[nlallas]

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?

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?

 

[nlallas]

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.

 

[nlallas]

Are you sure that you want someone from Bestbuy tearing your bike apart?

I hear you. Somebody besides me wil be installing.

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.

 

[nlallas]

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?

Yes the black box is only an interface.

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.