replace radio with car stereo?

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shashop
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replace radio with car stereo?

Post by shashop »

Is it possible to replace the stock stereo with a car stereo? I dont have the cb option hooked up. its a 2001.
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ghostler
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Re: replace radio with car stereo?

Post by ghostler »

I don't see why you couldn't. About only thing you lose on is the Clarion radio increases volume with the bike's speed and having to adapt / manufacture your own mounting system and faceplate cover, since the Clarion is a non-standard sized box, plus the manual wiring. If it were me, I'd probably check into a marine grade radio because of water resistance.
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Mr Jensee
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Re: replace radio with car stereo?

Post by Mr Jensee »

You would also lose the volume control and the tuner on the left hand controls. I would think it would be better to pay for Pete Franchi to upgrade the Clarion.
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Re: replace radio with car stereo?

Post by keithlp »

I agree with Mr Jensee, contact Pete Franchi to repair and or upgrade your Clarion. He did mine and I'm very happy with it. I mainly wanted the aux input but I've been using the bluetooth with my phone. Kept the handlebar controls plus when I'm using the Bluetooth I can advance or repeat a song with the seek button. I thought Pete's price was very reasonable considering you don't have to do any modifications. Check with Pete, he's a very pleasant person to deal with.
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Re: replace radio with car stereo?

Post by Draxxis »

I am actually thinking of getting an amp with bluetooth already in it and leaving the main head unit alone. then splice into the speaker wires since i only have front speakers. fyi, 5.25" speakers are amazingly louder and clearer than stock
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Re: replace radio with car stereo?

Post by keithlp »

That's what I did on my BMW a few years ago and it worked fairly well. I had it mounted in front of the seat with velcro so I easily remove it. It had a wired remote for the volume that I velcro mounted on the handlebar. With Bluetooth you could mount the unit in a storage area and use your phone to control it. Maybe the newer units have wireless remotes. The one I had was supposed to be for marine use also but it quit after two years. Took it apart and it looked like it had gotten moisture in it. I had a indash stereo so I mounted that in a storage compartment. I leave the volume all the way up and use the volume on my phone to control it. I've been wondering if any of the Bluetooth speakers would work on a motorcycle. They have their own amp so all you would have to do is mount them and pair your phone to them.
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JHD
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Re: replace radio with car stereo?

Post by JHD »

Draxxis wrote:I am actually thinking of getting an amp with bluetooth already in it and leaving the main head unit alone. then splice into the speaker wires since i only have front speakers. fyi, 5.25" speakers are amazingly louder and clearer than stock
I have been thinking of using a BT amp for a while now. My thoughts are to completely remove the existing system and mount the amp behind the dash where the head unit is now and create a faceplate where the BT controller mounts and also a waterproof usb port that hooks to the amp for device charging. Have been looking at the Kenwood and Kicker BT amps. I think also changing over to the LED bulbs will be necessary because the charging system might be taxed a bit more with a BT amp, but maybe not if removing the stock system. If you plan on adding a BT amp and keeping the Clarion head unit you will definitely need to change your lighting over to LED or have your alternator upgraded.

So Draxxis you mention 5.25" speakers, how would they fit in the XII dash? Not much room to begin with and also not much depth.
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Re: replace radio with car stereo?

Post by Relics »

I have a SONY with
Bluetooth, CD and USB port. Also have amp and subwoofer. Works great
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Re: replace radio with car stereo?

Post by Draxxis »

The only lights that are not LED on my bike at this time are the lights on the dashboard itself and my main headlight. The headlight is actually and hid bulb. So I think I'm okay with what I am drawing amperage wise.

As far as the 5.25" speakers, I actually took the original 4" speakers out, ground down a little bit of the plastic in the baskets that the speakers sat in and screwed the new speakers into the dash. Granted you're not going to use the factory covers. But honestly I don't care about them. I have a pair of Sochese 5.25" 3-way speakers I picked up for $35/pair. They work awesome. Being a '86, I don't have rear speakers. And honestly I don't see a need for them since I am generally the only one riding.

Also the reason why I unhooked the passenger controls. And when I do have a passenger, I have Bluetooth intercoms.
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