I know this radio subject has been beat to death over the last few years. I have a 2020 RTL and I’m sure anyone that has one has found the the radio is worthless. I’m curious now that the pandemic is hopefully over and things are getting back to normal has anyone heard of a solution to this problem?
-
There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.
Spyder radio is worthless - any solution to this problem?
- Thread starter gunner
- Start date
ThreeWheels
Active member
My experience has been that all radios on motorcycles are suboptimal. Even if you get a decent station, you're generally travelling a good distance, so you get out of range.
I've been using an MP3 player for the tunes. I load up the ones I want and I don't have to worry about them fading out of range like the radio stations.
GeorgeXP700
New member
I don’t bother with the radio because commercial radio sucks. I use Spotify or music stored on my phone.
bigbadbrucie
New member
I have no idea how well or not my radio works on my 2014 RTS. I have never used it since I bought the unit in 2015. I use my iPod for all of my listening needs, and am happy to do so. All of my handlebar controls work flawlessly. jmho!
sledge
New member
Same Here on my 2011 RT .
DGoebel
Well-known member
Even after trying my phone with amazon music, Sirius XM music and others on my (new to me) '18 RTL this past weekend's 600+ miles, I'm now upgrading my old IPOD with a new battery (old was puffed) and switched the old spinning disk HD with an IFlash.xyz SD Card conversion, So I'll be able to put my entire120GB music library in the bike permanently...����
FrogmanDave
Active member
You guys are still using iPods. I didn't know anyone still did that. I find my radio works just fine around town which is 95% of my riding.
BLUEKNIGHT911
Sadly Passed Oct 2024 - RIP
That depends on a few factors ..... I have a 14 RT and changed to 2 ohm JBL speakers, 5.25 for all Four. I also changed to a Bosche manually retractable Auto antennae, and now get very good reception. ..... This fix does not seem to help Radio's on 2018 and up ...... good luck ..... PS - "Joel the Biker" found out how to mod the newer year models. ..... Mike :thumbup:
Last edited by a moderator:
my phone via bluetooth works great, plenty loud enough, and can toggle songs and loudness via joystick or tank controls,, forget the radio, i have a nice playlist i listen too.
chunkmonk
Member
I find the 'noise' of a radio distracting while riding. I already have 47 things to keep track of and the noise coming at me from the dash is just too much. I had a great Alpine system on my last HD and the only time I ever turned it on was when I was parked somewhere. I'd rather have a builtin dashboard setup with GPS, Drivetrain status, Trip information - all of that functional stuff - skip the noiz. I have a phone, bluetooth helmet, bluetooth hearing aids,etc, if I get a phone call or text (which I will find a spot to pull off and respond to). I'd consider XM since I do listen to patriot news and a few other select news/talk stations, but don't know how to add satellite radio to the bike. I just got it in my truck and love it. I'm going to call them today and ask about having it set on my phone as well - problem solved.
LongIsland
Member
All you have to do is add streaming to your XM subscription (if it's not already included) and you can stream from your cell, pc, laptop, tablet, etc. I have an XM on my 2014 RTL and stream it to my cell and other devices so I have it in my car through my phone.
DreamsSewn
New member
Might need to change the thread subject but I'm going to ask here anyway as few of you have mentioned you have 2014 RTL and listen to your iPod. I too have a 2014 & have been using Sena 50S. However, my husband got tired of all the problems with 50S and had factory CB installed. I had previously had CB installed as we both had GoldWings and took him awhile to get his Spyder.
My question is: I want to flip back to using my CB but I listen to audiobooks more than music. I had tried connecting my older iPod to the back but feel like I'm missing something. Please, any suggestions? I'm due to go on a 2 week trip mid June and need to be able to listen to something. Thanks.
Sandie
My question is: I want to flip back to using my CB but I listen to audiobooks more than music. I had tried connecting my older iPod to the back but feel like I'm missing something. Please, any suggestions? I'm due to go on a 2 week trip mid June and need to be able to listen to something. Thanks.
Sandie
Last edited:
Woodenfish
Member
I’m happiest with the free Dash app streaming from my iPhone. The FM radio stations I normally listen to don’t seem to be picked up well on the Spyders receiver or if they do the fidelity is poor. The Dash radio app has so little commercial interruptions and they play good tunes that I enjoy I seldom use the FM radio.
bigbadbrucie
New member
Not zure whT you’re asking Sandie. Are you not hearing your iPod at all....are you trying to hear it in your helmet? Just what are you asking?
DreamsSewn
New member
I need advice on just how to connect the iPod to my 2014 RTL and when do I need to do to be able to hear the music via my CB speakers in helmet. For example: Do I just plug it into the socket on the right with iPod cord, have iPod turned on, have AUX on my dash and then how do I control my audiobook or music to stop and then restart?
I have the Zumo XT connected and if I put audiobook in this model of Zumo, when I stop the bike for lunch and start it up again to continue my book, I have to start at the beginning again. There's no way for me to scroll to my stopping point. Will I be encountering this same situation if I connect my iPod?
Thanks for any help. I tried to connect 3 yrs ago when I got the bike and had difficulties which is what led to getting the SENA. I just came back from a 50 mile trip and SENA disconnected or something for about 15-20 miles.
Sandie
I have the Zumo XT connected and if I put audiobook in this model of Zumo, when I stop the bike for lunch and start it up again to continue my book, I have to start at the beginning again. There's no way for me to scroll to my stopping point. Will I be encountering this same situation if I connect my iPod?
Thanks for any help. I tried to connect 3 yrs ago when I got the bike and had difficulties which is what led to getting the SENA. I just came back from a 50 mile trip and SENA disconnected or something for about 15-20 miles.
Sandie
bigbadbrucie
New member
Sandie do you have the Sena SM10? This is the unit that Motorcycle Dave says that Sena is/has discontinued. You need this for your unit to play through your Bluetooth helmet speakers. Motorcycle Dave is the Sena guru. Send him a PM or telephone him about this problem you’re having. Very easy fellow to talk to. His ad is at the top of your Spyder Lovers screen.
Similar threads
