Not that hard, you can use an HD radio tape or CD(expensive), or you could put in an aftermarket radio, I would suggest a marine radio because of moisture.
Radio Question
How hard is it to put a Radio in the Electra Glide standard?? Do these units have CD players as opposed to tapes?
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
I helped put a H-D radio in a 97' FLH. All of the wiring and connecter plugs were already there. If the radio had been a non-H-D model, the job would had been much bigger. H-D's radio is pricy but it works good. Also saw a another FLH with radio that had the antenna (short flexable rubbler kind) mounted inside the fairing. He didn't have to deal with the whip and still got good reception.
Have read that a Kenwood KDC-719 CD sterio radio with the optional steering wheel control will work. All of the handle bar controls [if your ride has them] will work with the radio.
Where did you read this?bagger2 said:Have read that a Kenwood KDC-719 CD sterio radio with the optional steering wheel control will work. All of the handle bar controls [if your ride has them] will work with the radio.
I am looking at installing a CD/MP3 in my 2002 FLHT. Local Best Buy suggested a "black box" to interface with the handlebar controls.
$60 for the "black box" plus another $30 to install. This was additional to the cost to install radio and speakers.
This would work with any radio. Is this how the Kenwood would work?
Where did the "black box" come from? Best Buy, Harley, or an aftermarket dealer. Where can I get one?
It was a product sold by Best Buy. The lead installer showed to me. It is intended for hooking up to a car's steering wheel radio controls. Don't know who makes it.HarleyJoel said:Where did the "black box" come from? Best Buy, Harley, or an aftermarket dealer. Where can I get one?
Are you sure that you want someone from Bestbuy tearing your bike apart?nlallas said:
$60 for the "black box" plus another $30 to install. This was additional to the cost to install radio and speakers.
I hear you. Somebody besides me wil be installing.Straydog said:
Are you sure that you want someone from Bestbuy tearing your bike apart?
I was referred to this particular installer because of his experience installing radio's in Harley's, and other bikes, boats.
Other options were another car audio dealer at twice the price, or giving up on the in dash MP3 and going the factory route.
I figured Best Buy is a big enough national chain to fix it if something goes wrong.
Anybody got any other ideas? Know anybody in the San Jose area that does this.
Sounds to me like the "black box" is just an interface between your handlebar controls and the unit's steering wheel control connections.
$60?
Sounds a bit steep to me, but if they're the only ones that will do it, I guess it's better than going with the stock radio.
I'd love to find someone like your local Best Buy near where I live, to have the same thing done to my RoadGlide.
The H-D radio and speakers pretty much SUCK, in my opinion, so I don't even use them.
Also, I got the Ultra Tour Pack as an add-on, with the attached speaker boxes, and I'm pretty bummed that without sending my H-D radio in to H-D for a $200 upgrade, along with purchasing a $60 wiring harness, the rear speakers WON'T WORK!
So, I have been thinking of going the route of using an auto stereo system, which I have confidence I can wire in to the front and rear speakers myself, if I can't find someone to do it for me.
The thing I'm wondering is, what about the physical size of the auto radio, compared with the original H-D radio? Does someone make a mounting panel to make the auto radio fit perfectly in there?
Also, what about the cd players in the auto stereos?
Won't they skip quite a bit with the vibration of a bike, as compared with the ride of an auto, for which they're designed?
$60?
Sounds a bit steep to me, but if they're the only ones that will do it, I guess it's better than going with the stock radio.
I'd love to find someone like your local Best Buy near where I live, to have the same thing done to my RoadGlide.
The H-D radio and speakers pretty much SUCK, in my opinion, so I don't even use them.
Also, I got the Ultra Tour Pack as an add-on, with the attached speaker boxes, and I'm pretty bummed that without sending my H-D radio in to H-D for a $200 upgrade, along with purchasing a $60 wiring harness, the rear speakers WON'T WORK!
So, I have been thinking of going the route of using an auto stereo system, which I have confidence I can wire in to the front and rear speakers myself, if I can't find someone to do it for me.
The thing I'm wondering is, what about the physical size of the auto radio, compared with the original H-D radio? Does someone make a mounting panel to make the auto radio fit perfectly in there?
Also, what about the cd players in the auto stereos?
Won't they skip quite a bit with the vibration of a bike, as compared with the ride of an auto, for which they're designed?
I found this post in Delphi forums Electra Glide Garage. Many folks here in So Cal have installed a Kenwood model KDC-719 CD Stereo and they are using the steering wheel control input to connect to the standard HD handlebar controls for volume and station changing. The steering wheel control is an optional device that plugs into the radio and the switches on the HD handle bar provide the same up/down function as the optional control unit. There is also a marine cover available that will do a good job sealing the faceplate. There are other, more expensive models, but this seems to be the one folks are grabbing up
Thanks for the info bagger2. I asked this question a couple of months ago and didn't get a response. Now I've got something to do on!!!
bagger2-
Thanks for the info!
I checked online, and I found that unit for as low as $210 or so.
I guess there is no problem with the CD player skipping, then?
Thanks!
Thanks for the info!
I checked online, and I found that unit for as low as $210 or so.
I guess there is no problem with the CD player skipping, then?
Thanks!
Yes the black box is only an interface.watamix said:Sounds to me like the "black box" is just an interface between your handlebar controls and the unit's steering wheel control connections.
$60?
The thing I'm wondering is, what about the physical size of the auto radio, compared with the original H-D radio? Does someone make a mounting panel to make the auto radio fit perfectly in there?
Also, what about the cd players in the auto stereos?
Won't they skip quite a bit with the vibration of a bike, as compared with the ride of an auto, for which they're designed?
Anybody know how much the optional handlebar controls are this Kenwood?
Most aftermarket radios are a standard DIN size. Harley's are just a little larger.
I do not know of any off the shelf mounting panel. Installers would make a custom panel to fit.
Skipping - stick to a brand name
I've seen baggers with sub woofers mounted in the saddlebags. Very custom work. Not looking to get fancy except for having in dash MP3 capability.
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
V-Twin Forum
V-Twin Harley Davidson forum. Discussion on V-Twin Harley Davidson motorcycles including Dyna, Electra Glide, Softail, Sportster, and more.
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
rootintootin
62 Replies
tall terry
60 Replies
Thermodyne
47 Replies
