How to CB

[wmh9680]

Good Evening, my Spyder has a CB and I know absolutely nothing about it. I have the cable to plug in by the by the key but how do you use it? Do I need to use headphones? I know this probably sounds stupid to someone who uses them but that isn't me. Thanks, Mike

[UtahPete]

Good Evening, my Spyder has a CB and I know absolutely nothing about it. I have the cable to plug in by the by the key but how do you use it? Do I need to use headphones? I know this probably sounds stupid to someone who uses them but that isn't me. Thanks, Mike

Pictures are always helpful. Do you have the CB radio or just the cable?

[Easy Rider]

Pictures are always helpful. Do you have the CB radio or just the cable?

And that is just the beginning of the questions.

ASSuming that your ride actually is equipped with a working BRP (J&M) integrated CB, then you need a helmet headset.
They can be had from BRP or J&M and run around $200, depending on which model you get.

If you don't use a helmet, I have no idea what kind of "headphones" might work.

I suggest that the nearest Spyder dealer might give you better answers.
I say might because it appears that most of them don't know much about the CBs either.

P.S. The range of a CB on a motorcycle is pretty pathetic.
They average about a mile and a half.
So.....unless you have some riding buddies who also have working CBs, getting yours to work won't accomplish much.

[wmh9680]

Thanks, I am pretty sure it has the CB. Doesn't the rt-ltd come with it? I have the female plug by the key (isn't that for the CB or is it for something else too) and I bought the plug for it and it is shown in the screen. I realize it has limitations but might come in handy sometime and if it's there I'm curious enuf to see if/how it works. Thanks, Mike

[davehirst]

The jack you are talking about, is for communications to a headset. You may or may not have a CB, but you do have communications with another headset for a passenger. It also will give you FM AM and XM if you have that. You can also stream music from a digital device such as Ipod or MP3 player. If you have two antennas on the bike, you most likely have CB. You would also have a transmit button on the left handlebar. You need the headset though. You also have to go to the menu and actually send the sound to the headset, or speakers, or both.

[UtahPete]

Thanks, I am pretty sure it has the CB. Doesn't the rt-ltd come with it?

No, it does not. It has the built-in capability, but does not have a CB as standard equipment.

[pegasus1300]

If it shows on your screen then you have it.That com socket comes as part of that package. These are NOT standard on the RT and somebody paid a lot of money to buy and install it. You will need a headset to go in your helmet. Maybe the previous owner will sell you his headsets if he no longer uses them. If your SO rides with you, you will need a headset in her helmet as well. That will allow you to have the intercom function that comes as part of the CB package. To Talk on the CB there is a button on the left handle grip. That is your PTT or push to talk button. Your headset must have a microphone in order for you to transmit. The intercom is voice activated but the CB needs the PTT. You can just listen to the CB thru your external speakers but you can't talk or use the intercom.

CB's on motorcycles varey in strength,some go father then others but none will reach out there more then a couple of miles if that. They are real good for bike to bike communication when in a group and on my previous bikes (Not Spyders) that is how I mostly used it. Back when truckers spent more time on the their CB's I would talk to them when by myself and needed something to relieve the boredom. Not so much anymore.

[Easy Rider]

You would also have a transmit button on the left handlebar.

Excellent explanation.
The second antenna should be a dead give-away; in additon to the CB screen showing up on the display.
The transmit button is there whether you actually have the CB or not.

[wmh9680]

I do have a second antenna, Thanks, Mike

[SpyderAnn01]

If you do have the CB I hope yours works better than most. The BRP CB hasn't been the most reliable system. Good luck good buddy

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

The jack you are talking about, is for communications to a headset. You may or may not have a CB, but you do have communications with another headset for a passenger.

Nope, not the case. Contrary to other bikes like Honda, with the Spyder the communications via headset comes only as part of the CB package. No CB, no headset comm.

[Mr. White]

I have a BRP CB on Mr. Cognac and also on my Wing. As said, the CB info will show up on the dash if you have one installed. You can remove the right rear panel and see if a little black box it there....that would be the CB. I ride with a group, 15 or more sometimes. I sweep and the lead has a CB (HD rider) and we use another CB rider in the middle to forward info as needed. The BRP CB is poor compared to my GW. I installed a J&M antenna which helped some but overall it is a sorry, expensive system.

[Easy Rider]

I installed a J&M antenna which helped some but overall it is a sorry, expensive system.

What does it NOT do that you want it to ??

[Mr. White]

What does it NOT do that you want it to ??

Be able to communicate more than 1/4-1/2 mile.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Be able to communicate more than 1/4-1/2 mile.

I believe a lot of that has to do with the lack of steel for a ground plane in the Spyder. I installed a Firestik No Ground Plane antenna on my CB. Not sure of the broadcast distance but I know it's more than what a handheld will do. I don't get any complaints from my Goldwing buddies when I'm in a group ride.

[Easy Rider]

Be able to communicate more than 1/4-1/2 mile.

I can't personally comment on that yet because I just got mine "fully functional" with a new headset (it was squealing on transmit) and haven't had a chance to try it out on the road yet.

But there are 3 guys in my riding group that seem to get about the same distance as the Wings and Harleys with radios.

There have been times when things drop out at about a half mile......no matter the combination of radios involved.