Valkyrie stereo system

[Spicercars]

Anybody find a good stereo that works good on a Valkyrie? Looking for something with fm. Thanks

[gordonv]

Buy an IS, comes with a radio.

Shark or a marine radio for an add on. I added a marine radio to my IS trunk, and put it on my ACE Tourer, came with a USB port for MP3 files.

[jimmytee]

What you riding and how much you wanna spend?
  I can make some suggestions.  I've put together a few stereo systems on motorcycles.

[Spicercars]

I have a 98 tourer. I would like something that's not a cheap piece of crap. Thanks

[jimmytee]

I recently put together a solid performing handlebar system for someone.
I bought these with an offer of $100
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231471321119?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I bought these, but paid $56
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JBL-GTO429-2YR-WRNTY-4-210W-GTO-SERIES-2WAY-COAXIAL-CAR-AUDIO-STEREO-SPEAKERS-/391413530864?hash=item5b221080f0:g:XVcAAOSwoudW8vHd

I got this.
http://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-KAC-M3004-Compact-Channel-Amplifier/dp/B00UVWC55A?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Now you can supply the amp from different possible sources. The easiest would be to get a Bluetooth adapter / controller like this.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_95996_NVX-XUBT4-Universal-Bluetooth-Receiver-and-Remote-Control.html

Now the amplifier is small and could be placed in different locations. One possibility would be a saddlebag. The Bluetooth controller is not absolutely needed and there are other options in lieu of having an actual head unit. You could just run a 3.5 mm male to male RCA cable and use a phone or MP3 player plugged directly into the amp.

I can vouch for the quality of the speaker enclosures, and the speakers , you can choose other options. I will tell you that this combo will blow away the other packaged handlebar mounted systems. Pf course you could also mount the speakers to the crash bars above the engine cylinder heads is you chose as well.

[salty1]

This is a quality system IMO.
http://www.jmcorp.com/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=MHAS-2008

[BobB]

Look into the modern marine radios by various companies.  They are waterproof and seem to have all the latest capabilities.  I have an older Jensen JHD910 mounted to the handlebar of my 1500CT.  It only has a 3.5mm audio jack for Aux input, but it works well.  I can plug my iPhone in to listen to my play list.  

I just found newer Jensen JHD910BT, Jensen JHD40BTR and Polk PA4A units that look interesting.  USB and BlueTooth are now available.  

[crash1980]

This is a quality system IMO.
http://www.jmcorp.com/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=MHAS-2008

Quite a price tag on that one!  Personally, if I was going to be forking over that kind of money I would just pony up and get a batwing with a radio in it!

[jimmytee]

Listen, you can pick a lot of possible solutions.  I'd put money on the the pieces I put together above blowing away any of the other so called handlebar systems. Hands down.    But the packaged systems do all come in one box as a kit.

I was impressed enough , I added those same speakers to the rear of my F6B, along with the sub and speakers up front.

The other options would be to purchase a fairing like a Woody's, which I have on my Valk. In that fairing, I have 4) Kicker 5.25" coaxial speakers powered be another Kenwood amplifier and a Kenwood head unit as the source. I also have 2) Kicker 6.5" speakers in the saddle bags.

[Bone]

jimmytee your post came at a perfect time. I mounted a MotorCycle Tunes amp and handlebar speakers on my 98 Tourer five years ago. My right speaker stopped working last fall. Seeing your choices I am placing an order for the amp. My amp is mounted in the right saddle bag on the front wall. I'll put the new amp in the same location.  I use it every time I get on the bike playing an MP3 player full of my music. I tied it into the Honda handlebar CB / Com. player and can adjust the volume with a thumb. If the speaker is the problem I'll upgrade those next.

[jimmytee]

jimmytee your post came at a perfect time. I mounted a MotorCycle Tunes amp and handlebar speakers on my 98 Tourer five years ago. My right speaker stopped working last fall. Seeing your choices I am placing an order for the amp. My amp is mounted in the right saddle bag on the front wall. I'll put the new amp in the same location.  I use it every time I get on the bike playing an MP3 player full of my music. I tied it into the Honda handlebar CB / Com. player and can adjust the volume with a thumb. If the speaker is the problem I'll upgrade those next.

Of course there could be many reasons your speaker quit working.  Could be as simple as a bad connection.  I can't speak to the speakers you have there,whether would be a good match for the Kenwood amplifier.  Most of the handlebar stereo systems boast outrageous wattage claims. Then there is speaker impedance ,sensitivity,  as well as the wattage ratings of the speakers.

[Bone]

Yes I understand the possibilities for the speaker stopping. I switched the speaker cables and it appears the one side of the amp has failed if that's possible.
I just want some music well I have one side now Last year I installed a new Clearview shield 2 inches shorter than stock. I get a lot of wind noise now above 45 mph so clarity probably won't happen.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Those of us with amateur radio licenses had this as an option when Yaesu still made them:



2M/440 ham band transceive, AM/FM stereo reception and full coverage of VHF/UHF public service spectrum. Waterproof. Run its stereo output into a decent power amplifier and the sound rivals an OEM Valkyrie I/S stereo.

I have these on three of my bikes and have a fourth tucked away for the day I get a dual sport.

[Bone]

Help

Got the Kenwood amp listed below
 (http://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-KAC-M3004-Compact-Channel-Amplifier/dp/B00UVWC55A?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00)

Hooked it up using my current setup 2 JBL 160 watt speakers. I have run it through the Clarion CB Honda mounted on the handlebars which gives me a thumb operated volume control. Used larger power wires.

The new amp has a signal sensor on / off control that stays in the off position.

Any one have any ideas ?

I plug things back to the old amp and it plays it doesn't trigger the new amp.

[heavyd]

I hope I didn't scan over someone already mentioning this. If you are buying Shark audio don't believe the large print marketing. I bought their 400W, 2 speaker stereo a couple of years ago, turns out there is a 300W sub output included in that 400W. When the speakers sucked I pulled them apart to find 8W speakers. Last year I pulled them apart and replaced them with waterproof Poly Planar speakers and finally have a decent system. I can still hear the stereo at 120km/h with my Cobra 6x6 pipes, but it was a lot of excess work getting there instead of just installing the system and being done with it.

[Bone]

Just bought the Kenwood amp. The signal sensor must not recognize the Mp3 player I'm using it won't turn on.

Haven't had time to research the issue except one review I read the person had to turn his system to full volume

before his would start. That didn't work for mine.

[jimmytee]

Just bought the Kenwood amp. The signal sensor must not recognize the Mp3 player I'm using it won't turn on.

Haven't had time to research the issue except one review I read the person had to turn his system to full volume

before his would start. That didn't work for mine.

Did you run a wire to power the trigger input? You do still need to power the trigger. If you look at that amp, it has three terminals for powering. One for negative, one for power and then one that is for supplying a trigger voltage to turn it on.

[jimmytee]

I've installed 2 of these amps so far with no issues. One in a friend's fairing for her Heritage and as 1 of 2 amplifiers on one of my bikes.

[Bone]

Did you run a wire to power the trigger input?

No 

You have now installed / help install a third amp.  Thanks Jimmytee

I had things laid out on a surface next to the saddlebag wanting to try it before I started a install.
The amp didn't power up so I walked away, wasn't sure what to do next.
Soon as I started reading your post I knew you had the answer. I went out and clipped on a wire
and the amp is alive 

[jimmytee]

 

[fudgie]

I have Cycle sound speakers, the 2 1/2" Harley ones, on my tourer. Also have the Rock Box. Love it!. FM, MP3 and USB ports. Works good. Pricey tho. I did get some dead spots out on the prairie but I just plugged in the mp3.
http://www.cyclesounds.com/