Stereo Speaker Connection

[Tomthebomb]

New to this forum and BMW bikes (v-twin cruiser convert).

 

I'm installing a stereo in my 1100 RT and only plan to use dash speakers. From the head unit, which is recommended to connect to them...Front channel, Rear Channel, Both? I'm sure some of you have dealt with this before, thanks in advance for your advice.

 

Tom

[Woodie]

The general answer is "don't bother". Hard to hear at any sort of speed, not to mention helmet and earplugs make them almost useless.

 

The common solution is to get an ipod or Zumo, and get a set of Etymotic 6I's, or custom-molded ear-plugs. Connect using wires, blue-tooth, autocom, etc.

 

[Tomthebomb]

Thanks Woodie...

I don't wear earplugs as the bike is quite quiet with the movable sheild. My helmet is a half helmet. I do plan on connecting my Mp3 player to the Aux input of this unit in the future.

 

Tom

[Perlova]

Quiet? I'm envious, my 1100RT screeches like a Banshee. Drives me mad, if I don't wear earplugs.

[smiller]

I've ridden LTs, Goldwings, etc. and I haven't found any speaker-based system that was worth listening to at highway speeds, much less an 1100RT, but more power to you.

 

To answer your question, I'd hook up just the front speaker outputs to your dash speakers and set the front/rear balance control on the head all the way to the front. You may be able to strap the unit for front speaker operation only, or if not you might want to connect a 4 to 8-ohm resistor in place of each rear speaker output, just in case the amplifier doesn't like them being disconnected.

[ArthurKnowles]

The general answer is "don't bother". Hard to hear at any sort of speed, not to mention helmet and earplugs make them almost useless.

 

This is typical BS! I've seen this type of comment posted again and again. All it means to me is you (generically) don't know what to install, how to do it, or just will not be satisfied with any external radio solution. Or you wear earplugs that will block any external sound system - that of course would be your choice and no fault fo the sound system.

 

Having said that, I've put stereos on several motorcycles. Including my RT. Works very well. I've been able to hear it well up to 100 mph. I haven't tried anything higher really.

 

The key to a good sound system is quality components and a good windshield. Good components can compensate a lot for the associated witnd noise, but above a certain point you need to either add an external amplifier to compensate (did that on my previous motorcycle with excellent results), or blcok the wind. I have a BMW tall wind shield (think that's what it is anyway as I bought the motorcycle used) and it does a good job of creating a quite bubble for me to hear the radio or WMA files I play on the built-in CD.

 

I hooked mine up to the front speakers. I currently have a Pioneer DEH-8600MP headunit, Polk 401 marine rated 4" speakers, and a Pioneer marine controller mounted on a RAM mount so I can control the head unit remotely.

 

I've thought about adding rear speakers. Maybe even an external amplifier. But so far haven't seen the need to do so as even my wife can hear the radio when riding two-up.

 

I have some pictures of the install if you are interested. Just PM me an e-mail address and I'll send what I have.

 

PS: I made a custom wiring harness using molex style connectors from Eastern Beaver and Aerostich. That and a lot of electrical tape and/or heat shrink tubing.

[Tomthebomb]

I'm installing a Pyle Marine, Hydra series head unit that accepts aux input from my mp3. Speakers are 5/14 hydra that I just installed yesterday. Wired remote will mount between handlebars. I'm thinking of installing the head unit in one of my side cases as the CD player will function laying flat, but I'm still undecided.