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The tape player in my 20 year old factory radio died suddenly late last year. I can't listen to radio; the commercials are enough to drive me crazy and the music for the most part sucks.
I contacted Biketronics last fall and spoke to them about their Retro Radio kit. I didn't actually order the thing until my bonus came through last month. Yesterday it was raining all day here; a perfect afternoon to do the install.
I got the old factory radio out without much trouble, and then followed the instructions for the install. Have to say that it went even easier than the instructions said it would. The Biketronics harness matched up perfectly with the stock plugs, and the new speakers fit with no modification whatsoever. The stock handlebar controls work perfectly, as advertised. It looked and sounded great sitting in the garage.
It's still raining today so I haven't heard it on the road yet, but it sounds way better than the original radio just sitting in the garage. Bottom line: The Biketronics Retro Radio kit included everything needed, was relatively easy to install, fit my '89 Ultra perfectly and sounds great.
I have the Biketronics retro radio kit our '90 Ultra for a couple years now and really pleased as well. I added the iPod controller for the older Sony radio we are using and cords are just long enough that it sits under the seat and the iPod can stay in the tourpak. The only downside with the Sony iPod controller is it resets every time the radio loses power and doesn't go back to where it stopped so I have to select the playlist and hit shuffle each time. I also changed the front speakers to (2 ohm) 4" Infinity Kappas which increased the volume.
Although I don't use it much I keep part of a marine radio cover to cover the radio if it is out in the rain
Last edited by pajoe; Mar 30, 2009 at 04:37 PM.
Reason: add picture?
sounds good. i need a radio for my 95 ultra, would you post a picture of the fitted radio ?
later.......
Paco,
We have the biketronics with the sony 520 in our '95. It went in easy, plug and play basically. All the controls, plus automatic volume control work like stock. I think you might like it. There are lots of choices as far as radios go, we went with a basic one as the bike is our "shop" bike.
Thanks all for the heads up on the radio kit. I finally found the sticky. I will put that on the burner for later. still trying to fire the 107" on the 95 ultra frame. think i need a starter first.
I just put a new Sony radio into my 96 EGC. It works great. Very easy installation short of the problem with the 1 amp fuse. Had to replace it with a 5 amp. Also turned off the auto volume control. Adjusting way too much. I will have to play with it and get the right setting. Also I want to design a lift up cover for it.
What exactly do I need to buy to just upgrade the radio with a plug and play and what is the cost??
Thanks for the info.
If you go with Biketronics, the kit includes everything you need - the harness plug-in, the mounting hardware and a new Sony CD/radio. I also replaced the stock speakers (highly recommended). My total cost was around $500. Not cheap, but as you read above, it all fit and worked perfectly. Well worth it IMHO.
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