GL1500 stereo upgrade/replacement

[smack67]

Well I finally swapped out the stereo in my 1500 for something a little more modern. I really created a new harness for it so that I could go back if I chose. It came out great and it sounds a lot better especially with the 5.25 speakers I managed to cram into the dash. 12 wpc to 40 wpc makes quite the difference.

[bluthundr31]

You deserve cudo's for a job well done!!! It looks great

[chads920]

Soooo … how and what did you do as I have been interested in doing something similar using a marine type radio.... also wanted to change from CB to VHF but didn't want to loose the intercom.. any ideas?

[afekete62]

very clean setup! were you able to the new use the left hand controls with the new setup?

[smack67]

very clean setup! were you able to the new use the left hand controls with the new setup?

Waiting to hear back from ASA electronics (Jensen) about the wired remote pin-out so that I can wire up the left hand controls.

I have a donor bike for harness parts so I completely eliminated the use of the factory harness and tucked it away for safe keeping. Deutsch connectors created my own harness. Then new speaker wires eliminated the fader control. Finally the radio cover was used for the mounting plate so that I didn't have to modify the radio shelter. The old stereo is laying on my workbench at home I can't quite bring myself to sell it just yet, but I may be able to finance the whole operation with that and the sale of the CB. I completely eliminated the CB and intercom from the system as we use bt and drivemode app for long distance trips and bike to bike communication.

I can't wait for this weather to break so I can try it out, 7 degrees today and salty!

[smack67]

Finished wiring up the left hand controls today, cb channel up/down is now volume +/- and the cassette up/down is now tune +/-. Mute is mode and PTT is mute. Works great, how many more days do we have to endure of winter.

[detdrbuzzard]

nice work with the radio upgrade, been thinking about it for my 1500 wing but don't want to loose my CB

[ValleyView]

hey smack67
not fair telling us where you got the radio upgrade - harness change over etc. [jealous] lol

[oldmopars]

I like what you did there, nicely done. I assume it is a waterproof marine type radio?
Most of all I like that you made it is a way that would allow you to simply unbolt stuff and return it to stock with no damage to the bike. Very well done.

On my bike I removed the radio entirely and made a storage box and used the radio cover to give me a glove box of sorts. Any chance you can hinge that so you could still have some storage under it?

[bluthundr31]

Hey Smack67, What is the Make/model of that Marine Radio??? Do you know the distance from the rear part of the "body" to the "bottom" of that "face-plate"? Would it fit in a 3" deep hole?

Does the radio have an Aux-in plug, , , , ,does it have a USB port, , , ,Bluetooth capable???

[Stew]

Crutchfield.com has a marine radio section both DIN media receivers (do not play CD's and are therefor relatively short) as well as ones that are similar to the one above. They have most specs like LxWxH for these so it takes some of the guesswork out.
https://www.crutchfield.com/g_215950/Ma ... l?tp=61742

That's why even in DIN format as in my post about an UNOBTAINIUM 3.0 PANEL, you have many modern waterproof non-CD media receiver options. But I actually do like the kind like in this post better because the displays tend to be larger and easier to read at quick glance, and sometimes larger buttons too.

[smack67]

Hey Smack67, What is the Make/model of that Marine Radio??? Do you know the distance from the rear part of the "body" to the "bottom" of that "face-plate"? Would it fit in a 3" deep hole?

Does the radio have an Aux-in plug, , , , ,does it have a USB port, , , ,Bluetooth capable???

It is a Jensen JHD40BT Bluetooth Radio (marine) I picked up on Amazon, it does not have a cd player. Its like 8 x 8 x 2.5 inches so yes it will fit in a 3 inch hole. I completely created my own wiring harness for it with Duetsch connectors so that I would not have to hack the stock harness and I could get rid of that fader control. The radio has all of the features that you would expect in a modern stereo ie. Aux-in plug, , , , ,USB port, , , ,Bluetooth capable etc.

I like what you did there, nicely done. I assume it is a waterproof marine type radio?
Most of all I like that you made it is a way that would allow you to simply unbolt stuff and return it to stock with no damage to the bike. Very well done.

On my bike I removed the radio entirely and made a storage box and used the radio cover to give me a glove box of sorts. Any chance you can hinge that so you could still have some storage under it?

Although there is ample room underneath, I am really apprehensive about putting a hinge on it, only because I want to be sure in the case of an accident it does not pop open and cause me some kind of bodily damage in an area that would really hurt. The radio is at least as secure as the stock radio.

I think I am going to get a ride in tomorrow almost 60 degrees and I am feeling sick..cough cough.

[oldmopars]

I think I am going to get a ride in tomorrow almost 60 degrees and I am feeling sick..cough cough.

I wish. It will be warmer here this week, and getting better next week too. However, I still have anywhere from 6-12in of snow on the ground and on my long steep driveway. The roads are all clear, but I can't get my bike to them yet. Stupid snow, I hate it.

[bluthundr31]

I'm thinking that the majority of riders actually want/listen to the radio/songs while riding. A storage box is a good idea too though, , , just not as relaxing as listening to some good soothing music.

That waterproof Jensen that Smack67 installed is an impressive unit, , ,wish I'd found it when I was in the process of getting rid of my old radio.

The depth of the radio is exactly what I would've needed. A "Blank-off" panel that conforms with the centershelter AND has a cassette door cover makes a seamless addition to that area of the centershelter where the OEM radio sits. The panel bolts up to the same "mounting" holes as the OEM radio so no modifications are necessary to bolt it on. There is about 3" clearance between the panel and the air filter in the front (closest to the dash), and about 3.5" clearance between the panel and the air filter at the point where the centershelter slopes downward to the gas door. Another "plus" with this panel (IMHO), is that the radio "head" sits facing upward at the riders eyes. The large buttons/readouts make it easy to control and read what the radio is doing.

There are LOTS of waterproof Marine radios and most all of them have the bluetooth, USB, Aux-In features that are compatible with most devices.

This is a "blank-off" panel with a dual radio mounted, , ,the "face up" display is easy to read/control and the "body" sits secured to a metal plate below.

[smack67]

I'm thinking that the majority of riders actually want/listen to the radio/songs while riding. A storage box is a good idea too though, , , just not as relaxing as listening to some good soothing music.

That waterproof Jensen that Smack67 installed is an impressive unit, , ,wish I'd found it when I was in the process of getting rid of my old radio.

The depth of the radio is exactly what I would've needed. A "Blank-off" panel that conforms with the centershelter AND has a cassette door cover makes a seamless addition to that area of the centershelter where the OEM radio sits. The panel bolts up to the same "mounting" holes as the OEM radio so no modifications are necessary to bolt it on. There is about 3" clearance between the panel and the air filter in the front (closest to the dash), and about 3.5" clearance between the panel and the air filter at the point where the centershelter slopes downward to the gas door. Another "plus" with this panel (IMHO), is that the radio "head" sits facing upward at the riders eyes. The large buttons/readouts make it easy to control and read what the radio is doing.

There are LOTS of waterproof Marine radios and most all of them have the bluetooth, USB, Aux-In features that are compatible with most devices.

This is a "blank-off" panel with a dual radio mounted, , ,the "face up" display is easy to read/control and the "body" sits secured to a metal plate below.

RadioComplete_1.jpg

Centerdeck b4_2.jpg

Nice job on that install, I sure wish I could get that blank off panel but I didn't even know that was a thing. I am going to start looking for one or two as I have a buddy that is going to install the Jensen unit as well.

[oldmopars]

I'm thinking that the majority of riders actually want/listen to the radio/songs while riding. A storage box is a good idea too though, , , just not as relaxing as listening to some good soothing music.

That waterproof Jensen that Smack67 installed is an impressive unit, , ,wish I'd found it when I was in the process of getting rid of my old radio.

The depth of the radio is exactly what I would've needed. A "Blank-off" panel that conforms with the centershelter AND has a cassette door cover makes a seamless addition to that area of the centershelter where the OEM radio sits. The panel bolts up to the same "mounting" holes as the OEM radio so no modifications are necessary to bolt it on. There is about 3" clearance between the panel and the air filter in the front (closest to the dash), and about 3.5" clearance between the panel and the air filter at the point where the centershelter slopes downward to the gas door. Another "plus" with this panel (IMHO), is that the radio "head" sits facing upward at the riders eyes. The large buttons/readouts make it easy to control and read what the radio is doing.

There are LOTS of waterproof Marine radios and most all of them have the bluetooth, USB, Aux-In features that are compatible with most devices.

This is a "blank-off" panel with a dual radio mounted, , ,the "face up" display is easy to read/control and the "body" sits secured to a metal plate below.

RadioComplete_1.jpgCenterdeck b4_2.jpg

Where did you get this blank-off panel? Was it offered by Honda or the aftermarket?

[dstaff]

Hey Everyone.. Smack in particular.. Love this Thread. I'm watching it closely. I've been wondering what my options were for upgrading the Radio on my 1500. Love the look of that Jensen unit. I think I need to go shopping.

Smack if you ever get the wiring for the remote sorted out.. please let us know how you did it. Would love to be able to keep the controls on the handlebars.

[smack67]

Smack if you ever get the wiring for the remote sorted out.. please let us know how you did it. Would love to be able to keep the controls on the handlebars.

I used Parts Express Mini 8 Pin DIN Female in-Line Jack from amazon and some 8 conductor communications cable to connect to the two female jacks that I scavenged from the donor bike. It works great and is exactly what I needed. I wired mine up so that cb channel up/down is now volume +/- and the cassette up/down is now tune +/- , Mute is mode and PTT is mute.

After we went for a ride I am happy with this setup it is easy to press mute/PFHTT (push for her to talk) when she has something important to say (everything she says is important). By the way she is very happy with the increased volume level now and those 5.25 speakers actually have a little bass with the crutchfield enclosures.

The plug connector group shown is just above the left radiator fan housing. I hope this helps.

[bluthundr31]

The blank-off panel bolts to the existing mounting holes used for the standard GL1500 radios so no mods are needed, and I think you can use the same screws that were used for the radio but I'm not 100% positive. They're about 6 cents each from most hardware stores.

That Jensen radio or any other brand with the same depth and similar top-side dimensions would fit nicely in the forward position. The "angled" area of the panel (nearer to the gas cap door) could work well for FM-Modulator toggle switches, USB ports, indicator lights, fader knob, or a small gizmo of some sort.

I'm thinking of making some "minor" mods and having some available in a few weeks. If things work out as expected, they'll cost about what the Unobtainium 2.0 panel costs. This all hinges on the quality and craftsmanship of the finished products.

[tnt9339]

I'd be in for one.

Tony

[Corkster52]

Very exciting upgrade at a reasonable price!

[GlimWas]

I'm also very interested in the blank panel! My radio has died, so looking for a panel that fits and fit it does by the look of it!

[T_birdman]

I haven't had a chance to go through the entire post, but is there a resolve been addressed to the modifications needed to wire in a standard type car stereo into the 1500 harness and are there any issues with any of the handlebar controls?

[Rambozo]

I would also be interested in a blanking plate.

[digividsmith]

I see one potential issue with this setup. I really like the looks of the radio, however, I can just imagine how it all reflects into the windshield at night. I just installed an LED voltmeter just above the radio area, and now I see double reversed gauges at night at exactly eye level. Hopefully, this installation is angled down far enough to avoid this issue.