I was also looking at options too for my '03 Ultra. I've had hogtunes all around, replaced them w/4 J&M single cone rears and the spearate 5.25 with J&M unique tweeter grill. I liked the J&M's for the clarity but still lacked the full "Lower" range. I DID NOT read all the 110 entries so forgive me if this has been covered before. The bass frenquencies are improved with the 7.25"? Are the frequencies down to 45hz?, 30hz?, lower? Yes its probably better than a lot of more complicated options but with my headend being 8 ohms I'm kinda screwed with limited speaker options (thanks Harley Davidson for f_cking I got with 8 ohms). I want to hear from people that have others brands besides stock and even the prior version of the 5.25" J&M like I have to tell me that it's that big of a difference to spend almost $300. I was strongly thinking of buying the 7.25" (ssshh my wife might hear) when I got laid off the Friday before my Labor Day/week's vacation (piss poor timing to lay someone off the week before your vacation in my opinion) that dream came to a screeching halt. Oh well, I guess I will wait for the 8"? or 8.5"? version when I could afford it again.
It would also be nice to make a true component 6.5" or 7.25" with a separate mid/tweeter and adjustable crossovers. The tweeters could be installed just above the speakers on or in the fairing with a few simple holes to flush mount them a little higher.
By the way, I like the way John from J&M responds to these messages. He does respond and that's nice.
Heck I could probably install a decent 4 ohm Marine rated head end unit, a good 4-CH marine amp installed in the side bag or under my travel pak, with connections properly weatherproofed of course. The possibilities with components 6.5 or 6.75, 4 ohm component car speaker with a adjustable crossover could be more advantageous . The tipping point question is $$$$ and if you want to spend for the difference or not is the question.
Thanks for reading my rants... Tull