Just joined and a question already!

[Ken S.]

Good morning/afternoon, all--

I'm looking at getting back into riding after a "brief" 40-year hiatus, and I've always admired BMW's. I've done some research, and found a 2015 RT that looks to be in excellent shape. The VIN indicates it has the XO233 Touring Package, so apparently no sound system.
While this is admittedly a First World problem, I'd still want it. I'm checking in here to see if anyone knows if it's possible to retrofit a sound system in a way that fits seamlessly. I may be able to get one directly from a dealer, but that may not be the optimal move. I'm hoping there's a better-sounding and cheaper way to go that will be nearly as close to plug-and-play as the OEM unit, if they're even available. Has anyone here gone down this road before, and might you have some suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

[beemerboy9]

The tricky part is getting good sound quality from speakers at 70mph with the wind rushing past your helmet.

Motorcycling has now adopted the modern fashion in automobiles, namely using Apple Carplay or Andriod Auto to mirror the screen on the smartphone.

The latest way is to use a helmet communicator linked to a "dumb" screen - Carpuride or Chigee - which mirrors your smartphone. Some screens even have BMW-compatible mounting plates.

The phone and helmet are linked by Bluetooth to the screen and the output is fed directly to the helmet instead of using bike-mounted speakers.

This way is far more effective and cheaper than the old bike-mounted radio way.

All my BMW RT's have had on-board sound systems but I will not be paying extra $$$$ for the next one.

[Ken S.]

Thanks for that info.

[1gewehr]

I use a Cardo in-helmet communicator synched to my cell phone. The speakers are in the helmet next to my ears, which helps cut down on external noise as well. I can listen to my own music, listen to SiriusXM music or podcasts, accept or place emergency calls, and much more. And, I'm not annoying other folks at stoplights by blasting them with my music.
The best part is that my helmet and phone go with me on each of my bikes, so ne need to mess with different systems.

[Doctor T]

Welcome to the site

[Ken S.]

Thank you all for your words of wisdom and of welcome. I resolved the issue by finding a '14 model with a few more miles, a couple scuffs and scratches, and a ton more options and accessories for pretty much the same price. I'm looking forward to completing the deal this weekend.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that the only mechanical issue the '14s suffered that the '15s didn't was the recall issue for the rear suspension. Since it's highly unlikely that this hasn't been addressed (nothing noted tied to its VIN at the local dealer but a software update), is there any reason the '15 would be a better choice?
Thanks again!

[Glenn]

Some had alternator issues

See viewtopic.php?t=5349

https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/2014 ... n.1685901/

[Ken S.]

Wow! Thanks for the heads-up. I guess I have some digging to do.
I'm discovering that this is a highly useful resource.

[Ken S.]

Update: Well, I thought it over and decided it's just too nice to pass up. I'll bring a small VOM with me to make sure there's current to the battery when it's idling. If it's copacetic, I'll say a prayer to Saint Wyatt and Saint Billy, the saints of biking, and toss my helmet back into the ring after a 40-year sabbatical. All wishes for good luck gladly accepted. I'm starting to get pretty excited about this!