Audio Systems Find answers to all of your stereo, speaker and other audio technology questions here.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Head unit replacement understanding

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 23, 2014 | 12:05 PM
  #1  
jcain's Avatar
jcain
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
15 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 217
Likes: 2
From: Liverpool, NY
Default Head unit replacement understanding

So I've decided to replace the stock head unit on my '06 CVO Ultra. I replaced the factory speakers last year with HogTunes for both front and rear and really like the improved sound.

I've decided to take the next step in replacing the head unit. Placed an order for the Biketronics retro-radio install module kit. I haven't decided on the head unit I want yet. I don't use cd's so the units with the "tune tray" appear to be the best choice and they have an AUX input for my GPS to plug into.

To my question. By removing the stock HU am I to presume that the stock amp under the tour pack will not longer be functional? I know I'm losing the XM and CB modules (don't use either) but will I need to rewire the bikes speakers from the new HU or is this done via the Biketronics kit? Should I consider installing an amp?

Lastly of the couple of offered Biktronics Sony radios that have the tune tray how are the displays in daylight for those that have the units?

Thanks in advance.
 
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2014 | 07:01 PM
  #2  
Landon's Avatar
Landon
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: Georgetown TX
Default

I have a Sony DSX310. Works great and does everything I wanted. Downside is the visability in sun. Very little visible when riding, but no one can convince me to change it out. The performance of this radio is excellent. Will be adding a new amp and speakers this week.
 
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2014 | 01:00 PM
  #3  
BeerIsMyDad's Avatar
BeerIsMyDad
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
Default

The Sony DSX-MS60 is a tune tray model that is "marine" grade. It's only real advantage over the DSX-S100 is the high-contrast display that is easier to see in sunlight. A good suggestion is to learn your handlebar controls and avoid looking at the radio while riding.

Also, you will not need to rewire your speakers. The Biketronics kit makes it plug n play.
 
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2014 | 06:16 PM
  #4  
Gnarl78's Avatar
Gnarl78
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 5
From: Northern Virginia
Default

I'm no audio guru, but I would think you could send signal from your new head unit to the rear CVO amp.
 
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2014 | 02:18 PM
  #5  
jcain's Avatar
jcain
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
15 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 217
Likes: 2
From: Liverpool, NY
Default

Thanks for the suggestions and feedback thus far.

I rarely look at the radio display other than the time. Until now I've pushed audio from my Zumo 550 via memory card and dumping into the stock head unit via AUX cable input. If the Zumo supported pushing sound via Bluetooth I wouldn't need the AUX input on a new head unit.

I'd prefer a red backlit unit to match my gauges but in reality the majority of my riding is during daylight so the color becomes less of a big deal. I like the "tune-tray" feature as I have an iPod Touch I can throw in and off I go.

I'll have the retro radio kit in a couple days. Just need to decide on a head unit and then I suspect and amp at some point down the line.
 
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2014 | 05:25 PM
  #6  
UltraNutZ's Avatar
UltraNutZ
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
Default

do you know what hd part # the cvo amp is?

the head unit is simply a matter of preference but I would suggest purchasing something with a minimum of 4v rca outputs for later expansion.
 

Last edited by UltraNutZ; Feb 25, 2014 at 05:32 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2014 | 06:08 PM
  #7  
jcain's Avatar
jcain
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
15 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 217
Likes: 2
From: Liverpool, NY
Default

UltraNutZ,

According to the parts catalog for the bike the amp part number is 76192-06a.

Understood on the 4v RCA's.
 
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2014 | 08:29 PM
  #8  
jcain's Avatar
jcain
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
15 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 217
Likes: 2
From: Liverpool, NY
Default

Well finally pulled the trigger on a Biketronics retro radio kit and additional harness. They didn't have the radio in stock I wanted so scored that on Amazon. After feedback here and reading a great many threads I decided on the Sony S310BTX.

They also spent some time getting information on how I could still pass audio from my Zumo 550 audio to the 310. Spoke with Donna about it yesterday and John at Biketronics at length this evening.

Using the 3.5mm audio out as I do now from the Zumo to a 3.5mm female to RCA male Y adapter that plug into the BUS audio RCA in's. The other piece I needed is a "PAC Sony Unilink adapter Auxiliary input turn on" (what a mouthful). This allows the BUS audio inputs to act as an AUX input.

Thanks to all that chimed in and helped give me some tips on moving this project forward.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

10 Most Awkward-Looking Motorcycles Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 27, 2014 | 09:00 AM
  #9  
UltraNutZ's Avatar
UltraNutZ
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
Default

Originally Posted by jcain
Well finally pulled the trigger on a Biketronics retro radio kit and additional harness. They didn't have the radio in stock I wanted so scored that on Amazon. After feedback here and reading a great many threads I decided on the Sony S310BTX.

They also spent some time getting information on how I could still pass audio from my Zumo 550 audio to the 310. Spoke with Donna about it yesterday and John at Biketronics at length this evening.

Using the 3.5mm audio out as I do now from the Zumo to a 3.5mm female to RCA male Y adapter that plug into the BUS audio RCA in's. The other piece I needed is a "PAC Sony Unilink adapter Auxiliary input turn on" (what a mouthful). This allows the BUS audio inputs to act as an AUX input.

Thanks to all that chimed in and helped give me some tips on moving this project forward.
Perfect!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Quickrunner1
Audio Systems
8
May 15, 2017 08:03 AM
ElectraGlideSteve
Audio Systems
32
Apr 23, 2016 06:04 PM
Fathertime500
Audio Systems
5
Mar 18, 2016 12:55 PM
Choopy
Audio Systems
1
Apr 7, 2014 12:56 PM
TwoBlue02
Touring Models
8
Apr 11, 2013 07:48 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:16 AM.

story-0
10 Most Awkward-Looking Motorcycles Ever Built

Slideshow: Not every motorcycle can be a design icon, and these machines prove that bold styling doesn't always age gracefully.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-1
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

Slideshow: Jason Momoa's latest restoration project blends 1920s Harley-Davidsons with modern electric technology, creating some of the most unusual hybrid motorcycles ever built.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:18:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-5
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-9
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE