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What's wrong with the HK head unit

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Old Feb 2, 2015 | 10:47 PM
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Default What's wrong with the HK head unit

I've still got the stock head unit on my 09 SG. I've got an arc audio 125.2 BX mini and Hertz HCX 165. I've been thinking about adding additional speakers either saddlebag lids or lowers. I keep hearing people talk about having to change the head unit because it's crap. Can someone tell me why besides just saying "because it is".
 
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Old Feb 2, 2015 | 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by bald1der
I've still got the stock head unit on my 09 SG. I've got an arc audio 125.2 BX mini and Hertz HCX 165. I've been thinking about adding additional speakers either saddlebag lids or lowers. I keep hearing people talk about having to change the head unit because it's crap. Can someone tell me why besides just saying "because it is".
Actually the HK head unit is not "crap' it's a very good head unit. Just doesn't have as many bells and whistles as the aftermarket HU's.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2015 | 10:12 AM
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I think the main complaint is the lack of power. If you are adding speakers an AMP is pretty much required especially if you are going to use 4ohm speakers. I kept my stock HU and added the RF PBR300x2 AMP with Biketronic 7.1 speakers in the front and I am very happy with the sound quality. I replaced the rears with Infinity Kappa 6.5" speakers and those just run off the stock HU (not through the Amp) and they sound good as well but the amp makes all the difference to get really good sound to the front.

My wife is normally on withi me so I don't hear the rears often anyway.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2015 | 03:59 PM
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I replaced my HU, becasue I wanted to have the added feature of BT and Pandora. Also, I was running an amp, so I wanted to get a HU with a decent preamp voltage. I had to buy a rain shield, but otherwise, it's been a great purchase.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2015 | 04:48 PM
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The HK head unit will distort a higher volume levels and that is very hard on speakers. I blew 2 Biketronics 7.1's ( they replaced them ), Bill suggested I replace the HK head unit after the second one blew. Haven't had a problem since and I have the volume set the same all the time, loud.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2015 | 04:55 PM
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If you want Bluetooth and like the HK head unit you can get a Bluetooth modification that is completely internal from Iron cross Audio. I even got pre amp RCA outputs installed at the same time. It's all just a personal preference really. Do you like the clean stock look or do you want something different that you have to get extra stuff to allow your hand controls to work? What's more important.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2015 | 05:40 PM
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Originally Posted by aaronmcb80
If you want Bluetooth and like the HK head unit you can get a Bluetooth modification that is completely internal from Iron cross Audio. I even got pre amp RCA outputs installed at the same time. It's all just a personal preference really. Do you like the clean stock look or do you want something different that you have to get extra stuff to allow your hand controls to work? What's more important.
The look of the stock head unit doesn't bother me. I was really just curios as to why so many people say that you have to change it. I've added a amp and speakers and for the most part like the way it sounds. Just thinking about adding more speakers.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2015 | 06:51 PM
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Originally Posted by bald1der
The look of the stock head unit doesn't bother me. I was really just curios as to why so many people say that you have to change it. I've added a amp and speakers and for the most part like the way it sounds. Just thinking about adding more speakers.
The stock unit does fine for what it is. It's just limited in its functions and tuning abilities.

2010 Limited with some stuff!!
 
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Old Feb 5, 2015 | 04:09 PM
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If you want the CB and intercom communications features (I certainly do), I think you are stuck with using the stock HK head unit.
 
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Old Feb 5, 2015 | 07:31 PM
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Originally Posted by LQQK_OUT
If you want the CB and intercom communications features (I certainly do), I think you are stuck with using the stock HK head unit.
09 Street Glide don't have CB or intercom. I do enjoy being able to use the handlebar controls.
 
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