When I started looking for a new bike I thought the same thing. I wouldn't even consider an ElectraGlide. Then I had the chance to ride a relatives for an hour or so and it started to dawn on me. Now that I have the new EGU I cannot believe I have driven as many miles as I have without a radio.

 

I agree, even though there are still times I turn it off and listen to sweet nothing except the HD!

 

Same here. I like to just listen to the sound of the motor too but no matter how sweet the song there comes a point when you just like to hear a different song for a while. Tomorrow I plan on riding 600+ miles to Gatlinburg, Tn. There is no song I want to hear for that long. I usually start out with no radio for a while, then turn on the radio for an hour or so and then turn it off again. This will repeat until I get to where I am going. The only exception is I like to listen to talk radio a lot so it will probably be on most of the afternoon but I can still hear the rumble of the engine just fine over the talk programs.

 

Same opinion history here. I just upgraded my old 2000 Road Glide Stereo to the Biketronics Sony / IPOD ready unit. Now the old girl really sings!

 

I got hooked with tunes on my bike several years ago.There are times I just want to listen to the exhaust. I do not like loud exhaust; I want to hear my tunes when I want to hear my tunes.

 

I love having my tunes. It helps on the 40 mile commute to work. I also like the option of not having them. Just a push of a button depending on my mood.

 

Thats why I went with the SG! Radio off or on I got something to listen to!

 

I always have great sound systems in my automobiles. I commute an hour a day and most days I don't even turn it on. I find listening to my IPOD is more entertaining. When on my bike, I generally don't want any other noise going on but...I've never ridden really long rides (days at a time). I'm open minded about it though. :thumbsup:

Ride Safe

 

During the week I leave it off most days, And around town. It's when I get out on the open road the tunes go on loud. I love flying down the interstate listening to some good upbeat rock and roll.

 

@gree:

 

I agree with most of you. I ride the same stretch everyday, and I'm on the fringe of recieving any radio stations that play music I like. An mp3 CD will hold 150 or so songs and gives me alot of variety of the songs I like.

 

I'm glad I have the option on my SG, but I don't listen to anything other than the wind and exhaust typically.

 

If I am riding to get someplace on time, like commuting to work, I will often listen to tunes. If I am riding to just ride or riding with some friends, it is usually tune-free. One thing is for sure: If you have a radio, you have the option. If you don't have a radio, you don't have options.

 

I like the radio... I use it depending on my mood. The OL likes to squirm around to it when she's tagging along. When she's happy, I'm happy.

 

I just can't get used to having an audio system on a bike. I turn the radio on every now and then but shut it off after a few minutes cause it bothers me. I kinda wish I coulda ordered without the stereo as it's wasted on me.

 

When I started riding in the 60's, only "whimps" had windshields....

Then it was the "FNG's" that had bikes that didn't require regular valve adjustments.....

Later yet, it was only "Rubs" that had a bike with a belt drive....(belt drives could not possibly hold up like a good old chain....)

Now I'm learning to really enjoy cruise control, CB, and listening to the radio --- especially the weather band with the storm clouds are gathering in the direction I'm headed.

Guess I'm just old and tired.......

 

I have to agree, the music just adds to the enjoyment. Now go out and buy that GPS. LOL

 

I guess I'm the odd ball. Have had FLHTCUs since 2000 and I listen to the radio or cass and now CD very little. I enjoy the sound of my bike and the wind especially during long trips. Now I dare anyone to take my cruise control away :gun:

 

I love having an audio system on my bike. I have been accused of riding a Carley. I don't care, it sure is comfortable.

 

and on fall sat afternoons I'll curse the low farmlands and listen to Big Orange Football!! Man cursein 35mph or so on a warm afternoon listenin to the University of Tennessee football is sooooo coooll !!
But ridein late evenings to rock and roll is a blast!!!

 

It's nice to have, but I'm happy it came with an on/off switch.

 

Dunno if it was the lack of a fairing or the lack of tunes but every HD I've owned had one except for my 03 RoadKing and it had the fewest miles on it when I sold it. Enjoy the music cruising down the road. If I want the sound of the exhaust I can always turn it off.

 

I agree. I had a RK for nine years and said the same thing, "My exhaust is my music," but after buying an SG 18 months ago I'm hooked and won't go back. I also like the gauges.

 

Anything shy of 200 miles, it's off, and all I need is the sound of the bike.

On travel days with long stretches of road (6-7 hour days), the radio makes a BIG diff.

 

Years ago, I got to ride an Ultra for two weeks. After the first week, I shut the radio off and was done with it. It was simply more annoying than it was worth. I still feel, for me, it is a throw away-a 25lb lump parked on my front forks. That said, If I want to listen to music, I use an ipod with a good set of earbuds. The sound quality is much better and I cut out the wind noise. I use the open slot to hold my glasses, toll $, etc. JMO...

 

Nothing like a nice 2 lane road cruising along with some Allman brothers or Gov't Mule blasting away.