I have a 2007 Ultra and have ridden the heck out of it. It is just over 2 years old and I have put on 51k. For the most part... no real issues with the bike.

I wrecked twice (one requiring a new frame and re-mount) and the other was very minimal damage.

Starting yesterday I was riding and all of a sudden my stereo cut out on me (listening through external speakers). I thought maybe the radio station had a problem and I waited for a little bit. Nothing...... so I switched to another radio station... and nothing again. I even tried my CD and still silence.

The speaker toggle/rocker switch was set to the EXTERNAL SPEAKERS ALL THE TIME (light was on). I turned off the radio and let it sit. I then turned it back on and it started working again. No set amount of time would it work. Maybe 5 minutes... maybe 15 minutes.. maybe 2 minutes. Over the course of the next 50+ miles it cut out on me about 4 more times.

After work I came home and during that 50+ mile ride the radio cut out.... probably 9-11 times. Instead of turning off the radio... I discovered if I toggled the speaker switch from "all speakers output" to the middle it might come back on. When it would cut out again I'd move it to the "all speaker output"... and so on and so forth. This seemed to instantly turn the speakers back on.

Today I rode and to see if I could find any issue with the radio... so I wore my 3/4 helmet and plugged into the com. I moved the speaker switch to "all internal" and I listened to the radio all the way to work without issue. I brought my 1/2 helmet with me to work and on the way home I put the speakers back on "external mode" (switch in middle or full ON mode). Radio cut out probably 20+ times on the way home. Sometimes only working for 5-10 seconds before silence.I found I sometimes would have to wait 5-10 seconds and even rock the switch to "internal only" before moving it back to the middle our full external speaker areas so it would work.

I'm not really 'experienced' in the realm of electronics... but in my mind.... I would take this as some issue with the speaker switch? I wasn't aware they really go "bad" but I reckon they could.

I searched the forums for this issue and did not find any kind of real answer.

Checking with you folks to see if anyone has any insight to this type of problem and how they got it resolved.

 

From what you describe, it does sound like the 3-position rocker switch for the speakers. Step #1, if you don't already is go buy the Service Manual. I've read nothing but positive results by 'having' the Service Manual.

Step #2, Check to be sure the wires are securely connected to the switch; be careful with the lower inner when you check the switch. Might need to get some painters tape or something like that where you can label each wire to be sure they get back on the switch the right way.

Hope this helps get ya started...

P.S. 51K in 2 years...dayum...yer makin' us look bad!

Is it late March / early April yet?

 

Contacts inside switches can corrode over time and give very perculiar symptoms. I agree with your conclusion. If you go to an electronics type shop and get an aerosol of contact cleaner, you need to get in to the back of the switch and apply liberally, rocking the switch between various states while you spray. The audio system does not know the output is being switched, so if it works in the 1 mode the audio system is fine

 

opps double post

 

When you are cleaning the switch make sure you do NOT have the power on. Allow to dry before turning the power on.

 

let us know if you find the problem...

 

had it happen to my 06,the radio has a bad inturnal amp,when over driven they short out,its new radio time.......

 

I've had the same problem with my switch. I haven't fix it yet. just wondering if using the cleaner worked for you.

 

It may take awhile for him to answer. His post was back in July. Contact cleaner from Radio Shack will work. Don't get any on the paint. Good Luck

 

I tried the Contact cleaner. It still doesn't work. The switch does sound better, but still have problem. I guess my next option is buy a new switch which is only $ 85.95 for one little toggle switch sounds like a lot. It probably only cost about a buck eighty five I'm sure made in some third world country.