Changing 2nd Gen Speakers

[Cougar]

Changing 2nd Gen Speakers

From what the guys posted last week about the Polk's
I ordered two of them and I think they are great sounding!

Two Summers ago I changed the stock speakers to
Pioneer TS-G10400's the speakers are OK but just not
there yet.

I then added bass blockers and it helped. now with the
blockers added to the new Polk's (front only) Moocho better.

The Polk's can handle a little more power (amp in trunk)
so combined with the bass blockers it really sounds great
even with-out the fairing on the bike. That is the problem
with the fronts.. not like the rear on the RSV. (in a pod un-cased)
sound much better. So I left the Pioneers in the rear for now.

Here are some pics of all 3 speakers
OEM SPEAKERS (Junk)
13589

Pioneers Much Better
13590

Polk's Even Better 107DB400Polk Audio db 400 4" 2-way Speakers
1049.9949.99
13591

Here is all 3 of them top view
13593

And side view
13592

Now with that being said, here is how you remove
and put them in a 2nd Gen.....

#1 Remove Fairing. (there is no going in from the front)

#2 Remove the gold bracket
13595
and the black box (blinker box>?)
13594

#3 Remove the Philip's screw for each speaker
13596 13597

#4 Start removing the four screws holding the speakers
in place.. use a 8mm wrench when you can and a 5/16
deep socket for the hard to get to ones.
13598 13599
13600

#5 Now with all the screws removed you start to pry
the front bikes grill along with the speaker a part.
13601 13602
13603 13604

If adding Polk's you will need to enlarge the (2) inner
holes a little bit.. (2 holes that will face the middle of the bike)
13605

#6 when adding the new speakers the (inside holes will be placed in-between the plastic as show)
13606

NOTE: I did place small pieces of cardboard in-between the metal
bracket and the magnet so it Will help NOT to demagnetize the speakers.

#8 DONE
13607
(replaced everything in reverse order)



Now CRANK IT UP!
Happy Riding!
Jeff

Notes:
2-way 4" car speakers
polymer/mica composite woofer with butyl rubber surround
liquid-cooled, silk/polymer composite 3/4" dome tweeter
certified for marine use
2-way crossover network
recommended power range: 4-35 watts RMS
peak power handling: 105 watts
frequency response: 85-22,000 Hz
sensitivity: 91 dB
top-mount depth: 1-13/16"

[SteveP]

Good article -- especially with all the pictures. I've added it to my favorites, as upgrading my speakers might make it to my "Winter Mods" list.

Do you have the model/part no. for the Polk speakers? I might as well learn from your experience and skip the step of using the Pioneers. Thanks, Cougar!

[Cougar]

Thanks,
Here ya go..
107DB400Polk Audio db 400 4" 2-way Speakers

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=107DB400+Polk+Audio+db+400+4%22+2 %2Dway+Speakers&i=107DB400
Enjoy,
Jeff

[Eck]

Jeff,
I noticed the POLK speakers you installed aren't just limited to use in your car — they've passed tough environmental testing that certifies them for marine use.

[Riderduke]

This fall I replaced my speakers with pioneer and I am not happy. I will give these polk speakers a try.

[ventureblue]

This fall I replaced my speakers with pioneer and I am not happy. I will give these polk speakers a try.

some people are up way too early!!! whats up Duke?

[Pilot]

It looks like the DB400 have been replaced by DB401, most lickly the same speakers just a number change. With my hearing :backinmyday: I think an old soup can and some string will work just fine.:rotf::rotf::rotf:

[Freebird]

Great write-up. I will add it to the tech library soon. One note. I doubt that these would work in the rear pods. Looks like the magnet is a big deeper. I originally tried some Infinity speakers on my '99 and they would not work in the rear either. The pods would not go back together due to the size of the magnet. That being said, I think that you get very little from the rear speakers. The fronts are where most of your sound comes from. I will likely give these a try also. I too am running the Pioneers at this time but am not completely happy with them.

[Freebird]

It looks like the DB400 have been replaced by DB401, most lickly the same speakers just a number change. With my hearing :backinmyday: I think an old soup can and some string will work just fine.:rotf::rotf::rotf:

Crutchfield still has both listed. They may just be selling out the existing stock of the 400 though. The difference appears to be the power rating. 105 peak for the 400s and 135 peak for the 401s. RMS tops at at 35 for the 400s and 45 for the 401s. I actually think that the 400 model will be better for our bikes AND they are $30.00 cheaper than the 401s.

[Cougar]

Now keep in mind... I am using bass blockers. to be able
to crank up my Polk's even higher. (used with amp)
so the rumble doesn't-
Force you to turn them down.. I do however like the highs
coming out of the Polk's better.

Don. I used the F/S control. or whatever you call it,
and adjust my rears to match the front of the bike.
but your right a lot does come out of the front.
(but is adjustable)
Jeff

[DLBCAL]

Crutchfield still has both listed. They may just be selling out the existing stock of the 400 though. The difference appears to be the power rating. 105 peak for the 400s and 135 peak for the 401s. RMS tops at at 35 for the 400s and 45 for the 401s. I actually think that the 400 model will be better for our bikes AND they are $30.00 cheaper than the 401s.

I use the 401's for my Venture. Front only right now. I installed them last spring.

They are the best speakers I have tried. Very good sound and yes they are marine grade.

[Cougar]

I have been trying to figure how to make the front
speakers sound like the rear. with some kind of backing
for the sound to be even better. These caught my
eye while surfing around in crutchfields..

I hope they fit! :confused24: there might be just
enough room in there!

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-1b0A1wum8mx/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=237XT42

I think this is the ticket for the front.
I ordered the slim type. I will let ya know how
they work!
Jeff

[Cougar]

I like the 3rd review. As I am using bass blockers as well...
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=237XT42&tp=2809&tab=review
There Just might be hope for the front after all *LOL*
Jeff

[Cougar]

Talked with Crutchfield today and they say that the 400's
will be going out of stock.. HURRY there is only 464 Speakers left! *lol*
401's will take there place. I think I will try the rear next. but gunna
look in the rear pod for room first. like Don says , waiting till me back
covers show up first. then I will do a write-up on how to remove/replace
the rear 2nd Gen Speakers as well. For the price and if they do no work
I will have spares I Guess :) gunna put the Speaker Baffles in the rear
as well... Also they told me to make sure I cut a dime size hole in the bottom of the baffle to make the suction not be so bad. I will add these
baffles to the write ups. gatta do somthing in these Iowa Winters!
Stay Tuned! :cool10:
Jeff

[midnightventure]

I ordered the Polk db400s from Crutchfield last Sunday. Got them Wednesday. Put them in today. I didn't have to open the mounting holes any. It was raining here so I didn't get to try them out.

[Cougar]

Bill, ya know you are allowed to try them out with-out
riding the bike ! :whistling:

I Just ordered two more for the rear. and I now have all
4 Baffles to place over the speakers I really think the baffles
will be the topper for the rest of the sound that I need..
Jeff
PS (great you did not have to enlarge the holes)

[midnightventure]

I have ridden a couple of hundred miles with the Polk speakers now. They are definitely better than the stock Clarions. I have to turn the volume a little higher to get the same volume.

[Cougar]

Glad you like them Bill...

Yes , that is why I Installed the AMP in my trunk
to get the Volume I needed , I even did that before
the Polk's though.. It Also helps Lots with my new
Zumo GPS to hear what it is saying and also help
the music come from that even louder.

Anyway , I am glad you had success with them.
can not remember if you changed out the rears yet or not?
(did you add bass-blockers?)

I still have not installed my second set yet into the rears.

Some say there might not be enough room. I will get them
to fit some how :) with the baffles. I also still have not
installed my baffles to all four speaker as well. *sigh* to
damn COLD.... Buurrrrrr :snow:
Jeff

[midnightventure]

I just put in the new speakers. Nothing else.

[BuddyRich]

After Cougar'swrite up last night I started looking for some 400's. I did some checking and the 400 are 1 13/16 thick and the 401's are 1 15/16 thick so I guess we should stick with the 400's if the 401's are 1/8 inch thicker.

[Cougar]

Polk Audio db400

4" 2-way car speakers
Certified for marine use

9 people say: http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/v3.0/star-rating/5.0.gif (http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=51200&i=107DB400&tp=102&tab=review)
Item #107DB400
IN STOCK

Original Price $69.99 Price Break -$20.00
Final Price $49.99

[KiteSquid]

After Cougar'swrite up last night I started looking for some 400's. I did some checking and the 400 are 1 13/16 thick and the 401's are 1 15/16 thick so I guess we should stick with the 400's if the 401's are 1/8 inch thicker.

But that measurement MAY be withe the cover installed, which we dont use....


for the price diffence, I would buy the db400's

[Cougar]

The Back Cover Baffle is about an 1/8 th inch thick..

But when I installed it back into place it compressed part
of the baffle just a bit. seems like there might be a 1/16 inch
left? not sure. hard to tell. I think somebody if they bought 2
of the 401's.. and before the placed them into the front of
the bike maybe try a test fit on one of the rears.. :whistling:
Jeff

[flb_78]

Circuit City has the Polk 401's for 79.99 and if purchase a 2nd set, the 2nd set is half off.

4 polk 401''s for 120 bux.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=172442#CustomerRatings

• Package Deal: Buy 1 pair of Polk speakers get the 2nd 50% off

[Relaxin]

You guys were talking about amps. What type of amps and any pics of installing amp in trunk? Thanks...Jerry

[Cougar]

Here is what I did Jerry...
http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=487
It also helps hear my GPS a lot better as well.
Good Luck..
Jeff

[Relaxin]

Here is what I did Jerry...
http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=487
It also helps hear my GPS a lot better as well.
Good Luck..
Jeff
Thanks Jeff... I viewed the thread (lots of pics) :thumbsup: I ordered the amp and speakers today. I'll let you know how it turns out!
Again THANKS! ...Jerry

[Cougar]

Jerry. I am sure you will be please..

YES !! Let me know how the install turned out..

Also , If you run into any problems
feel free to call me,
(PM me for my cell #)
Jeff

[Carbon_One]

I changed out the front speakers today with the Polk 401's. Got them from Circuit City.
Have't tried them yet as I have other electrical stuff to finish up.
Does the bass blocker work that good that it should be included in this swap?
Where is best source and what should I be asking for? I know nothing of these things concerning audio equipment.
Larry

[Cougar]

I think so, http://www.electricalconnection.com/audio/amp-accessories.htm or
http://bassblocker.com/
(crutchfields)
top one will be fine.
Jeff

[Al Bates]

Jeff, Nice posted. Well put together. Something most of us can understand :happy34:

[Cougar]

Why.... thank you very much Al.. :)
I myself always need pictures to work
on stuff , maybe it is old age or something.. *lol*
Jeff

[Relaxin]

I ordered my Polk 400's yesterday from Crutchfield. They had 1 pair listed under the scratch and dent for $39.00 (the covers are scratched) and I ordered a second set from their outlet for $44.00. I checked today and they still list the 400's for $69.00 new with a $20.00 discount, Outlet for $44.00 and none left from Scratch and Dent. I don't know what the difference between a reg order and the Outlet but the Outlet and Scratch n Dent sales are still guaranteed and can be returned. Ended up with 4 speakers for $83.00. They emailed me today and said the order was shipped this morning. So far I'm liking this Crutchfield place, will let you know if the speakers are ok .... Jerry

ALSO, I have a referral code that anyone can use if they are going to order from Crutchfield's. It's worth a $20.00 discount on your order. If anyone is interested the first pm I get requesting the code can have it. :thumbsup:

[Cougar]

way to go Jerry :cool10:great deal!
:)

[Carbon_One]

Cougar how about these? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=150205776226&rd=1 (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=2153057&loc=%68%74%74%70%3a%2f%2f%63%67%69%2e%65%62%61%79% 2e%63%6f%6d%2f%77%73%2f%65%42%61%79%49%53%41%50%49 %2e%64%6c%6c%3f%56%69%65%77%49%74%65%6d%26%69%68%3 d%30%30%35%26%73%73%70%61%67%65%6e%61%6d%65%3d%53% 54%52%4b%25%33%41%4d%45%57%41%25%33%41%49%54%26%76 %69%65%77%69%74%65%6d%3d%26%69%74%65%6d%3d%31%35%3 0%32%30%35%37%37%36%32%32%36%26%72%64%3d%31)
Will they do same job and is the 0-800 HZ the right size. I saw another web site recommending 800 hz for 4" speakers.
Larry
BT: I don't plan on adding an amp system, just going with the stock system except for having changed out the front speakers.

[Cougar]

Larry, You would be paying about $9 for a pair of them with
shipping. but I think they would work fine though.
Jeff

[Carbon_One]

Larry, You would be paying about $9 for a pair of them with
shipping. but I think they would work fine though.
Jeff

I thought so too Cougar but wanted to be sure with input from someone much more knowledgeable on this matter.
Larry

[Al Bates]

I like the 3rd review. As I am using bass blockers as well...
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=237XT42&tp=2809&tab=review
There Just might be hope for the front after all *LOL*
Jeff
I been using the Baffles for 3 years now and they do help. Had to cut them down a little.

[Dusty]

Will the polks work without adding an amp?

[MAINEAC]

I don't have an amp and they are a big improvement over stock with the stock radio... I think the big difference with the polks is they have better bass... I was one of the 1st to try the polks and have been touting their virtues.. I bought mine at Tweeter, Etc. for $99.00 now they're practally give'em away ... I gotta get 2 more for the back... I got a blown 1 in the back and the other's scratchy.

[Dusty]

I don't have an amp and they are a big improvement over stock with the stock radio... I think the big difference with the polks is they have better bass... I was one of the 1st to try the polks and have been touting their virtues.. I bought mine at Tweeter, Etc. for $99.00 now they're practally give'em away ... I gotta get 2 more for the back... I got a blown 1 in the back and the other's scratchy.

Thanks...I'm gonna give em a try.

[Relaxin]

OK, I need some help here. I put the new Polk speakers in (front and rear) back in Feb. I also installed an amp. They worked great. About a month ago I started getting static and an occasional chirping sound whenever I throttled up. Once I reached cruisin speed it would sound great. It progressively got worse. Now I have lots of feedback and chirping when I throttle up and sporadic chirping at cruisin speed. It sounds great when the bike is off. It sounds great when the bike is idling. It sounds great when you rev it at an idle. But put it in gear and take off and the music stops and the annoying sounds begin. I rechecked all the connections. In fact I soldered all connections. Checked for pinched and/or shorted wires. Everything looks good from fairing to trunk. Obviously I have missed something and it's driving me crazy.
If any of you 'electronic' wizards can give me any, ANY, words of wisdom or advice it would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!
Semper Fi,
Jerry

[MAINEAC]

Well I'm no wizard but I've installed a few electronic devices over the years... 1st thing I'd do is disconnect the amp and wire the radio directly to the speakers... If it works good direct you fried the amp.

semper fi

[Relaxin]

Well I'm no wizard but I've installed a few electronic devices over the years... 1st thing I'd do is disconnect the amp and wire the radio directly to the speakers... If it works good direct you fried the amp.

semper fi

Thanks Maineac,
Tried that too. I bypassed the amp at the amp and still had the noise. My next step is to hook the original wires back to the speakers bypassing the new wires used for the amp. I have split the fairing about 4 times trying different things. I haven't bought the passing lamp spacer so it's a pain in the butt haveing to remove the passing lamps each time. I was hoping someone may have experienced something similar and have a fix before I remove the fairing again along with the passing lamps, again, along with the rear speaker pods, again.
For what it's worth I still get the noise through the speakers even though I have the radio turned off.
Semper Fi,
Jerry

[MAINEAC]

Sounds like your CB is on.. Is the little yellow light on??? If it is hold the CB button until it goes out.

[Relaxin]

That was one of the first things I thought about when the noise started. I checked and the CB was off.
Semper Fi,
Jerry

[Relaxin]

Something IS wrong with the amp now. I had the radio on for awhile today. Got tired of the annoying noise so I turned the radio off. Later I turned the radio back on and had nothing.... no music, no noise, no nothing. Got home and checked the amp. Power light wasn't on. Checked both fuses, both are good. Checked the power connection. It's good. Checked the wiring...good. This afternoon I'm going to disassemble the amp and see if there is anything obvious like a fried bug or shorted metal shard. Anywho, I just want to get this resolved and hear some MUSIC!!!! Ride safe!
Semper Fi,
Jerry

[WIKD]

Good luck Jerry, hope it works out.

I don't suppose anyone knows of a retailer that has the DB400. Have been looking for a while, since I first read this topic, and have never found them.

[Tombo]

Jerry:

Until your amp quit I was thinking that you might be getting some electrical interference from the fuel pump, but now I am stumped as well. I hope you get it figured out. I don't like riding as much without my tunes.

Tom

Ride on....:680:

[MAINEAC]

http://www.americanthunderaudio.com/Picture.aspx?width=190&height=190&id=4599259Price: $54.95Polk Audio db400 4" 2-way car speakers (http://www.americanthunderaudio.com/ProductInfo.aspx?id=3615005) Product Features
* 2-way 4" car speakers
* polymer/mica composite woofer with butyl rubber surround
* liquid-cooled, silk/polymer composite 3/4" dome tweeter
* certified for marine use
* recommended power range: 4-35 watts RMS

[Relaxin]

WOO HOO, I figgered it out. :banana: I decided to remove all the additions I had made (i.e. amp and amp wiring) and take evrything back to stock (cept the speakers). While I was removing the wiring from the front speakers back to the amp I noticed a flat spot on the wires where the harness went under the Diamon R driver back rest. I further noticed that the insulation had been rubbed from two of the four wires. When I originally wired the amp I ran the harness under the backrest bracket and made sure it wasn't binding. What I didn't realize is that every time I leaned back on the backrest it would bind the wiring harness. That would explain the static and noise at first only when I throttled up. Anywho, I have a new amp on the way and new wiring harnesses. This time I know what not to do as far as where to run the wires. As usual, thanks to everyone who helped me brainstorm the situation.
Semper Fi,
Jerry

[MAINEAC]

Hey, glad you figured it out.. I gotta track a non charging issue when I get home.. Tried a rectifier that didn't work