Radio Quality

[dlb56]

I'm going to be purchasing a new RT after the first of year and am undecided about getting the audio system or not. As I'm hard of hearing (I wear hearing aids) I suspect the audio system would be wasted on me, but thought I'd solicit some input from those of you who have the system. Is it something you use on a routine basis and something you can use cruising at 70 mph down the freeway? For those that have it, is it something you'd include again if you were to buy the bike again? I've test ridden a demo, but didn't try out the radio as I was too engrossed with all the other functions of the bike. Thanks for any feedback!

[guest2360]

The unit is top quality, the speakers work great on your drive. on the move you have to have either Bluetooth or a wired intercom system plumbed to it.  There is lots of advice on here about both methods. Beware of dealers advising you you must use BMW kit. It's the only one that fully connects to the bike but if you have a pillion it's flawed

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[Rwslater]

I also have hearing issues (deaf right side) and when I bought my '15 RT it came with the audio system and I'm glad I got it.  I also have a Sena 20S communicator with the bluetooth and it's a great deal.  Might want to consider resale value to a not so hearing impaired rider some day too. 
Just my 2 cents


Ron

[guest2360]

It probably doesn't bother you but your Sena, or any other make of Bluetooth will only half connect to the 2 Bluetooth systems in the audio unit. So your pillion cannot connect to it.  Only a wired system will allow both the rider and the pillion to connect with everything including the GPS.

[dlb56]

Thanks for the responses. Good point regarding the resale value. Worst case (besides the extra cost) is I can't hear it well enough to use it.


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[richardbd]

The unit is top quality, the speakers work great on your drive. on the move you have to have either Bluetooth or a wired intercom system plumbed to it.  There is lots of advice on here about both methods. Beware of dealers advising you you must use BMW kit. It's the only one that fully connects to the bike but if you have a pillion it's flawed

I always considered myself something of an amateur guru on bike comms until I got the audio-equipped RT.


Since then, I've learned to listen to RTMan's advice - very word of it has been spot on.


My advice is that you listen to his advice!


:clap: :clap:

[mercator1]

I have excellent hearing, so I can't comment on how the RT audio is with hearing difficulties, but it seems to be sufficient at any speed to me.  I wish, like the Goldwing, there were some rear luggage mounted speaker options, but it works fine.  I use Sena bluetooth when using my modular helmet, and the speakers when using open face in the hottest part of the Summer.  My problem is that I've developed a weird crackling sound in my right ear when I ride.  I scored off the charts on the hearing test, so it has to be some weird nerve thing, I guess.  The ENT thought maybe I irritated the cochlea shooting pistols one day.  I hope that clears up, because it's annoying.


I suggest just meeting up with someone with the RT audio, and get them to let you hear it.

[BoxerCrazy]

Dlb56, I too am a 'newbie" to this forum and have found it to be interesting and humorous.  Yes, some of you are actually funny. 


I too am hard of hearing and wear hearing aids in both ears.  I purchased a new R1200RT this past summer and took it for a 4000 mile "around" the block ride. I have found the speakers to be of very good quality and can certainly hear music way past what any officer of the law would call a legal speed.  I primarily use the BMW Bluetooth in my Schuberth helmet, which is also of excellent quality.  Use of both allows me full functionality of the controler.  I was in your same shoes a few months ago, concerned about whether my disability would interfere with the ability to hear quality music......fear not and crank it up!

[dlb56]

Thanks, Boxer! Just the kind of feedback I was looking for! I will likely get the audio if for no other reason than the potential resale value down the road, but nice to know I may get some use out of it.


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