J&M Kit #JHAK-HC06-1802SP install on my '13 SG

[buckshot85]

Ordered this from Direct Cycle Parts. Best price I found. Never received any order confirmation or tracking from them at all. An invoice would be nice also.
This kit has the amp, speakers, two different brackets, hardware, a music test cd, instructions and harnesses. I think J&M should throw a sticker or two in the box for my garage as well. I thought the kit was well put together. A true plug and play. You do have to remove the tank to install correctly in my mind. Not hard to do at all. Pretty simple. Obviously, the outer fairing also needs to come off. Overall, a very easy job. Turn the garage tunes on and grab a cup of coffee.

Just getting started.

I also replaced the OEM antenna cable. The service tech at the dealership jacked mine up last spring when they put in a HD hidden antenna. Which is now removed and replaced with a J&M hidden, non-powered antenna. I have the inner lower cap off because I did the fork spring swap on Friday evening. I wanted to do all of this at one time.

Stock speakers gone.

 

[buckshot85]

J&M speakers in.

Amp in, but not plumbed.

Here's a little advice. Install the amp first before the speakers. It will be easier to access the factory radio mount screws that are used to secure the amp bracket.

 

[buckshot85]

Amp is now plumbed. Do not leave these RCA plugs on top. The fairing won't go on.

We got tunes.

After the test ride. I had to test ride it because of the new fork springs. The nose dive is gone. Doing 95mph in 25 * weather is just cold. No vibes though. The sound system does have more punch. Will have to wait til spring to play with it more. Need to balance the treble and bass some. I did, however, have some radio reception issues. I hope the amp doesn't screw with that or it's the hidden antenna. May call J&M and feel them out. Overall, it went well. Time will tell if it was worth $440.

 

[buckshot85]

Time to clean up.

J&S jack was a huge help.

 

[Mojo]

Good write up buckshot85- I have the HD hidden antenna, In your opinion is the J&M version much better??

 

[buckshot85]

Good write up buckshot85- I have the HD hidden antenna, In your opinion is the J&M version much better??

Well, I'm not sure yet. I seemed to have engine noise with the HD on certain channels. Yesterday I had reception issues with the J&M antenna and possibly the amp. OR, it could have been a weather issue. I will say this, channels that ALWAYS come in, no matter, I had issues. Like I said, I'm going to call J&M to get their opinion. I wouldn't go get one yet.

 

[Mojo]

buckshot85- I remember from my broadcast days any audiowire leads that ran near or across electrical stuff had sound interference. Perhaps wires running under your gas tank are on or near the front cylinder spark plug wire. Just a thought . . . .

 

[buckshot85]

Thanks Mojo. I ran all the cables and wires in the harness trough under the tank where they were before.

 

[pitbull68]

Looks good buckshot85. Good Job