A Sad Affair

[coastrider]

I've just traded my 2013 for a 2014 RTS. Part of the deal was that my XM radio would be moved to the new bike. BRP's technical manuals told the dealer it was compatible. It's not. It required the new harness. They told me the radio itself was a "no go". When I picked it up, the XM was activated and my presets in place. It has to be my original radio module. Bottom line is your radio module will work, but you'll need the new harness, which costs near a grand retail.

 

[jonnysevel]

10-4; good Buddy... :thumbup:
I hooked my XM Onyx receiver up to the radio, with the MP3 player cable. plugged it into the 12 volt plug in the top trunk, and I'm good to go with it!

I did the same thing. Just bought a xm radio for $60 and mounted in the trunk and hooked into the AUX port in trunk. I can't change channels on the fly but it doesn't bother me at all. If I really want to, then i just pull over and change the channel.
Jonny

 

[Bob Denman]

:thumbup: That's what fuel stops are for! :thumbup:

 

[finless]

I've just traded my 2013 for a 2014 RTS. Part of the deal was that my XM radio would be moved to the new bike. BRP's technical manuals told the dealer it was compatible. It's not. It required the new harness. They told me the radio itself was a "no go". When I picked it up, the XM was activated and my presets in place. It has to be my original radio module. Bottom line is your radio module will work, but you'll need the new harness, which costs near a grand retail.

The harness is a $120 part so the $1,000 must be labor he quoted you as yes the ENT harness requires the entire ass end of the RT to be removed.

Bob

 

[Youngblood]

CB for communication with other organized riders

I too think CBs sound a little out dateish, but as a member of South Florida Riders Club (SFRC), we do a lot of organized riding with multiple small groups of 6 or less. The leader and tail gunner use them all the time for lane changing, in their opinion, they say it works much better than any of the new technology on the market today (of which many have), but still like old school CBs better.

 

[Bob Denman]

Question: Wouldn't a Bluetooth, Bike to Bike setup work as well; or better? :dontknow:

 

[Youngblood]

I would also agree that bike to bike Bluetooth would make more sense, but that idea has been discussed in meetings :chat: and shot down many times. :dontknow: you got me

 

[shelbydave]

Question: Wouldn't a Bluetooth, Bike to Bike setup work as well; or better? :dontknow:

The problem with bike to bike bluetooth is that you can only pair a limited number of bikes, and you can only have a conversation with one at a time. In the riding groups that the OP is talking about it is a huge benefit for everyone with the ability to hear all conversations.

The best setup for bluetooth would be the leader sync'd with the very back rider so if someone in the group has problems the rear guy can call to the front to stop. With a CB, you get the same result, only anybody in the group can also hear, and respond accordingly.

The other benefit of a CB is that more in the group will hear if there are any unscheduled stops, or route changes, rather than just the one you are paired with currently.

 

[Marker]

Question: Wouldn't a Bluetooth, Bike to Bike setup work as well; or better? :dontknow:

on my 2015 RT Limited I plan on using a Sena SR10 bluetooth radio adapter paired to my Sena 20S communicator and using a midland 820 portable cb. I am going to use a firestick No Ground Plane antenna attached to the spyder RT.
I did not like the BRP wired CB/Comm system it did not work very well at all,so am not going to use it this time .
With the Sena 20S bluetooth communicator I can wirelessly talk bike to bike or to my passenger and for non bluetooth users I can talk using the CB.

 

[Bob Denman]

The problem with bike to bike bluetooth is that you can only pair a limited number of bikes, and you can only have a conversation with one at a time. In the riding groups that the OP is talking about it is a huge benefit for everyone with the ability to hear all conversations.

The best setup for bluetooth would be the leader sync'd with the very back rider so if someone in the group has problems the rear guy can call to the front to stop. With a CB, you get the same result, only anybody in the group can also hear, and respond accordingly.

The other benefit of a CB is that more in the group will hear if there are any unscheduled stops, or route changes, rather than just the one you are paired with currently.

thanks for the explanation. :thumbup: But isn't that also the biggest problem with CB radios: everybody can step all over every body else, and nothing can be heard? :dontknow:

 

[Mr. White]

thanks for the explanation. :thumbup: But isn't that also the biggest problem with CB radios: everybody can step all over every body else, and nothing can be heard? :dontknow:

Bob, this is true except we tell all but the lead and sweep to stay off the CB unless there is an emergency. No chit chat or BS.... It works for us. As said earlier, the good part about the CB is all can hear what the lead and sweep say....route changes, traffic, man down, etc.

Most of us have been riding together over 22 years now and pretty well know what is expected of us.

:spyder2:

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Question: Wouldn't a Bluetooth, Bike to Bike setup work as well; or better? :dontknow:

Probably, except for range, or distance. BT is good mostly up to about 100 to 300 feet. CB can extend miles.

 

[finless]

Why wouldn’t a radio swap complete with the associated harness’ between Big Red and Mr Cognacn work?

The changes in the 2014’s, AFAIK didn’t include any significant changes in the entertainment system.
The changes were done in the Radio Sonic Box.

Roger, that is what I told him earlier but he didn't think the dealer would do it and leave the trade in Spyder crippled.
A complete swap of the systems would solve it I am with you there!

Bob

 

[jonnizingo]

In looking at all the parts information on line:

All related parts have new numbers from 2011 to 2014:

Radio:

2011 - 710002271
2014 - 710004211​

CB Module:

2011 - 219400145​

2014 - 219400611​

Entertainment Harness:

2011 - 219400201
2014 - 219400610​

XM Module:

2011 - 219400148
2014 - 219400612​

Of all the above, radio, CB, and Entertainment Harness will work on 2015 and prior. Only the XM module requires an upgrade to the actual radio module for 2012 and prior (part number - 219400464).

Might be worth trying the new XM module to see if everything works? If dealer was willing (never know with electronics) - they could just swap them out to see what happens. If it works, then old XM module could be sold on forum, ebay, etc.

 

[MikeT]

I just can't believe that this topic continues in this modern age of electronics. It's been going on for way to long. When you put out $31-34K for a top of the line ride, one would think that a leading edge company like BRP could come up with a totally compatible and integrated AM/FM/XM/CB/Intercom system. This truly is a Sad State Of Affairs. From a stict platform perspective, this is why I choose to stay with my GL1800 trike. If I choose I can pony up around $600.00 and go to a totally Bluetooth based system from Sierra Electronics. From a strictly wired perspective H-D also has this issue solved.
Mike

 

[Mr. White]

Bottom line guys. 1) My dealer will do anything I wish him to do....long time friend. 2) BRP changed the wiring harness and CB for 2014-2015 and the 2010-13 harness OR CBs can not be exchanged....different part numbers. You have to buy a new CB and harness as the wiring has changed. 3) I ride with 12-18 guys and I doubt I could convince 2 to go to Blue Tooth. I ride solo so I don't need or want Blue Tooth. I installed a new wiring harness and a 2014 CB, and it it at least as bad as my 2011 was. Compared to my Gold Wing CB, it is POOR but I will live with it. BRP has done us a diservice.

Thanks for your inputs.

:spyder2: