imported post
zonk3939 wrote:
Glad to find this forum and the wealth of info..my next question..is there an adapter kit to install a aftermarket cd player/radio in place of the panasonic radio on my 85 Aspencade?? I want to switch over to a cd player but this radio looks like a monster hole will be left in the dash and I would need a "faceplate" to cover it.
Zonk, not sure I have ever seen an adapter kit for the older Wing radio replacement.
You could go with any of the modern smaller radios like the Sony CDX-F5700, 5750, or F-770. Or any of the like radios in other brands. Personally I like the Sony's as they will work with the factory handlebar controls if a resistor matching box is made & the bike wiring is altered to use that resistor box.
I have a Sony CDX-5700 in my Harley dresser & it works great even fuctions perfectly on the factory hand grip controls.
A couple of things to note when using a regular (non Honda) radio..
-First is the water proofing issue. While those Radios will take a little moisture & rain they are not really water proof & that can cause a problem if not covered (it can be covered or a more water proof Sony (marine type) can be used.
-Next is the speaker issue, I believe the old Wing uses 4 ohm speakers & most modern radios need 8 ohm speakers (not a big deal but just a heads up).
-Next is the skip issue using a CD, It happens sometimes on rough roads as most CD players read as they go. You can buy a high dollar CD that doesn't skip as easily but it gets real expensive. The next best thing (or even better to me) is get a combination CD MP3 player. The MP3 reads ahead & buffers so they don't tend to skip & I can put about 8 hours of music on one CD so I don't have to carry a bunch of CD's on the bike.
How to wire it up?-- You could just go behind those brass contacts in the upper fairing (behind the radio) & solder in the new wires (circuits) from that area (I have a copy of the pin-out if you need it, then add a connector that matches your new radio (most come with the radio), then build or find the mounting brackets to allow you to mount the radio. I built my own radio enclosure for my Harley (I have a mill, lathe, & tig welder). You could probably find what you need on line as there are kits for most late model cars & trucks & something is bound to work. It really doesn't take much of a mount for those newer small DIN radios . They also make & sell a multitude of face plates that will work & can be trimmed to fit. Take a little work but noo real big deal to do.
Twisty
