New Digital radio and GPS for GL 1500 Question!

[Nyteflyr]

I have been pretty interested in the radios/gps units coming out of Europe. The first was the Eagle 1500. And I recently found out the gentleman that was making it when out of business, because as he said there were to many people unable to figure out how to get the bluetooth portion of the radio working. The second one Goldwing sounds 1500 that comes out of Germany is currently being produced and looks like a good product.
It costs $551 US which is pretty pricey. So my question is, is it worth it? Has anyone gotten it and put it in. I'm not into or able to modify my dash to put in a more commonly available radio.
Goldwing sounds 1500 is plug and play and includes android car play, and apple car as well.
Thanks for all info!
Tim

[Rambozo]

That looks interesting for sure. The price doesn't seem bad at all. I bet it is close if not less than a replacement radio from Honda when they were available. It's cool that they still support the 1500 when it's over a 20 year old bike. Anyone have one, or even a video or photos?

[Nyteflyr]

It is called Goldwing 1500 sounds.looks pretty good to me. No more CB though. They don't use them in Europe

[Mr Magic Fingers]

... The second one Goldwing sounds 1500 that comes out of Germany is currently being produced and looks like a good product.
It costs $551 US which is pretty pricey. So my question is, is it worth it?
Tim

I have looked at this and for other people that are interested, here are some links...


Main site... https://www.goldwing-sounds.com/Goldwing-Sounds-1500

Video 1...

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Video 2...

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The simple fact that this is a drop in place unit and plug and play should scream volumes to people that can't do custom work.

$551 usd is beyond reasonable for this unit - all things being equal. The fact that you do not have to cut and modify anything should be a heaven sent message to the droves of people that hack the living crap out of their bikes to save a penny. This is not a bad looking unit either. If I needed a new system I would consider this easily with a little more research.

Well done for that company!!!

Tim

[Nyteflyr]

I pulled the trigger and the radio will be delivered In a couple of weeks I'll post pictures when I get going with it

[bbrackett]

Cassette to 3.5mm audio to a USB Bluetooth adapter is what I did, installed a dual usb charger, one port powers the BT USB adapter the other port charges my phone

[Hearn660]

I pulled the trigger and the radio will be delivered In a couple of weeks I'll post pictures when I get going with it

I would love to see this!! I have watched YouTube videos and this is the cleanest set up I have seen yet!

[Nyteflyr]

Honest reply.
I have initially installed the unit. But I didn't buy the additional piece that is described as giving the radio the ability to mute music when talking to the passenger. I very seldom have a passenger so I didn't get it. Turns out that this "accessory" is essential to be able to pair your headset to the unit. The other issue is communication. Since there is a 5 hour difference to Germany. They sometimes don't get back to you for a while. And again since it is Germany it takes a while to get anything.
After I get the extra piece installed I will give a more detailed review and first look on my installation.

[Hearn660]

Honest reply.
I have initially installed the unit. But I didn't buy the additional piece that is described as giving the radio the ability to mute music when talking to the passenger. I very seldom have a passenger so I didn't get it. Turns out that this "accessory" is essential to be able to pair your headset to the unit. The other issue is communication. Since there is a 5 hour difference to Germany. They sometimes don't get back to you for a while. And again since it is Germany it takes a while to get anything.
After I get the extra piece installed I will give a more detailed review and first look on my installation.

I understand I can only imagine the time difference and the language barrier. I hope to see and here you review and info. This is the cleanest unit I have seen. I am a new GL1500 owner. It’s my first touring bike. I owned sport bikes and or crotch rockets previously. I bought this 1500 purely on nostalgics. I grew up in a small town and I remember these 1500’s rolling through the two lane town at night and them slipping by like ghosts with all their lights and thought to myself that is the coolest thing ever. Then the need for speed hit. I had a child and the need for responsibilities hit. Now I am older and want to cruise like those ghosts did in my memories. Sorry for the story but wanted to share.

[Hearn660]

Honest reply.
I have initially installed the unit. But I didn't buy the additional piece that is described as giving the radio the ability to mute music when talking to the passenger. I very seldom have a passenger so I didn't get it. Turns out that this "accessory" is essential to be able to pair your headset to the unit. The other issue is communication. Since there is a 5 hour difference to Germany. They sometimes don't get back to you for a while. And again since it is Germany it takes a while to get anything.
After I get the extra piece installed I will give a more detailed review and first look on my installation.

Man I keep looking at this on their page. I hope it turns out nice and thanks for talkin with me I just pick up my bike yesterday and I am excited!

[Nyteflyr]

I have confidence that it will all work as advertised. Just need to take some time and get it right. My impatience frequently gets me in trouble

[Hearn660]

Yessir mine too I can’t wait to see your install!

[Hearn660]

Any updates yet?

[Nyteflyr]

No I'm sorry. I've had to put the bike on the back burner due to life getting in the way.
It is roughly mounted and works but I haven't been able to button up the mount yet. Hopefully this week

[DragonRdr]

Can't wait to see how it works out. I'm really interested in getting one.

[DragonRdr]

I went to the site and it looks like they're not selling the Digital Radio anymore? They have the other accessories listed for sale, but no radio?

[Hearn660]

I went to the site and it looks like they're not selling the Digital Radio anymore? They have the other accessories listed for sale, but no radio?

I just went to the sauté and they have them listed, “short”supply”

[Oldserider]

I contacted Goldwing sounds and the unit is still available. The unit is only splash proof so that is a big concern for me. You do lose the use of the CB.., also the intercom system. I’ve asked about warranty a few times and they never told me the length of the warranty they just say yes it comes with warranty.

[Nyteflyr]

Well they do sell a cover for about 20 euros.
But, here's the scoop.
1st the good. The radio does integrate into the speaker system well and it looks great installed and you can get the LEDs to a variety of colors to match your bike.
Now the concerns, the Bluetooth module needs to be mounted in an accessible spot because it needs to be turned on separately. The radio itself has the ability to have power all the time so you don't lose the time on the display, but if you do that the LEDs don't turn off and they quickly drain the battery. (Painful discovery)
When you have the Bluetooth hooked up it does not cut out the speakers and they are not synced so there is a delay and despite wind noise etc, you can still hear the speakers.
Last and definetly least is the mount for the radio. It is cut plexiglass, and when I received the unit one of them was broken, I repaired it myself instead of waiting for a replacement from Germany, but the question is if it can be broken in transit how sturdy will it be on the bike.
It is a simple system so I will more than likely replace it with metal so it is sturdier
Oh yea, one more thing. The fit and finish of the cover is not to good and I am going to use some black sealant to prevent water from getting around the sides of the unit.
It does come with a screen protector and I'm glad I put it on because when I removed the unit to install the Bluetooth unit I scratched the screen. Easily replaced.
Would I buy the unit if I knew all this going in??
Maybe, it still looks a lot better than stock. But you need to have a good knowledge of android operating systems and I confess I'm learning a lot that I didn't know and I'm an Android user.
In a little while I'll post pictures

[MikeB]

1st the good. The radio does integrate into the speaker system well and it looks great installed and you can get the LEDs to a variety of colors to match your bike.

I'm happy that they got that much correct. The LED's do add some bling. And integrating with the speaker system is very important but you don't say it it integrates with the headsets. Does the intercom system still work? Does it interface with the CB Radio?

Now the concerns, the Bluetooth module needs to be mounted in an accessible spot because it needs to be turned on separately. The radio itself has the ability to have power all the time so you don't lose the time on the display, but if you do that the LEDs don't turn off and they quickly drain the battery. (Painful discovery)
When you have the Bluetooth hooked up it does not cut out the speakers and they are not synced so there is a delay and despite wind noise etc, you can still hear the speakers.

That is a definite game changer. With all their technical capabilities, you would think that they could figure out how to maintain the clock memory without keeping the radio and LED's powered. Battery drain is a real concern.

Last and definetly least is the mount for the radio. It is cut plexiglass, and when I received the unit one of them was broken, I repaired it myself instead of waiting for a replacement from Germany, but the question is if it can be broken in transit how sturdy will it be on the bike.
It is a simple system so I will more than likely replace it with metal so it is sturdier
Oh yea, one more thing. The fit and finish of the cover is not to good and I am going to use some black sealant to prevent water from getting around the sides of the unit.
It does come with a screen protector and I'm glad I put it on because when I removed the unit to install the Bluetooth unit I scratched the screen. Easily replaced.
Would I buy the unit if I knew all this going in??
Maybe, it still looks a lot better than stock. But you need to have a good knowledge of android operating systems and I confess I'm learning a lot that I didn't know and I'm an Android user.
In a little while I'll post pictures

They used plexiglass instead of Lexan/Polycarbonate? Plexiglass is far too susceptible to breakage. When you pay good money for a product you should not have to re-engineer it. Form, fit and function are all a part of proper manufacturing.

Though the OEM system is not as pretty as this new design, it does meet all the requirements of good manufacturing. It fits and it works well. And it is paid for.

[Nyteflyr]

I did know going in that I would lose the function of the intercomand cb. I rarely have a passenger so it didn't matter. I have yet to try and pair a passenger to bluetooth to see how that works. I went all in and actually sold my oem radio so this will work despite the warts!
I'll post again after 6 months or so to see how it holds up. I stated the mounts were plexi but I don't know that for a fact. It is clear plastic something

[Hearn660]

I did know going in that I would lose the function of the intercomand cb. I rarely have a passenger so it didn't matter. I have yet to try and pair a passenger to bluetooth to see how that works. I went all in and actually sold my oem radio so this will work despite the warts!
I'll post again after 6 months or so to see how it holds up. I stated the mounts were plexi but I don't know that for a fact. It is clear plastic something

Thanks for the update sir! I can’t wait to see it installed and I can’t wait to see if it’s reliable.

[rmflinders]

Hi, Greetings from Australia. I have a GL1500 MotorTrike and have been looking at this unit as a replacement for my radio. Can I ask if your any others who have bought the unit have an update on the issues originally raised?
Many thanks

[Nyteflyr]

No updates. If you speak German you might be able to get questions answered better.

[rmflinders]

Thanks for the quick response. With the current exchange rate for the AU$ I think I'll sit on it for a while and see what happens. And I actually worked for the Germans for about 8 years and visited Berlin quite a few times, I never needed to push myself and learn the language!