Radio Review : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

03 flh · 02-26-2009, 01:00 PM

I was interested in purchasing a radio/CD player for my 03 FLHTP. There is currently nothing occupying the space where the radio should be and there are fake speakers. I do not want to spend too much money (below $400) but I still want something that will hold up in the elements. I found this package on e-bay (Item number: 140302825569), the price is right and it will be easy to install (Just run a hot wire). Does anyone run this set up or does anyone have a recommendation on a similar package? I do not want anything that will plug into a Harley wiring harness, the wiring under my faring is a mess and I do not want to touch in fear that I might mess something up.

Thanks,
Josh

mvelez1904 · 02-26-2009, 06:55 PM

biketronics makes a kit for flhtpi's for 350 everything you need and it just hooks up to the hot wire. i plan on getting one this summer i have a 06 flhtpi. if any one has gotten this kit let me know how it is. hope this helps.

03 flh · 02-26-2009, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvelez1904

biketronics makes a kit for flhtpi's for 350 everything you need and it just hooks up to the hot wire. i plan on getting one this summer i have a 06 flhtpi. if any one has gotten this kit let me know how it is. hope this helps.

where can i find this package?

mvelez1904 · 02-26-2009, 10:21 PM

just go to biketronics.com heres the info they sent me.

BT1000MK-mounting kit, rain cover, power grills, speakers and radio. Starting cost here would be $350. Radio would be controlled from face or wired remote, you would need to find and splice in to constant power, switched power and ground on that police bike.

call the toll free 800-735-2419 for any questions

Harleypingman · 02-28-2009, 04:51 PM

I did the Biketronics installation almost 4 years ago. You can save some $$$ if you buy the Sony headunit from an online discounter since Biketronics charges full retail IIRC.

The only thing you really need from Biketronics is the installation kit. You remove the plastic tray and mount the headunit with the mounting kit and facia supplied in the kit.

You can buy any 5.25" speakers you want--I bought Sony Xplod 4-way speakers at Wal-Mart. And you will need the speaker adapters that HD installs on the EG's, but omits from the police models. IIRC, they're $14.00 ea.

Biketronics is an excellent vendor. I later purchased their interface unit for handlebar control of the headunit. That was a big project, replicating the civilian wiring. He now has a simpler, but pricey, alternative available.

Hot wires (from the ignition switch) are easily accessible near the steering head, and there is a grounding post next to the steering head on the upper triple tree that is easily accessible when the fairing cap is removed.

Good luck with your project.

gsxrboy96 · 02-28-2009, 10:25 PM

I just added a radio to my electra glide, i purchased a sony radio on ebay new for 79.99, biketronics handlebar kit for 192.99 on ebay, and harleypingman is correct, any 5.25 speaker from wal-mart will work great, you can do all this for 300, or as cheap as 150 if you dont want the handle bar controls.

03 flh · 03-01-2009, 08:30 PM

So if I understand all of this right, all I need is the biketronics mounting kit, and I can buy any head unit and speakers that are the right sizes... In addition, how does the biketronics mounting kit work? Does it just secure the head unit into the existing compartment inside the faring?

Thanks
Josh

gsxrboy96 · 03-02-2009, 07:34 PM

Yes, It has like a adapter plate that mounts to the radio, and that in turn, bolts to the brackets that now hold your glove box (or whatever u wanna call it), I would still buy one of their radios that is compatible with their hand control kit should you wanna add that later, you can pick the sony up on ebay for around 80 bucks,

03 flh · 03-02-2009, 09:12 PM

thanks for all of the help... Someone recomended that i put a marine radio in the flh since they are designed to take more abuse from the elements, any imput on this piece of advice?

also i am not interested in installing the handle bar controls, so the compatibility of the radio to the control kit will not be an issue

gsxrboy96 · 03-02-2009, 10:41 PM

I heard the same thing about the marine radios, but after doing some extensive research, i found that the marine radios werent completely water proof like they lead you to believe, also with the biketronics kit, it gives you a moisture guard to apply to the radio, so imo, the marine application wasnt worth the extra dough, im sure your gonna get people who disagree with me, but thats just my opinion.

Harleypingman · 03-03-2009, 10:12 AM

A true marine headunit won't fit in the inner fairing 'cause it's too tall. The other "marine" units are non-marine headunits with a coating on the circuit board, but no additional protection for control panel, water sealing, etc. according to what I've read about them.

I've had a Sony GT 520 for several years and it's been drenched more times than I care to count and hasn't missed a beat.

Not saying not to buy a "marine" version of a non-marine headunit, only that it is somewhat misleading to label them as such given the minimal difference to a non-marine unit, and the different water protection they offer compared to a true marine headunit.

Harleypingman · 03-03-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03 flh

Does it just secure the head unit into the existing compartment inside the faring?
Thanks
Josh

No, the plastic tray is removed and the same bolts and mounting points it uses are re-used to mount the radio using the biketronics mounting kit.

If you don't have one already, buy the HD Touring Models service manual for your 2003 bike. It will explain how to remove the outer fairing, tray/radio, etc.

DOGMANN · 03-14-2009, 09:27 AM

I always thought that a Marine unit on a MC was required!

THEStinger · 04-30-2009, 10:49 AM

+1 on buying in parts

I bought the sony with the USB on the front, no CD's to change at speeds and the flash drives fit in the faring pouch!

Greg MacD · 05-03-2009, 11:57 PM

I bought the Biketronics mount on E-bay for $50, I had an old stereo deck and just bought a set of 5 1/4 speakers from a local store, hooked everything up to the hot lead off the power outlet, so far so good. I have noticed however that above 60MPH the radio is hard to hear, but I think that is for every radio. I don't have hand controls for the radio, but that works OK for me.