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Nov 1, 2009 | 10:11 AM

#31

frenchbiker

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 3,948

Likes: 54

From: The Burgh

Quote:

Originally Posted by k&j eglide

I've wondered why no one has bothered to make an aftermarket unit that does exactly what the H-D unit does but for a reasonable price. Just look at units like what Crutchfield sells (available as XM modules for many different head units but currently NOT Harmon-Kardon). Seems there would probably be a considerable demand. Kind of dishonest the way H-D markets their touring radios anyway. Only capable of anything beyond the radio function by adding high dollar extra modules.

Very good question. Lots of guys bought the Zumo 550 for not only the GPS but also XM. I'm kind of hesitant to buy a Zumo and mount it on my bike for XM radio. Not only it's $$$ but I don't need GPS 90% of the time. Need it only when I'm touring and it's not even always necessary.
Hope someone will offer a cheaper XM option for the HK radio.

Nov 1, 2009 | 10:43 AM

#32

Gunkholes

Road Captain

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 680

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From: Seattle area

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgreg65

Has anyone tried the Garmin 550 with the XM/Sirius antenna? I found out that there is a lock on the top of mount of the Garmin it uses a small two prong fork style screw driver to lock it in place so it cant be taken out.

The Zumo 550 is a great unit -- I've had mine on 3 different bikes. The "security" screw, though, is lousy theft prevention. It just insures that the flip-up release will remain locked-down. (How long would it take someone to just undo the big **** on the ball joint?) I added a knurled screw to mine, so I don't have to use the PITA screwdriver to remove the unit.

I also believe that the 550 is better than its successor -- the 660 doesn't have the XM capability.

Nov 1, 2009 | 11:39 AM

#33

jgreg65

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Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 854

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From: COLD Country Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunkholes

I didnt think of that ball mount Yeah right, I'd better be careful and just pull it off most of the time. Vic where did you mount the antenna?

Nov 1, 2009 | 11:43 AM

#34

Gunkholes

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Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 680

Likes: 1

From: Seattle area

I put it inside the fairing, on top of the radio. Works fine.

Nov 1, 2009 | 06:11 PM

#35

Ferggie

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Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 57

Likes: 0

From: Greensboro NC

XM & Garmin Zumo

I have had a Garmin 550 Zumo with the XM module for 3 years now and love. One thing to keep in mind is I can listen to the XM radio, MP3's, intercom, answer my phone and recieve voice prompts from the GPS all through the Garmin when it is run through the AUX port. If you choose to get the plug in XM module for the Harmin system you will not hear the prompts since you will be using the XM and not AUX to hear.

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Last edited by Ferggie; Nov 1, 2009 at 06:17 PM.

Nov 1, 2009 | 06:51 PM

#36

Big Pig

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Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,069

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From: Greensboro, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by hog95023

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Pig

yeah it's more than just $500 cause the harness is another $100-$130 if you don't have it. The bracket is only like $5.00. the set up is expensive but it is worth every penny, esp being about to cruise down the road at 80 mph and change the channels, volume, etc without ever taking your hands off the bars. [B]No non HD aftermarket add-on can do that.

I believe that is an incorrect statement.

NO my friend it is not. I just went through it on my 2010 bike. There is no non-HD XM module that you can add to the Stock HD radio that will allow use of the stock HD handle bar radio controls but the HD XM module.

Nov 1, 2009 | 07:24 PM

#37

rstekeur

Road Captain

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 549

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From: Ft Myers FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgreg65

I have one and love it, I got the weather and traffic also. The gps is removed very easly, I don't use the little screwdriver, I just remove it and put it in the tourbox

Nov 1, 2009 | 07:54 PM

#38

bigdoghd

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 1,049

Likes: 1

From: Brookfield,Il.

Alot of good ideas. I have a 550 Zumo, which I wouldn't live without, but don't use it for XM. I purchased the HD module, because of the deal I can get and kept it all factory. Another option you can do is a stereo change to aftermarket unit with and xm module and the factory handle bar control kit. That allows you to use your handle bar controls. My opinion, I'd stick with the HD module......the only other issue is there has been some problems with the Harmon Karmon radios breaking.....that's another $250.00 plus to repair.