I know absolutely nothing about audio systems. (Please keep this in mind.)
While reading threads on these forums, I run across references to "flashing" a radio. This is totally unknown to me.

I need your advice concerning replacing my OEM radio with another OEM radio on my 1998 FLHTCUI.
The original radio has a cracked glass on the display so I have purchased another complete identical OEM radio with which to replace it. Will I need to have the radio "flashed" after I install it"? Or will it be a plug and play? The replacement radio was fully operating whenever taken off old bike.

My OEM radio and the replacement radio are H-D P/N # 76146-98, by Radio Sound, Louisville, KY,
Model DA19598UD-A
40 Channel CB Transceiver and Driver-Passenger Intercom

 

It should pop right in. Even the current models can be swapped and won't necessarily require a flash. The flashing is to improve sound and make it compatable with the speaker/amp configuration on the bike as well as set some additional options. Flashing is done by connecting a device (Harley has one called Digital Technician II and there are aftermarket ones as well) to the bike and updating firmware settings. Your bike doesn't have the interface to connect these flashing devices anyway.

 

Thank you very much for the information. I was never an audiophile in my youth. I could not afford quality stuff and now am sporting deaf ears, so.........

I will pop the replacement into my bike and enjoy the intercom. It's just that the cracked display really bugged the fire out of me.