The pile was getting pretty deep as I collect accessories for Yellow Spot III
The following list, descriptions and photos follow in roughly the order of installation and are semi-grouped by type.
Most paragraph headings are links to ranking pages that list manufacturers, part numbers, other options considered, sources for those accessories, my ratings and other parts required, or optional, for installation of the items noted within that paragraph. You’ll also find there, links to additional information or installation instructions. URLs for the manufacturer of each accessory are listed where possible.
Ranking for satisfaction and cost effectiveness is, of course, subjective and I’ve done my best to rank them in relationship to other accessories, or my pure enjoyment. 1 being the least, 5 the most.
For installation difficulty ranking I used:
I like to go internet and forum shopping for accessory ideas and prices, and I talk to other riders, but whenever possible I give orders to my local dealer or to a friend. The price works out about equal and I get to support my local guys and make exchanges or returns, if necessary, without hassles. Many of these parts can be had at almost any motorcycle retailer. There are hundreds of them on the web, pick your favorite or support your local guys.
Honda CD Player fits neatly in the trunk recess
Although expensive and rarely used since I installed satellite radio, the sound quality of Honda’s CD Player is better than anything and It's nice to have some of my favorite tunes on call to help keep me awake at times. I have read reports of serious problems with this unit, but I have only experienced an occasional error, usually from hitting a sharp bump, easily solved by powering the unit down and back up. Installation with simple tools and a hole saw is not much more difficult than unloading the trunk every time you want to change CDs.
These Alpines sounded great, but were an unreasonably tight fit
and require specially made hardware to mount.
The original set of front OEM speakers were replaced with some Alpines that are no longer available and rears with Sony Explodes, but Polks, amongst others, are much easier to install and are a significant improvement over the anemic stock items. You’ll need a wiring harness for the rear speakers and it helps deaden plastic resonance if you stuff the speaker boxes full of polyfill.
Route the rear speaker harness carefully to
avoid pinching by the trunk lid hinge
Stuff the speaker "boxes" full of Polyfill to deaden plastic resonance.
Polks are a much better fit. They use stock hardware.
Earbuds with custom molds can be worn for hours on end,
sound great, and protect hearing.
An old 35mm film container makes a nice storage place.
I very rarely use my external speakers since I have started wearing Shure E2 in-ear speakers (the same used by musicians) with custom ear-molds from an audiologist to protect my hearing. The sound quality of in-ear speakers is fantastic and communications over the CB is crystal clear. I first used Edsets aero-mic and helmet buddy to plug the mic and earbuds into the bikes audio system. The mic mounts with dual-lock which works great but the dual-lock mounts with foam tape. The foam tape comes loose in time, so I stripped the dual-lock clean and glued it into the helmet. The contacts inside 3.5mm will get loose also. I replaced those with some small automotive style connectors and have not had any problems since. Edsets new adaptor may work better but I suspect the 3.5mm socket will have the same problem. If you have a headset already, and are good with small wires, you can solder up your own connections in a way the suits you best..
If you don't buy an adaptor, you'll have to make your own.
These small automotive connectors work better
than a standard 3.5mm plug.
Use heatshrink tubing for stress relief and waterproofing..
It is very nice to be able to talk to other riders when out together for the weekend or to talk to tuckers when riding cross country about traffic or weather conditions. A CB radio is the most common and compatible way to do it. Again, the Honda Unit is expensive and lots of plastic has to come of the bike to install it, but integration with the stock switchgear makes it the best option. I made sure I got the upgraded Honda CB unit -- there were problems with the original production units -- and have had no problems with it. It was expensive and the installation requires some bodywork removal,but having it integrated into the switchgear made it worth the effort and a better option than a bar mounted unit.
I considered the Honda 2nd antenna, but the Sierra combo antenna actually works better and looks better in black.
The Honda Audio Volume Control does not work well without
extensive modifications.
I don't carry a passenger often, but when I do it's nice for them to be able to adjust their headset volume. The Honda unit does not work well until the potentiometer is replaced, which I did. Buying one used was the only way I would consider this item when an in-line unit works better and is far cheaper. The in-line unit doesn't give the passenger a Push-to-talk (PTT) switch for the CB but that can be accomplished in many other ways.
Additionally, if I’m using earbuds and my passenger is using helmet speakers, I have to turn the system volume up so they can hear, but I have to be able to turn my volume down so I don’t get my ears blasted. This is solved with the occasional addition of an in-line volume control in my helmet's hook-up.
Photography and website byDAYLE DESIGNScopyright 2009