Spyder radio is worthless - any solution to this problem?

[old Timer]

The engine and all the stimulus when riding is all I've ever needed IMHO.

 

[UtahPete]

In my humble opinion, when Can-Am designed the Spyder, they envisioned a world where Bluetooth would reign over the integration of technologies used on a bike. Consequently they didn't invest much in the AM/FM receiver or the speaker system for that matter.

That's fine with me, because I'd rather not pay for a high end system I'll never really use. I never listen to the radio any more at home or in the car. I never use the speakers because sound is so much better through the headset (plus I'm not annoying everyone in earshot).

 

[Jane1330]

Cardo unit w/JBL wurks fur me...

 

[McRuss]

Really?

I put songs on a thumb drive plug it in the usb in the trunk plays real good.

I put songs on a thumb drive, plugged it into the USB in the trunk and .....how do you get it to play even fairly good? The only options for 'source' are radio and 'aux' and aux wants me to configure my bluetooth! a little explanation please, even by PM.

 

[bigbadbrucie]

Reading these posts makes me glad thhat I did not succumb to all the hype of the 2020+. My ‘14 sound system is no better or worse than what I had on my “wings”. I’m sitting on a motorcycle for gosh sakes, not sitting in a concert hall, so the sound quality suffers. I use my oem speakers with my ipod plugged into the bike in the trunk connection and play the music that I WANT TO LISTEN TO. A bbetter system will still not be concert hall perfect, and you can rest assured pay A HELL OF A LOT MORE for that wee pleasure. I’m happy with what I HAVE!

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Reading these posts makes me glad thhat I did not succumb to all the hype of the 2020+. My ‘14 sound system is no better or worse than what I had on my “wings”. I’m sitting on a motorcycle for gosh sakes, not sitting in a concert hall, so the sound quality suffers. I use my oem speakers with my ipod plugged into the bike in the trunk connection and play the music that I WANT TO LISTEN TO. A bbetter system will still not be concert hall perfect, and you can rest assured pay A HELL OF A LOT MORE for that wee pleasure. I’m happy with what I HAVE!

BBB, for 10 thru 17 it was never about the " Radio " .... it was the speakers, I use 2 ohm JBL's and couldn't be happier .....Mike

 

[pidjones]

My '21 RTL was very slightly improved by changing to a longer aftermarket antenna - maybe 10% improvement. Luckily, for local riding I have the choice of three contemporary Christian stations (my preference) to choose from. I also have an old cell phone with blank SIM and much of my collection on an SD card in the trunk plugged into the USB port there. It connects to the RTL via Bluetooth. A drawback on that is the USB in the trunk is only hot when the bike is on. I have to remember to take that phone out and put it on a charger if not riding for a week or more.

 

[helton61]

I just plugged it in and it plays didn't have any trouble.

 

[linguine]

I use my phone and the BT connection to my Spyder RTL. Using Spotify in offline mode, I can play all my tunes anywhere, via playlists that have been downloaded to the phone. No data connection is used. Excellent sound.

 

[GFrog]

XM app on iPhone and I have 2 years free Apple music for the last 4 years ( Shhh Don't tell them).

Same here. :agree:

I have Sirius XM on my phone and stream to my headset. I also stream Sirius XM in my truck via Android Auto. Beats having to pay extra for a Sirius XM vehicle package. hyea:

 

[ks4hcoach]

I NEVER use nor do I ever intend to use the radio on my 2021RTL. To me it is a waste of money and dash space that could have either saved me the $$, or, been put to use on a better dash and display with Apple Play or Google Play...

If I do want to listen to the radio, it will be through a helmet headset and not blaring to the world to advertise my presence.

 

[bikerbillone]

My solution is not turning the thing on. I hate to pay for something and not use it, but it is what it is.

 

[Saluda]

Definitely weak, longer trips I have to change stations a couple of times. Surprised at no improvement after all these years of complaints.

 

[agrimm01]

I like listening to the radio and it seems to work fine for me. It picks up as well as my other vehicles. What I don't like is scrolling through the list to get to the station I want to listen to.

 

[Lew L]

Definitely weak, longer trips I have to change stations a couple of times. Surprised at no improvement after all these years of complaints.

....

+1

 

[slhanks004]

I use either the Sirius/XM app on my iphone or listen to Apple Music and play it through my Cardo headset.

 

[190243]

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.

Yup and mine is at least 20 years old.up here we have a app called Iheart radio works excellent never lose a station and it’s free.