sound system on your bike

Just wondering if any of the members have speaker/amp sound systems on their bikes. I know it's mostly the cruiser crowd that uses them, but thought I'd ask.
I've had speaker/amplifier systems on alot of my bikes and enjoy havng the option of music/radio while riding. It just makes some of those long boring roads a little more enjoyable, not to mention being able to monitor the weather conditons and avoid a downpour up ahead!
I've done alot of experimenting with different sound systems and found that for less than $100, you can have a great sounding system which are easy to install.

I've tried an MP3 player with earbuds or helmet speakers, but never liked any of them. Partially because the sound wasn't too good and the fact that I don't wear a helmet much to speak of. Just wondering.

 

My sound system is a 4-1 header with custom pipe....lol. But seriously, how you been painterD, been a while....I was thinking that a stereo system would be awesome on my v star, less than a hundred sounds dang good. How did you accomplish that?

 

Couple buddies of mine have Iphones and those come with some speakers that really boost the sound. They replace the gauges with the Iphone since it has a Speedo Tach Ap, and blast the music out of it. Technology is pretty awesome nowadays
-Chris

 

Streetbrawler,
Ya, it's been awhile. Now that winter's here, I can start tinkering in the shop again.
You can find a good, cheap pair of waterproof speakers and small amps on Ebay for less than $100 all day long. Or go right to Gooddeals18. com to see several sets with more powerful amps.

Here ya go:
http://www.gooddeals18.com/category/motorcycle_audio/

I had the 250 watt amp for my Shadow pushing a pair of 5-1/4" speakers that I mounted in my fairing. It sounded perfect, but the radio function in the amp wasn't very good, so I ordered their 600 watt amp with the radio feature, along with SD card slot so I can listen to MP3 player songs from my SD card without having to hook up an MP3 player. All I can sayis WOW, this thing really cranks. I can power any speaker I throw at it. It even cranked up my shop speakers, which are large3-way stereo speakers with 12" woofers. I made the windows rattle in the shop. Very powerful.
The radio gets very good reception (as good as any vehicle I own) and the SD card slot works perfect, so I have all my eggs in one basket so-to-speak.
I've seen good reviews with the Shark speaker/amp systems, so that's why I buy from them. Their customer service is great too. When I emailed them about the 250 watt amp having a poor radio, they told me to just keep it and sold me the 600 watt amp for $35!! I couldn't let that pass. (The 600 watt amp is normally priced at $63)
So if your looking to get some tunes on your scoot, that's about the best place I've found to buy it.

 

slkid..... what is the app?

dave

 

If you have an Android phone (like I do) a good one is Speedview -- free app, and also does GPS functions.

I've been using it on the bike and in the van for a while - pretty good so far.

Greg

 

How would the IPhone sense engine RPM - - from radio interference??

 

I don't think the XJ-Line is really suited to accommodating a sound system.

To enjoy having tunes you can hear, ... you need.
An acoustic "Chamber"
That requires an oversized fairing. Just to let the sound travel a few feet.

The Plant on XJBikes are NOISE-ee.
I ride with Ear Plugs to lessen the noise from the various machine sounds and exhaust note.

But, for long-hauls ... I like to listen to music or the radio, ... or ... have the output of my Radar Detector heard above the Bike and wind.

This I accomplish by utilizing a clever device custom made to fit my Inner Ear.
The devise is called an Audio-clarifier.
Generically is called an I-F-B.

Audio Clarifier Company sends you a Kit for making your Personal Ear Mold.
After mixing the compound and filling your ear canal and outer ear with the mold-making agent, ... you send back a mold of your your Ear.

They use the mold to create a custom fitting Insert complete with sound tube.
Very comfortable.
Attach a TELEX Button and Cord with a Sound Jack and you have an implement that will plug-into any device with a sound jack.

A Kit of Plug-in adapters form Radio Shack lets you listen to anything.

::::::: Custom Sound Audio Clarifier ::::::::

 

Although I do have a windshield on my bike, my sound system can be heard clear as a bell without one at highway speeds. No need for earplugs. The style of bike the system is installed in has nothing to do with being able to hear it or not. cruiser, sportbike or bobber, it makes no difference. And the draw from the electrical system is minimal, so no issues there.

 

Actually, it doesn't read RPMs at all - only speed from GPS.
I have one called Sub Speedo for my Android, which does the same thing.

Although I bet you could trick out the bike's onboard sensor to send a wireless signal to the phone...

 

Hey Rick where do you get one of those made can't seem to find any info

 

I have no idea how good these REALLY are, but they advertise all the time...

http://www.sharkmotorcycleaudio.com/cat ... Kgod3UJ0Rw

I have a Windjammer Fairing and matching Cycle Sound radio/speaker shell. Loud enough for my use, but not quite as loud as I wished (at least while doing 70mph with a helmet on )

 

I've had the cycle sound system on a few Vetter fairngs and they seem to work pretty good. I think it was mainly because of less wind noise to deal with (the fairing does a good job of blocking it out) Most of those old radios only put out about 5-7 watts per channel so it's really surprising that they can be heard a higher speeds.
The 100 watt Shark systems seem to be lacking at higher speeds, that's why I went with the 250 watt amp instead.
Your not going to get much bass with any of those amp/speakers systems, just good crisp highs and midrange, which is good enough for backround music while riding.
I still have a couple of those old Vetter radio housings around here packed away somewhere. I may as well sell them.

 

Keep me in mind when you sell some . Especially if you have one already (cleanly) cut up to fit a modern radio (larger rectangular opening). Or NOS or nearly new.

 

Keep me in mind when you sell some . Especially if you have one already (cleanly) cut up to fit a modern radio (larger rectangular opening). Or NOS or nearly new. [/quote]

I have two of them for sure (and some others of another brand)
One of them has speakers in it (no radio) and the other one is just the housing with no speakers or radio. Both housings are in pretty good shape. Make me an offer and pay shipping if your interested. >PD<