Communication System on 2011 RT Limited

[Electrified]

Although I have been reading this forum off and on for a while, I am only now really looking into a Spyder. We looked at a 2011 Limited today and have scheduled an extended ride for May 6th. We want to have helmet to helmet communication and be able to listen to music. In looking at all the information I can find, I am still confused. What all do you have to purchase in order to have what I described above? I am not interested in a CB system or any other type of bike to bike system as my wife and I ride by ourselves 90% of the time. Also, is there a less expensive aftermarket alternative by J&M or some other company that I be able to use instead? I am sure this topic has already been covered so thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[NancysToy]

In addition to the BRP CB/Comm System, there are both wired and wireless alternatives that will do what you want. I like the Starcom1 wired system, but the Atocom and Baehr are good wired systems, too. For wireless (Bluetooth) the Cardo and Sena systems seem to get the best reviews here. There are also propietary systems specicic to helmets by Nolan, Schuberth, and others.

 

[Electrified]

So, I will have to spend an extra $900 and then use an aftermarket headset of my choice?

 

[NancysToy]

So, I will have to spend an extra $900 and then use an aftermarket headset of my choice?

??? You cannot use most aftermarket headsets with the BRP system. Most aftermarket systems have their own headsets, to be installed in your helmets for use with their systems.

 

[Electrified]

??? You cannot use most aftermarket headsets with the BRP system. Most aftermarket systems have their own headsets, to be installed in your helmets for use with their systems.

OK, it must be late and my brain turning to mush. I see where you wrote "alternative" but simply glossed over that. With that being said, if I purchase one of the alternative systems you mentioned, will it allow me to tap into the BRP's system so I can pipe music from the Spyder's radio and/or other audio features? Sorry for the dumb questions but I have never owned such a complicated piece of machinery. I have had Kawasaki's, Honda's, BMW's, ect.. but never touring machine with all the electronic so I feel a little lost. The main thing I am wanting to make sure is that whatever I purchase, I am able to utilize all or most of the nice features that are already integrated on the Spyder.

 

[SilverSurfer]

I'll Jump In

Hi 'Electrified'

IMHO, at least at this time, investing in the BRP communications system for the Spyder RT is a bad value. Yes. It's 900 bucks, plus whatever you spend in time and/or money to install it. It's a CB/Intercom system. Moreover, its reputation in this forum is troublesome. $900+ for a troublesome unit, 50% of which (the CB) you're unlikely to use doesn't sound like it has bang for your buck.

So if all you're looking for is ryder-to-passenger commo, then look at alternatives. I would recommend the Cardo Scala Rider Multiset. This system is easily integrated into different helmet types, and communicate ryder-to-ryder, or bike to bike at ranges rated up to about a half mile. The entire Cardo investment will be about $340.00

Do I own the Scala? No. I am a single ryder, but do a lot of group and formation work. Therefore, I need a CB or FRS/GMRS bike-to-bike solution. Still, I have to date avoided the BRP solution; again, because of its cost and troublesome reputation. I have two units, both portable with long battery life. My FRS/GMRS solution is a Chatterbox FRS2. My CB Solution is a Midland 75-822 40 ch portable CB. I bought the midland on a package deal from hightechwireless.com, where they have the radio plus a headset, mic and PTT button (to velcro around handlebars). It has a powersave function that pushes rechargeable NiMH or Lithium Ion batteries (chargers provided) to over 12 hours. That's more time than anyone will ever use it in one day. My total investment for both units was $418.00. They work.

Best,

Paul :yes:

P.S. If you don't have any BRP communications equipment on your Spyder, you will find that lonely PTT butt on the front of your left handlebar. Alas, it doesn't work with anything else, but BRPs communications. It is a custom button and sending module that is integrated into the Spyders CAN Bus system, specifically for the BRP CB/Intercom package. I looked into this because I wanted to use it with my other communications gear. No such luck.

 

[Electrified]

Hi 'Electrified'

IMHO, at least at this time, investing in the BRP communications system for the Spyder RT is a bad value. Yes. It's 900 bucks, plus whatever you spend in time and/or money to install it. It's a CB/Intercom system. Moreover, its reputation in this forum is troublesome. $900+ for a troublesome unit, 50% of which (the CB) you're unlikely to use doesn't sound like it has bang for your buck.

So if all you're looking for is ryder-to-passenger commo, then look at alternatives. I would recommend the Cardo Scala Rider Multiset are easily integrated into different helmet types, and communicate ryder-to-ryder, or bike to bike at ranges rated up to about a half mile. The entire Cardo investment will be about $340.00

Do I own the Scala? No. I am a single ryder, but do a lot of group and formation work. Therefore, I need a CB or FRS/GMRS bike-to-bike solution. Still, I have to date avoided the BRP solution; again, because of its cost and troublesome reputation. I have two units, both portable with long battery life. My FRS/GMRS solution is a Chatterbox FRS2. My CB Solution is a Midland 82-755 40 ch portable CB. I bought the midland on a package deal from hightechwireless.com, where they have the radio plus a headset, mic and PTT button (to velcro around handlebars). It has a powersave function that pushes NiMH or Lithium Ion batteries to over 12 hours. That's more time than anyone will ever use it in one day. My total investment for both units was $418.00. They work.

Best,

Paul :yes:

P.S. If you don't have any BRP communications equipment on your Spyder, you will find that lonely PTT butt on the front of your left handlebar. Alas, it doesn't work with anything else, but BRPs communications. It is a custom button and sending module that is integrated into the Spyders CAN Bus system, specifically for the BRP CB/Intercom package. I looked into this because I wanted to use it with my other communications gear. No such luck.

Thanks for that detailed information Paul. That really helps me a lot. Do you know if the radio on the RT Limited will work with one of the non BRP set ups? I am assuming it will not based on your comments above as I cannot find anything in BRP's literature that says that I can.

 

[SilverSurfer]

Electrified ...

If 'the radio' you are speaking of is the CB/Intercom purchased as an option on the RTs, you are correct. They only integrate with themselves. The CB/Intercom is not standard on any level on the RT. It is an option. If I were you, I would certainly purchase a top end RT-S or Limited; however, the CB/Intercom is an option that (again) is troublesome and over-priced. I'd go with alternatives as stated.

I have a 2010 RT-S Premier Edition. I added to the GPS option (absolutely worth it) and the SE5 (semi-auto) transmission. It otherwise comes with a great AF/FM/NOAA Weather radio and an ability to jack-in your iPod in the rear trunk and play it through your command console. Total: $26,900 (before tax/tags, etc). I've looked at the Limited. For $1100 more, It makes the GPS and SE5 Transmission standard, offers that pearl white color and luggage for your hard cases. Still, the communication system is not standard. Whatever trim line your RT, it's still a $800 plus install (corrected from $900) add-on.

 

[Electrified]

Thanks Paul. That is frustrating to have such a nice set up on the RT and not able to completely utilize it but such is life. I really appreciate your input.

 

[NancysToy]

OK, it must be late and my brain turning to mush. I see where you wrote "alternative" but simply glossed over that. With that being said, if I purchase one of the alternative systems you mentioned, will it allow me to tap into the BRP's system so I can pipe music from the Spyder's radio and/or other audio features? Sorry for the dumb questions but I have never owned such a complicated piece of machinery. I have had Kawasaki's, Honda's, BMW's, ect.. but never touring machine with all the electronic so I feel a little lost. The main thing I am wanting to make sure is that whatever I purchase, I am able to utilize all or most of the nice features that are already integrated on the Spyder.

The Spyder system cannot readily be integrated with other systems. Some creative folks have rigged work-arounds to pipe the Spyder to their headsets, but it is not easy, nor necessarily that useful, IMO. I stick with one or the other, I were you...or listen to the music on the speakers, but use the intercom in your helmets to chat with your passenger.

 

[SilverSurfer]

:agree:

 

[Electrified]

The Spyder system cannot readily be integrated with other systems. Some creative folks have rigged work-arounds to pipe the Spyder to their headsets, but it is not easy, nor necessarily that useful, IMO. I stick with one or the other, I were you...or listen to the music on the speakers, but use the intercom in your helmets to chat with your passenger.

Scotty,

I have not had an opportunity to listen to the RT's audio system at highway speeds and am not sure if it is loud enough to hear through full face helmets. To be perfectly honest, I have never owned a bike with a stereo system so I have no idea what to expect. I have been told that using anything other than a full face helmet will allow you to hear bike radio's at highway speed but my wife and I have been whacked in the face far too many time to wear anything other than a full face set-up. In your post above, you mentioned that it is "not necessarily that useful" so I assume that you do not listen to music while riding???? I love listening to music while riding as it really enhances my experience. Thanks for the info!:2thumbs:

 

[SilverSurfer]

For Sooth!

My two favorite Helmets are the Scorpion EXO-100 (dropdown forhead/eye/upper face shield) and EXO-200 (faceshield interchangeable with visor). I wear the 100 in the summer and the 200 in colder weather. I also wear a pair of gummi earplugs. The earplugs cut down on the high-frequency noises produced by wind, the engine and road noise (vehicles n' such), but allow in the sound of your music system (and integrated GPS if you have it) better than no earplugs. I find that with these helmets, I always have a pretty good ear on my stereo at all speeds. Granted, the EXO-100 lets more in. As far as getting 'whacked,' note the flip down visors. The RT's big windscreen prevents most whacks, but the visors and face shields on the Scorpion helmets more than take care of the rest. I don't know where you guys live, but I'm in Maryland where the summer daytime temps often top the high-80s and above. I'd die in a full face helmet.

 

[Electrified]

My two favorite Helmets are the Scorpion EXO-100 (dropdown forhead/eye/upper face shield) and EXO-200 (faceshield interchangeable with visor). I wear the 100 in the summer and the 200 in colder weather. I also wear a pair of gummi earplugs. The earplugs cut down on the high-frequency noises produced by wind, the engine and road noise (vehicles n' such), but allow in the sound of your music system (and integrated GPS if you have it) better than no earplugs. I find that with these helmets, I always have a pretty good ear on my stereo at all speeds. Granted, the EXO-100 lets more in. As far as getting 'whacked,' note the flip down visors. The RT's big windscreen prevents most whacks, but the visors and face shields on the Scorpion helmets more than take care of the rest. I don't know where you guys live, but I'm in Maryland where the summer daytime temps often top the high-80s and above. I'd die in a full face helmet.

Paul,

We live in Southeast Texas (Houston area) and summer temps typically range from 95-103 degrees. I know it sounds bizarre, but we have grown accustomed to wearing full face helmets. I realize the RT offers superior protection to anything else I have ridden to date but what can I say....old habits die hard. I am hoping that after I purchase the Limited, I will lower my defenses to some degree and work on setting up my riding style to a 3-legged monster. I really enjoy all of your experiences and will continue to ask "stupid" questions while I contemplate my extended ride on the RT Limited on May 6th. :spyder:

 

[lawrenc454]

comm system and GPS through headsets

I have been away from the forum for a while but it appears that BRP still doesn't have a fix or a bulletin but Stevedfive sent me a message a long time ago that said he figured it out.

It's too bad we spent so much money on the Comm System, CB and harness, correct helmet headsets just to find out that the system doesn't work with one of the key functions.

I won't name the person that contacted me or the attorney he mentioned but at least a few people have been talking to an attorney about filing a lawsuit and a series of state consumer protection complaints.

I wish them luck and I wish instead that BRP would just admit they have a design flaw, figure out how to fix it and make it right for everyone that spent so much on the system that doesn't have one of the most expected functions working.:gaah::gaah::gaah::gaah:

 

[NorthStar]

Scala + Zumo

We have a Scala Teamset & Zumo 550. This allows us intercom functionality + Hands Free Cell phone use + MP3 music + GPS directions to be piped through our helmet speakers via wireless Bluetooth. The Zumo pairs directly to both the headsets and cell phone.

As for listening to music on the RT radio, or Ipod/mp3 hook up, I would highly recommend just using the RT speakers. I wear a full face helmet, with earplugs. and can hear the music just fine over the speakers. Most helmet speakers, within my price range, just don't have the clarity.

If you simply need intercom functionality I would buy a set of Bluetooth Wireless headsets and listen to your music over the speakers. The bluetooth GPS is not required, if you know where you are going.

 

[Lamonster]

http://www.cardosystems.com/scala-rider/scala-rider-g4-powerset
This is what I use to do just what you're looking for. I can chat with the and pair with my iphone that's hooked into the RT and that lets me change tracks on the iphone with the RT.

 

[billythekidd]

Hello, I have a new 11 RTS and did the BRP CB, intercom route and have had no problems what so ever. It is a little pricy, but so was the CB on my goldwings and my victory vision (and the victory had the same thing with the extra cable you needed to buy to get it to work).
I use the ipod, and ipad in the trunk with the connector supplied and the S O says she has more volume control that we ever had on the wing. The vision just worked no problems with it either. I use the J&M headsets (Nolan Helmets) and the lower cord they provided and as stated have no problems. My zumo 660 has not been an issue either. If I switch to aux I can listen to the the music I have on the Zumo as well. If you like integration, I think any of the manufacture's options are the way to go. If you don't mind a little extra to try to get the same functionality there are options out there. If you read here it is unfortunate, but the problems were with the 10 model year and not the 11.

Willy

 

[BeachSpyder]

I will tread lightly on this one

I suspect that no one directly answered the question I think you were really asking, which was: how do I get the spyder's sound system music and info into my helmet, along with intercom? If that was not your question, I apologize for this post. I ave been researching the same issue. The biggest problem is the porting of the stereo line from the brp console to an intercom with a line input, such as an autocom or starcom. I have heard it is problematic, especially without the accessory harness. The cheapest solution I have heard of is to splice into your rear speaker output a line amplifier that can then be used as an input into an autocom or starcom. You would then have all of the output and control of the bike radio and gps, mp3, etc., plus intercom as well, being ported to your helmet. The autocom speakers are not audiophile quality sound, but you can get an earphone attachment and then use a good pair of noise isolating buds, like the klipsch or Bose units, and have superior sound quality, with a separate volume control. The biggest problem is placement of the unit, as it seems the only place you can put the autocom is in the trunk, and then drill a large hole for the rider connections. Also, this does not allow you to se the gps for Bluetooth phone operation, which is a problem I am still working on. But that does not seem to be an issue for you. I hope this helps.

 

[Electrified]

I suspect that no one directly answered the question I think you were really asking, which was: how do I get the spyder's sound system music and info into my helmet, along with intercom? If that was not your question, I apologize for this post. I ave been researching the same issue. The biggest problem is the porting of the stereo line from the brp console to an intercom with a line input, such as an autocom or starcom. I have heard it is problematic, especially without the accessory harness. The cheapest solution I have heard of is to splice into your rear speaker output a line amplifier that can then be used as an input into an autocom or starcom. You would then have all of the output and control of the bike radio and gps, mp3, etc., plus intercom as well, being ported to your helmet. The autocom speakers are not audiophile quality sound, but you can get an earphone attachment and then use a good pair of noise isolating buds, like the klipsch or Bose units, and have superior sound quality, with a separate volume control. The biggest problem is placement of the unit, as it seems the only place you can put the autocom is in the trunk, and then drill a large hole for the rider connections. Also, this does not allow you to se the gps for Bluetooth phone operation, which is a problem I am still working on. But that does not seem to be an issue for you. I hope this helps.

BeachSpyder, that is exactly the question I have been trying to answer and I believe you have hit the nail on the head. I have this fantasy that much like my wife's car, we can be driving down the highway listening to music when someone calls, we simply hit answer on the steering wheel and WA LA! the radio goes mute and we can talk to the caller. Take that scenario and put it on a RT except that I want us to both be listening to the same music and then we we decide to talk, we just start talking and the radio goes mute. Even if I can't that exact scenario, it would certainly be nice to control music and I-Pod from the handlebars. I believe your solution is one of the best so far.