Neotec 2 and Bluetooth

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Nov 7, 2020 | 09:28 AM

WoodButcher66

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From: South Carolina

Neotec 2 and Bluetooth

I have searched and can't find this exact topic discussed. If it exist, someone please link me to it.

I recently purchased a Neotec 2 helmet.

I think I want to add a Bluetooth system to the helmet. I know the Sena SLR is made for the helmet. But I have read some not so great reviews on the SLR on the internet. I want to know if anyone here has the Neotec 2 and SLR combination and if you like it or not. What do you like about it and/or what do you dislike about it?

Also, I would like to hear from anyone running a Neotec 2 and a different Bluetooth system. I have looked at the SENS 20s and a couple of Cardo systems. I know these other systems are not made for the Neotec 2. But I understand they can be mounted with some modifications, but I’m not sure I want to start modifying my helmet. Anyone that is using a system other than an SLR in a Neotec 2 let me know what you think. How much trouble was the system to mount and how well does it work etc?

TIA

Nov 13, 2020 | 12:05 PM

HFS

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Joined: Jun 2009

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From: Canada

Not exactly the same, I'm running a Neotec 1 helmet with a Harley-Davidson SENA 30. The SENA units I've had all clamp on the left side of the helmet. I've used the SENA SMH10, 20S and now 30K on this Neotech and previously a Multitech with the SMH10. My Neotech should be replaced next year - so a Neotech 2 is in order. The 30K will fit the Neotech 2.

I've had great luck with the SENA products, admittedly I've ever used the Cardio - SENA seemed to be higher rated at the time. Now that Harley-Davidson is in bed with SENA...
Your 2019 FLTRX has the GTS infotainment - but do you have the WHIM module..? If you want to go all-in with Harley-Davidson and the GTS you're looking Harley-Davidson SENA and a WHIM. These have had their issues, but the last round of firmware updates have made them better. I use earbud-style speakers, as they are better sound reproduction than the speakers, which were a pain to install. Apparently, SENA has a speaker upgrade available...

The Harley-Davidson stuff is expensive, however - but we're not in a cheap hobby I suppose. If you use the communicator as a stand-alone unit - music/phone/intercom, then you might consider the non-Harley-Davidson SENA or Cardio. If you want Apple CarPlay - you will need the WHIM, Harley-Davidson SENA [30K for sure maybe 20K..?], your GTS directly wired to your iPhone. Then once you're GTS is up and running - ensure your iPhone is UNLOCKED. CarPlay hasn't impressed me because of this routine.

I've had a pretty good experience with my unit. The intercom audio and phone volume was crap before the update. Now - It's better, but the music audio is pretty awesome. The stereo [speakers and amplifiers] on the CVO Limited are sub-par - but I shall digress.

I hope this helps
H

Nov 13, 2020 | 02:22 PM

fordhd2005

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From: Athens, AL

I have the Neotec 2 and am using the Harley Branded Sena 20s EVO, it works great. I didn't have to modify anything other than make the speaker cavities a little larger. It clamped right on.

Nov 13, 2020 | 03:18 PM

Tuck1991

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From: South Carolina

I've got the Neotec 2 with SLR and it works fine. No issues and all the pieces look like part of the helmet. The only thing I didn't like was the mic can only mount on one side, other systems you can mount on either side. Sound is good on the SLR but the Neotec 2 isn't as quiet as I was led to believe. Then again I've got V&H bigshots on the crossbones so any sound recuction is a good thing. If I had to do it again I'd stick with the SLR.

Nov 24, 2020 | 09:36 AM

WoodButcher66

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From: South Carolina

Thanks for the input folks

Nov 24, 2020 | 10:54 AM

Order66

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Joined: Nov 2020

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From: Delaware

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLHXHS

Then once you're GTS is up and running - ensure your iPhone is UNLOCKED. CarPlay hasn't impressed me because of this routine.
H

FWIW, this isn't CarPlay's fault. This is strictly how HD chooses to make the interface work. My GoldWing had CarPlay and it didn't care if the phone was locked or not; once it was set up, it worked. You plugged it in, and it came up on screen, as long as ANY bluetooth headset was connected. I didn't even have to have it on my helmet; I could turn the BT on and put it in the pocket with the phone and CarPlay worked over the speakers. And it didn't require me to have a specific (HD-branded) headset and an additional (expensive) module to make it work. Want proof that this is HD's intentional choice? The previous firmware update allowed CarPlay to work with any headset, and they took it away with the latest updates.

Just like BMW, Mini, and other 'premium' car manufacturers have started doing, HD has figured out how to use a gatekeeper so they can charge you to use something your iPhone already does.

Nov 24, 2020 | 02:24 PM

fordhd2005

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From: Athens, AL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Order66

The previous firmware update allowed CarPlay to work with any headset, and they took it away with the latest updates.

I have the latest update and am able to use Carplay with cheap $20 BT headset. My HD Sena is attached to my FF but I only wear it in the winter and inclement weather. I use the cheap headset when wearing my half helmet. I just turn it on and put in the tourpack. I have to unpair the sena and pair the cheap one but it works.