Howdy all,

I recently pulled out all my aftermarket audio equipment from my 2010 Ultra Classic and traded it in on a 2023 Ultra Limited. I really like the bike and have come to really like the GTS head unit it has. For now the stock audio is doing OK since I still have stock exhaust. I have also been tinkering with the headset it came with and another one I used on my 2010 and have been impressed with the sound quality and the increased functionality of the GTS head unit with a headset connected and also Android Auto. I have also been VERY pleased with the FM reception of the GTS. I live in a remote rural area of Southern VA that has very spotty cell service. Add to that the fact that I really DO NOT like tinkering with a cell phone while riding unless I have to. I also do not watch TV so I get what little news I hear from local radio stations which suits me fine. I have the FM presets on the GTS unit set up just like my trucks and I really enjoy just being able to flip through them. One reason I am on the fence about upgrading the audio system with amps is I know as soon as I set an amp of any kind on top of that head unit most of my FM reception will be gone. The Arc 600.4 is supposed to be shielded against RF interference but I was surprised at how much better the radio on my 2010 picked up when I rode it to the dealer to trade it in without that amp in the fairing.

I guess that brings me to my question about possibly using headsets for most of my audio listening. The wired headsets do OK but I was considering adding a WHIM at the 1000 mile service to allow for future expansion. I know cell phones can work directly with headsets but I am interested in keeping all the GTS functionality after experiencing how well it works with the wired headsets. Also some of the folks that I ride with are considering getting some mesh type headsets to use and I like the idea of being able to communicate with them. I'll try to break down my questions so they could be answered one at a time since I know this post is getting pretty long.

1) For those that have installed a WHIM did you notice any decrease in FM reception afterwards? The reason I ask is because the parts and accessories catalog states that the WHIM could reduce XM radio reception. I thought I'd ask about FM reception since I saw that disclaimer.

2) From what I have read if any non Harley branded headset is used with the WHIM it will be mono only (the parts manager at the dealer tried to say this wasn't true but this is a small town dealer that don't have the most tech savvy folks on staff). Does anyone know exactly what types of aftermarket headsets will work on mono mode? I ask because I didn't know if any real cheap ones would work with the WHIM maybe just for GPS prompts, phone calls, and mesh communications with other riders. Possibly leaving music playing through the external speakers.

3) Has anyone installed a WHIM and noticed any drawbacks when upgrading the audio system later? Does the WHIM mount in a spot that might be needed to place aftermarket audio equipment into? If I do wind up upgrading the audio system at a later date I might still like to keep the WHIM functionality to use for voice commands, GPS prompts, mesh communications and the occasional phone call. I don't really make calls from the bike myself but just yesterday I got a call from an old friend of mine and pulled over to talk to him for a bit. I was really glad I was able to take that call it did me good to talk to him just for a few minutes.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something but I appreciate any input on the points I have listed. One reason I resisted trading bikes for so long was because I was dreading the process of getting another one the way I like it. I'm glad I did trade though now that I have. I really like the 114 motor and the GTS head unit seems to be a really nice platform to build off of whichever way one wants to go.

Thanks in advance for all y'alls time.