Buying decisions

[jzb54]

Im about to purchase a new 16 RT Limited. I've never owned a Spyder and don't know if I need the CB option for communication with my wife. I believe that is necessary for corded headsets? Other option would be the Bluetooth dongle install with BT headsets.

What do I lose if I do bluetooth and what do all the other spyder owners do here?

Thanks for your input!

 

[4 MARIE]

I do no infotainment. Nothing. Machine and breeze just seems to do it for me.
Stay safe, take time to learn.

 

[LateLifeCrisis]

Im about to purchase a new 16 RT Limited. I've never owned a Spyder and don't know if I need the CB option for communication with my wife. I believe that is necessary for corded headsets? Other option would be the Bluetooth dongle install with BT headsets.

What do I lose if I do bluetooth and what do all the other spyder owners do here?

Thanks for your input!

Okay, here's the deal, I'm not a "techie," so I can only tell you that we bought the "Sena 20 Motorcycle Bluetooth 4.0 Communication System with HD Audio and Advanced Noise Control (Dual)." (Yes, I'm reading it off the box!) We wanted a system to be able to communicate with each other as we rode, and if we somehow got separated, would enable us to communicate our whereabouts to each other. The system is clear, fit easily in our helmets and does all kinds of stuff that as new riders, we haven't even played with yet. Go to the forum section - that's where we found lots of advice regarding the various systems - and talk with individuals that know the technical information and answers you're looking for. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[MercerLake]

My $.02 and worth every penny maybe?

I also vote for the SENA 20, it handles communication to your rider, several other riders, Cell phone, FM radio, everything except bake bread. Simple "Blue Tooth" technology. :yes:

 

[Bam Bam and Pebbles]

I have the Sena SMH10's. Very easy to use. Play your music, talk to your rider and other bikes. No cords to tie you down. Bluetooth is the way to go.

 

[OverHillAndDale]

One more vote for Sena

I bought the Sena 20S - good sound, reliable, easy to operate, no wires, FM tuner built in, allows for group communication, cheaper than the Can-Am CB. In the past I've had the Cardo Bluetooth set and I like these better.

Another thought, I find relatively few ryders who have a CB, most seem to go with Bluetooth headsets.

Bluetooth headsets used to work up to maybe 100 feet or so, the newer ones work well up to 1/4 mile or more.

 

[rmag]

Another vote for Sena

We also use bluetooth Sena SMH10's. They are helmet mounted units and do everything we need. I've never really needed a CB. Give Motorcycle Dave a call (site sponsor on home page). He has great prices and will spend the time to answer any questions you may have.

Ryde Safe, Rich and Rhonda

 

[Bob Denman]

Im about to purchase a new 16 RT Limited. I've never owned a Spyder and don't know if I need the CB option for communication with my wife. I believe that is necessary for corded headsets? Other option would be the Bluetooth dongle install with BT headsets.

What do I lose if I do bluetooth and what do all the other spyder owners do here?

Thanks for your input!

:welcome:
The only reason that you'd need the CB to talk to your Wife: if she's not sitting right behind you on the bike...
Get yourself a bluetooth intercom setup, and hook it to your helmets. :thumbup:
No dongle is even needed.
The ones from Sena are the "Gold Standard", but my ScalaRiders work equally well!

 

[Mr. White]

I was not sure if your wife is a passenger or has her own scoot. I have a BRP CB as I ride with a group of oldsters, some who have CBs. The BRP CB is expensive, you have to buy a different wiring harness, and works poorly at best. My Gold Wing CB is 3X better than the BRP system. I understand to use other systems, the other scoots have the same systems. I know nothing about the Sena system but it sounds like the way to go.

Where in Texas are you located?

:spyder2:

 

[Ms Noles]

I agree with you.

I was not sure if your wife is a passenger or has her own scoot. I have a BRP CB as I ride with a group of oldsters, some who have CBs. The BRP CB is expensive, you have to buy a different wiring harness, and works poorly at best. My Gold Wing CB is 3X better than the BRP system. I understand to use other systems, the other scoots have the same systems. I know nothing about the Sena system but it sounds like the way to go.

Where in Texas are you located?

:spyder2:

I have a factory CB and have constantly had concerns with it. Currently I am having a concern with an audio problem. I definatly would go with the Sena bluetooth. Our friends just upgraded to it also.

 

[Fatcycledaddy]

I use the Sena 20s and love it. The other thing is that no matter if it is CB or Bluetooth, the distance you can communicate is limited. With the Sena 20s I have my cell phone linked to it, cell phone is plugged in in the trunk and left there, I can use voice command to either call or answer a call and it is crystal clear on both ends. This now means there sis no ,limit to the distance that I can speak to some one.
We meet up with friends riding from about 90 miles away, we don't have to constantly try to reach them to see if the CB will connect. A quick phone call as we ride works great, we then can meet up and use the Bluetooth headset to headset feature to talk the rest of the trip.

 

[greybeard]

sena

I use the Sena 20s and love it. The other thing is that no matter if it is CB or Bluetooth, the distance you can communicate is limited. With the Sena 20s I have my cell phone linked to it, cell phone is plugged in in the trunk and left there, I can use voice command to either call or answer a call and it is crystal clear on both ends. This now means there sis no ,limit to the distance that I can speak to some one.
We meet up with friends riding from about 90 miles away, we don't have to constantly try to reach them to see if the CB will connect. A quick phone call as we ride works great, we then can meet up and use the Bluetooth headset to headset feature to talk the rest of the trip.

I second this Sena Bluetooth is the way to go:firstplace:

 

[JayBros]

A few points for consideration, IMO:
1. Sena SMH10 technology on your and your bride's helmets will give you the communication you need with each other. It is less expensive than the 20S system but its old technology, see below.
2. The Sena 20S system is newer technology and with the FM radio in it one doesn't need to worry about the Spyder's radio system.
3. You only need the Bluetooth dongle, Sena SM10, if you want to listen to the Spyder radio through your Bluetooth headsets.
4. The Zumo 590 that comes with your 2016 Ltd has an MP3 player in it that you can load up with musicand listen to through your headsets.
5. Do a search on this site and you will find a lot of comments about the crappy BRP CB radio.
6. As a current owner of a Sena SMH10 headset, I'm probably going to replace it with the 20S sooner or later.

 

[UtahPete]

CB is for long-range communications

Im about to purchase a new 16 RT Limited. I've never owned a Spyder and don't know if I need the CB option for communication with my wife. I believe that is necessary for corded headsets? Other option would be the Bluetooth dongle install with BT headsets.

What do I lose if I do bluetooth and what do all the other spyder owners do here?

Thanks for your input!

Are you talking about communicating with your passenger (wife) or another bike? Very few people use CB anymore for a variety of reasons. The better blue-tooth headsets have a range up to a 1/4 mile or more. None of this requires you buy the CB option or the OEM BT dongle. I would buy the bike without those options and then do after-market BT headsets with the features you need.

 

[Trailboss]

Props to MR Cognac

I was not sure if your wife is a passenger or has her own scoot. I have a BRP CB as I ride with a group of oldsters, some who have CBs. The BRP CB is expensive, you have to buy a different wiring harness, and works poorly at best. My Gold Wing CB is 3X better than the BRP system. I understand to use other systems, the other scoots have the same systems. I know nothing about the Sena system but it sounds like the way to go.

Where in Texas are you located?

:spyder2:

You've lived a full life sir. In regards to the CB or Bluetooth I'd go the Sena 20s. CB radios are nice if they work properly and if there isn't constant chatter on every channel and if somebody doesn't "key up" over you because the system they have isn't quite legal.

 

[Blade]

Buying Decision

I agree with all the responders who suggested you go with a 20S Sena system they are great . I have been using mine for about two yrs now and have not had a problem communicating with my passenger or another rider in our group. And they are easy to install in your helmet. You buy them I'm sure you will agree.

Blade

 

[ARtraveler]

There are lots of threads about the poor reception on the CB package from BRP. I recommend passing on that option.

A lot of votes for SENA here. I have the SMH 10 version and they work just fine for us. I don't need music, phones, etc. Just communication between bike one and bike two. The SENA units have the best distance communication as well as noise free operation within range.

We recently purchased the newest version of Nolan helmets. Their current set up does not accept our SENA add ons (the new lip is to large). I had to purchase the Nolan N-Com system to regain communication with the new helmets. The built-ins look nice. They do NOT work as well as the SENA when distance is a consideration. Clarity is not an issue.

Motorcycle Dave is a vendor of SENA--give him a holler. :yes:

 

[Ramg66]

Vote for the Sena 20 for me too, my wife and I love them. Except she doesn't like hearing me complain on others driving skills. :banghead:

 

[JackinSpokane]

Another vote for the SENA 20S

I’ll vote for the SENA 20S also. You won't believe all the audio options you’ll have. Including FM radio, linking with your GPS, your wife and seven other riders. And not just SENA intercoms, but many other manufacture’s models. Too many options to list here. Go review the many YouTube videos and you’ll be amazed.

My Rides:
Cam-Am SpYder, RT-Limited SE-6, 1330, Black-Currant
BMW Motorcycle F700GS
Piaggio BV350cc Bike
BMW i3 All Electric, Rex
700 watt Electric 15-speed bike

 

[jzb54]

Input

Thanks everyone for taking the time to offer you input. It is much appreciated. Sena 20S it is for both our helmets.