Audio system suggestions

[ragincajun]

Standard model Valk.  Looking for solid, if inexpensive, audio system that will allow hook up of iPod.

I've seen a couple of models that have a separate amp that installs under the seat, or where the amp is built into the speaker housing and finally a bar mounted amp that is removable.

Just wondering what suggestions you may have for what I'm looking for.  Anything particular that I need to include in my search to coexist with the iPod, anything else in general that I haven't thought of that you've experienced.

[Momz]

Honda sells a unit that mounts to the handle bars and is very small and is for use with all ipods/MP3 players.

[keepinon]

Ordered a set of these self=amplified speakers for the trike. Haven't installed them yet, so no opinion to give.

http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/Boss-Audio-Motorcycle-UTV-Amplified-Speaker-2.5-Waterproof-Speakers-Built-In-Power-Amp-400-Watts-MC300

[ptgb]

I have a Motorcycle Tunes system on the wife's trike. I bought the 600 watt system. Works great and the sound at highway speeds is excellent even with the louder exhaust resonance of the trike. I would buy it again in a second.

http://www.motorcycletunes.com/

As far as mounting the speakers, here's what I did... made for a very clean install...

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,41990.0.html

[Bone]

ptgb I'm running the same speakers. Had them on 2 years and changed where they were clamped the second year. I like the way you mounted those for your wife it's time to experiment. Must have missed your original posts but have it now.
Thanks

[BF]

Did you see Rude Dog's ad in the classsifieds?

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,49997.0.html

Might be what you're looking for. 

He's a long-time member. 

[bfn]

A number of years l had a set of J&M self amplified speakers installed on the handlebars of my '98 tourer....absoloutely satisfied, looks great, sound is super...now l also have a '99 interstate and am looking to replace it's OEM speakers....

[themetalman03886]

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/1362634484954961900?q=sena%20smh10&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=ZQE&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bpcl=39650382&biw=1280&bih=687&sa=X&ei=TKvHUObkKIiS9QS81oGQCQ&ved=0CG8Q8wIwAg

Prolly not exactly what you are looking for but I have this and it works amazingly. Can listen to music, make/receive phone calls, use gps, even ask what time it is. It also functions as a 2 way radio so when I am riding with my wife we can talk to each other.

[fudgie]

I got 1 1/2"s from cyclesounds.com. Works good for me. I bought the highway grills and its almost to loud for me. I also use a cheap roller vol controls mounted on my bars and the mp3 stays in the tank bib. Non helmeted rider.

[salty1]

Ever thought of putting your tunes through your helmet speakers? (I assume you wear a helmet). You can find hard wired approaches or use a Bluetooth connection. J&M has good helmet speakers. Some helmets brands are being sold with speakers and the Bluetooth all bundled together.

I like to have tunes, FM  radio, CB transmissions, phone, and radar alerts piped into my helmet. I use one of J&M's Intergratr IV. Works for me.

[Pappy!]

I run a Carda Scala Rider G9 headset. Bluetooth compatible with almost anything from your cell phone to an Ipod to GPS plus excellent rider to rider communications. Has voice commands to keep your hands free plus various buttons. FM radio is built in. Sounds pretty good as well. Can make or recieve hands free calls at speed with amazing clarity with a full face helmet on.

[rhinor61]

Here is my experiences regarding stereo on a valkyrie standard/tourer:

Room to mount, size of unit, money to spend all comes down to quality of sound.

I added a street glide outer fairing to my tourer so I could mount my speaker and controls.
The HD inter fairing was put on the shelf and I mold my own inner fairing out of fiberglass so I could house 5.25 speakers, tweeters and electronic cross overs..
Using a Kenwood KOS-A300 Factory Radio Upgrade System ($50 on crutchfield heavily discounted $200)
connected to a Pyle PLMRMP1A 2-Channel Waterproof MP3/iPod Marine Power Amplifier ($50)
5.25 x2 ($50) speaker and 2 tweeters ($10) , electronic 2-way cross overs ($25).
I Velcro the controller (to pause music/change songs) to the top of tank and the music display to the triple tree..

I can play MP3 off a USB thumb drive , zune or my iPhone..

I can hear it at 65mph+ with a full face helmet on.

What would I do different..
6.5 in speakers, 4-channel pyle marine amp and add a pair of speaker to the rear or sub woofer..

Here is my take.. the valkyrie is going to get looks.. why have a crappy sounding speakers that you cant hear above 45mph or distorts the sound where you are going to be embarrassed to even play while parked.

I know you can fit this kenwood controller under the seat if you take the tool bag out... but the amp needs air flow cause it will get hot.

hope somebody finds this interesting .. cause ... it rocks!!!

john

[Hoser]

Ear buds plugged into mp3 in my shirt pocket.  I'm a simple man.  Hoser   

[Fritz The Cat]

Ear buds plugged into mp3 in my shirt pocket.  I'm a simple man.  Hoser   

Amen to that. 

Over the years I owned my GW I spent a small fortune trying to get decent sound out of helmet speakers. They all sucked, especially at highway speeds. What worked for me was a good set of earbuds. I'll never mount a speaker on a motorcycle again, neither on the bike or in the helmet.

[PhredValk]

I'm upgrading my IS with four Polk DB501s and a power amp. I purchased a CB which will work thru my headset, so I need good sound from the bars and trunk.
Fred.

[BF]

Ear buds plugged into mp3 in my shirt pocket.  I'm a simple man.  Hoser   

Amen to that. 

Over the years I owned my GW I spent a small fortune trying to get decent sound out of helmet speakers. They all sucked, especially at highway speeds. What worked for me was a good set of earbuds. I'll never mount a speaker on a motorcycle again, neither on the bike or in the helmet.

Different strokes for different folks and all that, but before deciding on my Woodys fairing with stereo, amp and 4 speakers, I tried using earbuds.....a bunch of times. 

I hated them.  They worked great, but they made me feel really isolated from everything going on around me.  I didn't like that feeling at all. 

[Pappy!]

I think the helmet makes a difference in sound quality when it comes to built in speakers. There will never be concert hall quality sound reproduction with the wind and engine noise on a bike anyway.
What is nice about the ScalaRider is that everything is there. Phone, music, navigation, and rider to rider communications without adding any clutter to the bike and putting up with wires hanging all over ya'!

[forjj]

I used UniQ cycle low profile speakers on my standard.  They looked good, and were plenty loud enough. 

http://www.uniqcycle.com/low-profile-motorcycle-speakers.html

[rhinor61]

Here is the problems with ear buds and mp3 in your pocket..

- Illegal in some state to have headphone in both ears.
- You cant lower the volume while riding
- volume to loud at highway speeds then way to loud when you slow down.
- not good in traffic. to low or too loud.
- if riding with other, they cant talk with you.

mount the mp3 to your tank, still cant adjust with gloves on.

like i said...
spend some money, ride safe.

John

[Bone]

My 98 Tourer (fast black & chrome) has this CB. I had ear buds for a couple of years. My MP3 player was in the right saddle bag. I plugged into a fitting under the seat that sent the music through the CB allowing me to adjust the volume with the volume control on the CB.
Now I have added the amp and speakers from Motorcycle Tunes.  I still use the volume control and easily adjust the volume with my left hand. Entering a town and stop lights the volume must be lowered

This is the CB Honda installed, it works but I'm not a CB person.

[Hoser]

Here is the problems with ear buds and mp3 in your pocket..

- Illegal in some state to have headphone in both ears.
- You cant lower the volume while riding
- volume to loud at highway speeds then way to loud when you slow down.
- not good in traffic. to low or too loud.
- if riding with other, they cant talk with you.

mount the mp3 to your tank, still cant adjust with gloves on.

like i said...
spend some money, ride safe.

John

Spend some money on the ear buds.  Mine has a volume control and off on switch on the cord, I clip it on my jacket lapel.  Turn it off and I can hear fine.  Hoser

[salty1]

Spend some money on the ear buds.  Mine has a volume control and off on switch on the cord, I clip it on my jacket lapel.  Turn it off and I can hear fine.  Hoser

Can you share the brand and maybe model number on the earbuds your using? 

[boss hoss bill]

I used UniQ cycle low profile speakers on my standard.  They looked good, and were plenty loud enough.

http://www.uniqcycle.com/low-profile-motorcycle-speakers.html

+1 for Uniq Cycle speakers, I've had 'em on my bike for years now, still sound great!

Bill

[Hoser]

Spend some money on the ear buds.  Mine has a volume control and off on switch on the cord, I clip it on my jacket lapel.  Turn it off and I can hear fine.  Hoser

Can you share the brand and maybe model number on the earbuds your using?  

Made em myself. got the volume control and off on switch from Radio Shack.  Hoser  

[Hoser]

Spend some money on the ear buds.  Mine has a volume control and off on switch on the cord, I clip it on my jacket lapel.  Turn it off and I can hear fine.  Hoser

Can you share the brand and maybe model number on the earbuds your using?  

Made em myself. got the volume control and off on switch from Radio Shack.  Hoser  

Hay Salty, I found these on Amazon, I'm gonna buy some, they look better than my homemade ones.  Hoser 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B004RE3YU8/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_dav

[salty1]

Hoser thanks for sharing. They look good and certainly have favorable reviews.