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[North Star]

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So I have a Hawg Wired six pack system on the way, and am considering upgrading the head unit to maximize the sound of the system. Since I'm in there, I wanna do it right the first time. I keep hearing that the stock stereo is the weak link in a really good system, so I figure I'll look into this.

I just spoke with a guy from Hawg Wired (great dude btw), and he said he has heard good things about the Kenwood KMR 440U Marine head unit (although he admittedly hasn't seen the specs yet).

He said that this is one of the few Marine units that are black. He said the Alpines are better, but they all come in silver.

I like that this Kenwood also has the ability to change the background lighting colour. Other than that, my wish list would be a CD player, USB port, and the ability to run an ipod wire from the rear of the deck.

Any opinions on this particular deck?

[Unbalanced]

Don't have an opinion on the that head unit, but I switched a few of our bikes over to a Marine Sony Head unit.   Marine DSX SX60 along with the Hawg Wired control unit so the hand controls work.

Have it on our two 04 pumpkins with hawg wired amps / CX speakers and my roadking (Dead Center Fairing) Hertz Speakers.

[skboy]

I use the alpine head unit.  http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/ida-x305s/. IMO their is no need for marine grade but that's just me and for what I use it for this head unit works very well.

[sammyj]

I originally bought the Alpine marine unit, but after I installed it I did not like the looks of the silver face and big white dial.
Went with the 305 with Pandora... No CD player.

[Unbalanced]

Mine doesn't have a CD player either, but what is nice is it has a tray inside behind the face plate that will hold up to an IPONE or a memory stick to play your music from.   The tray slips in and out and you can either connect to a usb or an ipod jack.     Have used an ITouch, IPod, IPhone and a memory stick.   Its hidden and safe from the elements.

[Sea Biscuit]

As skboy has said, the Alpine is a great unit and one I would consider if changing the head unit.
If you want some more protection from the elements, check this out:
http://www.sidecarcycles.com/store

They are located in Port Coquitlam, BC.

The stereo install kit from them is also quite nice.

[North Star]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

I do want the CD player- I have some songs on my iphone, but I have lots of CD's, so I may as well use them.

I think the Kenwood looks good, and seems to have everything I want.

Still debating over whether the extra expense for the deck plus the install kit is worth it. Hawg wired has a good pros and cons write up about this-

Here's some things to keep in mind when choosing the right source unit for your bike:

Factory Harley-Davison Radios
Pro's:
- Designed with headset and intercom functionality (most models)
- CB, XM*, and MP3 options available (*new Harman/Kardon units)
- Built like a tank to survive the brutal motorcycle environment
- Weatherproof and resistant to vibrations
- Display screen is designed for visibility in direct sunlight
- Hard to beat these units in the reliability category
Con's:
- Choice of looks and design style limited to only a few
- Headset, intercom, CB, XM, etc. are integrated; remove it and you lose those functions
- CB*, XM*, and MP3 options are very expensive (*new Harman/Kardon units)
- Lacks power to drive speakers loud at highway speeds without external amplification
- Speaker selection is narrowed to 2/8 ohm only (*excludes CVO high output units)
- Built like a tank, and heavy as a tank as well

Aftermarket Automotive Radios
Pro's:
- Wide variety of looks, features, and options to choose from
- Relatively inexpensive compared to factory Harley-Davidson units
- Typically lighter in weight, and physically smaller in design
- Wider speaker selection available (with standard 4 ohm outputs)
- Sony radios can be adapted to your handlebar controls
Con's:
- Headset, intercom and CB are not typically supported
- Built for the mild environment of a car, not weatherproof (excluding marine grade)
- Lacks power to drive speakers loud at highway speeds without external amplification
- Display screen is not typically designed for visibility in direct sunlight
- Many aftermarket units fail after a short time on the road (dirt, water, UV exposure, etc.)


If you want to stick with a factory radio, consider getting one of those new Harman/Kardon H-D radios.

Factory Harley-Davison Harman/Kardon Radios
Pro's:
- All the modern features available (MP3, XM, CB, etc.)
- Compatible with your existing intercom and headset equipment
- Built like a tank like its predecessors to endure the harsh environment
- Looks just like a Harley radio should; clean, simple, and black w/ amber display
Con's:
- It's expensive compared to typical aftermarket source units
- The optional modules are expensive too
- You may have to buy an overlay harness (for rear channels, options, etc.)
- You have to find a dealer willing to calibrate (program) it for you using a 2006-newer bike ECU.

[TheLoneWolfPack]

I have a Kenwood deck in mine, CDs skip really bad.  Data disks, only minor skip.  i did not go with marine grade head unit or amp, but i wish i did.  The HD units can handle the rain, but with aftermarket, I am no longer confident riding in the rain or even washing the bike.

The only plus, for me, with the after market head unit was 1) allows more space in the fairing to install a bigger amp, and 2) allows me to use a USB flash stick mounted under my seat which acts just like an ipod without being stuck with Apple Itunes and their control of my music.

[murphy]

Most likely you will loose your hadlebar controls with the Kenwood unit, Hawg Wired makes an adapter for the Sony unit... it's a little expensive but easy to install and works well.

[Twolanerider]

Most likely you will loose your hadlebar controls with the Kenwood unit, Hawg Wired makes an adapter for the Sony unit... it's a little expensive but easy to install and works well.

Hawg Wired offers an interface unit that works with the Kenwood radios (and a few others) also.  It's their HUA470.

[BigLew]

I heard there was a really good company that can do a lot of upgrades on the HD stock unit. I believe there name is Iron Aces or something like that. Anyone heard of them?

BigLew

[TheLoneWolfPack]

I heard there was a really good company that can do a lot of upgrades on the HD stock unit. I believe there name is Iron Aces or something like that. Anyone heard of them?

BigLew

I think this is it

http://www.ironcrossaudio.com/

Contact Harleypingman - he knows who for sure -- I know he had some stuff done by the company you are seeking --

[mjb765]

I think this is it

http://www.ironcrossaudio.com/

Contact Harleypingman - he knows who for sure -- I know he had some stuff done by the company you are seeking --

I had work done by Iron Cross.....their service and turn around time is very good.