The Electra Glide Classic has been one of Harley-Davidson's most popular motorcycle models over the years, providing a level of comfort second only to the company's larger Ultra Classic touring motorcycle. While most motorcycles only offer the sound of their engines as a soundtrack to a long road trip, the Electra Glide Classic was given an AM/FM radio to liven up the ride. Newer models boast CD systems and MP3 capabilities to boot. The radio system can be removed with some work by most Electra Glide owners, either to replace a faulty unit or to install an aftermarket system.
Instructions
1. Open the left saddlebag and remove the quick-release pins from the inner wall of the saddlebag. Pull the saddlebag off of the motorcycle.
2. Grasp the left frame cover, located under the rider's portion of the seat, then pull it away from the motorcycle to reveal the fuse box. Pull the out the main fuse, located in a separate holder along the side of the fuse box, to disable the motorcycle's electrical system.
3. Unscrew the bolts on both sides of the speakers, mounted on the outer edges of the front fairing, using a Torx driver. Turn the handlebar to the left and remove the screw at the base of the fairing, near the front fork. Turn the handlebar to the right and remove the screw at the base of the fairing. Remove the screws attaching the fairing to the windshield. Lift the fairing slightly, then pull it away from the front fork. Reach behind the fairing and unplug the headlight socket from the headlight lens.
4. Stand in front of the motorcycle to gain a clear view of the back of the instrument panel. Unplug the radio wiring connector and the radio antenna plug from the back of the radio.
5. Unscrew the radio mounting bolts from the back of the radio using a socket wrench and a long Allen socket. Insert the tip of the Allen socket through the holes cut into the radio mounting bracket to gain the best access to the radio bolts.
6. Push the radio forward toward the rear of the motorcycle, then pull the radio out of the instrument panel.
Radio Installation
7. Slide the radio into the face of the instrument panel until it contacts the radio mounting bracket. Screw the radio bolts into place by hand, then tighten the bolts to 45 inch-pounds, using a long Allen socket and a torque wrench. Insert the tip of the Allen socket through the holes cut into the radio mounting bracket to gain the best access to the radio bolts.
8. Plug the antenna cable plug and the radio wiring connector into the rear of the radio.
9. Lift the front fairing onto the front fork and plug the headlight socket into the rear of the headlight lens. Align the fairing mounting holes with those on the front fork and windshield. Screw the windshield screws into place using a Torx driver. Turn the handlebar to the left and screw the lower mounting screw into the base of the fairing. Turn the handlebar to the right and screw the lower mounting bolt into the base of the fairing. Screw the remaining mounting screws into place along both sides of the fairing, near the speakers.
10. Reinstall the main fuse into its fuse holder, near the fuse box. Push the left frame cover onto the frame's rubber grommets.
11. Push the left saddlebag onto the its mounting pins along the left side of the motorcycle. Push the quick-release pins onto the saddlebag mounting pins on the inside of the saddlebag.
Tags: Allen socket, base fairing, Electra Glide, front fork, radio mounting, Turn handlebar, instrument panel