Upgrade Your Harley Sound System With Soundstream SG.V2 & WHD.RG

• The Soundstream SG.V2 and WHD.RG are major upgrades over stock Harley radios, offering shared features like wireless smartphone integration, a 200-watt built-in amplifier, and an IPx5 water-resistant faceplate.
• The most important difference between the two units is their specific fitment, as the SG.V2 is designed for batwing fairings while the WHD.RG is made exclusively for sharknose fairings.
• Beyond fitment, the SG.V2 is the more advanced model, offering a larger 8.2-inch screen, built-in iGo Primo GPS, and iDataLink Maestro compatibility for viewing bike gauges, which the WHD.RG doesn’t provide.

Hitting the highway on your Harley with the perfect set of tunes is unbeatable. For many riders, however, the stock radio just doesn't cut it. It might be good, but we know it can always be better. That's why a proper Harley sound system upgrade is one of the best changes you can make, delivering the modern features, more power, and clearer sound your bike deserves.

Soundstream makes some of the most popular aftermarket head units for Harleys. Two top models are the Soundstream SG.V2 and the WHD.RG. They look similar but are built for very different bikes. Let's look at what they share and what sets them apart.

Key Comparisons Between the Soundstream SG.V2 and WHD.RG

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main features for each unit.

Similarities of the Soundstream SG.V2 and WHD.RG

The Soundstream SG.V2 and the WHD.RG share a strong set of core features that make them a great Harley-Davidson sound system upgrade.

1. Wireless Smartphone Integration

Both units drop the messy cables. They connect wirelessly to your phone for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You get full access to your maps, music, and messages right on the screen.

2. Built-in Amplifier

Forget adding a separate amp just to get good volume. Both the SG.V2 and the WHD.RG come with a powerful 4-channel, 200-watt built-in amplifier, allowing you to experience clearer and louder sound. It’s a big step up from the stock radio that often produces weak or fuzzy sound when you try to turn up the volume.

3. Durability

These radios are specifically built for a motorcycle, so they’re designed to withstand environmental pressures related to riding one. They both have an IPx5-rated water-resistant faceplate. You don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain or damaging the unit when you wash your bike.

4. Satellite Radio

Both models are SiriusXM-ready, so they’re perfect for fans of satellite radios. You just need to add the separate SXV300 tuner and a subscription to get service and enjoy the added enhancements.

5. Inputs & Outputs

Both units are ready for a bigger system. They feature 5-volt RCA outputs for front, rear, and subwoofer amplifiers. They also have a rear USB port for charging or playing music, and an input for a video camera.

Differences Between the Soundstream SG.V2 and WHD.RG

The differences between the Soundstream SG.V2 and WHD.RG aren’t just small features randomly changed to make them distinct from each other. Rather, they’re about which bike the radio is for.

1. Vehicle Fitment

This is the most important difference, because clearly, the units were designed to fit different types of fairwings:

• The Soundstream SG.V2 is built specifically for 1998-2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide models with a batwing fairing.
• The Soundstream WHD.RG is built specifically for 1998-2013 Harley-Davidson Road Glide models with a sharknose fairing. They are not interchangeable.

2. Screen Size

The SG.V2 takes advantage of the batwing fairing's space. It has a very large 8.2-inch HD touchscreen. The WHD.RG is made for the smaller opening on the Road Glide, so it uses a 7-inch touchscreen.

3. On-board Navigation

The SG.V2 includes built-in iGo Primo GPS navigation. This means you have maps even if your phone has no signal. The WHD.RG does not have its own navigation. It relies on your phone's maps through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

4. Advanced Integrations (Maestro & OEM Amps)

The SG.V2 is compatible with the iDataLink Maestro RR module. This lets it connect to your bike's computer to show engine data and gauges on the screen. It can also work with factory Boom! amplifiers. Meanwhile the WHD.RG lacks this compatibility, so it will not work with factory Boom! amps.

5. Price and Warranty

Both are premium radios and are priced accordingly. The SG.V2 generally has a higher price point because of its larger screen and built-in GPS. Both units typically come with a solid warranty.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Soundstream SG.V2 and WHD.RG depends on your Harley’s fairing. These units aren’t "one size fits all" and are purpose-built to be a perfect, plug-and-play fit for a specific fairing style. So, bottomline:

Choose the Soundstream SG.V2 if you:

• Have a Harley with a batwing fairing (like a Street Glide or Electra Glide)
• Want the largest screen available (8.3-inch) and a longer 5-year warranty
• Need premium features like built-in GPS navigation and iDataLink Maestro compatibility (for bike gauges and OEM Boom! amps)

Choose the Soundstream WHD.RG if you:

• Have a Harley with a sharknose fairing (a Road Glide)
• Are looking for a more budget-friendly upgrade
• Want the core modern essentials like Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and do not need built-in GPS or Maestro support

Get the Best Harley Upgrades From Lifestyle Cycles

Upgrading to Soundstream SG.V2 or WHD.RG is one of the best ways to make your ride more enjoyable. Whether you have a Street Glide or a Road Glide, a new head unit brings you a fully satisfactory experience.

Lifestyle Cycles is your headquarters for your next Harley sound system upgrade. We carry Soundstream speakers and amps, and all the other aftermarket parts you need. 

Browse through our online shop or stop by our Anaheim showroom and let our team help you build the perfect sound system for your Harley.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Harley Sound System Upgrades With Soundstream

Is Soundstream Reserve Good for Bass?

Yes, the Soundstream head units are an excellent foundation for great bass, but they do not produce the bass themselves. The SG.V2 and WHD.RG feature advanced equalizers (13-band or 15-band) and, most importantly, dedicated 5-volt RCA outputs for subwoofers. 

These outputs provide a strong, clean signal to your amplifiers and include specific crossover controls, which are necessary for tuning low-frequency sound. The final bass quality will depend on the amplifiers and speakers you pair with the radio.

Do Soundstream Reserve amps have warranty?

Yes, Soundstream products typically come with a manufacturer's warranty. The length of this warranty can change. It’s often a one-year warranty, but some retailers or installers can offer longer terms. It’s best to confirm the exact warranty period for the specific amplifier you’re buying directly with your authorized dealer, like Lifestyle Cycles.