I have had my Street Glide for a little less than a year and one of this things I have really been thinking about is the stereo. There are two main reasons I got a touring bike, one is the comfort for the passenger, and the other is the tunes.

So when I got the SG, I was temporarily content with the quality of the sound but knew I would eventually have to upgrade. Since then I have been torn and unsure what to do.

Here is what I am looking for. A stereo that has bluetooth capability, plus a rear USB port. I would like to run a USB extension to my saddle bag so I can charge my phone while riding and it can be safely stored away.

I looked at several of the most known and available options including the ipod interface for the stock radio, as well as the new Jenson radio with the blue tooth. I haven't jumped on either of those yet because neither one really gave me a warm fuzzy feeling.

So about a month ago a guy who works in the same building as me stated he knew a guy in town who could install a standard car stereo in my SG and retain my steering wheel controls. So I went and talked with the guy.

The guy told me that he could in fact do it and that to retain the steering wheel control he would use one of those programable interfaces that you use to sync aftermarket stereos with various systems in the newer cars. He stated that some of the major amp manufacturers are now making amps small enough to fit in the fairing. He stated that not including the radio (price depending on which one I wanted) he could install two bigger speakers in the fairing, install an amp (that would power four speakers), retain the handle bar controls, go ahead and run the wire to the saddlebags, and run a USB extension to the saddlebag for around $600.00. I told him that I would eventually get the saddlebag lids with the 6X9s and so he stated that he would go ahead and do run the wire for me so when I do get the lids and get them painted all I'll have to do is connect them. That includes everything but the actual price of the radio.

What do you radio gurus think about that. Sounds good to me, I just want someone's opinion on this who who is in the know.

Thanks.

 

I've heard of guys paying way more than that. But why not just do it yourself and put the money you'd have paid him into higher end equipment? There is all the info and help you need right on this forum.

 

Because that's not much labor cost and for that I would just as well let a professional do it. This is a audio shop.

 

What amp and speakers did he say he was going to install?

 

yes that... they can talk whatever they want but a car is not a bike...
plenty of support here to do it yourself... I think it is fun and not hard at all... save the money - unclear on how much $$ on the labor - and put that towards your equipment.

not saying your guy is incompetent BTW

 

Yeah that's the big question. It's all about the quality of speakers and amps Machiavelli. You can have a perfect install with sub par components and your system will sound like crap. All of us here have been through it. You want to do it once and you want to do it right. Most of us here know what works and what does not. Let us know what your thinking is in regard to equipment and we will help you make the best decision. We need:

HU
How many speakers
What bike
What amp
Budget.

 

$600 is a chunk of change to me, especially for something anyone can do. What kind of budget do you have?

 

Would highly recommended doing the install yourself. VERY VERY simple and plenty of info and helpful advice here. Biketronics set up ups are fairly popular here and well worth the money. Do it right the first time and be done!

 

That's not for the labor, $600.00 is for the amp, the speakers and the install.

 

If the installer can install an HU, 4 speakers and a amp for $600 total. . . Go for it! You are looking at the very least 4 hours labor.

HU - $150 - $200
Speakers - $200 - $250
Amp - $160 - $200

You can get all this stuff a little cheaper but you won't be happy.