Question: Anyone using a DashLink for their IPod/IPhone? I'm looking for thoughts on it or pros and cons.

 

I have a DashLink on my 2010 Street Glide and can't ride without it. My old Harley didn't have a radio/audio system and it's just cool to have the option when on long rides. I can listen to my tunes, turn it off and just listen to nothing if I want. I like the fact that my IPod and/or IPhone is always charged. I was out riding with a buddy and he was waiting for a call but his IPhone was about to die. Just popped it into DashLink and charged it for him. I do have an upgraded audio system from HellsFoundry and the sound quality is kick *** coming from my IPod or IPhone. Nice that I can use the volume control on the handle bars. It's was very easy to install and looks great on. I get a lot of looks and questions every time I'm riding. There is a spacer for when you are using your IPod and a insert to cover up the connection when you are not using DashLink. The only Con I have is that I can't change to the next song using the handle bar control but not a big deal to me.

 

No personal experience, but have seen the product.

For the price, ($400) why go with that instead of the HD ipod interface, ($400) where the ipod is tucked away safe (and waterproof) in a saddlebag or tourpak, is being charged, and allows use of the handlebar controls and offers FULL control (not just volume)?

Thought the dashlink was a neat idea, till I saw the price tag, at which point it became "your kidding right?"

Cons:

1. Ipod exposed to elements, gas filling, etc.
2. You really wanna be looking that far down your tank playing with an ipod while driving?
3. Is a gas cap included? or is that even more money (honestly don't know)
4. You gonna leave the ipod sitting there for anyone to grab if your not around?

For $100-150.. MAYBE.

$400? No freaking way.

 

Not really comparing Apples to Apples here; I'll explain:
Harley part number 76476-10 MSRP $399.95 Boom! iPod interface also requires part number 70169-06 Boom! Saddlebag iPod Holder MSRP $129.95 = $529.90 uninstalled. I just called my local HD dealer for install quote: 2 hours at $85.00 per = $170.00. $529.90+$170.00=$699.90. Install requiements: pull outer fairing, remove fuel tank, route wiring to saddlebag, drill hole in saddlebag for harness, put bike back together.

Additionally, the Boom! system will only work on 2006 and newer bikes equipped with HK Advanced Audio system. Pre-2006 will not work.

DashLink is a replacement fuel tank console with the iPod/iPhone dock designed in. It requires nothing else to function. It is competitively priced with custom fuel tank consoles that do not have a docking station designed in. The open design chosen allows the screen to be seen at a users discretion. In practical use terms, that means I can stop at a light and see I have a missed call or a text from a friend I'm expecting to meet enroute. I can also use the navigation feature designed into the iPhone for free, negating the additional purchase of the HD Zumo of either $649.95 or $799.95 (depending upon model).

Installation of DashLink is roughly 15 minutes on most bikes: remove seat to access battery terminals, remove stock console, place DashLink on tank, route audio wire forward to neck of bike (if that's where your audio is, on Sportster, Road king, Dyna, Fat Boy of which HD offers NO solution it could be anywhere, or wireless via Bluetooth), plug audio jack into head unit. Attach positive and negative to battery.
Reinstall seat.
DashLink does not require a tech to install and appears wire free when installed.
It will work on all model years of HD Audio that have an AUX input jack available, not just 2006 and newer.
Weather-proofing your iDevice isn't the point of DashLink in it's current form. The industry standard for mounting an iPhone when this project began was a handlebar mount, which are not weatherproof either. DashLink was designed from the inception to allow the user to fully use the screen functions available on the iPhone and iPod touch. Anybody can make a saddlebag mount that eliminates that option to make it weatherproof.
I don't think too many people will leave their iPhone sitting in their bike unattanded so the theft issue isn't really a valid one.
Seeing one and using one aren't the same thing.