Coming Soon!  A report on helmet speakers and in-dash AM-FM CD players!

My Original "In-Dash" Request:
I am trying to install a sound system (CD and FM Stereo, maybe Mini-disc) on a motorcycle, and I would like some ideas/suggestions. Obviously size and weather/environment resistance are major concerns.

I have seen some of the in-dash am-FM CD players, and, although there is room, it is not really convenient due to:
1. The first time it rains or something, there goes the warrantee
2. The 'removable faceplate' type would still have to be weather resistant and not accessible with the faceplate removed.

I have checked into Marine stereos and the ones I've seen are big and of relatively poor quality. I was also thinking along the lines of the old type 'pull out the whole stereo' mounting system, but I can't seem to locate anything. Even if I could, they would probably be too big to fit in the standard radio-cutout provided.

So, what I'm looking for is as follows.

Starting with the easy things first, I would like to put in speakers that can handle the power (I'm thinking about 25 to 40W per channel) and would be for the most part waterproof. They must be able to fit in the standard 4" round hole. I may upgrade later to some 6 X 9's or similar, depending on space, but for now I just want the basics. Maybe an additional separate tweeter.

For the core of the system I was thinking on the lines of 2 alternatives. The first is from previous experience, in using Sony's D848K (or equivalent) single CD player. I previously just connected to internal helmet speakers. I was just thinking of using an amplifier with preamp inputs, or inputs that would be compatible with the D848 (or equivalent) outputs. This would be a space saving solution, since I could mount the amplifier anywhere, and keep the CD player in a pocket or tankbag or somewhere easily accessible. Eventually, I would add on some sort of portable radio/mini disc or equivalent systems.

Another approach would be to have a remote-mounted system with a full function, wired, hand held remote control. Although I remember hearing about this type of system, I have no clue where to begin to look. This causes some difficulty, since if it is remote mounted, and presumably in a watertight area, access must still be provided to the CD player. An ideal 'remote mount system' that I foresee would be one box that has an AM/FM radio, amplifier, preamp inputs for additional components (such as the D848) along with allowing every function (AM, FM, Tuning, volume, etc.) to be accessed by the wired remote.

In Dash Radio Description:
The stereo I wound up with is a Sony CDX680, with Pioneer Component 4" Neoprene Speakers. The reason I got this model Stereo was due to (1) the high output power (45W per Channel) and (2) the wired remote.
A given is the fact that it has a 10 second ESP (electronic Shock protection) which means that it stores 10 seconds of music in case of a shock.
It is an expensive unit, anytime I buy a component over $100 I get it mail order and save 30 to 50%.
If you want both the High output power and the wired remote, then this is the only choice. I have the remote hooked up, just not mounted. I don't trust a wireless remote on the bike, I don't want to be aiming or competing with direct sunlight. If you don't want the wired remote, then the choices open up, there are other receivers available, just check out the websites.
A worry I had was the power requirements when the unit is 'off.' What does it take to keep the clock & memory running? In a car, it doesn't matter as much, but on the bike it might. Sony could not answer this, so I measured it myself. Upon initial shutdown, the unit draws 100ma or so. It drops exponentially to 1.6ma, which is what it draws in the long run. The MC battery has no problem with this.
I used a hole saw to cut out the tweeter holes, and fashioned some bracketry to keep the radio in place, since it has the DIN slot. I also bought one of those universal mounting kist, and used some parts out of there.
So far, its worked out pretty good. It skips on really big bumps sometimes, and sometimes resets, but overall it served well on this 3000 mile trip.
I can hear it fine even with earplugs, but Carmel can't hear it sometimes. I will either get a 100W amp, or find an unobtrusive way to mount some rear speakers.
The next thing is a 6-disc mini disc changer!