator resistor |
| Bi-Amp Capable | Yes — tweeter and mid-bass on separate channels |
| Basket | Die-cast aluminium — Vortex Flow Venting™ |
| Mounting Depth | 76 mm (3.0 in) |
| Mounting Diameter (Cutout) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Weather Resistance | Water resistant cone and aluminium tweeter dome |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Sold As | Pair |
Australia Shipping:
- Under $500 → $19.95
- $500–$2,500 → $14.95
- Over $2,500 → FREE
- Bulky items → +$24.95 surcharge (waived over $2,500)
Fast dispatch from Brisbane. Same-day shipping on in-stock orders before 1pm AEST.
Change-of-mind returns: We accept returns within 7 days of delivery on unused, unopened products in original sealed packaging. Restocking fees apply (20–30%). Return shipping is the customer's responsibility.
No returns on opened audio gear, installed items, custom orders, or special-order products. Please check fitment carefully before installing.
Faulty or incorrect items: If you experience an issue, contact us with photos/video and your order number. We'll assess the claim and arrange repair, replacement, or refund for verified faults under the Australian Consumer Law.
Fitment assistance: If you're unsure about compatibility, reach out before ordering—we're happy to help.