2014 Stereo/Head unit problems thread
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 397
Likes: 27
From: McKinleyville, CA
offthewall,
Thank you very much for your reply, I really want to get the 2014 SGS and finally, lol, a positive review on the infotainment system. I will pretty much use the system like you from the sounds of it. GPS point to point and really want to just be able to play some tunes or xm through the speakers and not much else. Have you had any of the screen freezing up or unit lock up and not play any music and have to shut the bike off and restart to get it working again as some have mentioned?
Thank you very much for your reply, I really want to get the 2014 SGS and finally, lol, a positive review on the infotainment system. I will pretty much use the system like you from the sounds of it. GPS point to point and really want to just be able to play some tunes or xm through the speakers and not much else. Have you had any of the screen freezing up or unit lock up and not play any music and have to shut the bike off and restart to get it working again as some have mentioned?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 84
From: New Jersey
offthewall, Thank you very much for your reply, I really want to get the 2014 SGS and finally, lol, a positive review on the infotainment system. I will pretty much use the system like you from the sounds of it. GPS point to point and really want to just be able to play some tunes or xm through the speakers and not much else. Have you had any of the screen freezing up or unit lock up and not play any music and have to shut the bike off and restart to get it working again as some have mentioned?
The point to point GPS works as well as any in-vehicle system I have had (2013 Audi and 2012 Jeep). In fact the software is made by the same people that make the Jeep and my previous BMW systems so I'm very familiar with the interface. iPod/iPhone and USB music playback works as you would expect. I don't have the XM unit (yet) so I can't comment on that.
Most of the gripes are people wanting the system to be exactly like the Garmin they are used to and having unrealistic expectations about Bluetooth capabilities. The SGS does not have built in wired microphone capability so you would have to add the HD or better yet, the J&M mic kit for full use of the system.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 397
Likes: 27
From: McKinleyville, CA
offthewall, thanks again for your reply. I've had several BMW's so I know the interface you're referring to. As far as the mic I probably wouldn't use it even if it was available on the SGS. After your replies it sounds like I should just pull the trigger and get the bike as I intended to before reading this whole thread, lol. One other question, I was thinking of getting the hidden antenna and was wondering if the reception was as good as the stock external one? Again thank you for your feedback I really appreciate it. Ride safe.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 84
From: New Jersey
offthewall, thanks again for your reply. I've had several BMW's so I know the interface you're referring to. As far as the mic I probably wouldn't use it even if it was available on the SGS. After your replies it sounds like I should just pull the trigger and get the bike as I intended to before reading this whole thread, lol. One other question, I was thinking of getting the hidden antenna and was wondering if the reception was as good as the stock external one? Again thank you for your feedback I really appreciate it. Ride safe.
The internal CB antenna is not claimed to be as good as the external. Since I haven't used the CB at all so far, I think as long as I can talk to the guys right around me, i'm good.
offthewall,
Thank you very much for your reply, I really want to get the 2014 SGS and finally, lol, a positive review on the infotainment system. I will pretty much use the system like you from the sounds of it. GPS point to point and really want to just be able to play some tunes or xm through the speakers and not much else. Have you had any of the screen freezing up or unit lock up and not play any music and have to shut the bike off and restart to get it working again as some have mentioned?
Thank you very much for your reply, I really want to get the 2014 SGS and finally, lol, a positive review on the infotainment system. I will pretty much use the system like you from the sounds of it. GPS point to point and really want to just be able to play some tunes or xm through the speakers and not much else. Have you had any of the screen freezing up or unit lock up and not play any music and have to shut the bike off and restart to get it working again as some have mentioned?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 2,507
From: Lake Orion, MI
2014 Stereo Head Problems
Hi all - I haven't been here since my problems with my 2011 radio.
I decided to buy a 14 - and am having some of the same problems. My AVC does not work and my entire radio has shut down on two occasions. Like you, I have to turn the bike off to get it working again.
Bike is currently at the dealership for the coolant bottle neck recall. I see there is a new radio update - and I will make sure that is installed.
Does these updates fix the AVC and radio shut down issues?
I decided to buy a 14 - and am having some of the same problems. My AVC does not work and my entire radio has shut down on two occasions. Like you, I have to turn the bike off to get it working again.
Bike is currently at the dealership for the coolant bottle neck recall. I see there is a new radio update - and I will make sure that is installed.
Does these updates fix the AVC and radio shut down issues?
Last edited by cycle7447; Feb 11, 2014 at 08:52 AM. Reason: typo
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 17
From: Ontario Canada
Hi all - I haven't been here since my problems with my 2011 radio.
I decided to buy a 14 - and am having some of the same problems. My AVC does not work and my entire radio has shut down on two occasions. Like you, I have to turn the bike off to get it working again.
Bike is currently at the dealership for the coolant bottle neck recall. I see there is a new radio update - and I will make sure that is installed.
Does these updates fix the AVC and radio shut down issues?
I decided to buy a 14 - and am having some of the same problems. My AVC does not work and my entire radio has shut down on two occasions. Like you, I have to turn the bike off to get it working again.
Bike is currently at the dealership for the coolant bottle neck recall. I see there is a new radio update - and I will make sure that is installed.
Does these updates fix the AVC and radio shut down issues?
I dont think the AVC issue is fixed and I don't know about your other issue.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 84
From: New Jersey
The AVC isn't actually broken per say, it's just VERY different and less useful than previous model years. It doesn't get progressively louder with speed. It's one preset low volume at less than about 1mph and one preset louder volume above that. The difference between the two volumes is far less than previous years.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 588
From: Michigan
The AVC isn't actually broken per say, it's just VERY different and less useful than previous model years. It doesn't get progressively louder with speed. It's one preset low volume at less than about 1mph and one preset louder volume above that. The difference between the two volumes is far less than previous years.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 17
From: Ontario Canada
The AVC isn't actually broken per say, it's just VERY different and less useful than previous model years. It doesn't get progressively louder with speed. It's one preset low volume at less than about 1mph and one preset louder volume above that. The difference between the two volumes is far less than previous years.
So you listened to the dealer did ya. Think about what you just said because translated it means the AVC is pretty much useless. If you cant hear the difference then it doesn't work and I had the dealer ride it and agree. He contacted Harley and they told him exactly what you just said. I am normally pretty pro Harley but this explanation re the AVC is a crock of poop. They need to fix the problem.