Ken, It's good to hear that you've had no issues with your audio. You don't really think that you hear anything out of those saddlebag speakers but when they're cutting in and out you definitely notice that they're not there. If I didn't have that done via the dealer it would've cost me in excess of $600. The amp cost is $530, the little six inch pig tail that goes from the module to the ipod costs $77, and the speaker grill costs $42. And there's no telling how much the labor would have been. I would hate to get something simple like that repaired outside of the warranty period.
That's why I got the extended service plan on Buster, Jeremey... with tire and wheel coverage. Frankly, I'm not nearly as worried about the drivetrain stuff as I am about all the friggin' expensive electronics on this bike... if any of THAT stuff acts up, I will
definitely do a warranty claim on it! I just don't want any more warranty claims in the MoCo's system for Buster than I have to.
Is yours all working properly again? You're right, the saddlebag speakers are most noticeable when they are NOT there, and the sound is only coming from the front speakers... no "cocoon of sound".
I have found that setting the fader two clicks back from center gives me the best overall balance of sound at highway speeds. I also set both bass and treble three clicks up from center, and I usually have the AVC set at 2 when riding solo, and at 3 when I'm on group rides and want the radio quieter when we stop at traffic lights and such.