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Stereo install without a fairing !

11K views 31 replies 9 participants last post by  RestoRider00 
#1 ·
I have been hashing over some ideas on installing a stereo in my vstar 650 without having a fairing on the bike.

I was checking out some pod style speakers that mount to the handlebars. Those are easy to mount and come in various grades and
Power handling capabilities . The AM FM receiver is where things get
kind of dicey. However after looking things over for a few days I think the best solution is to mount the receiver in the left side cover storage
bin. Both the cover and the storage compartment can be modified
to allow for the radio install and short wiring distance to the battery.
Only the speaker wires would need to be routed along the frame up to the handlebars. The stereo in mind is the gauge style made by JBL (PRV-15) And Prospec also sells a similar unit. They completely waterproof and have 4 channels x 40 watts . I would have to find a way to mount rear speakers for the rear 2 channels but have some thoughts on that too.
I may be able to have this setup installed in the next month or so.

jake;)
 
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#2 ·
Sounds interesting...subscribed
 
#5 ·
Storage bin behind rear jug for the tool kit. Plenty of room and the wires can be loomed.

The JBL PRV 175 has the blue tooth. Same size radio.
They also have a remote control option.
Requires around a 3" diameter mounting hole.

The version I was looking at does not have this. It does have presets
for the stations. one button push to change.

If you do a lot of road riding the remote version would be best.
They even carry a USB port for an Ipod.

JBL PRV 16 and the 175 have all these functions for around $130

Very nice marine grade stereos for the price. Not junk.

Still the speakers can be found in water proof and water resistant.
Water resistant are cheaper and most likely will not last as long as the water proof versions which are about 2x the price.

jake
 
#6 ·
I've grown to become a big fan of JBL over the years. Installed the MS-8 in my BMW a few years ago and it's phenominal. Their high end car speakers are amazing as well.
 
#7 ·
I have purchased a good many Kenwood stereos over the years for our personal vehicles. I could not say enough for these great stereos.
High power, long lasting and great prices. At Crutchfield.com

When it comes to small pod speakers like what required here the options for quality are way less. And prices can be low but quality suffers as a result. If you wanted to replace them every year than
go with the less expensive versions.

jake;)
 
#8 ·
Man I'll tell ya what. I always laughed at guys with stereos on their bikes over the years. I'd tell them if I had a stereo I'd play a continuous loop of the sound of a v-twin engine.

Now that I have one (on the Harley) ...I'll eat my crow. And...I wonder how I ever got by without it. Its fantastic. AM, fm-CD-MP3- Weather bands-CB. Breaks it up nicely when you are crossing state lines for sure.

You'll enjoy that system when you get it all squared away.
 
#9 ·
It does make a difference. The Harleys have some nice stereo options.
They know what is needed to be able to enjoy it while cruising.
The full fairing does help this along a good bit in wind noise abatement. So as long as your pipes are not too aggressively Loud
you will be able to enjoy tunes regularly.

I just need to come up with the money for the radio and The speaker cost is minimal. Just after Christmas money is tighter.

But Hey when I get things a little further along I'll try to post up some photos of it installed.

If anybody wants to do this and needs help feel free to contact me for assistance. I do this for a living.
 
#10 ·
Alright, Here's an update, I was able to find a PRV 15 on ebay for $70
and it includes the USB remote cable (30") for the MP3.
This has a cigarette lighter looking socket that can be mounted almost anywhere in front of you on the bike.
The unit is new and they had 7 of them. That is a good deal at $70
with free shipping. Just that USB cable option is a good feature that does not come with the stereo by itself it must be purchased separately .

So when you get it hooked up you can play AM FM or MP3 music on a memory stick. You just plug in and the unit can handle 32 Gig of memory.

jake
 
#11 · (Edited)
Ok, Here are some pics of where I am in all this at this point in time.

A mock up of the stereo in it's installed position.

also pics of the parts I'm sanding to get ready for paint . I removed most all the parts That will still allow the bike to be ridden.

The neck covers and the side cover in the photo shows the primer color
I'm using that goes with the Firethorn Orange base coat.
If possible I'm going to try to shoot the color coats and then do a gold metal flake added into the clear coat.
I did my sons Honda Rebel 450 in this way, same primer just a cherry red base coat and clear coat w/ gold flake.
It was awesome, Sparkled like a diamond in the sun.
jake :)
 
#12 ·
My Take on it

Man, i couldn't live w.o. music, so i bought an amplified set of speakers from ebay, after carefully researching, these i mounted on the handlebar, and they have the AUX cable for any device and BLUETOOTH that works 15ft away. the Speakers output 50w each and the install was seamless..

Hooked them to the main light cables Inside the headlight, increased a bit the FUSE for the headlight, and these speakers are LOUD. Going at 80, i still rock my head with them on. Because of the windshield though. LOL

 
#13 ·
Trosky, Those look cool. Nice job. I went with a pair of non amplified
3.5" 3 way box type speakers. My mounting position will be similar to yours. Right in the middle of the handlebars. I currently have a digital
tach in there mounted to the back of the windshield.
I need to make this mount a little larger to make the speakers fit.
The rears (4 channel stereo) will be the same but mount on each side
of my back rest. Can't wait. But It takes time to get everything done.

Thanks for your pics and opinion.

jake :)
 
#14 · (Edited)
Ok another update, Here's where I'm at. I installed the stereo in the side cover and the USB adapter plug next to it. As shown in the photos.

I thought I might be able to install the USB plug up by the handlebars.
However, with this also being my front speaker location and my tach is also mounted up there no room was left for it.

The side cover mount is good though. It allows me to use the extension cable to plug in my Memory stick and tuck it in the cooler pack on the left side of the bike. The rear speakers are attached to the barrel pack on the rear rack. They will be hooked to a disconnect under the back rest mount. It's getting there little by little.

jake :)
 
#15 ·
Thats a nice job right there!!! I wouldn't do that to mine cuz of the chrome.. and honestly i dont need controls. But that came out SAWEEEET
 
#16 ·
Thanks Trosky, Even if you have chrome side covers this can be installed they are just plastic. I ordered my front speakers and they should be here in a week or so. I'm trying to install the stereo while working around whats need to get all the paint prep ready.
Since the front speaker wires will run under the tank I have to pull it off anyway to paint it. So it may be a while before everything is installed and working. I need a few clear warm days with little humidity.
there just a few weeks away.


jake :) :)
 
#18 · (Edited)
I have a fairing with radio deck and speakers but when out riding on the highways and you're doing 80-100 kph you really can't hear s--t so I a bought a Bluetooth communication system to help listen to my tunes off my iPhone and like that if I get a call while I'm riding I don't need to pullover to answer my phone. Next purchase will be a clear cell tri pouch for the fairing
 
#19 · (Edited)
Yes I understand it will be a bit hard to hear. My bike has the Cobra Baffled drag pipes. Not real loud but does have a bark.

My plan was to put me between the speakers. Two rears 3.5 3 ways
and two fronts the same size. The PRV 15 puts out 10 watts RMS per each channel x4 which is pretty good for a small stereo.

It has no fader control so it will be evenly ballanced front to rear.
With me sitting right in the center of the music volume it should be fine.
I use my bike more for commuting then anything else. so for me 45 to 50 mph is the norm. Or less. Out on the freeway at 65 or 70 too much wind noise to deal with. So then I would just shut it off.

It comes down to how you use your bike. For me this setup should work fine. I'll find out soon enough. I will for sure post back what the outcome is when all finished.

jake :)
 
#21 ·
I've only got $130 in this setup for everything except labor.

So for the price and the output power and the fact it's waterproof and Marine grade that is not bad at all;
Wait until you see my new dash panel the looks like an extension of the windshield.

jake
 
#22 ·
Hey Jake, does that system have an input for an MP3 player ? Or, the capability to add MP3's to the unit itself ?

I've found the MP3 player (part of my Garmin GPS) to be a handy thing on a long trip. You can load er up with hours and hours worth of tunes whereas the CD player you just have the one CD...and sometimes FM stations aren't the greatest way off the beaten path.
 
#23 ·
jbasile, Yes it does. look at the posted photo next to the stereo you can see the USB adapter it also has a power plug for an MP3 input.
It also has a set of preamp RCA plugs.

I plan on only using the memory stick that is loaded with music files.
I have an 8 gig flash drive. That can hold up to 500 songs maybe a bit more. No CD disk player on this radio.

And really all I wanted was the FM and the Ability to use the USB flash drive for additional capacity. I'm working on a list of music I want to have for the road ahead.

My front speakers came in today.

jake :) :cool:
 
#25 ·
Thank you sir. I've worked hard on this bike to get it just right.
The stereo installation is the last step before the paint job.

Because of the wire routing and all the parts being removed for painting
it just made sense to try to run both work loads together.

The paint will be killer. Firethorn Orange base coat with Gold metal flake applied in the clear coats. It gives a 3D effect when you sand each clear coat with 2K grit paper between coats. Most times I do 2 or 3 clear coats. so it takes some time to get it right.

But the outcome is admirable ....

jake :) :rolleyes:
 
#26 ·
Jake. I'll say it because no one else will. You Sir, are a Nut case. And....I mean that in a good way. A very good way. Give em hell, Jake. Cant wait to see your project as it continues to progress.

ps....I did ride to work today on the Harley (19 degrees) and ran 27 miles worth of errands after work (at 32 degrees) on the Yamaha.

First time I've ridden since Dec 27, 2014. Both motorcycles came to life instantly when I hit the knuckle.

A good day for me up here in the Northeast. Its all about a "can-do" attitude as a rider in these parts. No bugs to clean off. LOL !!

Ride on.

jb
 
#27 · (Edited)
Absolutely, I feel your pain. you guys up north have been hit good and hard this winter. It just keeps on snowing. So for you to even have a chance to ride and it's freezing is testament to your Skills.

Here in Florida we balk at 40 degree's. The coldest I've ever ridden my bike was about 38 in the morning. And it was damn cold. For you guys thats a heat wave.

I have to say I probably am a nut case. I've been doing this kind of stuff for nearly 40 years. You should see my Monte Carlo rat rod.
It has 59 caddy tail lights, Fully customized interior with real wood
and stainless through out. Blue LED interior lights. Bullet style LED parking and running lights, Forever sharp wood and billet steering wheel, Custom gauges, Custom made wood center console, Head rest supports, It has a GM performance 350 crate motor , Edlebrock
EPS high perfomance manifold and 750 summit racing carb, and a TH 350 transmission with B&M 2500 stall convertor , Headman 1.75" primary long tube headers, Flow master mufflers w/ 2.5" duals all the way to the rear bumper tip. Here is a snip it of what it looks like.
I did all the work on it myself and painted the car in the driveway (Satin Black)
 
#28 ·
Totally impressive. That Rat Rod. I ca only imagine what a rush it must be to lay down the pedal on that bad-ass unit. Very cool Very very cool. Really wish I had the funds and expertise to do something like that. Awesome indeed.

As a boy I remember the Z28's and the 383 Roadrunners and the Shelby GT500 Stangs and the Goats, and the Vettes. Man the 60's were amazing for automobiles. I'm glad I was around to see all that.

Give em hell, brother.

jb
 
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