Removing I/S radio

[Alan]

I'm considering removing the radio and all it's wiring.  I rarely listen to music and when I do I use an mp3 w/ earbuds.  All four speakers are old and sound muddy. I think by the time I replaced the speakers and got together all the cable and helmet speakers to make the radio and comm system work the way I like it I will have spent $$$ and still have what amounts to ancient technology.  The control pod is ugly.  Most of my friends use helmet mounted bike-bike comm systems.  Whenever I hear a bike with speakers blaring I think "circus wagon"......  I don't like a great big ol' clock staring at me...... a battery draining clock at that.......

Are there any tech or electrical issues I'll create by doing this? 

 I'm 63 and ten years ago I would not have expected that all the music and communication options "back then", radio, cb, tape players, helmet cables, heavy magnet speakers, etc would be replaced  by a few items that will fit in the palm of one hand.

[Ricky-D]

Why don't you just sell the bike and get a Valkyrie standard or traveler?

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[Alan]

I love the I/S...... a lot.  I just find the sound system outdated.  Our tiny mp3's hold a few days of music rider and passenger each choose.  Helmet mounted bike-passenger-group communications + phone + gps.  Tiny high performance ear buds.  For those that need a big handy clock.... cool.  If you like riding down the road with the four speakers pumping out the tunes....... cool also.... I respect that. When we were kids hanging out on the corners in Newark, NJ and a convertible rolled past with the radio blaring we would all yell "circus wagon"!  It was fun. 

Where does that ugly pod wire go to anyway?   In the vinyl vs cd debate..... I vote vinyl records.  Old tech ain't always bad.  Thanks for the reply, Ricky.

[MP]

You should just be able to unplug from the main wiring harness.  I cannot think of any issues with lights, starting, etc by removing them.  I would keep the parts, and remove in a way as to be able to reinstall.  At some point, the bike will be sold, and will be worth more, probably, with the OEM setup.

MP

[Alan]

Thanks, MP.  I suspected that it would be no problem, but it's better to ask than do it and run into the "Law of Unintended Consequences".  There's nothing I could do that a few more experienced than I haven't done before.  I save all the parts I remove so my widow will have an easy time of selling it.  I've got it in SuperValk now as I'm taking my first ride tomorrow since shoulder joint replacement in late June.