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[JZ3]

I have researched many of the threads on the issues and mods available associated with the stock radio.  I also understand I have the option to go with a DIN alternative (Sony with Hawg Wire harness and chassis).  I just need some feedback to weigh the pros/cons of this decision.  Regardless of what head unit I choose, I will also be ordering the Hawg Wire amp and speakers. If I have Iron Cross do the rear aux input, pre-amp inputs and other needed mods I will have over $200.00 into the radio and will have voided the HD warranty.  The Sony CDX-M60UI will cost me approx $165.00 with a 3yr aftermarket service plan for an additional $30.00 (the Sony will have the pre-amps, slightly higher wattage, red or blue LEDs, and complete control of the Ipod through a dedicated rear USB cable).

So here is my question for those who have opted for  the Sony option....although it is "marine grade" is it as weatherproof/waterproof as the stock radio?  How are these Sonys holding up in a motorcycle application vs a boat application where they may be shielded from direct rain, sun, etc?  For those who have opted for the Iron Cross mods...any issues or regrets?

[Trapperdog]

I put the Sony in our FLHX and it's been holding up fine. You won't need the Aux in the back as it comes with a dedicated Ipod data/charging cable from the rear and also has the front aux port. (Melanie uses it for her GPS.) With the Hawg wired harness, hand controls control all inputs. The Sony unit is also XM ready. The Hawg Wired harness works great with the exception that you will loose the auto speed/volume control (name has slipped my mind) However, I think it's Biketronics that sells a harness that will. As for the warranty, it should only affect your audio system. You can also re coup a good portion of your investment selling your stock radio  ($400 - 600)
Come to think of it, ours might have been the M50I, can't remember though.

[Twolanerider]

My Sony has been in the red bike for a couple of years now.  So far no issue with it.  Disc occasinoally skips when road is bouncy.  But not bad.

[porthole]

I have researched many of the threads on the issues and mods available associated with the stock radio.  I also understand I have the option to go with a DIN alternative (Sony with Hawg Wire harness and chassis).  I just need some feedback to weigh the pros/cons of this decision.  Regardless of what head unit I choose, I will also be ordering the Hawg Wire amp and speakers. If I have Iron Cross do the rear aux input, pre-amp inputs and other needed mods I will have over $200.00 into the radio and will have voided the HD warranty.  The Sony CDX-M60UI will cost me approx $165.00 with a 3yr aftermarket service plan for an additional $30.00 (the Sony will have the pre-amps, slightly higher wattage, red or blue LEDs, and complete control of the Ipod through a dedicated rear USB cable).

So here is my question for those who have opted for  the Sony option....although it is "marine grade" is it as weatherproof/waterproof as the stock radio?  How are these Sonys holding up in a motorcycle application vs a boat application where they may be shielded from direct rain, sun, etc?  For those who have opted for the Iron Cross mods...any issues or regrets?

I have been in some really heavy rains and the radio still works fine (Sony marine). Like the factory "waterproof" unit, the display gets a little moisture in it, but it drys out quicker than the original did.

Although it controls the iPod the control is limited. You will not be able to easily choose what you want to hear. The display only shows track numbers. Maybe the "60" version corrects that.

Rick here on the site installed an Alpine which seems to work great with the iPod, right down to album covers if you use them.

The only thing I miss is the SCV, speed compensated volume. Which if you have never used it in either a car or bike you will not miss it.
The only thing I don't care for is the display brightness. I frequently find myself turning off the display at night.

[JZ3]

Thanks for the info...I looked up the Alpine marine receiver as well (IDA-X100M) and it to is a serious consideration.  One follow-on question, both radio specs (Sony and Alpine) only show compatability with older Ipods and Nanos.  I have a Nano Generation 5 (newest model)....has anyone tried hooking this version of the Nano to any Sony or Alpine receivers?

[09S/E roadglide]

I have the Alpine in mine and a brand new ipod with no problems. I can also plug my iphone in and play music and charge my phone. I have had some problems with the hogwire adapter going crazy on me. The bar controls just do what ever they want, volume all the way up, random song changes. Im on the third one which I havent installed yet. All that being said they have been great sending me a new piece and paying for the shipping back to them. Its still a pain in the but taking apart the bike to fix it. If anyone needs help removing a fairing Im the man ! I hope this will be the last time I have to do it. the only draw back to this set up is sometimes you cant see the display in the sun. Overall I enjoy  having the bike the way it is and wouldnt change back. Hope this helps.  Rick

[Harleypingman]

The "marine" designated DIN size head units are the same as the non-marine versions except for conformal coating on the circuit board.  The front plate, switches, etc. are the same.  To your question of whether the aftermarket units you are considering are as impervious to water as the HK OEM unit, the answer is "no."  Comparable aftermarket headunits with the water resistance of the HK unit are 1.5 DIN size and can be viewed at crutchfield.com.

That said, my Sony has been drenched while parked in steady and heavy rains without ill effects over the past 4 years.  When I installed the Sony/Biketronics products, the "marine" DIN size units were only available in white and somewhat later in a slate gray.

If you have no intention of adding CB or Intercom to the bike, there is little reason to retain the HK head unit IMO.

[911Hawk]

Took the leap and upgraded the complete system. The sony head unit is amazing as well as the Biketronics amp system. This system make the stock system sound sick and it's very very, loud, I should have done this a long time ago! 

[09S/E roadglide]

  I like it !

[jagonza1]

I put the sony ms 60 from biketronics in my 03 roadglide. I have the usb cable in my left glovbox and over a thousand songs or 10.4 gis of mp3's on a 16gig thumbdrive and love this stereo. I also put the 6-1/2 speakers and brought out the bass.

[09S/E roadglide]

replaced the adapter and its been working fine. personally I would go with the alpine. I have had experience with both brands, just prefer alpine sound. 

[porthole]

My Sony marine (50) stopped interfacing with my iPod. Tried exchanging it at the local Sony outlet but they seem to be discontinued. Found one of the new DSX series receivers and bought the base model.

Right now I have a problem with either the radio or the amps (no sound) but before it stopped working it worked great. iPod interface is much better then the marine radio and the sound is way better.
I like it that the ipod is convenient for removal. Don't know about splash integrity, but it got a good exercise on the way to meet Brian  Kathy and then out to MV and then for a good bike washing at home, still works (except for the sound issue, which may be an amp problem).

I am seriously thinking of getting the S300 version as it is Bluetooth enabled, separate USB input and 4 lines of display.


http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644727498&N=4294952350

And I just ordered one of these splash guards, will report on that after I get it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110574836688&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

[Harleypingman]

Biketronics and Hawg-wired make fine interface modules allowing retention of handlebar controls for compatible head units.  Only BT retains the Automatic Volume Control (AVC).

Carl

[porthole]

Only BT retains the Automatic Volume Control (AVC).

Whats this mean?

[naitram]

biketronics

http://www.biketronics.com/products/BT-1002--%252d--2006%252dPresent-Sony-Radio-Install-Kit.html