Do I really want the WHIM?
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 129
Likes: 108
From: Louisville KY
Do I really want the WHIM?
I have a 2021 Ultra Limited that I added a CB to when I bought it. My wife and I ride two-up with wired headsets. We use built-in GPS, intercom, and CB on HOG rides. We usually stick to CarPlay and music (via speakers) on solo rides.
We want to cut the cord and I'm prepared to buy the WHIM and the two-pack of HD Boom 50S headsets. Will everything still work? What about adding the open mesh intercom? How can I talk to the group vs just my wife?
Any gotchas I should be aware of?
We want to cut the cord and I'm prepared to buy the WHIM and the two-pack of HD Boom 50S headsets. Will everything still work? What about adding the open mesh intercom? How can I talk to the group vs just my wife?
Any gotchas I should be aware of?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,145
From: Las Vegas
I installed the WHIM in my 19 when it was fairly new and it has worked great, and has absolutely not been finicky. It works well in spite of what others will tell you. I've had the 50s since it came out, and it's a significant improvement over the 20s I had before it. No "gotchas", you just need to learn it and all will be OK.
I recently added a wireless CarPlay module, and it too works great.
I recently added a wireless CarPlay module, and it too works great.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
Likes: 11,439
I have a 2021 Ultra Limited that I added a CB to when I bought it. My wife and I ride two-up with wired headsets. We use built-in GPS, intercom, and CB on HOG rides. We usually stick to CarPlay and music (via speakers) on solo rides.
We want to cut the cord and I'm prepared to buy the WHIM and the two-pack of HD Boom 50S headsets. Will everything still work? What about adding the open mesh intercom? How can I talk to the group vs just my wife?
Any gotchas I should be aware of?
We want to cut the cord and I'm prepared to buy the WHIM and the two-pack of HD Boom 50S headsets. Will everything still work? What about adding the open mesh intercom? How can I talk to the group vs just my wife?
Any gotchas I should be aware of?
Would not give it up.
Learning curve is the only gotchas but no cable it works. Go with SENA HD branded and all voice and hand control work.
If you ride a RG have then put the mini USB for WHIM updates in the right speak cavity easier to get to.
Of course there have only been two updates to WHIM so not a big deal.
Last edited by smitty901; Nov 7, 2023 at 05:14 PM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 506
Likes: 241
From: CA
WHIM works great, never a problem with carplay either. The sketchy part is Sena's mesh intercom, but I think part of that is the stupid button controls. It's impossible for my wife to remember how many seconds to hold the M button (she even struggles finding it with gloves on) to create a group mesh, or how to change the channel for an open one. What it does depends on exactly how long you hold it, I can handle it fine but I can't make changes to her headset while riding.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,031
From: Carlsbad, CA
If I was to do from the beginning, I’d go Whim with HD headsets, I had 2 Sena Freewires with Sena Headsets…and itb dot more. The one thing in,Ike about the Sena was the customized version that fully integrated with the Shoei Modular Helmet.
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Advanced
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 52
Likes: 91
From: Massachussetts
I have had the whim and HD Sena 50s for a year. Running Android Auto with Motorola wireless adapter. Love the whole setup. The ability to use Google maps is critical as the the Boom Info is so out of date on the day of release. With the pandemic permanently closing so many restaurant and gas station, having up to date information is essential.
That being said the Boom system is important for those times when there is no cell service.
Only complaint is that my Sena50s battery gradual lost the ability to take a full charge. Granted i used it for 25k mile in the year I have had it. I calculate that to be about 650 hours. I contacted Sena and was directed me the HD dealer for replacement. The parts guy took one off the shelf and handed it to me, no muss no fuss. He also seemed to imply that this was NOT the first one he replaced.
Lesson learned, hang on to that receipt
One other caveat, I believe that the whim will not be required in the new big screen infotainment systems. So if your think of upgrading to a new bike "Let the buyer beware"
That being said the Boom system is important for those times when there is no cell service.
Only complaint is that my Sena50s battery gradual lost the ability to take a full charge. Granted i used it for 25k mile in the year I have had it. I calculate that to be about 650 hours. I contacted Sena and was directed me the HD dealer for replacement. The parts guy took one off the shelf and handed it to me, no muss no fuss. He also seemed to imply that this was NOT the first one he replaced.
Lesson learned, hang on to that receipt
One other caveat, I believe that the whim will not be required in the new big screen infotainment systems. So if your think of upgrading to a new bike "Let the buyer beware"
Last edited by MassGeezer; Nov 8, 2023 at 04:46 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 114
From: Nevada
I guess I'm the odd one... I went with the Sena Freewire and a non-HD 50s. Everything works, including Android Auto. Since you have two helmets to hook up, two Freewires would be needed as each can only be paired to a single helmet. Pricewise it's pretty much a wash; the one advantage is that if you don't like wireless, you can unplug the Freewires and plug your wired headsets back in. If I'm not mistaken, once you install the WHIM, your wired headsets can no longer be used. I use a wired helmet when riding by myself or with riders who don't have Sena Mesh and the Sena-equipped helmet when riding with a group that does.