Adding bluetooth...
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 48
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
Adding bluetooth...
I have a 1998 electra glide standard with the oem radio/cd player.. my question is.. is it possible to add bluetooth to the oem headunit or will i have to replace it with aftermarket single din unit?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,004
Likes: 11,441
Replace it with a good aftermarket.
Contact Iron Cross. They are well know for adding updates to older HD radios but it is not cheap.
http://ironcrossaudio.com/
Contact Iron Cross. They are well know for adding updates to older HD radios but it is not cheap.
http://ironcrossaudio.com/
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 1,036
From: Southern Virginia
I use a Metra Saddletramp bluetooth unit with good results. It shows track information on the screen and allows skip and rewind.
The thing to keep in mind with most aftermarket head units is they are not waterproof. There are only a few that are and they are expensive. That being said they do have some nice features if you don't mind spending the money. I've been impressed with the Rockford unit myself.
The thing to keep in mind with most aftermarket head units is they are not waterproof. There are only a few that are and they are expensive. That being said they do have some nice features if you don't mind spending the money. I've been impressed with the Rockford unit myself.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 607
Likes: 325
From: Wisconsin
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 1,036
From: Southern Virginia
You know talking about adapters reminded me of something. The head unit in the OPs bike should have an Aux input on it. I have an older Super Duty that doesn't have bluetooth but does have a 3.5mm aux input on it. I got one of these:
Bluetooth 5.0 Audio Receiver USB 3.5mm AUX Adapter Car TV PC Speaker
And it worked like a charm. Pretty good for five bucks. You could just get a cheap 12v to USB adapter for the cigarette lighter and plug it in to get power.
Bluetooth 5.0 Audio Receiver USB 3.5mm AUX Adapter Car TV PC Speaker
And it worked like a charm. Pretty good for five bucks. You could just get a cheap 12v to USB adapter for the cigarette lighter and plug it in to get power.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 574
From: Lockport Illinois
On the 13 and down HU use the aux jack with a BT receiver that has a 3.5mm plug if you plan on keeping the stock HU.
I am currently using the one in the link below while in my truck. There is minimal difference in sound quality between xm,fm and the bt adapter thru the stock HU.
UGREEN 5.3 Aux Bluetooth Adapter...
I am currently using the one in the link below while in my truck. There is minimal difference in sound quality between xm,fm and the bt adapter thru the stock HU.
UGREEN 5.3 Aux Bluetooth Adapter...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,688
Likes: 3,790
From: backwoods
I use a Metra Saddletramp bluetooth unit with good results. It shows track information on the screen and allows skip and rewind.
Metra Saddle Tramp BT-HD01 Radio Bluetooth Kit Compatible with Harley Davidson 2006-2013 Select Model Motorcycles
The thing to keep in mind with most aftermarket head units is they are not waterproof. There are only a few that are and they are expensive. That being said they do have some nice features if you don't mind spending the money. I've been impressed with the Rockford unit myself.
Metra Saddle Tramp BT-HD01 Radio Bluetooth Kit Compatible with Harley Davidson 2006-2013 Select Model Motorcycles
The thing to keep in mind with most aftermarket head units is they are not waterproof. There are only a few that are and they are expensive. That being said they do have some nice features if you don't mind spending the money. I've been impressed with the Rockford unit myself.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 1,036
From: Southern Virginia
Yeah I hear you there. The main reason I put money into my stock head unit was I really like the AVC function. You can use it with the 13 and down bikes without blowing stuff up if you set everything up right. If I were at the point of wanting to swap the head unit out I'd be tempted to go with the Rockford unit. The specs look much better than any of the other "made for HD" head units I've seen. It also gives you a 3.5mm input and USB input as well.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,774
Likes: 1,804
From: Newnan, GA
The player with a cable is a good solution, for me in my situation. I pair the player with my phone, attach the player to my radio, tuck the player in a wind Shield Pouch. You may need to bypass the volume limit in your phone, my phone used to give me warnings about loud volumes.
If my radio craps out I may upgrade to this
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,688
Likes: 3,790
From: backwoods
I am similar boat, old stereo. CD player has been acting up. My dongle has issue getting to start.(insert joke) Easier to plug phone into jack. I want to update, but don't want to spend $$$$. Also probably need an amp. I am really happy with 2015, but stock pipes. And I may leave stock, just cause I enjoy the stereo so much.