Has Harley started going to Bluetooth instead of CBs? I noticed the 2016 Road Glide Ultra doesn't have one. Previous models of the Road Glide Ultra did include the CB. Still haven't gotten comfortable with the Bluetooth. Just not sure about having that thing sitting next to my head all day.

 

Bluetooth is a short range communication protocol that has an extremely limited range. It is not designed for long range communications and cannot replace CB radio due to it's limited power level and data processing structure.
http://www.bluair.pl/bluetooth-range

 

Yeah that. Bluetooth has no where near the capability to replace CB. Whoever was in the focus group that lead them to drop the CB must have have been weekend Starbucks cruisers.

 

Why not a marriage of both CB & Bluetooth? Replace the CB mic with the Bluetooth head piece, have a button on the hand controls (for example) to press down on when talking as one would do with a CB mic.

Of course the Bluetooth head piece would need to have multiple and simultaneous connections to bind the devices. Settings could be changed via computer, smart phone, etc. for priority when connecting - phone call #1, CB #2, radio #3...

 

To me it all depends what the group you ride with uses most. I do like Bluetooth but it's a bit limited In range. I don't mind the cord, wireless isn't that a big deal to me.

 

It is ONLY a Road Glide Ultra. If they come out with a Road Glide Ultra Limited, then it will have the CB.

 

Is the Bluetooth more limited in range than the Harley CB? I can get about a 1/4 of a mile of range out of mine if I'm lucky. A lot of the guys I ride with say the same thing. I didn't think Bluetooth would be more limiting than that.

 

Bluetooth is not a replacement for the CB, and was never intended to be.

As mentioned, Bluetooth is a short range wireless communication protocol.
Think a phone or headset device pairing to your bike.

 

The most commonly used bluetooth transceivers have a range of 10 meters or 33 feet.

 

I would venture to guess that HD is getting away from CB. While Bluetooth is more limited in range, it also doesn't have 4000 (number maybe exaggerated) people on every channel talking about lot lizards or speaking in bastardized Pashtun. Even most truckers that I know don't turn their CB's on anymore.