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...
:yes:
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
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: