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How To Install American Hard Bag WH-SBB Rear Split Backbone

WH-SBB Harley-Davidson Split Backbone Rear Speaker Wire Harness

WH-SBB Split Backbone Rear Speaker Wire Harness Installation Guide

Complete installation guide for the WH-SBB Harley-Davidson split backbone rear speaker wire harness. Designed for clean saddlebag speaker wiring with quick-disconnect serviceability and factory-style routing for touring motorcycles.

Tools & Parts Required

Tools Needed

  • Power drill
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Torx drivers
  • Allen wrenches
  • Flush cutters
  • Zip ties

Included Parts

  • WH-SBB 2-channel speaker wire harness
  • 4-pin amplifier service disconnect
  • Left and right saddlebag harnesses
  • Lid speaker service disconnects
  • Chrome wire caps
  • Wire cap mounting screws

Installation Steps

Split Backbone Harness Video Overview

This video applies to many versions of our rear speaker wire harnesses and focuses specifically on the split backbone section of the harness. The split backbone is the section that routes from the fairing amplifier area down the backbone of the motorcycle to both saddlebags.

For a full walkthrough and demonstration video visit: WH-SBB Rear Speaker Wire Harness Video

This video focuses primarily on backbone routing and harness layout. Continue below for complete WH-SBB installation details, saddlebag routing, drilling dimensions, and speaker connection procedures.

Step 1 — Remove Components

Remove the seat, gas tank, outer fairing, both saddlebags, and both side covers. This provides full access to the motorcycle backbone and harness routing areas.

Remove Harley-Davidson body panels and saddlebags

Step 2 — Connect Amplifier Service Disconnect

Connect the 4-wire amplifier service disconnect to the amplifier rear channel outputs. This creates a quick-release service connection for future maintenance and troubleshooting.

Amplifier rear channel service disconnect connection
Wire ferrules are pre-installed. Match wire colors to the amplifier output wiring.
Amplifier service disconnect installed Amplifier service disconnect wire color chart
Optional Configuration:
If running directly from the factory Harley-Davidson radio without an amplifier, connect the backbone harness directly into the radio’s 4-pin rear speaker output connector.
Factory radio rear speaker output connection

Step 3 — Route Backbone Harness

Route the Y-shaped harness from the fairing area down the bike backbone following the factory harness path. Position the Y-junction near the end of the factory plastic wire channel near the battery compartment.

Secure the harness with zip ties and pull all excess slack forward into the fairing area. Tie the harness to the factory wiring near the neck and frame.

Left Side Routing (Clutch Side)

Route the white and green 2-pin connector around the front of the battery compartment and through the fuse panel area beneath the clutch-side cover. Position the connector near the factory diagnostic connectors.

Left side saddlebag harness routing Left side harness service loop routing
Temporarily unclipping the alarm module may help simplify harness routing.
Do not route wiring across the top of the frame. Always follow factory harness routing paths to avoid pinching, heat exposure, or suspension interference.

Step 4 — Route Right Side Harness

Route the red and black 2-pin connector along the brake side of the motorcycle and secure it near the ABS pump area. This prevents excess slack while maintaining safe clearance from suspension and exhaust components.

The saddlebag harness intentionally angles downward and slightly rearward to create a service loop. This allows the saddlebag to be unbolted and leaned away from the motorcycle during future service without stressing the wiring.

Right side saddlebag harness routing near ABS pump

Step 5 — Prepare Saddlebag Entry

Drill a 1/2-inch hole approximately 2 inches back and 3 inches up from the bottom front corner of each saddlebag. This creates a clean and low-visibility wire entry point.

Harley saddlebag wire entry drilling location

Feed the white 2-pin connector through the hole and install the chrome wire cap. Pre-drill 3/32-inch pilot holes before installing the cap fasteners.

Chrome saddlebag wire cap installation
Adjust harness length so approximately 14 inches of harness extends from the bag before final tightening. Test fit the saddlebag before securing permanently.

Step 6 — Route Wiring Inside Saddlebag

Route the harness around the rear inside perimeter of the saddlebag and forward toward the hinge side of the lid. This keeps wiring hidden while protecting it from cargo damage.

Route the harness underneath the lid tether near the hinge area for a clean factory-style appearance.

Inside saddlebag speaker harness routing

Step 7 — Connect Lid Speakers

Connect the lid speaker quick-disconnect pigtails to the saddlebag lid speaker terminals. These quick disconnects allow easy saddlebag lid removal while maintaining correct speaker polarity.

Lid speaker quick disconnect wiring connection
Quick-disconnect speaker connectors reduce future service time and help eliminate accidental polarity reversal during reassembly.

Verification & Testing

  • Reconnect the battery and power on the audio system.
  • Verify both left and right rear speakers produce clean audio.
  • Gently move the saddlebag harness connectors to confirm there is no intermittent audio loss.
  • Inspect all harness routing to ensure clearance from exhaust, suspension, belt, and moving components.
  • If using an amplifier, verify proper left and right rear channel assignment.

Troubleshooting

Symptom Likely Cause Recommended Fix
No sound from rear speakers Loose or disconnected harness connection Inspect all backbone and saddlebag quick disconnects
Weak or hollow sound quality Speaker polarity reversed Verify speaker wiring polarity at amplifier and speaker connections
Intermittent audio Harness strain or improper routing Inspect for pinched wiring and confirm service loop slack

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