Spyder radio is worthless - any solution to this problem?

[gunner]

I know this radio subject has been beat to death over the last few years. I have a 2020 RTL and I’m sure anyone that has one has found the the radio is worthless. I’m curious now that the pandemic is hopefully over and things are getting back to normal has anyone heard of a solution to this problem?

[ThreeWheels]

I know this radio subject has been beat to death over the last few years. I have a 2020 RTL and I’m sure anyone that has one has found the the radio is worthless. I’m curious now that the pandemic is hopefully over and things are getting back to normal has anyone heard of a solution to this problem?

My experience has been that all radios on motorcycles are suboptimal. Even if you get a decent station, you're generally travelling a good distance, so you get out of range.
I've been using an MP3 player for the tunes. I load up the ones I want and I don't have to worry about them fading out of range like the radio stations.

[GeorgeXP700]

I don’t bother with the radio because commercial radio sucks. I use Spotify or music stored on my phone.

[bigbadbrucie]

I have no idea how well or not my radio works on my 2014 RTS. I have never used it since I bought the unit in 2015. I use my iPod for all of my listening needs, and am happy to do so. All of my handlebar controls work flawlessly. jmho!

[sledge]

I have no idea how well or not my radio works on my 2014 RTS. I have never used it since I bought the unit in 2015. I use my iPod for all of my listening needs, and am happy to do so. All of my handlebar controls work flawlessly. jmho!

Same Here on my 2011 RT .

[DGoebel]

Even after trying my phone with amazon music, Sirius XM music and others on my (new to me) '18 RTL this past weekend's 600+ miles, I'm now upgrading my old IPOD with a new battery (old was puffed) and switched the old spinning disk HD with an IFlash.xyz SD Card conversion, So I'll be able to put my entire120GB music library in the bike permanently...����

[FrogmanDave]

You guys are still using iPods. I didn't know anyone still did that. I find my radio works just fine around town which is 95% of my riding.

[MNF3]

XM app or an iPod. Never turn the radio on.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I know this radio subject has been beat to death over the last few years. I have a 2020 RTL and I’m sure anyone that has one has found the the radio is worthless. I’m curious now that the pandemic is hopefully over and things are getting back to normal has anyone heard of a solution to this problem?

That depends on a few factors ..... I have a 14 RT and changed to 2 ohm JBL speakers, 5.25 for all Four. I also changed to a Bosche manually retractable Auto antennae, and now get very good reception. ..... This fix does not seem to help Radio's on 2018 and up ...... good luck ..... PS - "Joel the Biker" found out how to mod the newer year models. ..... Mike

[fredgal]

That depends on a few factors ..... I have a 14 RT and changed to 2 ohm JBL speakers, 5.25 for all Four. I also changed to a Bosche manually retractable Auto antennae, and now get very good reception. ..... This fix does not seem to help Radio's on 2018 and up ...... good luck ..... PS - "Joel the Biker" found out how to mod the newer year models. ..... Mike

my phone via bluetooth works great, plenty loud enough, and can toggle songs and loudness via joystick or tank controls,, forget the radio, i have a nice playlist i listen too.

[Wahrsuul]

I don't care for using the stereo on the bike/tryke - I don't feel the need to make everyone in the area listen to my music.

Cardo Freecom 2 helmet unit and my phone with MP3s or Pandora works for me.

[chunkmonk]

I find the 'noise' of a radio distracting while riding. I already have 47 things to keep track of and the noise coming at me from the dash is just too much. I had a great Alpine system on my last HD and the only time I ever turned it on was when I was parked somewhere. I'd rather have a builtin dashboard setup with GPS, Drivetrain status, Trip information - all of that functional stuff - skip the noiz. I have a phone, bluetooth helmet, bluetooth hearing aids,etc, if I get a phone call or text (which I will find a spot to pull off and respond to). I'd consider XM since I do listen to patriot news and a few other select news/talk stations, but don't know how to add satellite radio to the bike. I just got it in my truck and love it. I'm going to call them today and ask about having it set on my phone as well - problem solved.

[LongIsland]

I find the 'noise' of a radio distracting while riding. I already have 47 things to keep track of and the noise coming at me from the dash is just too much. I had a great Alpine system on my last HD and the only time I ever turned it on was when I was parked somewhere. I'd rather have a builtin dashboard setup with GPS, Drivetrain status, Trip information - all of that functional stuff - skip the noiz. I have a phone, bluetooth helmet, bluetooth hearing aids,etc, if I get a phone call or text (which I will find a spot to pull off and respond to). I'd consider XM since I do listen to patriot news and a few other select news/talk stations, but don't know how to add satellite radio to the bike. I just got it in my truck and love it. I'm going to call them today and ask about having it set on my phone as well - problem solved.

All you have to do is add streaming to your XM subscription (if it's not already included) and you can stream from your cell, pc, laptop, tablet, etc. I have an XM on my 2014 RTL and stream it to my cell and other devices so I have it in my car through my phone.

[agrimm01]

I like listening to the radio through BT. It works great as long as I don't need to change channels from driving out of range. Then I have to stop.

[DreamsSewn]

Might need to change the thread subject but I'm going to ask here anyway as few of you have mentioned you have 2014 RTL and listen to your iPod. I too have a 2014 & have been using Sena 50S. However, my husband got tired of all the problems with 50S and had factory CB installed. I had previously had CB installed as we both had GoldWings and took him awhile to get his Spyder.
My question is: I want to flip back to using my CB but I listen to audiobooks more than music. I had tried connecting my older iPod to the back but feel like I'm missing something. Please, any suggestions? I'm due to go on a 2 week trip mid June and need to be able to listen to something. Thanks.
Sandie

[Woodenfish]

I’m happiest with the free Dash app streaming from my iPhone. The FM radio stations I normally listen to don’t seem to be picked up well on the Spyders receiver or if they do the fidelity is poor. The Dash radio app has so little commercial interruptions and they play good tunes that I enjoy I seldom use the FM radio.

[bigbadbrucie]

Might need to change the thread subject but I'm going to ask here anyway as few of you have mentioned you have 2014 RTL and listen to you iPod. I too have a 2014 & have been using Sena 50S. However, my husband got tired of all the problems with 50S and had factory CB installed. I had previously had CB installed as we both had GoldWings and took him awhile to get his Spyder.
My question is: I want to flip back to using my CB but I listen to audiobooks more than music. I had tried connecting my older iPod to the back but feel like I'm missing something. Please, any suggestions? I'm due to go on a 2 week trip mid June and need to be able to listen to something. Thanks.
Sandie

Not zure whT you’re asking Sandie. Are you not hearing your iPod at all....are you trying to hear it in your helmet? Just what are you asking?

[DreamsSewn]

I need advice on just how to connect the iPod to my 2014 RTL and when do I need to do to be able to hear the music via my CB speakers in helmet. For example: Do I just plug it into the socket on the right with iPod cord, have iPod turned on, have AUX on my dash and then how do I control my audiobook or music to stop and then restart?

I have the Zumo XT connected and if I put audiobook in this model of Zumo, when I stop the bike for lunch and start it up again to continue my book, I have to start at the beginning again. There's no way for me to scroll to my stopping point. Will I be encountering this same situation if I connect my iPod?

Thanks for any help. I tried to connect 3 yrs ago when I got the bike and had difficulties which is what led to getting the SENA. I just came back from a 50 mile trip and SENA disconnected or something for about 15-20 miles.

Sandie

[EdMat]

Mine got a lot better when I unscrewed all the connections, including ground strap, and cleaned off all the yellow locktite that was serving as insulation.

[bigbadbrucie]

Sandie do you have the Sena SM10? This is the unit that Motorcycle Dave says that Sena is/has discontinued. You need this for your unit to play through your Bluetooth helmet speakers. Motorcycle Dave is the Sena guru. Send him a PM or telephone him about this problem you’re having. Very easy fellow to talk to. His ad is at the top of your Spyder Lovers screen.

[Mazo EMS2]

I have a bunch of music on my phone, and I also have the SXM App on my phone that I either bluetooth to my helmet, earbuds, or to the bike speakers, depending on which helmet I have on

[Wahrsuul]

I have an unused Sena SM10 that came on my 2014. Didn't need it so it's sitting in a bag in the garage along with the other stuff I removed.

[Tonylmiller]

My sound system works fine, including the radio. I have a bluetooth FM adapter that allows me to play music from my phone if I choose (and hear NAV directions).

I found it sounds a lot better if I bias the sound more to the rear speakers.

I'm sure it would be better if I used bluetooth to a sound system in my helmet, but I do not have that capability (yet).

[Motorcycledave]

I know this radio subject has been beat to death over the last few years. I have a 2020 RTL and I’m sure anyone that has one has found the the radio is worthless. I’m curious now that the pandemic is hopefully over and things are getting back to normal has anyone heard of a solution to this problem?

HI EVERYONE
Well this posters opinion of the radio is spot on....CanAm has from day one had radios that were and are sub par when compared to
most all other radios on motorcycles. Honda, Harley , Indian , BMW, and the list goes on, I would think that BRP would try and hook up with
one of their radio makers and have them build a proper unit. So I would suggest you use your smart phone and a bluetooth head set and download the
XM radio APP. or iHeart radio or Pandora for your enjoyment...

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

HI EVERYONE
Well this posters opinion of the radio is spot on....CanAm has from day one had radios that were and are sub par when compared to
most all other radios on motorcycles. Honda, Harley , Indian , BMW, and the list goes on, I would think that BRP would try and hook up with
one of their radio makers and have them build a proper unit. So I would suggest you use your smart phone and a bluetooth head set and download the
XM radio APP. or iHeart radio or Pandora for your enjoyment...

Dave as I said above I have ( and love ) the OEM " radio ". I didn't need to add an AMP to get great sound , both in volume and clarity .... I consider the " radio " to be the HEAD unit ONLY .... what didn't work for me was the LOK-TITE on the connections, the poor reception from the Antenna, and very limited / low performance of the speakers. After fixing those issues, my " radio " performs fantastically. Mike