Harley Radio

Jan 3, 2009
1,879
57
United States
Name
Dave
Well all you HD trike riders out there... Thought I would get dirty and let you know what to expect down the road with your factory Harman Kardon Radio. So lets get with it and share some info... :D:yes::D

The Harman Kardon "Infotatment" Harley Davidson radio that everyone from 2006 thru 2009, and possibly beyond, are using. It is part # 76160-06 which has been changed to part # 76412-06. How do I know? Because mine is sitting on my workbench in the Hawg Pen. Notice the last two digits in the part number. This signifies what year this part was put into production by Harley. This goes for all the HD part numbers. The radio comes with a two year "limited" warranty from Harley.

The warranty will be voided by Harley if you raked your front end or have had any modifications to the front of your beloved HD. Seems we have a member here that found this out. Thank you Bryan.

Here are some of the issues other HD riders have had during their listening pleasure.

1. The radio works just fine but will cut out for a few seconds to a few minutes after 10 to 30 minutes of playing time. This will be a vicious cycle of play time vs silence. Some have stated they can turn off the radio then back on but it will simply go back to the cycle again.There is no fix. More on this below.

2. Water under the screen will cause the screen visuals to go blank yet the radio will still be operative. This will normally dry in a few weeks and the screen will simply start working until it gets wet again. Some feel they have worked this issue out with the newer part number (see above).

3. The radio will completely stop working but the screen can be seen and all other functions of the radio work fine. You just can't hear a thing. There is no fix. More on this below.

4. The radio will seem to have lost power and nothing will work at all. This is common after a collision (God forbid) or has been known to happen when riding on horrible road conditions. This could also happen if you hit a rather large pot hole at a low speed. There is no fix. More on this below.

5. For those of you that have no issues except for clarity then I would recommend you download and install the latest software upgrade v 8.9. Yes! your radio can be upgraded with software. Simply burn it to an ordinary CD, insert the disk and away you go. Instructions and the download can be found here along with all the instructions you need. It will say v 8.19 but it is actually v 8.9. This has helped many riders to fix issues such as CD skipping and loudness issues. Some say the radio is much more clear than before. You can check your software version easily by using the diagnostics screen. Again, the instructions are in the download area above.

For those with HK HD radio issues...:blush:

The radio new price is $1000.00. Please click here for this information

If you have an issue while still under warranty Harley will be very kind and replace your radio for free. You will get a factory re-manufactured radio in return after you wait an average of 2 to 4 weeks for one to be shipped. If they are not feeling very generous then you can purchase a re-manufactured radio from Harley for $499.00. HD will not replace your radio, even if only a day old, with a new radio. Their policy is firm. Replacements must be a re-manufactured radio.

Other replacements such as eBay sales are not a wise choice. Many riders will have issues and replace their head units with an aftermarket. They will then list their old HD radio on eBay and state it was working when it was pulled. OK, not going to call anyone a liar but... even simple UPS or FedX shipping can cause damage to a stock HD radio (remember the pothole theory) so when you get it.. it won't work. If the eBay selling member has no return policy then you are stuck.

Yes, I know this is getting long and I do apologize but we're about done.

Another option is to have your HK HD radio rebuilt by a third party. Success! !:yourock: A very popular place seems to be Iron Cross Audio who say they are experts repairing the Harman Kardon Radio. Feedback from those who have written about their experience seem to say they have been very pleased with their results. The cost is $250.00 plus shipping which comes with a pleasant 6 month warranty or you can purchase another 6 months for a quick $50 bucks.

Another option would be to find a Biketronics replacement kit which is very easy to install and is much more powerful and clear than the HK HD radio. The model I purchased has a USB connection on the front that allows me to simply plug in a thumb drive with all of my riding music and enjoy. No more Ipod for me but there is a front AUX hook up if you prefer. The pricing for his could run from $450.00 to $550.00 depending on which radio package you purchase. Each kit comes 2 new HOG Tune speakers for the fairing and a device that will plug into your factory wiring harness so you will not loose the ability to control the stations or volume with your handlebar controls. However, you will loose the use of your back speakers, CD and PTT intercom systems. This install kit is easy as plug and play.


OK.. Yes, Yes... I know.. almost too much to read but I wanted to give the facts so each of you will know what you are up against if your radio goes south for the winter, summer, fall and spring. Seems to be an epidemic so please be prepared if yours goes bad out of warranty.

If you have any questions I'll do my best to answer.


Cheers
 
Last edited:
So far I don't listen to the radio. I just love the sounds of riding. Hubby listens to his all the time. 06 Ultra Classic and other than cutting out for a few seconds, it really hasn't given him any problems. Sometimes I wish it would, because I see him and his Ultra "dancing" in my mirrors. Drives me nuts!
 
Reksul, You just described EVERYTHING that Mike struggled with on his '06 Street Glide radio! He ultimately bought the Biketronics and is finally happy.

(I can't tell you how much I appreciate him finally being happy about it....it was costing us a LOT of $$$$! :gah: )
 
I found a post Mike had made on another forum where they were discussing problems with the HD radio, and I've copied it for you here just for fun. Now you'll know what I mean by appreciating that he is finally happy :D:

First of all my saga for sound on the Harley started a few years ago and several thousand dollars ago.

I started with a Road King that I had for years but felt it was time to have tunes to listen to. So off I went in search of good tunes. I tried the “Two Wheel Tunes” and was disappointed, these were worthless above 45 miles per hour, COST $500.00.

Then I started looking at a new Street Glide, yes I traded up mainly for the radio, COST $6000.00.

Well I didn’t like the sound so I changed speakers to Hogtunes, better but still not happy, COST $100.00.

I then changed the speakers to J & L, better than original, maybe a little better than Hogtunes, IMHO. Still not happy, COST $100.00

I then installed an arc mini amp, finally getting somewhere. But the amp messed up my AM radio station, and yes I do enjoy talk radio and ball games, Firecap answered several question and made calls to help me work this out, he is a GREAT resource, COST $375.00

I then installed a series of relays that allowed me to turn the amp on and off so I could have AM radio, COST $150.00.

Fairly happy but not perfect...

Then the Harmon Kardon went south, out of warranty of course.

I purchased the Sony set up and harness kit from Biketronics, I installed this today. WHAT A GREAT SOUND, the folks at Biketronics are very helpful and are great to work with, COST $365.00.

Today I took the SG out to try the sound, at 80-90 miles per hour the sound was clear, and I actually had to turn it down. THIS SOUND SYSTEM ROCKS

TOTAL SOUND, COST $7590.00

Did I say several thousand dollars ago....LOL

GREAT SOUND, PRICELESS
 
Reskul,

I had no problem with my '06 EGC radio. I have XM hooked up to the Tri-Glide....funny you should mention radio today. I noticed that I had my volume turned all the way and could hear the music, but I was ear-straining. Coming thru the mountains in Oregon, I decided to try a CD. Almost blasted the trees off the side of the hills. I pondered...what's up with that. I can hear a CD playing music at half-volume, but with the XM radio plugged in full volume and can barely hear it going down the road.

Is is the radio components? Please don't tell me yes:(

Barbara
 
Reskul,

I had no problem with my '06 EGC radio. I have XM hooked up to the Tri-Glide....funny you should mention radio today. I noticed that I had my volume turned all the way and could hear the music, but I was ear-straining. Coming thru the mountains in Oregon, I decided to try a CD. Almost blasted the trees off the side of the hills. I pondered...what's up with that. I can hear a CD playing music at half-volume, but with the XM radio plugged in full volume and can barely hear it going down the road.

Is is the radio components? Please don't tell me yes:(

Barbara

OK.. I won't tell you...hehehe


Try the download first. Check your version using the PDF file and read how to do it. Much more simple than typing. If you have an older version than 8.19 or 8.9 burn a disk.. the upload reflash takes about 10 minutes to do.

C gotz me the new Chris Daughtry CD today... me very excited:eek::eek::eek::eek:


Nana... if Mike really wants to spend more.. let me know :D;):D
 
So far I don't listen to the radio. I just love the sounds of riding. Hubby listens to his all the time. 06 Ultra Classic and other than cutting out for a few seconds, it really hasn't given him any problems. Sometimes I wish it would, because I see him and his Ultra "dancing" in my mirrors. Drives me nuts!

Then if may be best if you don't look when I ride. It's an art. :blush:

You may find yourself turning on the radio one day then bam.. hooked. Sometimes I just want to hear the wind. Other days I want to hear music but most of the time music wins out and I want to play it very loudly.

"Loud Music Saves Lives"
 
I'm wondering why raking the front end would void the radio warranty. You do have to remove it and put it back in but that's all. I guess...once you touch it...your screwed.

Back in the mid-to-late 90's they had a serious problem with radios. They were not as complicated then, but had the similar problems of cutting out when hot and the display screen going away. Being the electronis genuis that I am, I became pretty good at fixing those units. It was usually a case of the solder connections on the circuit board breaking loose. In 1999, they changed radios and these models have held up pretty well. THEN...they blessed us all with the new systems and we are back to the days of the late 90's. Cutting out when they get hot, going off when you it a bump and vanishing dispalys. They must have re-hired the guy that was in charge of those 90's models.

No...I have not done a lot to help here, but I have not heard from reksul lately and wanted to do something to support his thread.

Hey...get an ipod! If you need to catch up on current events, just ask the guy at the service station what's going on next time you stop for gas.
 
Ya I got to send my radio from my 07 Ultra to Iron Cross Audio because
it has TWO cd's stuck in it ...... LOL .....
I am back feeding my mp3 player into the AUX input until this Winter.
Rob ......
 
I'm wondering why raking the front end would void the radio warranty. You do have to remove it and put it back in but that's all. I guess...once you touch it...your screwed.

Back in the mid-to-late 90's they had a serious problem with radios. They were not as complicated then, but had the similar problems of cutting out when hot and the display screen going away. Being the electronics genius that I am, I became pretty good at fixing those units. It was usually a case of the solder connections on the circuit board breaking loose. In 1999, they changed radios and these models have held up pretty well. THEN...they blessed us all with the new systems and we are back to the days of the late 90's. Cutting out when they get hot, going off when you it a bump and vanishing displays. They must have re-hired the guy that was in charge of those 90's models.

No...I have not done a lot to help here, but I have not heard from reksul lately and wanted to do something to support his thread.

Hey...get an ipod! If you need to catch up on current events, just ask the guy at the service station what's going on next time you stop for gas.

Hey VT... just fixing your spelling... LOL :D:D:D Howz ya ben?

HD told bdn56 (Bryan) when he raked his front end he voided his radio warranty (which is bullcrap) and when he triked his 08 Ultra the warranty on everything else went right out the door. Sucks and HD screwed him over for sure. I will also say the reason it takes 2 to 4 weeks to get a radio from HD is because they can't keep them in stock. They are built by robot and cold soldered. Vibration kills them in a heart beat.

Hey... I have an Ipod! Can use a thumb drive now and don't have to Velcro it to the fairing now.. If I park I can snatch the thumb drive out and walk away.

Maybe I should have Nana change my name to the same as that other site. What the heck is a reksul anywaz
 
<div class="bbcode_container">
<div class="bbcode_quote">
<div class="quote_container">
<div class="bbcode_quote_container"></div>

<div class="bbcode_postedby">
<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>reksul</strong>
<a href="showthread.php?p=16193#post16193" rel="nofollow"><img class="inlineimg" src="images/buttons/viewpost-right.png" alt="View Post" /></a>
</div>
<div class="message">Then if may be best if you don't look when I ride. It's an art. <img src="images/smilies/redface.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Blush" class="inlineimg" /><br />
<br />
You may find yourself turning on the radio one day then bam.. hooked. Sometimes I just want to hear the wind. Other days I want to hear music but most of the time music wins out and I want to play it very loudly.<br />
<br />
<font size="6"><font color="Blue">"Loud Music Saves Lives"</font></font></div>

</div>
</div>
</div>I find I don't pay attention to the road as much when I am jamming. Almost rear ended someone today in my truck. Jamming to classic rock station. What can I say. I have a one track mind!
 
Thanks for taking all the time to post this... It is some very good information and might help someone out down the line....
Honda also voids all the warranty if U trike so don't think H D is picking on U..

Thanks again for ur post.
 
<div class="bbcode_container">
<div class="bbcode_quote">
<div class="quote_container">
<div class="bbcode_quote_container"></div>

<div class="bbcode_postedby">
<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>katfish16</strong>
<a href="showthread.php?p=16208#post16208" rel="nofollow"><img class="inlineimg" src="images/buttons/viewpost-right.png" alt="View Post" /></a>
</div>
<div class="message">Honda also voids all the warranty if U trike so don't think H D is picking on U..<br /></div>

</div>
</div>
</div>Seems unreasonable doesn't it Fish?<br />
<br />
It could be their way of protecting themselves but HD already knows there are tons of defects with their radio and simply opening up the fairing will void your warranty it seems. IIIIIIIIII don't know..... just seems like if they intend to satisfy and grow their customer base it would be nice to have good customer relations.<br />
<br />
Oh well.. it is what it is.<br />
<br />
There are certainly more to this story than I have posted but the high spots were hit and the word is out on this forum anywayz.<br />
<br />
Thanks
 
From what I have heard this goes back to the 3 wheel ATV days for Honda.. they had so many lawsuits over the ATV's that they either don't want to get into the 3 wheel market or can't..
Pretty much when U trike it u loose everything, I read where on some bikes the fist thing they ask the dealer is if it is triked??/ then they request a picture of it..
I agree with U looks like they would want the market, but I am wrong :eek:
Oh well ride and keep things up as best U can...
Have a great weekend...
 
Well reksul....I admit that I could never win a spelling bee.

My wife has control of the ipod there in the back seat. She has one of those wireless cords that will also charge the unit. Yes...we do have issues now-n-then about what to listen to, but I have the kill-switch. That would be the power button on the face of the radio. She just keeps it all tucked into the little pouch on the back of my backrest.
 
Great post Reksel. <br />
<br />
After I installed my repaired radio, we went for a test ride. Everything was going good until my radio started changing channels all by it's self? I thought it was tore up again.<br />
<br />
I turned around and looked at my wife. She was laughing her head off.:yay:<br />
<br />
She was changing the channels from her controller. <br />
<br />
That was one of the few times she has gotten the best of me.
 
Reskul,

I had no problem with my '06 EGC radio. I have XM hooked up to the Tri-Glide....funny you should mention radio today. I noticed that I had my volume turned all the way and could hear the music, but I was ear-straining. Coming thru the mountains in Oregon, I decided to try a CD. Almost blasted the trees off the side of the hills. I pondered...what's up with that. I can hear a CD playing music at half-volume, but with the XM radio plugged in full volume and can barely hear it going down the road.

Is is the radio components? Please don't tell me yes:(

Barbara

BTW Barb...

Check your XM radio functions menu. There is a volume control on the XM what will increase the output level to your radio. If it is set at low or normal it may cause low volume through the HD radio.

_Just a thought_
 
<div class="bbcode_container">
<div class="bbcode_quote">
<div class="quote_container">
<div class="bbcode_quote_container"></div>

<div class="bbcode_postedby">
<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>bdn56</strong>
<a href="showthread.php?p=16288#post16288" rel="nofollow"><img class="inlineimg" src="images/buttons/viewpost-right.png" alt="View Post" /></a>
</div>
<div class="message">Great post Reksel. <br />
<br />
After I installed my repaired radio, we went for a test ride. Everything was going good until my radio started changing channels all by it's self? I thought it was tore up again.<br />
<br />
I turned around and looked at my wife. She was laughing her head off.:yay:<br />
<br />
She was changing the channels from her controller. <br />
<br />
That was one of the few times she has gotten the best of me.</div>

</div>
</div>
</div> <br />
Was that just before she "fell" off ? <img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />
 
Speaking of the wife falling off. Mine has never fell off a bike. She refuses to jump and I have dropped her all over the continental US and once in Canada. She has even been dropped deep in the heart of Death Valley. She just won't come off.....no matter what. Now, when I put her on the back of this trike, she fell in love with it. I have never dropped her even once since we got the trike. She really appreciates my being able to come to a complete stop without fear of her hitting the ground.
 
<div class="bbcode_container">
<div class="bbcode_quote">
<div class="quote_container">
<div class="bbcode_quote_container"></div>

<div class="bbcode_postedby">
<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>1550vt</strong>
<a href="showthread.php?p=16310#post16310" rel="nofollow"><img class="inlineimg" src="images/buttons/viewpost-right.png" alt="View Post" /></a>
</div>
<div class="message">Speaking of the wife falling off. Mine has never fell off a bike. She refuses to jump and I have dropped her all over the continental US and once in Canada. She has even been dropped deep in the heart of Death Valley. She just won't come off.....no matter what. Now, when I put her on the back of this trike, she fell in love with it. I have never dropped her even once since we got the trike. <b>She really appreciates my being able to come to a complete stop without fear of her hitting the ground</b>.</div>

</div>
</div>
</div>I'm thinkin' this is a major understatement! LOL:yes:
 
Reskul,

I had no problem with my '06 EGC radio. I have XM hooked up to the Tri-Glide....funny you should mention radio today. I noticed that I had my volume turned all the way and could hear the music, but I was ear-straining. Coming thru the mountains in Oregon, I decided to try a CD. Almost blasted the trees off the side of the hills. I pondered...what's up with that. I can hear a CD playing music at half-volume, but with the XM radio plugged in full volume and can barely hear it going down the road.

Is is the radio components? Please don't tell me yes:(

Barbara

I know this is an old post but if you go into the menu on your xm radio there is and option for audio level, this turns up the audio input to the EGC radio and should fix your problem.
 
Mine sounds pretty good at 40-46MPH. AT 65 if I did not know the words already I could not understand the songs.

Would the upgrade speakers help any?

I just have the factory 2010 set-up.
 
Mine sounds pretty good at 40-46MPH. AT 65 if I did not know the words already I could not understand the songs.

Would the upgrade speakers help any?

I just have the factory 2010 set-up.


SM, Unplug the rear speakers so you only have two in your face. Seems to help the HK radio output for some silly reason.

Since starting this thread I have had IronCross repair my stock radio and put it back in the trike. I took the complete replacement kit back out including the HogTunes speakers. To be very honest here, there's not that much difference in clarity at higher speeds between the two kits. At lower speeds the replacement kit wins out.

My SESG only has front speakers and is much louder and more clear than my trike so I unplugged my trike rear speakers. Now they seem to be the same.

Upgrading speakers isn't hard to do or very costly. However I see no need unless a speaker is blown. There's just not that much difference unless you install an amp and add tweeters.

There is a product you can try though. J&P cycles (and others) sell a dampening material to either go over the rear cone of the speakers or to stick to the inside of the fairing. This really works. If you upgrade speakers or not I highly recommend it.

Go HERE to see their audio section and have fun scrolling. Go HERE for the fairing pads.
 
Radio.....did somebody mention a radio?

I like to listen to all the lifter-noise and rattling emitted from my finely tuned and upgraded TC engine and do not want to dampen that "music" while on the road. I only listen to my radio when I am parked. The CB comes in real handy though.

Seriously now...at higher speeds with all the wind noise faring speakers become pretty useless. Get a VERY GOOD helmet headset and switch your tunes to your ears and out of the speakers. If you want to impress somebody playing that loud-a!! wrap-junk at the service station...then you can switch back to your speakers and try to out-blast that crap while you gas up.
 
There is a product you can try though. J&P cycles (and others) sell a dampening material to either go over the rear cone of the speakers or to stick to the inside of the fairing. This really works. If you upgrade speakers or not I highly recommend it.

Go HERE to see their audio section and have fun scrolling. Go HERE for the fairing pads.

Seems like you could stick in your own material or would this have to be some special acoustic stuff?
 
Seems like you could stick in your own material or would this have to be some special acoustic stuff?

Boom.... I have put the J&P material in for a buddy but have not put it in mine. All it does is dampen the reverb from the inner fairing. I do know others that have put another material in the fairing and it did well until the adhesive let go, took about a week.

There is also another product that fastens on the back of the speaker magnet....pretty much does the same thing.

Work is mach II this morning so I haven't tried to locate it as of yet. Or, you could use VT's theory and stick a wire in your ear! :D
 
I must be one of the lucky ones!! I have fairly loud pipes on my trike and can hear the CD player crystal clear at 70-75mph on the interstate.....depending upon the quality of the CD. The radio reception is another story since installing the shorty antennae for the CB and radio. The weather band works great and that's about all I use the radio for anyway.
 
Boom.... I have put the J&P material in for a buddy but have not put it in mine. All it does is dampen the reverb from the inner fairing. I do know others that have put another material in the fairing and it did well until the adhesive let go, took about a week.

There is also another product that fastens on the back of the speaker magnet....pretty much does the same thing.

Work is mach II this morning so I haven't tried to locate it as of yet. Or, you could use VT's theory and stick a wire in your ear! :D

I guess I would be looking for the "silver bullet" to give me better bass response at highway speeds without high volume distortion & cost. I know J&M (?) has $280 speakers with foam baffles to do the trick but not for me. VT's theory is sounding better and better (no pun intended).:rolleyes:
 
Holy Moly, started reading this thread until I noticed it's over a year old!!!

I had the HD XM radio installed (ka-ching) before I left for Cody, WY trip couple weeks ago. Big difference than the portable unit I was using......I love my tunes #5 (Oldies)!!!
 
OK guys and gals. It is official, at 1,7500 miles I am now a member of the Harley POS raido club. Even sitting still at the gas pump yesterday it pops and skips in and out.
 

Welcome to the Trike Talk Community

Join our vibrant online community dedicated to all things Trikes! Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, this is the place to share experiences, tips, and stories about your three-wheeled adventures. Explore modifications, maintenance advice, and rides, all while connecting with fellow trike enthusiasts from around the globe

Forum statistics

Threads
55,218
Messages
801,980
Members
23,790
Latest member
drbtgraham
Back
Top Bottom