Intercom
Intercom
2019 FLHTCU. I've never used the intercom before. The girlfriend wanted to give it a try so I got the year specific headsets and cables. I can't get it to work. I've got it set up according to the radio manual but all I can do is get music to the driver. No communications. The bike is equipped with a WHIM and it is turned on in the ECM. I don't know if there is some kind of interference going on there. I have the bluetooth modules but they don't stay charged very long. Junk.
No one seems to know much about the intercom systems.
Does anyone make a simple, reliable system the mounts to the helmet, turns on and starts talking?
No one seems to know much about the intercom systems.
Does anyone make a simple, reliable system the mounts to the helmet, turns on and starts talking?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,704
Likes: 914
From: Southern Virginia
Al you touched on something in your description that rang a bell with me. If your bike has a WHIM installed I believe that disables the wired microphones on the plugs. That's why I didn't get one on my 2023 when I bought it. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember when I researched it last year I read that it disabled the mic on the wired plugs in order to pipe in the mic on the HD branded Sena wireless headsets.
Here's something you can do as a test, pair your phone to the head unit and make a call. If the other party can't hear you talk it's disabled.
Here's something you can do as a test, pair your phone to the head unit and make a call. If the other party can't hear you talk it's disabled.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,847
Likes: 2,495
From: Lake Orion, MI
Holt is correct - if you have the WHIM, you no longer have the use of the wired headsets. You cna disconnect the WHIM and reinstall the headset connector.
You also mentioned you have Bluetooth models - which ones do you have?
If you want to stay with wireless, I would recommend the PackTalk Edge. I see you are a veteran. Go to the Cardo site and you will find a military discount (verify with ID.Me. I think you can get the dual pack for about $585.
You also mentioned you have Bluetooth models - which ones do you have?
If you want to stay with wireless, I would recommend the PackTalk Edge. I see you are a veteran. Go to the Cardo site and you will find a military discount (verify with ID.Me. I think you can get the dual pack for about $585.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,142
From: Las Vegas
2019 FLHTCU. I've never used the intercom before. The girlfriend wanted to give it a try so I got the year specific headsets and cables. I can't get it to work. I've got it set up according to the radio manual but all I can do is get music to the driver. No communications. The bike is equipped with a WHIM and it is turned on in the ECM. I don't know if there is some kind of interference going on there. I have the bluetooth modules but they don't stay charged very long. Junk.
No one seems to know much about the intercom systems.
Does anyone make a simple, reliable system the mounts to the helmet, turns on and starts talking?
No one seems to know much about the intercom systems.
Does anyone make a simple, reliable system the mounts to the helmet, turns on and starts talking?
Al you touched on something in your description that rang a bell with me. If your bike has a WHIM installed I believe that disables the wired microphones on the plugs. That's why I didn't get one on my 2023 when I bought it. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember when I researched it last year I read that it disabled the mic on the wired plugs in order to pipe in the mic on the HD branded Sena wireless headsets.
Here's something you can do as a test, pair your phone to the head unit and make a call. If the other party can't hear you talk it's disabled.
Here's something you can do as a test, pair your phone to the head unit and make a call. If the other party can't hear you talk it's disabled.
There is nowhere that it is mentioned. Thanks again.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,847
Likes: 2,495
From: Lake Orion, MI
Sold Separately: Wireless Headset Interface Module Harness
Sold In Units: Each
In the Box: Wireless Headset Interface Module only
WARRANTY: 1 year limited warranty Go to www.h-d.com/warranty for full details
Notes:Impact of Retrofit on Wired Microphone Functionality: Upon installation of the WHIM, your motorcycles wired microphone functionality will no longer be available. However, wired audio will continue to function as before.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,704
Likes: 914
From: Southern Virginia
To be fair to the OP I had read many ads for the WHIM when I got my bike that didn't mention it killed the wired ports. As usual one end of Harley didn't know what the other one was doing.
I have been tempted to hardwire in a Sena Freewire but I heard that the GTS head units have a different impedance requirement for the microphone to work with voice commands, especially with Android Auto and voice commands didn't work with the Freewire on GTS systems.. That really bummed me out because on the rare occasions that I plug my headset in I really like the voice command functionality.
Glad you got it working Al, on the few occasions I use a headset the wired units do fine for me. I keep saying that I'll try to figure out a wireless solution one day but I'm just not a cell phone guy. They get on my nerves for the most part so I loose interest before I get anything figured out.
I have been tempted to hardwire in a Sena Freewire but I heard that the GTS head units have a different impedance requirement for the microphone to work with voice commands, especially with Android Auto and voice commands didn't work with the Freewire on GTS systems.. That really bummed me out because on the rare occasions that I plug my headset in I really like the voice command functionality.
Glad you got it working Al, on the few occasions I use a headset the wired units do fine for me. I keep saying that I'll try to figure out a wireless solution one day but I'm just not a cell phone guy. They get on my nerves for the most part so I loose interest before I get anything figured out.
Last edited by Hoyt 1911A1; Apr 30, 2025 at 07:31 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,847
Likes: 2,495
From: Lake Orion, MI
To be fair to the OP I had read many ads for the WHIM when I got my bike that didn't mention it killed the wired ports. As usual one end of Harley didn't know what the other one was doing.
I have been tempted to hardwire in a Sena Freewire but I heard that the GTS head units have a different impedance requirement for the microphone to work with voice commands, especially with Android Auto and voice commands didn't work with the Freewire on GTS systems.. That really bummed me out because on the rare occasions that I plug my headset in I really like the voice command functionality.
Glad you got it working Al, on the few occasions I use a headset the wired units do fine for me. I keep saying that I'll try to figure out a wireless solution one day but I'm just not a cell phone guy. They get on my nerves for the most part so I loose interest before I get anything figured out.
I have been tempted to hardwire in a Sena Freewire but I heard that the GTS head units have a different impedance requirement for the microphone to work with voice commands, especially with Android Auto and voice commands didn't work with the Freewire on GTS systems.. That really bummed me out because on the rare occasions that I plug my headset in I really like the voice command functionality.
Glad you got it working Al, on the few occasions I use a headset the wired units do fine for me. I keep saying that I'll try to figure out a wireless solution one day but I'm just not a cell phone guy. They get on my nerves for the most part so I loose interest before I get anything figured out.
Holt - you and I have been chatting about the dongle - think we both have them working just fine. If ever you figure out a way to talk with the dongle - hey, keep me informed. For now, as long as I can talk to my wife and hear everything else, I am good.