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[TheLoneWolfPack]

If my theory is correct, I can replace the stock HK head unit with an Alpine or Sony, which would create more room for an ARC 125.4 mini amp to be installed inside the batwing fairing.  Does anyone know if this would be true?  A Sony head unit measures:
Height: 1.97"
Width: 7.01"
Depth: 7.09"

Thanks for any advice.

[Twolanerider]

Don't have dimensional specs.  But you are correct that the aftermarket head unit is smaller in every dimension than the stock head unit.  It has to be mounted in the same size hole though...

That means the added mounting kit you'll need will expand the space occupied to fit the width of the stock units (mounting bolts are on the sides).  The mounting kit will also occuply nearly the full depth of the unit.  You will gain some height though.  It's about an inch if I remember correctly. 

Might have some pics that show a side by side mounted comparison.  Will look this evening if no one has supplied data that is more specific.

[Mr John DEUFF]

You can use a Biketronics kit to mount a new performant unit, they provide all the things necessary for it, even a "plate" to fill the space around the faceplate of the new one.
http://www.biketronics.com/

[sammyj]

Put an Alpine in mine with a JL amp... Hawg Wired makes an excelent mounting kit and inteface to utilize your
handlebar controls.

[Twolanerider]

Have had both the Biketronics and the HawgWired mounting kits in hand.  The HawgWired kit is a much more solid and well done mount.  The HW interface module seems a little less error prone in operation too.  It does not, however, allow the automatic volume control function to continue to operate (or at least didn't the last time I got one).  Not a big deal to me.  Might be to others.

[TheLoneWolfPack]

Thank you all for the prompt reply.

[TheLoneWolfPack]

Don't have dimensional specs.  But you are correct that the aftermarket head unit is smaller in every dimension than the stock head unit.  It has to be mounted in the same size hole though...

That means the added mounting kit you'll need will expand the space occupied to fit the width of the stock units (mounting bolts are on the sides).  The mounting kit will also occuply nearly the full depth of the unit.  You will gain some height though.  It's about an inch if I remember correctly. 

Might have some pics that show a side by side mounted comparison.  Will look this evening if no one has supplied data that is more specific.

Thank you, that was a big help.  If you have those pics, i would appreciate seeing them.  An inch in height is exactly what I need.  the ARC is just a tad too tall i read on HDforum.  The guy had to shave some plastic from the gauges.  I'm going for the Alpine head unit with the Arc 125.4

[TheLoneWolfPack]

You can use a Biketronics kit to mount a new performant unit, they provide all the things necessary for it, even a "plate" to fill the space around the faceplate of the new one.
http://www.biketronics.com/

Thank you John, took a look at their website -- exactly what the doctor ordered.

[TheLoneWolfPack]

Put an Alpine in mine with a JL amp... Hawg Wired makes an excelent mounting kit and inteface to utilize your
handlebar controls.

I knew about the interface, did not know about the mount, will have my install guy make that decision.  Thanks

[TheLoneWolfPack]

Have had both the Biketronics and the HawgWired mounting kits in hand.  The HawgWired kit is a much more solid and well done mount.  The HW interface module seems a little less error prone in operation too.  It does not, however, allow the automatic volume control function to continue to operate (or at least didn't the last time I got one).  Not a big deal to me.  Might be to others.

Thanks for the precise information, and I have never used my AVC either.  All I need to be able to do is search for songs and volume --- much appreciate the advice.

[Twolanerider]

 I have never used my AVC either. 

Actually.... yes you have.  Every time you speed up or slow down it works automatically.  It's always there in the background.  Kind of like Firedood.

Where you'll notice the lack of AVC is coming in to town after having been out on a run.  Without really thinking about you'll have run the volume up to be heard on the highway.  Then when you slow down coming in to town the volume will be louder than you want it to be.  We're left with two hard choices at that point.  Let the volume make our ears bleed and vibrate our brains until we die or... uh.... turn the volume down a bit.

[Mr John DEUFF]

  The HW interface module seems a little less error prone in operation too.

Did you have problems with the BT module? What kind of?
I didn't knew the HW system and it's true that the adapter kit looks really more solid, but the VLC is an important thing for me so now that I have to choose it is really hard.

[Twolanerider]

Did you have problems with the BT module? What kind of?
I didn't knew the HW system and it's true that the adapter kit looks really more solid, but the VLC is an important thing for me so now that I have to choose it is really hard.

I did experience a difference between the two units John.  The BT I had hands-on with would occasionally make mistakes responding to the handlebar controls.  Most common was a run-on mistake.  It would repeat a command you'd entered.  Sometimes several times.  The HW unit only did exactly what was input.  No more and no less.

Thought the BT unit might be bad.  When speaking with the rep there after the install was told "they can do that."  He was willing to exchange it but said the replacement was very likely to occasionally behave the same way. 

Later when speaking with HW they offered an explanation of the difference.  Said their unit was solid state.  An all electronic system versus the BT unit being a software controlled module.  Part of what he was saying was scripted so I didn't push the discussion.  But later when talking with BT again he confirmed a similar difference when questioned.  The difference, he said, was how they keep the AVC though.

It's all hearsay from the vendors.  So take it as you will.  But one does have AVC and one doesn't.  Unfortunately the one that does have AVC can also occasionally have a mind of its own in response to the handlebar controls.  Not all the time.  Not even "regularly."  But it happened enough to be annoying.

[Mr John DEUFF]

Thank you for your objectivity, now the decision is easier for me, I think I'll go HW now.

[TheLoneWolfPack]

Put an Alpine in mine with a JL amp... Hawg Wired makes an excelent mounting kit and inteface to utilize your
handlebar controls.

Which JL amp did you install, and do you like it?