Anyone replaced the OEM radio on RT

[Johnny_Swindle]

I have a 2011 RT with the Audio & convenience package. I use the Sena SMH 10's with a SM10. I enjoy the SMH/SM combo but I get very poor radio reception and really not happy with the radio. My first step is going to replace the stock antenna. What I am wondering is has anyone replace the OEM radio? Would love to hear if you did and the type of radio that you used.....location for mounting, etc....


Johnny

 

[3 Wheel Addict]

I agree the reception is terrible with the radio! I'm going to try a different antenna this winter to see if there is improvement. I live pretty close to the guy's at Sierra Electronics (Goldwing audio experts) in Troy Ohio and stopped by there one day and spoke with them about the audio system and they said there is not much hope for the system.

 

[Don in E Texas]

Radio..

...don't care much for the radio on my RT either. I have 3 stations I listen to and can receive them on all three autos - but weak signal at best on the Spyder. Don't some of these head sets have radios built in? I might be interested in one of those, but have not read anything (product review) about them. Maybe Motorcycle Dave can help?

Don

 

[Bob Denman]

Taking the radio out is one thing...
Putting a different one in, is tenitrely anther! :shocked:

Ad we haven't even mentioned the CanBus system, or getting it to work with the Left-Grip controls... :yikes:

 

[obiwan57]

I certainly noticed the poor radio reception, but also I haven't really dialed in all the local stations as yet. This weekend will be the first I actually get to spend time with the Spyder, so I plan to check it out.

 

[Bob Denman]

:thumbup: Good Luck!
Happy hunting!

 

[Johnny_Swindle]

Taking the radio out is one thing...
Putting a different one in, is tenitrely anther! :shocked:

Ad we haven't even mentioned the CanBus system, or getting it to work with the Left-Grip controls... :yikes:

If I replace the radio (notice I said if) I don't plan on messing with can bus.....I have see a couple of radios wit smart phone app control......but the antenna will be first to go.

 

[Bob Denman]

If you change out the OEM piece, for one with maybe a CD player (Or Blue-Ray, DVD, 8-Track, or Cassete Player :shocked, getting access in order to change out the inputs might be an important consideration...

 

[3 Wheel Addict]

AM/FM/8 track mounted right on top of the dash! :roflblack::roflblack:

 

[Bob Denman]

Ahhhh... Just like my 1972 Dodge Polara!

 

[Johnny_Swindle]

If you change out the OEM piece, for one with maybe a CD player (Or Blue-Ray, DVD, 8-Track, or Cassete Player :shocked, getting access in order to change out the inputs might be an important consideration...

True Bob.....but I only want radio (HD, AM/FM) and if I have found a couple where you can control all aspects with a phone app....now the real question has anyone with an RT done this? I am sure someone with an RS has done it, but I am not using the right key words to locate any threads in the forums where this is discussed.

I may have to post in the RS forum and see how someone there accomplished this and use their ideas.

 

[Bob Denman]

Good idea! :thumbup:
They've had more practice at this game, than us "spoiled olpharts", on our touring bikes.

Good Luck!

 

[ThreeWheels]

Your Sena SMH-10 headset can operate as a master control. You can find a Bluetooth radio that is compatible, and bypass the OEM system completely. The Sena will coordinate phone, GPS, Intercom, CB, or whatever you hook up.

Myself, I find the radio nearly useless. Even if I get a station clearly, I'm fed up with all the commercials. If I listen to anything I listen to my iPod.

 

[tharris30]

RT or any CanAm Alternate radio system.

I have a 2011 RT with the Audio & convenience package. I use the Sena SMH 10's with a SM10. I enjoy the SMH/SM combo but I get very poor radio reception and really not happy with the radio. My first step is going to replace the stock antenna. What I am wondering is has anyone replace the OEM radio? Would love to hear if you did and the type of radio that you used.....location for mounting, etc....


Johnny

I have been investigating a system called Secret Audio @ http://secretaudio.com/ for my Harley. It is interesting in that it has a module/box radio that you mount hidden *(like in the top box or trunk) or even a saddle bag, and mount a small control module on the front near the driver/rider anywhere. It would not interface with the CAN system but could be routed as an AUX input which would play it through the built-in radio system. It comes with a wired control head or wireless remote.

Look it up and see if it would be a good alternative radio system.

 

[finless]

One thing for sure is to remove the side panel speaker box and take it apart and check the antenna block and ground strap.
I had taken mine apart to install the JM speakers. When I put it back together my radio reception got really bad. I took it back apart another weekend to find the ground strap had come loose. Fixed it and now no problems anymore.

It's a pain to takeoff that module and take it apart. See my DIY video for the J&M speaker install to see how to do it.

Bob