Radio options for 1600 / not XM

[phenrichs]

Wondering what options others have come across for mounting a radio or ipod compatible system on a Nomad. I would prefer without fairing but would still be interested in what others have done with fairings.

I am NOT interested in the overpriced XM option from Kawasaki.

[cactusjack]

I bought a RAM mount for my 30GB Zune. I have a 6' cable with a male plug on the front end and a female connector back by my seat, the male plug connects to the audio output on my Zune, and I bought a Boostaroo amplifier that plugs into the female connector on the other end. My earbuds or helmet speakers then plug into the Boostaroo.

That's if you want to use earbuds/headphones/helmet speakers. If you want external speakers, read on...

I helped a buddy install a set of DWG speakers and amplifier on his 1500 Classic (there's a separate thread from early June where I detailed the experience). They aren't a bad system, the sound is pretty good, it's just that the entire system isn't that well-designed for a motorcycle, if you ask me. The cables they provide are too short in most cases, and they use big RCA plugs, etc. If you went and bought a longer set of high-quality cables, it probably wouldn't be too bad. He's happy with the system, so I guess that's what matters.

[gopjohnny]

I put rumbleroads amped speakers on my bike and run my mp3 player through it

[Idaho]

I'm saving my pennies for a J&M JMCB-2003-DU (I think that's right). It is a handlebar mounted 40 channel CB, 6 channel weather radio with aux input for an mp3 player or other audio source. The dual unit allows you to communicate with your passenger. Including headsets, patch cords and antenna the entire system is around 700 bux.

[pirate]

OP- This is what I have on my bike for listening to my Sirius radio:
http://shop.sirius.com/edealinv/serv...dParentID=7872

I really enjoy it. It's hard wired to my Nomad, and I have a FM tuner in my mp3 player. The Sirius transmits via FM signal to my FM tuner, and I wear earbuds to listen. When I get where I'm going, I just pop my Sirius receiver off the mount and take it with me or put it in the saddlebag. That way it doesn't walk away on its own! I'd highly recommend it if you have Sirius. You can't beat having access to all those channels during an all-day ride.

PC

[phenrichs]

I think I am leaning more toward the external speaker option. Wife wants to hear it too. I have a couple of ipods so I could go that route but I thought a mounted radio and speakers is easier for us to still communicate as I can just reach up and turn it down.

[trip]

Originally Posted by Idaho (High Plains Drifter)

I'm saving my pennies for a J&M JMCB-2003-DU (I think that's right). It is a handlebar mounted 40 channel CB, 6 channel weather radio with aux input for an mp3 player or other audio source. The dual unit allows you to communicate with your passenger. Including headsets, patch cords and antenna the entire system is around 700 bux.

I've got the very unit installed that Idaho mentioned. If you're not wanting to go with a bat-wing fairing, the J&M is the best way to go. It is pricey tho.

[misunderstood]

New Enough has it now
http://www.newenoughhp.com/accessories/c....io _system.html

[Idaho]

Originally Posted by OP

I think I am leaning more toward the external speaker option. Wife wants to hear it too. I have a couple of ipods so I could go that route but I thought a mounted radio and speakers is easier for us to still communicate as I can just reach up and turn it down.

Guess we need to consider whether you ride with or without a helmet. The J&M will work for me because my wife and I always wear full face helmets. No need for external speakers which, IMHO, are as obnoxious as some of these kids with loud stereo's blaring for everyone to hear. To each his own I guess.

[csguru]

What I have now (I bought it this way and it's getting ripped out this weekend when my new audio equipment arrives)

I have a Pioneer DEH-P3900MP AM/FM/Tuner/CD (Full size car stereo) with a boat load of inputs for aux devices with a http://www.audio-warehouse.com/web/m...R70/detail.asp remote control head.

The stereo itself is mounted inside the low side saddlebag on a jury rigged floating mount to allow minimal CD skippage. The remote head is mounted on the inside of the windshield on a special bracket fashioned out of aluminum. http://s282.photobucket.com/albums/k...t=P1000329.jpg

There are all weather 6 inch round speakers cut into the inside of each saddlebag pointing towards the center of the bike & 2 4" handlebar mounts with not to good sounding speakers.

All that is getting pulled out, the saddle bags are going to get the holes patched and I have a new 300w quad amp coming which will crank my IPod which will be mounted on the handle bar and 4 new 4" 100w speakers, 2 mounted on handle bars where current ones are and 2 mounted on engine guard bars.
I anticipate an awesome sounds when I'm done.

[phenrichs]

I am actually thinking I might look into the Kaw audio system to see if I can get it without the CB and without the XM. All I really want is the tuner and ipod hookup. I have a full face helmet but am looking into a smaller one as the Nomad windshield does not allow for enough airflow across the vents. The intercom would be nice too.

I made up an audio system for around $100 with an Mp3 player ,amplifier in a windshield bag and 2 4" speakers mounted in some spotlight housings I found at wal-mart.The housings are not chrome but black but they look OK.sound good even at hiway speeds.

[phenrichs]

Where did you come up with an amp cheap?

I found the amp on ebay in a motorcycle audio store for around $20.00.Small and works OK and fits in a windshield bag.