When Harley announced it's new updated Boom Box GTS Infotainment System it was equipping the 2019 & newer models with, they originally failed to make a kit so that owners of 2014 to 2018 Harley's could upgrade from the older version of the Boom Box system if they chose. This infuriated many Harley owners.
In my opinion, the new Harley Boom Box GTS unit is not that much better than the older 6.5 GT version. Yes, it's an improvement over the original 6.5 GT unit but is it worth that much money! You are basically paying to fix Harley's mistake with the first iteration of the Boom Box Infotainment System. And it's still not fixed as the new GTS also has issues that they're trying to fix.
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Check out all of our very helpful Boom Box Tutorial Videos for 2014 to present units!
- We sell a ton of these tutorial videos and are praised by bikers worldwide. Learn everything you need to know to get the most out of the Harley Boom Box system and how to integrate and use Harley Ride Planner!
As of November 2019, Harley-Davidson made it possible to upgrade your older system to the new 2019 Boom Box GTS on those 2014-2018 touring models. Visiting Harley's website, it seems they are marketing and describing this conversion kit more towards upgrading from the smaller 4.3 non-touchscreen unit to the new GTS unit, but you can upgrade from either the smaller 4.3 unit or the larger 6.5 GT unit.
For 14-18 Harley models, they state that an additional USB connector needs to be purchased for around $35-$50 but you can't even find the part on their own website at the time of this article. Further, we found during our install that it's not even required. This USB connector is the one that plugs into the rear of the Boom Box unit and it is already inside your jukebox compartment where you can plug in your smartphone or USB drive. We just used the USB connector that's already there instead of installing a new one and all works perfectly.
Note: After upgrading to the new Boom Box GTS unit, you'll need to visit a dealership so they can flash the unit with their Digital Technician II software. Until then the unit will beep at you every 15 seconds or so, regardless if it's on or off.
Here is the information and part numbers you'll want to be aware of:
Harley Street Glide and Ultra Models 2014 to present:
Taken from Harley's website:
Fits '19-later FLHTCU, FLHTCUTG, FLHTK, and FLHX models with a 4.3 Boom!™ Box Radio. Also fits '14-'18 FLHTCU, FLHTCUL, FLHTK, FLHTKL, FLHTKSE, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHXSE and FLHTCUTG, models with separate purchase of USB Connector P/N 69200031A. Also fits '19-later Electra Glide® Standard models with separate purchase of appropriate Hand Controls, Wiring, and Antenna.
- Boom Box GTS Unit
- P/N 76000829A
Harley Road Glide Models 2014 to present:
Fits '19-later Road Glide® models with a 4.3 Boom!™ Box Radio. Also fits '15-'18 Road Glide® models with separate purchase of USB Connector P/N 76000374A.
- Boom Box GTS Unit
- P/N 76000374A
We here at Law Abiding Biker™ Media actually did a retrofit to the new Boom Box GTS unit and filmed the process. That video will release on our YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed.
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William Edward Samuel says
Ryan can you please show me where the info came from on the kit I found a few dealerships selling the “usb cable” but there is no mention anywhere of what it does nor are there any pictures anywhere. I know the Soundz cable also has a converter box also to make the new box work with the old system. Was there an announcement from HD?
Anthony says
Ryan even at the new price do you think it’s worth money?
Ryan Urlacher says
I discuss that very thing in the video and give my opinion.
Danny dela Paz says
I have 2017 ultra limited low. I need ony wireless earphone with microphone. What i have now , is wired earphone/ microphone.
What do i need to biy ir to add?
Thanks ,
Danny
Ryan Urlacher says
You can use wired or wireless headsets. You’ll need to install a WHIM. ==> https://www.lawabidingbiker.com/whim-install/
You’ll can buy a Sena wireless Bluetooth headset ==> https://shop.lawabidingbiker.com/collections/sena-headsets
But, with a regular Sena you won’t get stereo sound and only mono. For stereo sound, you’ll have to buy the Sena headset directly from Harley with the Harley logo.
Jon G says
New follower but I love the content so far. Question: I have a 2016 CVO Street Glide and I’m looking at changing out for the new GTS system. I have both an IPhone and an Android and I would like to be able to use both with the new stereo.
1. Do I have to choose which one or can the system run both Apple Car play and Android Auto?
2. If i purchased a unit now without the Android Auto can it be added later once released or does it have to come from the factory?
3. I purchased a WHIM with my original system will it transfer over to the new GTS?
Thanks in Advance from Portland
Jon
Ryan Urlacher says
You can use either Apple Car Play or Android. Both will be on the system. You can use your same WHIM with the GTS. Yes, you can purchase now. Android Auto will be added with a software update.
Vincent Cajano says
If anyone has done the GTS upgrade and previously had the XM module installed in the GT unit
Many people have done the retrofit and are saying that the XM module from the GT unit to the GTS
is compatible. This is a direct install. There is a different XM module for the 2020 GTS.
Do they work or do you have to purchase the new XM module?
Doug kirk says
I have a Sena SRL helmet specific for the Shoei neotec2 ….I have a 2019 CVO Road glide. Can I pair the srl sena to the boom GTS on my bike? And get Apple play ? OR do I have to use the cheaper Sena that they gave me with the CVO? Frustrating after spending that kind of bucks to do all this
Ryan Urlacher says
Your SRL will pair, but you’ll only get mono sound. Yes, you’ll get Apple Car Play. You’ll only get stereo sound with a Harley stamped wired or wireless Sena headset.
John says
Can I take a gts head unit out of a 2019 and put it in a 2016 road glide without using the soundz harness adapter? Is the gts v8n locked? Can harley flash it to work in the 2016?
Matt Couchman says
HD can flash it. We have a video coming out on it soon. Keep an eye out for it
Ride Safe & Ride Often!
~ Matt Couchman
Law Abiding Biker™ Team
Helping & connecting as many bikers as we can worldwide!e safe and ride often!
STEVEN I VANRABENSWAAY says
Can I install the new boom box gtx in my 2015 Ultra limited low
Ryan Urlacher says
yes, all discussed in the video.
Mark Stephens says
Ryan, a dirty little secret is hiding in all of the 2018 Street Glide CVO models. This only effects 6 speaker bikes. If you stand it up and move it maybe 20 feet without turning on the ignition or the accessory button and then start the bike the radio defaults to the rear speakers. You can go into your fade screen and then see it. Not sure if this is the same on 2019 FLHXSE since it has the GTS. Seems that I found out the problem and Harley had no knowledge of it and has no fix. It is related to the security per Harley. Mine does it and i went to a dealership and tried it out on a used 2018 FHLXSE and it also did it. Harley district rep Dan Warming says to just turn it on before you move it no fix the problem but who wants to hear that? Had it at two dealerships for a total of 9 weeks and no fix. Wish I knew that was a problem that couldn’t be fixed before I took it in. Letting the fellow riders with this bike to not waste their time taking it in. NO FIX PER HARLEY DAVIDSON!
Ryan Urlacher says
Good info. thx
Greg Bauer says
I have 2018 just upgraded the radio the clock on the raid and keep return to a different time zone Harley try to blame my thundermax tunner any ideas the replace the radio with a new one same issues
Nate says
Will this work if I use the GTS out of a 2019 Road King and put it in a 2016 Streetglide?
Ryan Urlacher says
No, the retrofit GTS units are a bit different and are ready for the install.
Andrew Baine says
Sorry for posting to such an old thread…. If you don’t recommend the newer head unit, which head unit would you endorse? I have a 2018 FLTRXS and I really want Apple CarPlay so I can better use my maps and Spotify.
Thank you
Matt Couchman says
Andrew,
We do recommend the GTS upgrade. With a WHIM and an HD-branded Sena headset, you get full integration and Apple Car Play.
Ride Safe & Ride Often!
~ Matt Couchman
Law Abiding Biker™ Team
Helping, connecting, entertaining, and inspiring as many bikers as we can worldwide!
B.L. says
Is there any word on the reliability of the GTS? The 4.3 on my 2014 SG cuts out and will only start working if I shut down the bike and restart. It works fine on acc, but will not play more than a few minutes if the motor is running-This seems to be a common issue. Do we know if the $1800 gts has these types of issues?
Ed Powell says
Buying on used on eBay or Marketplace GTS out of a 2019. Want to put it in a 2015 Ultra Limited. I use J&M intercom wired to my helmet. Prefer to stay that way. Had enough of the Sena stuff. Do I need an adapter such as the soundz or Harley harness? Your video shows just plugging it in. I thought Harley dealer told me I needed an adapter for $400. TIA!
Ryan Urlacher says
No, you don’t need that harness.
Ryan Urlacher says
The GTS head unit must be hooked up to a 2019 or newer bike, and the software updated to the most current while on that bike. Then install the unit onto the 2015 and have it flashed.
Richard Fisher says
HI Ryan,
I installed this new head unit and had HD program it this weekend. I have a 2017 CVO Street glide and there are a few things not really working and wasn’t sure if it was a programming thing or just not available.
The main thing is the trip info screens. I have trips (1 and 2) on the Speedo, the trip screens on the new head unit don’t seem to be working. Is this a programming issue or due a compatible issue?
the 2nd thing is the (i) button on the right handle bar. It used to take you to the info screen and now it is a menu button.,
Anything you can share would be great, just don’t want to go back to HD and throw a fit if its not possible.
Happy Riding 🙂
raffael says
salve possiedo una nroad glide cvo 2018 vorrei mettere il nuovo autoradio del 2021 e vorrei sapere come farlo leggo che acquistando un cavo si puo far funzionare il tutto possibile avere delucidazioni in merito cosi che acquisteremo tutto il necessario per farla funzionare grazie
Ryan Urlacher says
==> https://www.lawabidingbiker.com/harley-boom-box-gts-upgrade/
Ed Siebold says
Great information! Thanks for taking the time to put it out. I have a question though – it is an expensive system – are there other stereos that will fit and provide the same/similar functionality?
Matt Couchman says
Ed,
It was around $1600 when we did the conversion. THere are other units out there available from Sony and Soundstream.
Ride Safe & Ride Often!
~ Matt Couchman
Law Abiding Biker™ Team
Helping, connecting, entertaining, and inspiring as many bikers as we can worldwide!
Ken says
any options for upgrade to the new large touch screen for my 2012 cvo roadglide?
any inner fairing replacements that accommodate?
patrick l odonoghue says
I have a 2006 street glide, yes old school. Can a 2019 factory street glide radio be converted to my 2006?
Matt Couchman says
Unfortunately, no.
Ride Safe & Ride Often!
Matt Couchman
Law Abiding Biker™ Team
Helping, connecting, entertaining, and inspiring as many bikers as we can worldwide!