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Dash Mounted Speakers Farkle
I have always wanted to install a CD/Stereo into my 96' ST1100, but always felt that many of the MC audio solutions on the market were either too expensive or too restricting. Since I have previously owned an 88' Wing…I miss long solo
rides with my favorite tunes.
I had thought about getting an audio headset installed into a helmet, but I have three different helmets I use for various ride distances and seasonal riding. Since I no longer consider myself a super hard core rider, riding in the
rain…etc, I felt I wasn't overly concerned about waterproofing…but I did take some basic precautions.
I am not the best MC electrician…and somewhat worried about frying my MC electrical, I had a local car audio shop install the stereo itself and wire up the power and run the speaker wire and remote control.
I will submit a separate farkle for the stereo installation…as I'm mounting the stereo in the left side bag…and using the tips from other farkles to bolt the bags down and eliminate any bag flop while riding.
STeve Rogers (STOC#3522)
stever@rcscorp.com
Remove the windshield and dash
Unscrew the clock and the headlight adjustment on either side of the dash. I decided to just zip tie the clock under the dash, so I didn't have to cut the wiring. I also just zip tied the headlight adjust under the dash to keep it from flopping
around.
Purchase decent quality 3.5" stereo speakers that have extended brackets for mounting. I think these brackets are essential, as they allow you to bend the brackets to focus the speakers inward…directly at the rider. I purchased some JL
Audio TR350-CX speakers, but I think most brands would work fine.
Obtain a small amount of black speaker grille fabric. I picked up some at a local auto upholstery shop…they guy just gave me a 1' square piece…after I told him about my project. Turns out he is a big MC enthusiast! I used 3M Super 77
spray adhesive and just sprayed the back of each dash hole. Tack one side down and carefully stretch the fabric over the hole. Make sure that you have the "correct" side down and that no extra glue gets on the dash side. If you wait a few
minutes after spraying…it works best. Trim any excess fabric after it dries.
Create your own standoffs to help direct the speakers. I just used small stainless steel nuts. Notice I used three on top and one on the bottom…to help direct the speaker upwards. I would also use some adhesive on the screw when you are
all finished to make sure nothing comes loose while riding.
Finally, I purchased some foam baffles from Crutchfield (http://crutchfield.com) to help waterproof and protect the speakers…as there is an air vent just below and behind where the speakers are mounted
in the fairing. Any rain while riding would certainly hurt sound quality. I know there are marine grade speakers, but they are quite costly and the sound quality is not as good. I think these baffles will do the trick…and I don't mind
replacing a set of $50 speakers every few years.
7) The end result was a very clean looking dash and excellent sound.
Remove the windshield and dash
