Best Audio System
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 45
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From: Grove City, PA
Best Audio System
Ok, I'll start off by saying that I understand that nothing good ever comes cheap. That being said, I have an Electra Glide Standard and I'd like to add an audio system. I'm normally a bit of an audiophile (Bose in my car, Klipsch 7.1 surround on the TV, Klipsch 2.1 on the computer). However, I only really intend to use the stereo on my bike on the longer weekend trips. Shorter trips around the area I normally like to just enjoy the rumble of the engine.
That being said... any recommendations for a sound system that I could add to my bike that wouldn't cost $500-700? For how little I'll be using it, I'm just not sure if I can justify that price point, but it seems like everything I've found so far (even buying a used OEM system on eBay) seems to be pretty expensive. I don't really need the system to do anything other than allow me to hook up my iPod/iPhone.
I've seen some of the popular options like Biketronics and Hogtunes, but I just wanted to make sure there wasn't another option out there that I might be missing. I'm new to Harley; just got my EG a couple weeks ago.
That being said... any recommendations for a sound system that I could add to my bike that wouldn't cost $500-700? For how little I'll be using it, I'm just not sure if I can justify that price point, but it seems like everything I've found so far (even buying a used OEM system on eBay) seems to be pretty expensive. I don't really need the system to do anything other than allow me to hook up my iPod/iPhone.
I've seen some of the popular options like Biketronics and Hogtunes, but I just wanted to make sure there wasn't another option out there that I might be missing. I'm new to Harley; just got my EG a couple weeks ago.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 45
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From: Grove City, PA
Sorry, I guess my thread title should've been something more like "Best Inexpensive Audio System Options." However, getting your opinions on the best sounding and most reliable audio options is also appreciated.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
kyldh.. the cost is going to come in with the head unit if you want handlebar controls. An aftermarket head unit is cheap, the control module to tie into the handlebars is about $230 either hawg wired or biketronics. If you want to use handlebar controls and want to go cheap, I'd simply find a 06 or newer HK unit (look in the classifieds here), slap it in there, adjust the speed sensor setting in the diagnostics menu to accomodate your analog speed sensor and a decent pair of speakers and be done with it.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Grove City, PA
Well, I think I've basically found the cheapest option...
Biketronics install kit - $200
Sony DSXMS60 + Speakers & Splash Cover package - $180 on eBay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/370844368563...84.m1438.l2649
$380 instead of the $550 that biketronics wants to get the Sony M60 head unit complete package. The biggest drawback is that I'll have Pyle speakers instead of Hug Tunes, but you can get a decent set of marine grade speakers from Kenwood or Polk Audio on Amazon for $50, so it's still a lot cheaper this way. I'll probably give the Pyle a shot first and see if they're "good enough" or not.
Just figured I'd post that find in case case anyone else is in the same situation.
Biketronics install kit - $200
Sony DSXMS60 + Speakers & Splash Cover package - $180 on eBay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/370844368563...84.m1438.l2649
$380 instead of the $550 that biketronics wants to get the Sony M60 head unit complete package. The biggest drawback is that I'll have Pyle speakers instead of Hug Tunes, but you can get a decent set of marine grade speakers from Kenwood or Polk Audio on Amazon for $50, so it's still a lot cheaper this way. I'll probably give the Pyle a shot first and see if they're "good enough" or not.
Just figured I'd post that find in case case anyone else is in the same situation.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
still need the handlebar control module if you go that route and want to use the handlebar controls. That's another $200. If you don't care about that then you done good..
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Intermediate
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From: Grove City, PA
Oh really? I wasn't aware of that. Is that a module I need to get from Harley?
The biketronics item description says "Retains Harley stock handlebar functions" so I figured I could plug into my existing wiring harness in the bike and be good to go. Not the case?
The biketronics item description says "Retains Harley stock handlebar functions" so I figured I could plug into my existing wiring harness in the bike and be good to go. Not the case?
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4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 8
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From: Woodland Hills, CA
Before you buy anything, make sure it can handle the vibrations (unique to MC's) and being exposed to weather. That usually means a marine radio. I would never buy a Sony product, period! They're junk. And Sony might well be out of business in the next few years. Talk to the folks at Dragonfly (Google them). They actually talked me out of buying a 4-Ch stereo amp b/c they are releasing a prototypeof a combined unit at Sturgis that will put HogTunes and Hawgwired products to even more shame. As I understand it, the unit will have 300w with THD below .1% That's good dynamic sound! Don't know the price yet. I suspect that any/all sub$500 solutions are going to be "cheap". You get what you pay for. I've seen one guy who bought some cheap-*** stereo and speakers for his Sporty...less than $50. It works...for how long I have no idea. Good luck!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
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From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
no sir that's not the case and you're reading a BT description and some other companies description on eBay... careful
To use an aftermarket (any aftermarket) head unit AND you want to use your stock handlebar controls, you WILL need a control module either from Biketronics or HawgWired.
For an 03 EGC and a Sony head unit, you'll need the BT module, part # BT1000 - $197
Any other brand aftermarket head unit, you'll need the BT module, part # BT1005 - $224
To use an aftermarket (any aftermarket) head unit AND you want to use your stock handlebar controls, you WILL need a control module either from Biketronics or HawgWired.
For an 03 EGC and a Sony head unit, you'll need the BT module, part # BT1000 - $197
Any other brand aftermarket head unit, you'll need the BT module, part # BT1005 - $224