You are correct. The Harley iPod module is the only way you can go to get that feature. I know the Harley unit will show the iPod songs, artists, etc. on the HK radio but I'm not sure about the XM titles, artists, etc.

The Harley Boom Audio ipod interface has all the best features but I am just not going to pay $400 for it. I can look on my iPod to see what's playing and push the button if I don't like what's playing. I just need it to charge and sound good.

 

Fox2008- how is the quality of your sound, as you are still getting the audio from the aux port. I have read quite a bit info, that the iport is much better sound quality. My sound quality from the aux port is not so great at higher volume levels.

 

Vickers1 - I thought I read that the Soundgate Core would show the information on the HK unit, which is why I was initially trying to compare the two. Hopefully someone out there has some input on the Soundgate, cause it's much less costly than Harley and might serve the same purpose. Otherwise, I'm going cheap with a idock cable and keep my iPhone fully charged before riding. Just one little cable, nice and clean. I saw another option that will do the same and let me charge the iPhone (Sendstation). I'll check that out too.

 

From the controller that I posted, it uses a standard AUX cable to connect to the head unit. My sound quality is the same as plugging into the AUX port direct.

I personally don't notice any quality problems using the AUX port. Between the wind and exhaust I can't imagine you could tell that much of a difference. Setting in the garage maybe, but not going down the road. IMO

 

Fox28- I notice a difference when riding, but maybe I'm more critical of the sound. Definitely a difference in the higher volume settings, like the speakers are crackling. I contacted Hawg Wired to see if it's a setting issue. Maybe my Harley dealership, when installing the system, did not tweak it right. I hear lots of riders saying the HW system is amazing even at near full blast. Although I just compared the aux port connection to the idock, and there is definitely a difference in the quality of the sound. I can hear it.

 

Are you sure this will charge the ipod, it doesn't look like it does?

 

Yes it charges the ipod. Almost all of the actual wiring to be done is 2 wires: 12 volts and ground. The voltage goes thru the cable that plugs into the bottom of the ipod (the long flat ipod plug).