I recently rented a 17 Ultra Limited in pursuit of finding a bike that the MRS liked. I struck gold, as she liked it so much, she wants me to purchase a touring chassis based Harley. ( I currently have a 05 FLSTCI.)

While we liked the infotainment onboard the Limited, we did not have mics to test the intercom system. I am very unfamiliar with this and am hoping to get some forum knowledge on what experienced users think about the onboard system. For those that do not use the onboard system that are using aftermarket solutions, such as Sena units, do you prefer these better? If so why.? Is there another solution I should consider?

My original goal with purchasing a touring bike was to get a RKS and add 13" shocks, a trunk and a better two up seat when the MRS wanted to ride, then strip it down when she did not. Now that she likes the infotainment stuff, I may be abandoning that plan. Whatever path I choose, I am waiting until the 19 MY models are released so I can see what is new.

Any feedback you all can offer is appreciated.

 

I use the wired intercom on my Limited, works fine once you get the vox sensitivity set correctly. One wired headset came with the bike, had to buy another one for the passenger. In order to get full Boom infotainment functionality with Bluetooth headsets, you'll need the HD branded Sena units, and I think the WHIM module, and a dealer flash. Gonna cost you around $800 to $1000 or so. For that much, I'll stay with the wired units.

 

We added the WHIM( wireless headset interface module) to our RGS, and got the HD branded SENA units, , works great! no cords all wireless, personally, money aside, this is the way to go IMO. we have always had a wireless setup, I couldn't see going backwards to corded.

 

I have a wireless set (details below) up on my Ultra Classic. I did it because at the time I already had a Sena 20s from using it on my Dyna. Connected to JUST my phone (and a separate navi sometimes) It worked amaze-***** for tunes and calls from the wife asking where I was.

If I had to do it again, I would just keep the wired set up. Most of the people I ride with use CB, not bluetooth. I think in the three-ish years I've had the Sena, I have used the BT comms.... maybe twice? My biggest complaints are having to keep my headset charged (can't charge and use at the same time) and occasionally it just will not pair to the Freewire without re-setting everything. BUT when it's all behaving, it's a pretty good setup.

MY Ultra Classic Wireless Headset Setup:

• Sena 20s (NOT Harley Branded)
• Sena Freewire
• Sierra Electronics Adapter Harness for Sena FreeWire run from the fairing to the tour-pak.

 

I went this same route on a month long cross country trip. BOTH the Freewire and the 20S had separate issues during the first week. Then the Sena charging cord that plugs into the bike went bad. Out on the road, Sena couldn't help me. Fortunately, I brought my HD headset and cord. Changed out my headset on the ride and finished the ride like this. When I got back Sena was not helpful.

Save your money and stick with the HD headset, system. It's fool proof and HD will back up there equipment.

 

I have a 2017 FLHTK and my advice is to save your money. I first purchased the Harley branded Sena 20's which work pretty well with the exception that you CANNOT adjust the sensitivity low enough to not activate the VOX. I am 6"1" and wear a 3/4 helmet and I have tried several aftermarket "fixes" and nothing seems to work. There is just too much turbulent air behind the fairing to not activate the VOX. I have tried the plastic windsock device as well as the latex glove finger over the microphone (This actually worked pretty well with the exception that my wife couldn't hear me unless I was yelling). The blame really lies with Sena rather than HD. I called Sena and they told me that their communication devices are designed for use with full face helmets. It would have been nice for them to advertise that before I bought all of the stuff. I hate full face helmets and I'm too stubborn to change to one. Anyway after all is said and done I have invested over $1,000 for a system that doesn't work as it should. Don't make the same mistake I did. Then to top it all off Harley-Davidson removed the PTT switch from the rider position of the bike so turning VOX off and using PTT is not an option unless you spend another $250 + labor for the lighted handlebar switches. My local dealer isn't even familiar with the WHIM or the PTT issue. Apparently I'm the only idiot in the Denver area stupid enough to waste my money on this stuff.