Suzuki Volusia Forum banner

Boss MC400 stereo install

19K views 29 replies 15 participants last post by  HB69091 
#1 · (Edited)
My first stereo I had installed on my bike was one of the shark audio systems. I hated the size of the speakers and they seemed somewhat cheap. Then I found small metal Pyle speakers (which I now have for sale). I installed on the handlebars and looked great, but they weren't big enough to hear at highway speeds. I did not want another shark system. I ended up going with a Boss MC 400 system. 600 watt with 3" chrome speakers. The only issue I found so far was the housing is plastic, which is a person preference. It is a lot louder than my Pyle speakers. Haven't had it out on the road yet, because of the snow, but I'll post a review as soon as I get it out.

-----------------------------------------------------------
Some stock pics pointing out parts.



-----------------------------------------------------------
Amp.



-----------------------------------------------------------
Speakers.



-----------------------------------------------------------
I ended up mounting the speakers to the windshield because the mirror mounts are ridiculous in my opinion. I was able to cram the wires and amp into the windshield bag.



-----------------------------------------------------------
I added a disconnect plug for the power wire near the bag. This way I can disconnect the entire stereo system, leaving it mounted to the windshield, when I take the windshield off.



-----------------------------------------------------------
I was able to just pinch the volume control knob in the bag. It works alright in that location. I can always adjust my volume on my iPod.



-----------------------------------------------------------
Some pics of the finished project.







 
See less See more
10
  • Like
Reactions: PopPop
#3 · (Edited)
The Pyle speakers I had were great looking. 2" mini bullets mounted to the handle bar on each side of the riser. Just couldn't hear them on the highway.

I tried hiding my new speakers behind the windshield. Not out of shame, but so I could see over them. Lol
 
#12 ·



I could not bare the thought of getting an under performing system,
so I went all out. No problems hearing at hiway speeds so far, and no amp installed as of yet...the GPS and 7" touch screen are a Godsend

what are these mounted on? I saw the link for the speakers. This may be what I have been looking for.
 
#9 ·
I had those on my bike a while back. Sounded great until I got above 60mph, then I couldn't hear them. I had mine mounted under the mirror mounts
 
#10 ·
With all this snow I haven't been able to test it at highway speeds yet. I'm hoping the sound will "bounce" off the windshield.
 
#11 ·
I had a Shark Audio 100 Watt system on my C50, and it was OK for a while. I never had trouble hearing it, until the internal speaker mounting screws came loose from the shell. I fixed the problem once, and decided to replace it when it happened a second time. A friend has the BOSS MC400 system on his V Star, and it sounds great. The only problem he has had with it, was the mounts that came with the system broke while he was riding. The speakers are heavier than the Shark speakers, and they were bouncing too much from the vibrations coming through the handlebars. He fashioned a support for the mounts, and they seem to be fine now. I think I will ask him to help me do the same with mine. It might not be pretty, but I'd rather not have my speakers fall off while riding down the road. :blackeye:
 
#13 ·
BOSS MC400 Installed, now need a power switch

So I finally got around to installing the BOSS MC400 audio system. As for the sound level, all I can say is "WOW!" This is leaps and bounds better than the Shark 100 watt system I had before.

My issue now, is that I need to put a power switch inline between the battery and the amp. I checked at my local motorcycle shops and automotive shops, but only found switches that are intended for indoor use. Just wondering if anyone has a better idea for what I should use. I have seen some switches on J&P that are made with a handlebar mount. Some other options are to place another headlight/signal/horn switch assembly on the bars. I'm actually thinking about going this route with it. I can use the extra switches for future accessory additions.
 
#15 ·
#18 · (Edited)
Thump when turning on ignition key

Not sure, but this may be my 1st post. I received the Boss MC400 as a gift and just finished installing it on my 07 C50T. I mounted the speakers to the existing mirror mounts. Strapped the amp inside the right side cover. Drilled small hole for the volume knob on the top of the same cover (got idea from another member's post on here). Power coming direct from a spare Aux connector inside the headlight housing. I cut off the connector and crimped on spade connectors and also used an inline fuse (5amp). I did not install a relay. My issue is I'm getting a loud "thump" when turning on the ignition key! Will a relay eliminate this thump? I've never messed with relays. I'm no electrician but can figure out just about anything with a little reading. I consider myself a shade tree mechanic and have been working on all my family's vehicles since I was a teenager. BTW, the sound is plenty loud enough even at 60mph. Sorry for such a long post. I'm new to posting on forums so I don't know the proper etiquette yet.
 
#20 ·
Not sure, but this may be my 1st post. I received the Boss MC400 as a gift and just finished installing it on my 07 C50T. I mounted the speakers to the existing mirror mounts. Strapped the amp inside the right side cover. Drilled small hole for the volume knob on the top of the same cover (got idea from another member's post on here). Power coming direct from a spare Aux connector inside the headlight housing. I cut off the connector and crimped on spade connectors and also used an inline fuse (5amp). I did not install a relay. My issue is I'm getting a loud "thump" when turning on the ignition key! Will a relay eliminate this thump? I've never messed with relays. I'm no electrician but can figure out just about anything with a little reading. I consider myself a shade tree mechanic and have been working on all my family's vehicles since I was a teenager. BTW, the sound is plenty loud enough even at 60mph. Sorry for such a long post. I'm new to posting on forums so I don't know the proper etiquette yet.
It may be that the capacitors inside the amp have drained and that they are immediately charges when you tun on the bike. I had the relay set up, look up a few posts to find it, that I used. I never noticed a popping unless I was either unplugging or plugging in my MP3 player.
 
#19 ·
same amp and speakers I had amp went bad so I put a cd player on 50x4 and the sound is 5 times beter if ya amp gose out they can take a good bit of power try a lil stronger amp or goto a cdplayer can here mine at 70mph np =)
 
#22 ·
Great thread, I just ordered a set of the Boss MC400 myself, glad to have this thread as a reference. Hoping to get them installed this weekend, I will update with any findings and maybe even a review if it's nice enough to take it out!
 
#24 ·
Installed easy!

Just got done installing mine, they came in yesterday. Easy install, mounted them to the handlebar riser bolts. Did a little "tweaking" on the mounts in order to face them up at me. Ran the wires down the backbone, lead went into the fuse box with an inline 5a. Mounted the amp just in front of my top highway peg bolt for now. I plan to relocate it back three inches with a homemade mounting plate. Should be fine for now though. As far as the sound I am not too impressed, there seems to be a lot of distorting at higher volumes. With the Cobra pipes it'll have be up fairly loud to hear. Plan to take it for a test drive in a few hours!
 

Attachments

#25 ·
UPDATE** I ended up moving the speakers up to the mirror mounts as designed. Although I am not a fan of the looks of them up there, the sound is much better. I was able to hear them at highway speeds (70-80mph). I have noticed that there is a "white noise" when the MP3 is off, coming out of the left hand speaker. I would think if it were supposed to be making any sound it would be out of both so it may be a bad speaker. Not an issue for me as I almost always have something playing, even if its just at low levels. All in all for the $60 I spent I am happy for now, they are doing what they are designed to do. After 150mi, they are still in place with no loosening. Between town and highway driving that in itself is a plus. Worth the $60 if you are looking fo r asimple install and some tunage!
 
#28 · (Edited)
I put a Lanzar set on mine. Really loud, can be heard at 70 easily behind the fairing and I turn it down at stop lights because it obnoxiously loud. Ran wires under tank, amp in tool box, ipod plug under speedo and switch in fender. I do get the small surge pop when I turn it on but no issues. Gotta have my tunes!
 

Attachments

#30 ·
Charger

I recommend getting a cigarette charger that comes with a 5v usb charger as well. I got one for cheap at amazon. I know this question has been answered for the original poster but I know other people will look at this. I ran my wires from the handlebar where I mounted the charger, under the gas tank and directly onto the battery. I put a fuse inline with the red wire to the battery .
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top