2018 RT AUDIO SYSTEM SUCKS!!!

[Spyder Insyder]

XM Radio

I also am thinking of installing an XM receiver on my 2018 RTL. I have done that in the past with previously owned Gold Wings. The only problem I had was the frequency I chose for the XM modulator would sometimes be over powered by a local FM station on the same frequency, as we were traveling.
Installation on the RTL looks to be fairly straight forward, with the hardest part being removal of body work for running power and antenna cables. It seems the obvious location for the receiver would be the glove box. I'm not quite sure about the antenna. Probably the top of the rear trunk, although the surface area seams to be at the wrong angle for a 90 degree facing to the satellite. An unused 5 amp accessory fuse is provided in the fuse box.
I would be very interested in hearing the details of your installation. Please feel free to PM me if you like.

Well, I finally installed an XM radio (Onyx Plus) on my 2018 RTL this weekend. Overall I am quite pleased with the results. Installation was straight-forward and required removing some bodywork on the right side. The unit came with an aux. audio cable with male 1/8" stereo plugs on both ends. Since the audio input cable on the Spyder also comes with a male plug, this required a double female barrel connecter to make the connection. Power was sourced from a 5 amp accessory fuse in the right side fuse box. The receiver was located to the glove box, and a 3/8" hole was drilled into the sidewall to allow the cables to enter. Initially the audio was a little low, but the receiver has a menu setting that allows you to increase the drive. With the audio output level set to max, there is plenty of volume, even at highway speeds.

The only downside is, you have to open the glove box lid at a stop to change channels. However, that's probably the safest way to do it anyway.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Well, I finally installed an XM radio (Onyx Plus) on my 2018 RTL this weekend. Overall I am quite pleased with the results. Installation was straight-forward and required removing some bodywork on the right side. The unit came with an aux. audio cable with male 1/8" stereo plugs on both ends. Since the audio input cable on the Spyder also comes with a male plug, this required a double female barrel connecter to make the connection. Power was sourced from a 5 amp accessory fuse in the right side fuse box. The receiver was located to the glove box, and a 3/8" hole was drilled into the sidewall to allow the cables to enter. Initially the audio was a little low, but the receiver has a menu setting that allows you to increase the drive. With the audio output level set to max, there is plenty of volume, even at highway speeds.

The only downside is, you have to open the glove box lid at a stop to change channels. However, that's probably the safest way to do it anyway.

Good on you " Easy Rider " should read your post on this ….. I don't know how your XM in the glove box looks , but you can see mine in one of my Albums ….. Mike :thumbup:

 

[Jarred]

Maybe I just got lucky w my machine but my wife and I have no problem hearing the speakers, even at speeds above 65mph. When I first bought my 2018 RTL the sound was lower, but after my 3k service its very loud. Hope yours improves after you get the software update.

 

[stmike 1800]

I had a remote stuck were i could use it ,worked great .This was on my 2005 ST 1300 Honda ,another bike i should of kept.

 

[Seattle]

I'm crossing posting this link which has a resolution for anyone who is seeking a resolution for their 2018 model Spyder's speaker clipping/crackling sounds.

Has anyone specifically only with the '18 model Spyder's (RT or F3's) that utilises the new digital display cluster notice if:
1) ALL their speakers clip on music's bass points, even while at low volume
2) the radio signal seems to have a harder time locking onto a station signal or is quite staticky and
3) volume output has to be turned up nearly 80%+ in order to hear it at speeds above 50mph/80kph?

I compared my '18 F3 LTD radio volume output against a 2017 F3-LTD. On the 2017 I set the volume output (tuned to the same radio station AND using a music streaming device playing the same song) at 30% and then adjusted the 2018 to an equal level output. My Spyder had to be set at 60% to be equal to the 2017. I've tried this also with the 2018 models with my dealer's new floor models against the 2017's and reproduced the same results.

Why would BRP reduce the volume output so significantly for the newly designed 2018 digital display Spyders' where we need to crank the volume output up so high? I've noticed even the bass and mid-range tones in the new models are no where as rich and deep as it was in the former Spyder model year sound systems. BRP has told my dealer they have no intentions of fixing this issue.