Diamond Audio HXM Stage 3 Installation Guide | 2015-2023 Road Glide

Diamond Audio HXM Stage 3 Bundle Installation Guide

2015-2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide

Please follow these installation tips when you're ready to install your new Diamond Audio HXM Stage 3 Bundle.

Important: Before proceeding with the installation, please watch the video linked here. It covers important modifications required for your Road Glide.

Tools Needed

• Plastic panel removal tool
• T25 Torx bit
• T27 Torx bit
• 3/16" Hex bit
• 1/8" Hex bit
• Ratchet wrench
• Fender cover or soft towel
• Heat gun
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Zip ties

Step 1: Remove the Outer Fairing

1. Use a plastic panel removal tool to carefully remove the speaker grilles. Start near the handlebars.
2. Remove the T27 bolt located beside each speaker.
3. Remove the T27 bolt located at the lower outer edge of the fairing.
4. Remove the turn signal mounting screws using a 3/16" hex bit.
5. Cover the front fender with a towel or fender cover to protect the paint.
6. Remove the four windshield mounting screws using a 1/8" hex bit.
7. Remove the windshield.
8. Pull straight up on the fairing vent to release the retaining clips.
9. Disconnect any wiring attached to the outer fairing.
10. Carefully remove the outer fairing and set it aside.

Step 2: Remove the Factory Speakers

1. Remove the four T25 screws securing each factory speaker.
2. Disconnect the 1/8" and 1/4" speaker wire connections.

Tip: Keep all factory hardware organized, as some fasteners will be reused later.

Step 3: Install the Diamond Audio HXM 6.5" Speakers

1. Connect the 1/4" and 1/8" spade connectors to the matching terminals on the HXM speaker.
2. Connect the supplied speaker pigtail to the factory wiring inside the speaker pod.
3. Connect the RGB harness plug to the RGB port on the speaker.
4. Route the RGB harness between the speaker and speaker pod at the bottom (6 o'clock position).
5. Place the speaker into the speaker pod and align the mounting holes.
6. Install the supplied black Phillips-head screws.
7. Start all four screws by hand before tightening.
8. Route the RGB harness toward the upper center area of the fairing.

Note: Leave enough slack in the RGB wiring so it can easily reach the RGB controller during a later step.

Step 4: Remove the Factory Radio

1. Remove the two T25 screws securing the radio support bracket.
2. Disconnect all wiring from the back of the radio.
3. Press the release tabs before unplugging each connector.
4. Remove the four 3/16" hex bolts securing the radio.
5. Save these bolts for reinstallation.
6. Lift the radio upward and forward to remove it.

Step 5: Mount the Amplifier and RGB Controller

The amplifier can be mounted using one of the following methods:

• Included Velcro squares
• Included Velcro sheets
• Screws mounted directly to the plate

1. Choose your preferred amplifier mounting method.
2. Mount the amplifier to the supplied amplifier bracket.
3. Use the supplied Velcro strips to mount the RGB controller near the amplifier.
4. Depending on any existing accessories, you may need to choose a mounting location that still allows the outer fairing to be reinstalled.
5. Connect the RGB harness from each fairing speaker to the RGB controller.

Tip: Before permanently mounting the RGB controller, verify there is adequate clearance behind the outer fairing.

Step 6: Install the Amplifier Mounting Plate

1. Remove the four T25 screws from the fairing support plate.
2. Position the supplied amplifier bracket beneath the support plate.
3. Ensure the rear lip of the bracket slides over the support plate crossbar.
4. Align all four mounting holes.
5. Install the supplied nuts and bolts.
6. Start all hardware by hand before tightening.

Step 7: Reinstall the Radio

1. Place the radio back into its factory location.
2. Loosely install the four original 3/16" mounting bolts.
3. Connect the factory USB cable.
4. Connect the factory AM/FM antenna.

Do not fully tighten the radio yet.

Step 8: Install the MSTLINK Harness

Factory Head Unit Installation

1. Insert the MSTLINK male connector into the rear of the radio.
2. Connect the MSTLINK female connector to the motorcycle's factory wiring harness.
3. Connect the Front Left and Front Right RCA Molex connector to the amplifier's Front Input.
4. Connect the Rear Left and Rear Right RCA Molex connector to the amplifier's Rear Input.
5. Connect the White and Gray wire Molex connector to the Front Output.
6. Connect the Purple and Green wire Molex connector to the Rear Output.

Option 1: VOX (Signal-Sensing)

You may set the amplifier to VOX mode.

Note: The amplifier may remain on for 30-60 seconds after the motorcycle is shut off.

Option 2: Remote Turn-On Connection

1. Connect the supplied blue remote turn-on wire to the amplifier.
2. Connect the remote wire with the white connector to the matching factory accessory connector located on the clutch side near the upper speaker pod.
3. Connect the larger black connector with the yellow, blue, and black wires to the matching connector on the wiring harness.
4. Insert the ferrule end into the REM terminal on the amplifier.
5. Tighten using a 2mm Allen wrench.

RGB Controller Power Connection

1. Locate the accessory harness pre-wired to the RGB controller.
2. Connect the accessory harness to the MSTLINK harness.
3. Connect the solid blue wire with the white connector to the factory accessory power connector located on the clutch side of the motorcycle.

Note: This connection provides switched accessory power for the RGB controller.

Aftermarket Head Unit Installation

1. Insert the MSTLINK male connector into the rear of the radio.
2. Connect the MSTLINK female connector to the motorcycle's factory harness.
3. Use the supplied RCA cables to connect the head unit to the amplifier inputs.
4. Connect the RCA end labeled "To Source" to the RCA outputs on the radio.
5. Connect Red to Red and Clear to White.
6. Connect the opposite end to the RCA-to-Molex adapter.
7. Repeat this process for both Front and Rear RCA outputs.
8. Connect the White and Gray wire Molex connector to the Front Output.
9. Connect the Purple and Green wire Molex connector to the Rear Output.
10. Connect the supplied remote turn-on wire.
11. Connect the bullet connectors together.
12. Insert the ferrule end into the REM terminal on the amplifier.
13. Tighten using a 2mm Allen wrench.

RGB Controller Power Connection

1. Connect the accessory harness pre-wired to the RGB controller to the MSTLINK harness.
2. Connect the solid blue wire with the white connector to the clutch-side factory accessory power connector.

Step 9: Run Power, Ground, and Rear Speaker Wiring

Remove the Seat and Fuel Tank

1. Remove the seat.
2. Remove the ECU plate above the battery using the T40 bolts.
3. Disconnect the ECU connectors.
4. Remove the front and rear fuel tank mounting bolts.
5. Disconnect the fuel line by sliding the collar upward and pulling downward.
6. Disconnect the vent hoses.
7. Carefully remove the fuel tank.

Tip: Keep a towel nearby to catch any fuel drips.

Route Power and Ground Wiring

1. Remove the wire chase cover.
2. Remove the 60-amp fuse from the inline fuse holder.
3. Route the power and ground wires through the wire chase.
4. Route the wires up the clutch side into the fairing.
5. Connect the red wire to the amplifier's 12V input.
6. Connect the black wire to the amplifier's Ground terminal.
7. Tighten both connections using a 2mm Allen wrench.

Route Rear Speaker Harness

1. Locate the rear speaker harness included with the bag lid speaker kit.
2. Connect the 4-pin Molex connector with Green and Purple wires to the amplifier's Rear Output.
3. Route the harness along the spine of the motorcycle inside the wire chase toward the battery area.
4. This harness will later connect to the saddlebag speaker wiring.

Connect to Battery

1. Use zip ties to secure the wiring inside the wire chase.
2. Connect the power wire to the positive battery terminal.
3. Connect the ground wire to the negative battery terminal.
4. Reinstall the 60-amp fuse.
5. Secure any excess wiring.

Bag Lid Speaker Installation

Additional Tools Needed

• Cutting tool (Jigsaw, Air Saw, Dremel, or your preferred cutting tool)
• 1/8" drill bit
• 5/16" drill bit
• 5/64" drill bit
• 3/8" drill bit
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Painter's tape
• T25 Torx driver

Bag Lid Step 1: Verify All Components

Before beginning, lay out all parts and confirm everything is included.

• 6x9 HXM speakers
• Speaker grilles
• Speaker mounting baskets
• Speaker mounting rings
• Left and right speaker wiring with RGB connections
• Amplifier-to-speaker wiring harnesses
• Wire keeper covers and mounting hardware

Bag Lid Step 2: Prepare the Bag Lids for Cutting

1. Cover approximately the front two-thirds of each bag lid with painter's tape.
2. Make sure both the top and side surfaces are protected.
3. Locate the supplied cutting template and place it on the bag lid.
4. The templates are side-specific, so verify you are using the correct template for each lid.
5. The template should fit tightly against the front edge and sit fully against the lip of the bag lid.
6. Once positioned correctly, secure the template using additional painter's tape.
7. Install screws through the two center holes in the template to hold it firmly in place.
8. Repeat this process for the opposite bag lid.

Tip: Take your time during template placement. Proper alignment here makes the remainder of the installation much easier.

Bag Lid Step 3: Cut the Bag Lids

1. Using a 1/8" drill bit, drill pilot holes in the rounded template holes.
2. We recommend drilling toward the inside edge of the template.
3. Enlarge the pilot holes using a 5/16" drill bit.
4. Using your preferred cutting tool, cut from hole to hole following the template.
5. Do not cut through the template material until all cuts have been completed.
6. Cut slightly inside the template line to leave room for final adjustments if necessary.
7. After completing the cuts, remove the remaining template material.
8. Remove only the tape securing the template.
9. Leave the protective painter's tape on the bag lid until fitment has been confirmed.
10. Clean all plastic shavings from the inside of the saddlebag.
11. Repeat for the opposite side.

Bag Lid Step 4: Test Fit the Speaker Grilles

1. Place the speaker grille into the opening from the outside of the bag lid.
2. Verify the grille sits flush against the lid.
3. If necessary, trim or sand small areas until proper fitment is achieved.
4. Continue making minor adjustments until the grille fits perfectly.
5. Once satisfied with the fitment, remove the remaining painter's tape.
6. Repeat the process for the opposite bag lid.

Bag Lid Step 5: Install the Speaker Grilles and Braces

1. Position the speaker grille on the outside of the bag lid.
2. Position the brace on the inside of the bag lid.
3. Use the supplied machine screws to attach the brace to the grille.
4. Start all screws by hand before tightening.
5. Tighten all hardware evenly.
6. Install the speaker mounting ring to the inner brace using the supplied 3mm Allen-head screws.
7. Repeat for the opposite bag lid.

Bag Lid Step 6: Install the HXM 6x9 Speakers

1. Place the HXM 6x9 speaker onto the mounting ring.
2. Align the four mounting holes.
3. Secure the speaker using the supplied Phillips-head screws.
4. If additional room is needed, you may temporarily remove the bag lid hold-down strap.
5. Repeat for the opposite bag lid.

Bag Lid Step 7: Run the Rear Speaker Harness

1. Remove the wire chase cover by releasing the retaining tabs.
2. Locate the rear speaker harness included in the bag lid speaker kit.
3. Identify the harness with the 4-pin Molex connector.
4. Connect the 4-pin Molex connector with Green and Purple wires to the amplifier's Rear Output.
5. Route the rear speaker harness through the fairing and down the motorcycle's wire chase.
6. Follow the spine of the motorcycle toward the saddlebag area.
7. Secure the harness with zip ties as needed.

Tip: Leave enough slack at both ends of the harness to make final speaker connections easier.

Bag Lid Step 8: Route Speaker Wiring into the Saddlebags

1. If not already removed, remove both saddlebags from the motorcycle.
2. Locate the two wire protector plates and hardware included in the kit.
3. Choose a mounting location for the wire protector.
4. Mark the three mounting hole locations.
5. Drill the three mounting holes using a 5/64" drill bit or smaller.
6. Drill a 3/8" hole in the center for the speaker wire.
7. Route the speaker wire through the 3/8" hole into the saddlebag.
8. Leave enough wire inside the bag to reach the speaker comfortably.
9. Install the wire protector plate over the wire.
10. Secure the plate using the supplied Phillips-head screws.
11. Hand-tighten only. Do not overtighten.
12. Repeat for the opposite saddlebag.

Bag Lid Step 9: Connect the HXM Speakers and RGB Wiring

1. Connect the 1/4" and 1/8" speaker terminals to the matching terminals on the HXM speaker.
2. Connect the RGB harness plug to the RGB port on the speaker.
3. Connect the RGB harness plug to the RGB controller designated for the bag lid speakers.
4. Verify all speaker and RGB connections are fully seated.
5. Repeat for the opposite saddlebag.

Important: Before closing everything up, double-check all RGB connections. A loose RGB connector may cause lighting issues later.

Bag Lid Step 10: Reinstall the Saddlebags

1. Choose a safe routing path for the speaker wiring from the bag lids to the area beneath the seat.
2. The exact routing path may vary depending on your motorcycle and installed accessories.
3. Reinstall the saddlebags onto the motorcycle.
4. Secure the saddlebags using the factory locking pins.
5. Connect the left-side (clutch side) speaker wiring to the harness with Green and White wires.
6. Connect the right-side (brake side) speaker wiring to the harness with Red and Black wires.
7. Secure any loose wiring using zip ties.
8. Tuck away excess wiring to prevent interference with the fuel tank or seat.

Bag Lid Step 11: Test the Audio System and RGB Lighting

Set Up the RGB Controller

1. Download the Magic Lantern app from your device's app store.
2. Follow the in-app instructions to pair the RGB controller with your phone.
3. Verify both front and rear speakers illuminate properly.
4. Test multiple colors and lighting modes to confirm operation.

Adjust Amplifier Settings

1. Turn the motorcycle ignition on.
2. Allow the radio to power up.
3. Play music that will continuously play for several minutes.
4. Set the radio volume to approximately 75% of maximum volume.
5. Using a small flathead screwdriver, adjust the Front Gain control until the desired front speaker volume is reached.
6. Repeat the process using the Rear Gain control for the bag lid speakers.
7. Make any desired EQ adjustments using the head unit.

Important: Avoid setting the gain too high. If you hear distortion, reduce the gain immediately.

Step 12: Reinstall the Outer Fairing

1. Reinstall the black radio support bracket using the two T25 Torx screws.
2. The curved portion of the bracket should face upward.
3. Position the outer fairing back onto the motorcycle.
4. Temporarily install one windshield bolt to help hold the fairing in place.
5. Reconnect any wiring harnesses disconnected during disassembly.
6. Reinstall the turn signal mounting screws using the 3/16" hex bit.
7. Remove the temporary windshield bolt.
8. Reinstall the fairing vent.
9. Reinstall the windshield and the four windshield mounting bolts.
10. Reinstall the lower fairing T27 bolts.
11. Reinstall the T27 bolts located near the speakers.
12. Install the supplied Diamond Audio speaker grilles.

Final Inspection

• Verify all front and rear speakers are operating properly.
• Verify RGB lighting functions correctly on all speakers.
• Confirm the Magic Lantern app communicates with the RGB controller.
• Verify amplifier power and ground connections are secure.
• Verify all wiring is properly secured with zip ties.
• Ensure no wiring can be pinched by the seat, fuel tank, or saddlebags.
• Confirm all fairing, windshield, and saddlebag hardware is tightened.
• Verify both audio and lighting functions before riding.

Congratulations! Your Diamond Audio HXM Stage 3 Bundle installation is now complete.