I was wondering if it is worth the extra money to install a Alpine head unit. I would also have to purchase the harness to use my handlebar controls. I would like to upgrade my speakers and also buy lowers with the speaker pods in them, so I will need to add an amplifier. I was trying to figure out if I should just buy the HD Ipod interface or if it is worth several hundred dollars more to replace the head unit. Any advice would help.

Thanks,
Lisle

 

replace the head unit and think about selling it -- I have replaced the head units in all bikes except my 06 SG (waiting to do it) I have used Kenwood, Pioneer, and JVC so far the JVC Kameleon seems to be the best. None have been marine radios.

The Hawg Wired interface is plug and play--cost a little more than the other interface modules but worth it to me.

 

Yes, but Harley now has the Ipod interface.

 

What model and year is your bike?

Carl

 

2010 road glide

 

Take the $400 you'd spend on the HD Ipod interface kit and put it with the $400-$500 you'll get for selling your Harman Kardon head unit and use the $800-$900 you have to buy a far better head unit (Ipod compatible) , install kit and interface module from Hawg wired or Biketronics, and you'll have a fair amount of change left over.

If you plan to add a second set of speakers to the HK head unit, you'll find that you'll need to spend another $120 list price for the non-Ultra overlay harnesss, p/n 70169-06, to access the rear speaker outputs of the HK head unit (or less if you fab your own harness to plug into the 35 wire connector on the back of the HK head unit). Using an aftermarket head unit allows adding a second set of speakers without the expense of the overlay harness.

Good luck with your project.

Carl

 

+1 on what Carl said !!!

IPOD accessibility is GREAT !

 

Do the other head units you are considering have CB & Intercom?

 

The reason I first asked for model/year was to determine if he had an Ultra with CB/Intercom since no aftermarket radio will retain those functions. Since he has a Road Glide, no CB/Intercom.

Unless he plans to add the CB/Intercom, there is very little operational reason to retain the Harman Kardon and seriously overpay for such features as HD's add-on XM, Ipod control, etc.

Aftermarket radios will also offer pre-amp outputs for connecting an amp and avoiding the distortion of the radio's amp, AUX connection in the rear of the radio, and other features not available without modifying the Harman Kardon unit.

Since I wanted a clean CB/Intercom installation, I retrofitted the HK radio in my '04 EG along with the CB module, etc., and have added fairing lower speakers using the 2011 CVO SG speaker boxes, Arc 125.2 amp, etc. so I have a pretty good idea of what's involved with those mods as well as their cost.

Carl

 

I would never consider "upgrading" my stereo system on my bike while retaining that POS factory radio. In the end, that radio will be the weakest link.