+1 for Iron Cross Audio being able to repair/ upgrade your HK head unit. They just repaired mine and it's good to go. They also included instructions on changing the handlebar clamp bolts which I did. I elected to go that route because I didn't want to lose CB and Intercom functions.

 

I bought the Biketronics Sony head unit, the face opens and i keep my mp3 player in the head unit, no cd's to mess with and have 500 songs i can play, plus still use my handle bar controls, it sounds great.

 

that sounds awesome. as i said, my main concern with an aftermarket HU is that someone will eventually try to steal it from the bike. a aftermarket HU makes it pretty obvious to anyone whos walkin by that you probobly have at least $200-$1000 sitting inside the fairing, which only takes about 10 minutes to tear apart

 

I'm sure it could happen but I would imagine most car audio thiefs wouldn't know how to get the radio out of a harley, it's not as easy as in a car.

 

I'm sure a thief will very easily figure out how to tear apart the fairing if they wanted too.

I've had aftermaket HU's in the bikes since '06 and never been stolen.

This is from my '05


Not a great pic but this is my '13

 

I just had IC repair my HK. I thought of a aftermarket HU, but decided to repair the HK since I already had the HD's BOOM! Power amplifier. They have quick turn around time, less than two days. They are happy to answer any questions you have on the repairs. It maybe my imagination, but the radio sound a lot better now.

 

I'm really happy with the Aquatics AV unit I put in recently. 100% waterproof and you maintain all the factory controls. I am concerned about someone stealing the faceplate though.

 

I went with aftermarket head unit. 2 things I detest and should have thought it out more. Aftermarket decks are not waterproof, unless you go marine, so you need a cover. You can not see the screen in the sunlight.unless you want a ghetto blaster, a good amp with some Focal speakers would be good enough.
The auto volume doesn't work after market, so when you come off the freeway, you will be obnoxious.
Plus side. 90 mph you can hear it legibly.

 

Sent wife's HC to Iron Cross. It will be back today. Don't know how good it will be, but the service was fast.

Aftermarket was not an option. We each ride our own, and CB is a must. Also like the way the 660 Zumo intergrates with the unit.

Bill

 

Iron Cross does good work, price is reasonable and they look after things quickly. That was my experience with them, two day turnaround I think once they got the radio it was on its way back to me in a couple days.


As for which option to choose, I guess it all depends on what you want to see in the fairing. There are guys who want to keep the original radio in there while others are ok with changing it out.


I will say this, upgrading will get you a far superior head unit to the stock HK setup and it will have all the modern bells and whistles right out of the box!


Think about what you want, Bluetooth? USB? Satellite radio? All far easier to get with an upgrade.