Time for a new radio, factory LCD display is out
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Kennett Square, PA
Time for a new radio, factory LCD display is out
When I went to ride the bike into work yesterday, the LCD display was out. So I looked on this forum and found a possible fix. I removed the face plate cleaned the connectors and bent the tabs up like the thread mentioned and still no joy. I guess I'll be doing some shopping.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 836
From: KMHT KFMY
If you go aftermarket, using a Biketronics or HawgWired install kit and a Sony radio with interface you can get a decent car radio in there for short money and get bluetooth, USB stick memory slot and other current tech stuff... and retain your bar controls for volume, etc.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Indiana
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
The only reason to stay with HK unit is if ya want/need CB or/or communication features. Much better units with more features in the aftermarket! Ya don't need to stay with Sony. The Biketronics universal kit can be used with most all aftermarket units with steering wheel control option. Find the features ya want and enjoy!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
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My HK radio was replaced twice while under the 24 month warranty. I saw the shipping invoice that one of the swap outs came with. I damn near defecated on myself when I saw the $900.00 price tag they had on those radios. There are way too many of those radios crapping out, for a myriad of reason. In my case the backlight just quit working.
The shop guy who pulled the radio out asked me if I took my bike to the carwash. When I told him that the bike has never seen a car wash or garden hose he just shrugged his shoulders.
I have seen the Iron Cross website and I believe they swap out your non working unit with a unit they have overhauled for about $200.00. They say that they tighten up the case a little bit to protect it from getting moisture inside which causes the backlight to get working.
I got to thinking one day that if Iron Cross can make an attempt at waterproofing the radios, why in the hell can't Harley do the same with their HK radios.
The bottom line is that the Harley radios remind me of my grandma's Hoover vacuum sweeper. They both SUCKED.
The new radios that were introduced in the 2014 lineup may be sweet as hell but I would expect them to be just as problematic as the earlier HK units. Time will tell I guess.
The shop guy who pulled the radio out asked me if I took my bike to the carwash. When I told him that the bike has never seen a car wash or garden hose he just shrugged his shoulders.
I have seen the Iron Cross website and I believe they swap out your non working unit with a unit they have overhauled for about $200.00. They say that they tighten up the case a little bit to protect it from getting moisture inside which causes the backlight to get working.
I got to thinking one day that if Iron Cross can make an attempt at waterproofing the radios, why in the hell can't Harley do the same with their HK radios.
The bottom line is that the Harley radios remind me of my grandma's Hoover vacuum sweeper. They both SUCKED.
The new radios that were introduced in the 2014 lineup may be sweet as hell but I would expect them to be just as problematic as the earlier HK units. Time will tell I guess.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
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From: north of Daytona
My Garmin GPS quit working (ZUMO) and for $170, they sent me a new one....I know, for $89 I could buy a Nuvi.
Does anyone buy things for the motorcycle anymore? Tires, Batteries, motorcycle specific oil all COSTS DOUBLE. It is supply and demand.
$200 for replacement radio.....if you want the CB and intercom.....not so bad in my book.
If you don't want the CB and intercom.....could saved some money and bought a pre-'14 classic. (I say that everytime I buy a bike..my wife doesn't like the rear speakers, won't use a head set....)...cheaper to keep her.
Does anyone buy things for the motorcycle anymore? Tires, Batteries, motorcycle specific oil all COSTS DOUBLE. It is supply and demand.
$200 for replacement radio.....if you want the CB and intercom.....not so bad in my book.
If you don't want the CB and intercom.....could saved some money and bought a pre-'14 classic. (I say that everytime I buy a bike..my wife doesn't like the rear speakers, won't use a head set....)...cheaper to keep her.