A introduction and question

[Uncle Fester]

First off, allow me to (re) introduce myself,
I am John W, aka Uncle Fester, and I used to be a member here when I owned my 1995 GL1500, what a great bike ! Anyway, when I finally died, I went to what I thought was my “Dream Bike” , a Harley Ultra Classic, what a nightmare that turned out to be! Anyway, I am going to be replacing the HD soon, and the 2001-2010 GL1800 is on the short list of possible replacement bikes. I tend to ride, a lot (25-50k/yr) and want a reliable bike with a good sound system as I do love my music.

Anyway, my question, (what I am sure will be one of many) is, does anyone make a stereo delete plate for the factory radio, and can I remove the stereo, CB, and intercom units with out messing up the ride/drive ability of the bike.

I know, I say I want a good quality sound system, then ask if I can remove the factory stuff and delete it safely, so for those that are interested, here is my plan. I use this same stereo set up in my van, currently on my HD, and in my wife’s car and it works great for us.

1) remove the factory stereo and install “blank” faceplate in remaining hole
2) mount mini amp (Kenwood KAC-M1824BT inthis case) with built in Bluetooth receiver in hidden/discrete location
3) wire amp to factory speaker leads
4) upgrade factory speakers
5) enjoy the various music apps on my phone (XM, YouTube, Pandora, 35gig downloaded music) streamed to my system

We do not use a CB or a intercom, so those parts are not needed or desired for us, and with this set-up I can run music via one of my apps, with my Google Maps giving me directions in the background and it all comes through the speakers.

[Andy Cote]

Welcome back.

So, I have never seen the plate you are looking for. Doesn't mean they don't exist.

The GL1800 had an upgraded audio system as an option for several years and then it became standard in 2006, maybe. Have you tried one?

Different approach. Go with Bluetooth. Disregard entire Honda system.

[AZgl1800]

I kind of wondered how long that Harley ride would last you, after y'all having ridden the 1500 for so long.

Welcome back to God's Country....

I gave my 1800 to my son last week, so he can enjoy it for the next 2 or 3 decades.

I'm still on 3 wheels though

[tamathumper]

Pretty sure you can upgrade the amp and speakers without removing the radio unit, which isn't something that leaves a DIN shaped hole anyway, like a van or a Harley might have. There is no "face plate" for the radio on the GL series, there is only a broad panel of buttons that, even if removed, would not leave room for a normal automotive stereo unit AFAIK. The CB and CD changer are/were in the bottom of the trunk under a removable plate, and there might be room left in there to do what you're thinking, but to the post above's point, you can get Bluetooth audio for a few bucks and add it on, without removing all of the stock bits.

[Uncle Fester]

I kind of wondered how long that Harley ride would last you, after y'all having ridden the 1500 for so long.

Welcome back to God's Country....

I gave my 1800 to my son last week, so he can enjoy it for the next 2 or 3 decades.

I'm still on 3 wheels though


MP3-2.jpg

Hey buddy, good to hear from you ! Once I get out of the hospital, will tell you later, we will have to meet up for coffee or lunch again !

Glad the yellow beast is still in the family, and you are still in the wind, what is that little thing ?

[Uncle Fester]

Pretty sure you can upgrade the amp and speakers without removing the radio unit, which isn't something that leaves a DIN shaped hole anyway, like a van or a Harley might have. There is no "face plate" for the radio on the GL series, there is only a broad panel of buttons that, even if removed, would not leave room for a normal automotive stereo unit AFAIK. The CB and CD changer are/were in the bottom of the trunk under a removable plate, and there might be room left in there to do what you're thinking, but to the post above's point, you can get Bluetooth audio for a few bucks and add it on, without removing all of the stock bits.

The Kenwood KAC-M1824BT is a 4 channel amplifier that measures 7”x2”x 4” in physical size, has a built in Bluetooth receiver and does not need to use a headunit at all if you so desire. I will not be using a stereo unit (din or double din) but instead streaming my cell to the amp and on to the speakers.
If Honda holds true to its past, removing the factory headunit renders the CB/intercom unusable, that is why I will remove those too.
Knowing that no one makes a blank out plate for the factory radio tells me I will need to make one, so that helps me plan my build.
Thanks for the information everyone who replied, you have helped me a lot.

[tamathumper]

You're welcome. I can't say *nobody* makes one, but the only one I've ever seen was 3D printed by a guy for his own use, and he refused to provide the STL file when someone asked. Good luck with your project.

[Uncle Fester]

You're welcome. I can't say *nobody* makes one, but the only one I've ever seen was 3D printed by a guy for his own use, and he refused to provide the STL file when someone asked. Good luck with your project.

I will make a mold using sheet abs plastic from the stock stereo, not a big deal, just more work

[kwthom]

Easier to do this on the '01 - '10 model, as the radio is a single unit.

The '12 - '17 has a 'head unit' in the left fairing and the 'power amp/intercom, et. al.' as a separate piece located in the trunk along with the CB.

Now, of course, one could also buy the $140 J&M CD replacement device with Bluetooth (JM Digital Music Player K Version for USB Aux Bluetooth) for the '01 - '10 model, hit the CD button on the built-in radio, and have complete control over volume using the switches on the handlebars. Once the OE radio is removed, there will be a few switches that won't work for anything.

[Techdude2000]

Easier to do this on the '01 - '10 model, as the radio is a single unit.

The '12 - '17 has a 'head unit' in the left fairing and the 'power amp/intercom, et. al.' as a separate piece located in the trunk along with the CB.

Now, of course, one could also buy the $140 J&M CD replacement device with Bluetooth (JM Digital Music Player K Version for USB Aux Bluetooth) for the '01 - '10 model, hit the CD button on the built-in radio, and have complete control over volume using the switches on the handlebars. Once the OE radio is removed, there will be a few switches that won't work for anything.

The upgraded audio system with the separate amp started with the 06 model year. They moved the control head to the left side if equipped with the airbag.

[Rambozo]

Why not just install your amp in the trunk cavity, wire up the speakers, and ignore the Honda stuff? If you have a model with Navi, I believe some bits of that run via the radio. Not sure if it's sound only or if the screen display requires it be there. Again if it's not something you plan to use, you can just ignore it. It would be a big deal to pull out the color screen and replace it with the non-Navi monochrome LCD display.

[Asphaltmaniac]

Welcome back...I recommend an 06 and above. Bigger radiators and no fear of a cracked frame lurking about.
Cant speak for all 1800 years but the 06 only had one recall for the rear master cylinder.

[icarovi]

Hi,
i have one GL 1800 2004 European model without CB and cd charger...(i have one empty box rear.... )
I have change the 4 speakers with Polk model...
Better than the original but the power of the OEM amplifier radio is very slow....when i am in the highway i must put the control volume near to maximun and the distorsion is to much....
is there one amplifier plug and play with the orginal connectors of the OEM radio ?
Also with hight input level so i could used the normal output of the speaker and go inside of the amplifier...
I hope that i explain my necessity...
thanks
ah...i forget...my normal language is not english or american..but italian

[icarovi]

anyone help me ?

[GoldWingrGreg]

I'm sure you've checked, but is your mute button off ???

I too use Polks, but my volume is plenty. At freeway speeds, I beleive with OEM speakers, my volume was 22, and with Polks it is 23.

Sorry, I just read that yours is a 2004. Mine is a 2007 with a completely different OEM stereo system. Some with 2001-05 send there radio unit to here. They have a stereo upgrades that provides better sound and more volume. Maybe over there, there is someone doing something similar.

https://www.sierra-mc.com

[icarovi]

Thanks for your answer....
Yes the radio of your model is completly different from mine...(your is more power and more hifi sound).
I have find one american company that could modified the OEM radio but they work only with USA people and not international shipping...
I will try with Sierra,
thank you