Radio's and Sound Systems
#12
#13
#14
I went with the BikeTronics Kenwood KDC-BT362U Bluetooth and 7.1 speakers. Man it sounds great even without a amp! Everything went as advertised as far as plug and play except I had to grind the speaker adapter to clear the gauges on both sides. They have a indent on them for that purpose, I just had to extend it. I made a couple of 3/8" spacers to put under the fairing brace where it attaches to the fairing mount, so I wouldn't have to contort the brace to make it fit. Great system for the money.
#15
man if you can get that installed, you can absolutely install an amp. Those 7.1 speakers are awesome and they sound better and better the more power you toss at them. Honestly if budget is an issue ANY amp put in there will make it sound better. Some class D amps will cause you to lose some FM reception others not all. A few options to consider
- PBR300X2 (will allow you to keep FM reception. These are on sale on the forum often for 100 bucks).
- Cerwin Vega B2 (I REALLY like this amp. Super clean sound, 136.00 on Amazon...may lose some FM)
- PPI i350.2. About 90.00 bucks, may lose some FM reception.
Cheaper options will less power - Clarion XC1410. Not a lot of power, but have seen them on eBay for 75.00 and very easy install.
Or save up and get Biketronics monster amp 2180. Put an amp behind those 7.1's and you'll be blown away.
- PBR300X2 (will allow you to keep FM reception. These are on sale on the forum often for 100 bucks).
- Cerwin Vega B2 (I REALLY like this amp. Super clean sound, 136.00 on Amazon...may lose some FM)
- PPI i350.2. About 90.00 bucks, may lose some FM reception.
Cheaper options will less power - Clarion XC1410. Not a lot of power, but have seen them on eBay for 75.00 and very easy install.
Or save up and get Biketronics monster amp 2180. Put an amp behind those 7.1's and you'll be blown away.
#16
Hello. I agree with others that you should not skimp out and do it all within one shot. You don't want to be taking the fairing apart often!
there are plenty of head units out there, I think the best manufacturers are PIONEER, ALPINE, and SONY. You can get a bunch of useful information on the latest models through Crutchfield.com as well as Amazon Customer reviews.
You will also be needing a "Dash Installation Retrofit Kit w/ Thumb Control Integration", which you can find on EBAY for under $100.
You will then want to get a good set of 6.5" Component Speakers, such as ALPINE TYPE-R's, or JL AUDIO, or KICKER, and get the 6.5" adapter rings if you are <2014.
Then you will need an amplifier to power the head unit and speakers. Many people on this forum use the Rockford Fosgate PBR300, due to its impressively small size and performance. the user ULTRANUTZ has an impressive amount of information both on the amp as well as most audio questions.You will need a mounting plate to mount the amp onto the top of your head unit, which you can find also on EBAY for under $30.
When all is said and done, I would budget around:
100-300 Head Unit
100-300 Speakers
100 Install kit
100 Wires, cables, fusebox, etc...
I know it sounds like a lot, but when you think about it, if you were to upgrade intake and exhaust, it would cost right around as much. Both projects COMPLETELY change your riding experience!
Good Luck. Ride Safe and Ride Often!
there are plenty of head units out there, I think the best manufacturers are PIONEER, ALPINE, and SONY. You can get a bunch of useful information on the latest models through Crutchfield.com as well as Amazon Customer reviews.
You will also be needing a "Dash Installation Retrofit Kit w/ Thumb Control Integration", which you can find on EBAY for under $100.
You will then want to get a good set of 6.5" Component Speakers, such as ALPINE TYPE-R's, or JL AUDIO, or KICKER, and get the 6.5" adapter rings if you are <2014.
Then you will need an amplifier to power the head unit and speakers. Many people on this forum use the Rockford Fosgate PBR300, due to its impressively small size and performance. the user ULTRANUTZ has an impressive amount of information both on the amp as well as most audio questions.You will need a mounting plate to mount the amp onto the top of your head unit, which you can find also on EBAY for under $30.
When all is said and done, I would budget around:
100-300 Head Unit
100-300 Speakers
100 Install kit
100 Wires, cables, fusebox, etc...
I know it sounds like a lot, but when you think about it, if you were to upgrade intake and exhaust, it would cost right around as much. Both projects COMPLETELY change your riding experience!
Good Luck. Ride Safe and Ride Often!
#17
I was happy with the way the HK sounded. I don't see where I need a amp. I changed the radio for features including plug and play. It is somewhat simple to change if you are mechanically inclined and have a shop manual and proper tools. The ball tipped allen head sockets (1/4 drive) make the job so much easier as stated in the shop manual and Biketronics instructions. Thanks everyone who sent me to Biketronics.
#18
I will tell you this, think about what you want, and save your money to get a good system the first time. I did a couple of small upgrades before I got what I really wanted and wish I would have went big the first time. I have a full biketronics system with kenwood HU and have everything you mention above plus XM. The handlebar controls work as stock and the system is loud and clear. Also have a lifetime warranty and made in USA.
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