GK Stereo advice wanted

[willie]

Has anyone replaced the original stereo in their GK (or Vetter) fairing with an aftermarket unit? If so, I'd like to know your opinion of what you replaced it with. I'm debating between upgrading the stereo (unit and speakers) or using the space for storage and Garmin and go with earbuds and an MP3 player. Thoughts?
Thanks
Willie in TN

 

[lordcannon88]

well im not sure about the mount depth, but any 12v car stereo would work. im also not sure about the bracket situation for solidly mounting a different unit. ive done enough car stereos to know where theres a will theres a way. im contemplating adding one to my GL with a vetter fairing sometime down the road. the wiring would be the simple part IMO. hard part would be the fit.

 

[duaneage]

CD players might not tolerate the abuse in a fairing, a tape deck would be a better choice. A simple Am FM radio has no mechanicals and would be a good choice too.

Check the depth allowed, cd players are very deep compared to tape decks. I would look into a marine radio since they have painted circuit boards, sealed controls, and usually removable faceplates. Keeps it from being stolen for one and allows the faceplate to be pocketed should a shower come up.

Earphones are not a good idea since you will have to blast the music to be heard and that isn't good for your hearing. Also, they will deafen you to sounds around you too much. In some states, it is also illegal. IF you are stopped for any reason an additional ticket can be issued.

 

[LarryA_Texas]

CD players might not tolerate the abuse in a fairing, a tape deck would be a better choice. A simple Am FM radio has no mechanicals and would be a good choice too.

Earphones are not a good idea since you will have to blast the music to be heard and that isn't good for your hearing. Also, they will deafen you to sounds around you too much. In some states, it is also illegal. IF you are stopped for any reason an additional ticket can be issued.

Tape Deck? He posted this is 2009, not 1989. An MP3 would be the choice now. They have radios built in and hold thousands of songs...with no moving parts. You can get an amp wired in, with a plug that goes into the earphone jack of the MP3 player. Some Ipod adapters will charge it from the vehicle power system, so you quit worrying about battery life.

 

[Steve]

well im not sure about the mount depth, but any 12v car stereo would work. im also not sure about the bracket situation for solidly mounting a different unit. ive done enough car stereos to know where theres a will theres a way. im contemplating adding one to my GL with a vetter fairing sometime down the road. the wiring would be the simple part IMO. hard part would be the fit.

I have not seen how a radio mounts in the GK, but in the Vetter Cycle Sound, the stock mounting system uses the old-style 3-hole faceplate, that is, center rectangle with the radio face and the two knobs for volume and tuning. I have seen DIN-type radios installed in these housings, but they were not all that secure.

CD players might not tolerate the abuse in a fairing, a tape deck would be a better choice. A simple Am FM radio has no mechanicals and would be a good choice too. ... Earphones are not a good idea since you will have to blast the music to be heard and that isn't good for your hearing. Also, they will deafen you to sounds around you too much. In some states, it is also illegal. IF you are stopped for any reason an additional ticket can be issued.

How is the GK fairing mounted? If it is just supported from below, like a Vetter, it might shake a bit. I had the HUGE fairing that Kawasaki offered for the KZ1300 that had a third mount that bolted to the front of the steering stem and made that fairing VERY stable. I did not have a CD in it (that was before CDs were invented ), but had no problems with vibration.

Concerning earphones ... yes, in some states, earphones (or earbuds) are prohibited. Some states allow one, others allow two. However, all states allow two speakers that are mounted in the helmet. Yeah, you will have that tell-tale curly cord going from the helmet to the bike, but it's not hard to get used to. It unplugs easily enough and the speakers really sound great. Even with moderately loud stereo settings, you can still hear sirens and other traffic around you, so safety is not compromised much, if at all. I am also part of a GoldWing forum, and have never seen any comment about a Winger getting a ticket for having his hearing compromised by having speakers in the helmet.

Tape Deck? He posted this is 2009, not 1989. An MP3 would be the choice now. They have radios built in and hold thousands of songs...with no moving parts. You can get an amp wired in, with a plug that goes into the earphone jack of the MP3 player. Some Ipod adapters will charge it from the vehicle power system, so you quit worrying about battery life.

A good unit to look for in today's market might include a CD, but should also have an AUX input jack. Into that jack you could put a wire from an MP3 player or satellite radio, maybe even your old Walkman tape player.

I think the hardest part would be getting the audio signals from an automotive-style radio to the helmet speakers. The audio level need to be cut down to headphone level instead of speaker level required for external speakers.

.

 

[mike-s]

Personally i have a pair of earbud earphones that at the very least do a fantastic job of blocking out road (and more importantly lid) noise (my biggest dislike for in-helmet speakers is some are fitted to poorly sealing helmets and you have to practically deafen yourself in order to use them as opposed to having them HELP save your hearing).

My earbud earphones do such a good job of blocking out harsh noise that I have the audio volume at a level i would use just to listen to while taking a walk around my block and can hear it quite clearly up until hitting our national speed limit (110kmh/68mph) when on the bike. the ones i have are seinheisser cx300 series II's with the lanyard that goes around the neck (actually my specific pair is relabelled as creative labs 635's if i remember correctly). I have had them for years (maybe over 3.5 i think) and they work just as well today as when i first got them, abeit slightly pre-loved looking.

Sound quality is excellent, and if i want to hear what someone else is saying i just pull the speaker cable out of my mp3 player (dangles off the lanyard inside my jacket) and can hear everything extremely clearly. The only negative thing i have got to say is about my mp3 player, but as i primarily use it as a radio and avoid using the (frankly rubbish) mp3 player built into it i don't really have much to complain about.

If you wanted to stick with an existing head unit and plug it into the bike i would certainly follow the suggestions of others of leaning towards a marine unit (with a line in perhaps, or even with a ipod/usb docking connector), and also find out about ways of increasing the durability of the mounting mechanism and also perhaps looking into rubber mounting it.

 

[BigLou]

Well it depends on how much you are looking to spend.

My wife and I use a tank bag that holds our Comm Center www.airrider.com/store/product.php?id=311, then we hook up a MP3 player to it. I gives us music plus intercomm, and we are looking at getting CB to hook into it as well.

Pricey, but it works for us. Plus you dont have to worry about theft, when I walk away from the bike, I put the cords in the tang bag, pull it off and either lock it in the trunk or take it with me.

 

[tkent02]

Why bother?
An Ipod in a shirt pocket is so much easier.

 

[BigLou]

well, here in IL ear pods are illegal. And yeah, the cops here in are big enough pricks to harras you if they see the cord. The wife and I were pulled over a couple of years ago, and the cop made us take our helmets off to prove that we were not using earphones.

 

[Steve]

Well it depends on how much you are looking to spend.

My wife and I use a tank bag that holds our Comm Center www.airrider.com/store/product.php?id=311, then we hook up a MP3 player to it. I gives us music plus intercomm, and we are looking at getting CB to hook into it as well.

Pricey, but it works for us. Plus you dont have to worry about theft, when I walk away from the bike, I put the cords in the tang bag, pull it off and either lock it in the trunk or take it with me.

The AirRider unit is certainly nice enough, and the fact that it is portable (does not get mounted to the bike) adds to its appeal. However, since you are thinking of adding CB to an already pricey unit, another option is to go with the J&M CB2003 unit. It starts with the 40-channel CB (full, 4-watt output), has weather band and intercom for 2 riders (a solo model is available for less money). It also includes an input line for your MP3 or XM. Price from Sierra Electronics (your motorcycle audio store) is just over $300. By the time you add the proper mounts and antenna, you will still be less than $400. You will still need helmet speakers and cords, but they have all that at Sierra, too. The link is to their "good" line of speakers (that's what I use), they also have a "better" line. Yeah, it costs more, but the sound is almost as good as the Sennheisers.

.

 

[BigLou]

very nice, when we got our AirRider pricing was the other way around LOL. AR was cheaper, plus we got a discount at the Neihaus show.

but yeah, that J&M is nice, very professional looking.

 

[Planecrazy]

Ok, I have a lot to say about the topic as well as some of the points made in the previous replies (when do I ever NOT have a lot to say, hehe?).

First, I have a Vetter Cyclesound setup that I've used for several years now with all new equipment. There is no issue whatsoever with how secure the modern "knobless" radio is in the Cyclesound, though regardless of how solid it is mounted there is ZERO chance a CD will play while you're riding ... too much vibration on the GS. However, because I suspected the CD would be almost useless I bought a unit that has a built in USB port. This port (which can be found on several types of car stereos these days) will allow you to simply plug in a basic USB memory stick filled with mp3 files and it'll play them with no need whatsoever for an mp3 player - SWEET! The newer ones will even allow you to setup playlists or randomly play songs in any order, but my older one plays them sequentially ... no big deal.

The problem with the Cyclesound housings is that they only let you use a 4" speaker, and those little speakers have difficulty overcoming the engine/road noise at speed, at least when one is wearing a helmet (which I always do). I've often thought about modifying the housing to allow a deeper 5" speaker to fit, but it would protrude forward and there are potential handlebar clearance issues so I haven't seriously pursued this route. I've also thought about building some boxes in the rear so I could add larger rear oval speakers, but again ... logistics have made it more trouble than it's worth.

Frankly, my opinion is that the best route is to invest your money in a good helmet intercom system that allows for an aux plug-in. Then you can choose your input, whether it be an mp3 player, a satellite receiver, etc. The advantage of going this route is that unless I'm mistaken intercom systems are legal everywhere, and adding music shouldn't change that. Also, your sound system is no longer subject to changes in weather - even sitting overnight while on a trip exposes my system to morning dewdrops, etc. which no doubt affect the electronics over time. I've been using it for about three years now with no trouble, but if I had to do it again I'd go the Intercom/mp3 route.

I have a GK "project" in the garage right now, and it looks as if the GK may allow for slightly larger speakers, but even so I still think the best route is to spend your musical dollar elsewhere...

Hope this is helpful, Willie!

Regards,

 

[willie]

Thanks for all the responses! I'm leaning towards a combo of several of the ideas mentioned. I use an Autocom Pro-7 Sport intercom when riding with my wife. It has aux inputs for our MP3 player. Thats great when riding with a passenger but when I'm alone, I'd like to have an in-dash setup if I can get something I'd be happy with. I have to wonder though what kind of sound quality I can get out of 3" speakers, especially when listening with a full faced helmet on. I REALLY like the idea of having a unit with a USB port for using a memory stick. I wonder if I can get a stereo with that setup that does not have a CD player, as I wouldn't be playing CDs and don't need the extra bulk. It'd be really cool if I could buy just an amp with controls that I could plug my MP3 player into. IMO, that'd be the smallest and lightest way to go. Also, the GK stereo mount, FWIW, consists of a plastic panel with 3 holes (2 knobs and faceplate) that screws into the fairing. No other obvious support. Another reason I'd like to go the minimalist route.
Thanks again!
Willie in TN

 

[lordcannon88]

Ok, I have a lot to say about the topic as well as some of the points made in the previous replies (when do I ever NOT have a lot to say, hehe?).

First, I have a Vetter Cyclesound setup that I've used for several years now with all new equipment. There is no issue whatsoever with how secure the modern "knobless" radio is in the Cyclesound, though regardless of how solid it is mounted there is ZERO chance a CD will play while you're riding ... too much vibration on the GS. However, because I suspected the CD would be almost useless I bought a unit that has a built in USB port. This port (which can be found on several types of car stereos these days) will allow you to simply plug in a basic USB memory stick filled with mp3 files and it'll play them with no need whatsoever for an mp3 player - SWEET! The newer ones will even allow you to setup playlists or randomly play songs in any order, but my older one plays them sequentially ... no big deal.

The problem with the Cyclesound housings is that they only let you use a 3" (or 3 1/2" - I can't remember, offhand) speaker, and those little speakers have difficulty overcoming the engine/road noise at speed, at least when one is wearing a helmet (which I always do). I've often thought about modifying the housing to allow a deeper 4" or 5" speaker to fit, but there are potential handlebar clearance issues so I haven't seriously pursued this route. I've also thought about building some boxes in the rear so I could add larger rear oval speakers, but again ... logistics have made it more trouble than it's worth.

Frankly, my opinion is that the best route is to invest your money in a good helmet intercom system that allows for an aux plug-in. Then you can choose your input, whether it be an mp3 player, a satellite receiver, etc. The advantage of going this route is that unless I'm mistaken intercom systems are legal everywhere, and adding music shouldn't change that. Also, your sound system is no longer subject to changes in weather - even sitting overnight while on a trip exposes my system to morning dewdrops, etc. which no doubt affect the electronics over time. I've been using it for about three years now with no trouble, but if I had to do it again I'd go the Intercom/mp3 route.

I have a GK "project" in the garage right now, and it looks as if the GK may allow for slightly larger speakers, but even so I still think the best route is to spend your musical dollar elsewhere...

Hope this is helpful, Willie!

Regards,

the car stereo in my car has a usb port. i dont even use cds anymore since i have a 16G flash drive. i just change the lineup every month or 2.

 

[Planecrazy]

the car stereo in my car has a usb port. i dont even use cds anymore since i have a 16G flash drive. i just change the lineup every month or 2.

My SUV stereos didn't come with a USB port or an AUX input, so I purchased a "lighter socket" FM transmitter that lets me not only use a USB memory stick or an AUX input for an mp3 player, but also accepts SD memory cards with music on them. It even has a remote, which makes it much easier to keep my eyes on the road and avoid leaning over to press buttons on the unit itself. Works GREAT, and when unplugged it even "remembers" where it left off in the playlist! Got it online from 1SaleADay.com for less than twenty bucks shipped!

Regards,

 

[mike-s]

I saw those in the local car-shop junkmail for the first time the other day, looked alright too. I made a slight mistake and bought a budget cd player that can play cd's with mp3's dropped on them in iso9660/joliet format. The problem with it? it seems to crack a wobbly whenever you change cd's while it is on, the drive won't spin up and gives "error 1". I have to eject the current cd, turn the whole thing off, turn it back on and then put the new cd in, sometimes it takes 2-3 attempts to get it to read the new cd. But once it reads it the first time, i can turn it off and on and have it read the cd until i change it again. Quite annoying and why i use radil as preference #1, but have a rather eclectic compilation of music on the one cd that pretty much just lives in the head unit. :-k

 

[Steve]

First, I have a Vetter Cyclesound setup that I've used for several years now with all new equipment. There is no issue whatsoever with how secure the modern "knobless" radio is in the Cyclesound,...
The problem with the Cyclesound housings is that they only let you use a 3" (or 3 1/2" - I can't remember, offhand) speaker, and those little speakers have difficulty overcoming the engine/road noise at speed, at least when one is wearing a helmet (which I always do). I've often thought about modifying the housing to allow a deeper 4" or 5" speaker to fit, ...

Steve, Thanks for the info on the "knobless" radio security. We just got one in another Cycle Sound unit along with a set of lowers for the Windjammer.

You want to see light at the end of your tunnel that's NOT an oncoming train? :-k
The Cycle Sounds with the 3" speakers are the OLD units. The NEW units have 4" speakers. :dancing:
Since it's already designed in I don't think there will be any handlebar clearance issues.

Not sure when they transitioned to the larger speakers, but I had one back in '79 on my KZ1300. The fairing on that bike was so big, I actually put 6x9 speakers on the inner panels (facing the steering stem) and used the Cycle Sound spekers as tweeters with my Sanyo bi-amped stereo. Back then, it was one butt-kicking stereo, with 8 watts per channel to the tweeters and 22 watts per channel to the woofers.

.

 

[Planecrazy]

Steve, Thanks for the info on the "knobless" radio security. We just got one in another Cycle Sound unit along with a set of lowers for the Windjammer.

You want to see light at the end of your tunnel that's NOT an oncoming train? :-k
The Cycle Sounds with the 3" speakers are the OLD units. The NEW units have 4" speakers. :dancing:
Since it's already designed in I don't think there will be any handlebar clearance issues.

Not sure when they transitioned to the larger speakers, but I had one back in '79 on my KZ1300. The fairing on that bike was so big, I actually put 6x9 speakers on the inner panels (facing the steering stem) and used the Cycle Sound spekers as tweeters with my Sanyo bi-amped stereo. Back then, it was one butt-kicking stereo, with 8 watts per channel to the tweeters and 22 watts per channel to the woofers.

.

That WAS one butt-kicking stereo, hehe!

EDIT 2/12: I corrected my previous post (and this one) to reflect the fact that I DO have four inch speakers ... all Vetter Cyclesounds came with four inchers - I just forgot what the size was in my original post and accidentally wrote "three inchers."

One thing I should have mentioned is that I modified the existing insert for a "knobbed" stereo to allow the new unit to come through, and the mounting "sleeve" that the head unit came with was pretty easy to install securely in the Cyclesound without being loose. Also, the only reason I thought there might be clearance issues on my unit is because I don't think I can simply widen the holes for 5" speakers. What I'll have to do instead is add a spacing ring that brings the new speakers out toward me, allowing them to sit properly and also allowing for a little more bass to be generated within the enclosure. It can certainly be done, but probably isn't worth the effort for me personally at this time.

Regards,

 

[Steve]

Another alternative is to look on eBay for one that has larger speakers. Once you see one, it's obvious which ones have them, so they're easy to spot.

.

 

[Gimpdiggity]

I am more than likely going to mount a CD player in my fairing...even if I can't use the CD playing functionality of it, the unit that I will use (Alpine) should probably have enough power that the 4" speakers will actually be able to be heard. The Alpine player I'm looking at puts out a max of 60 watts RMS to the speakers...so that's probably more like 45 watts per side in "real life."

It also has the a.i. system that allows you to use and tune an iPod from the head unit and to use and tune a satellite radio from the head unit.

So basically, even if the CDs aren't playable in the fairing, the Alpine CD player will give me more than enough options for music once it's in there...AND it will have a higher power output than most stereos, which will make the little 4" speakers actually work.