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[SDCVO]

I am really into listening to my music when I ride, more then I thought I ever would be. I have upgraded the speakers and amps with the best I could find (Focal KRX2's in front, Focal 7X10's rear, 2 Arc KS125.4 amps) it it does sound great but don't really know any other system to compare it to as all the bikes in my past did not have systems. Reading a story online a couple of days ago someone was saying that they had a similar setup and then changed their head unit and the difference was night and day.
I called my shop that did the original work (amazingly clean install on the 7X10 rear Focals) and I do trust them and he thought that I would definitely hear the difference and knowing me (very picky with Boarzilla pipes, a full face helmet and quick to bitch if after its done I don't hear that much of a difference) thought I would think it was worth it and be happy I did it. Though of course I don't just want to throw away money, this is my only toy and I have never regretted so far doing a expensive mod when it makes a big difference. I am probably more concerned about the look of a aftermarket stereo in my bike. I do know in the "car world" that changing the head unit to a high dollar model will completely change the sound. My shop recommends the top of the line Kenwood (don't know the model #) as they do many bikes (some crazy over the top systems) and he was pretty adamant about that one working the best.
As always I would love to get the opinions of all of you and maybe someone that has already done it?

[Gnarl78]

I've opted not to change my HK head unit as I don't want to lose the CB and Intercom functions. I don't think you will ever get the same fidelity system as you can setup in your home or auto.

[OBB]

I don't know how much you would need something weather resistant out there in SD so you may be able to go with whatever the shop recommends. If they're that sure of the Kenwood and they know you're good for the money and how fussy you are, see if they'll put the unit in on a demo basis (you pay the labor up front) for a week. If you don't like it, they put the old one back in. Then again, depends on how high up you are on the good customer list.

[SDCVO]

Probably dumb but I have decided to do it. The head unit it a Kenwood KDC-X997. I will probably end up disappointed but I now listen to XM most of the time thru the Garmmin 665 and I like the idea of having the song/artist actually on the head unit. Of course I am looking for any way to justify doing this. Will see...

[OBB]

Probably dumb but I have decided to do it. The head unit it a Kenwood KDC-X997. I will probably end up disappointed but I now listen to XM most of the time thru the Garmmin 665 and I like the idea of having the song/artist actually on the head unit. Of course I am looking for any way to justify doing this. Will see...

Next question. Are you still running the stock HU? You should be able to add the XM unit to it for less money than a new HU. Also you'd still have full stock integration and wouldn't need to use the 665 for your XM.

[SDCVO]

I don't know how much you would need something weather resistant out there in SD so you may be able to go with whatever the shop recommends. If they're that sure of the Kenwood and they know you're good for the money and how fussy you are, see if they'll put the unit in on a demo basis (you pay the labor up front) for a week. If you don't like it, they put the old one back in. Then again, depends on how high up you are on the good customer list.

They have not only told me they would take the unit back after 30 days for a full refund if I didn't feel it was enough of a difference but also the profit on the labor (after they pay their tech). They are really good guys and have always done what they have said they would do so I completely trust them.

[OBB]

They have not only told me they would take the unit back after 30 days for a full refund if I didn't feel it was enough of a difference but also the profit on the labor (after they pay their tech). They are really good guys and have always done what they have said they would do so I completely trust them.

We need more shops like that all over the place. 

[SDCVO]

Of course I would feel like the biggest mooch in the world to actually take them up on it and they probably know that...

[FlaHeatWave]

Have Iron Cross Audio install preamp outs, you will get the same sound as the aftermarket head units, and still retain the stock features...

http://www.ironcrossaudio.com/

[SDCVO]

So I got it done and though I did not get a chance to try it on the road yet, it sounds amazing standing still at least. I will say that it sounds like a completely different system. Zero distortion to ridiculously loud levels that I couldn't have even come close to before. The shop that did the install (Street Noyz) made a custom very clean piece that surrounds the head unit that looks fantastic which was one of my biggest worries about doing it in the first place.
They ran a "lightning connector" from the USB in the back of the unit to the glove box (I had to go buy a new IPod with that connector) which will be great to plug my phone into easily to not only charge it but give me the option of having the Pandora or any of the various iPhone apps hard wired into the unit for easy reading on the road. Otherwise i will just leave the new iPod hooked up and use it like i did the one that came with the bike. I just had them leave the saddlebag iPod where it was so whenever I decide to start the mods all over again on the next bike I can put everything back to "stock".

[Cvostu]

How's a bout a pic of that fancy head unit installed.   I'd love to check it out.  Stuart.

[rrussow]

What about the hand controls functionality of not having the stock unit?  Do you lose the ability to change stations, volume, etc., using the stock controls near the hand grips?

[SDCVO]

All hand controls still work the same. Only thing lost is AVC. They wired the left handlebar control so that when it is pushed (at a stop light for example) the volume drops to very low. They matched the display perfectly to the stock unit also. Went for my first ride today and it really is great. One of those deals where I wished I would have done this 19000 miles ago!
I will post pics in the next day or so

[SDCVO]

The piece they made to surround the unit looks very clean in person. Display is a perfect match also

[SDCVO]

Another shot