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Apr 14, 2011 | 02:21 AM

travelsfardoyle

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 132

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From: Killeen, TX

On-Board Communications

Okay, I'll admit it, I have no clue about riding with on-board radios, or all the other fancy stuff like intercoms that are available but need some advice. I'm renting a 2011 Road Glide Ultra for a week and doing about 1400 miles in Texas. Reading up I know it comes with a radio but does it come with a CB? Does it have intercom capability like I've heard on Gold Wings, I'm bringing the ex-old lady as a rider (long story) but want to be able to talk if the bike has the capability (intercom). Basically I'm looking for what I'll need to thoroughly use all the bells and whistles on this bike. I have a softail but no electronics like a Road or Electra Glide Ultra is supposed to have. Any info would be helpful, will I need cables? Can I hook an iPod in, we'll be out in Big Bend area so imagine radio will be next to useless.

Thanks,

Apr 14, 2011 | 02:44 AM

Ultra89Rider

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 1,687

Likes: 9

From: SoCal & West TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelsfardoyle

Yes, it does have the CB and Intercom. You will need the helmet headsets on both for the intercom to work. The speaker switch on dash is a three position switch. It directs the sound to the speakers and headsets. You will need to read how to operate everything. Or get the dealer to show the basic of how to turn them on and off.

I suggest to turn the CB on only when you want to use it. If not you might broadcast everything you say when you don't want too. With the CB off, you can use the PTT (Push to talk) button to activate the intercom (it also activates the transmitter for the CB, when it is on). You can set the sensitivity on the intercom to be voice activated. but if too sensitive, it will come on all of the time, and mute the radio/CD.

It can take some getting used to using, but it is so much better than the "Shouting over the shoulder" that I did for many years. Just learn how to turn the Intercom and CB on and off.

Enjoy the ride.

Last edited by Ultra89Rider; Apr 14, 2011 at 02:50 AM.

Apr 14, 2011 | 03:03 AM

travelsfardoyle

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 132

Likes: 0

From: Killeen, TX

Thanks Ultra, I really doubt I'll use the CB but know I'll use the radio. I have bluetooth headsets (Scala G4s?) newest whatevers so have the headsets but am thinking I'll need cables to hook into the bike systems as nowhere have I seen that the HD units have BlueTooth capability.

Again, Thanks,

Apr 14, 2011 | 05:39 AM

jamesroadking

Road Warrior

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 1,328

Likes: 154

From: Lake City, Florida

I have had my Ultra Limited about a year and a half now. Be fore warned. You most likely will be switching from that softtail to an touring bike after renting one with the stereo, the cruise control, and the intercom.

Apr 14, 2011 | 08:54 AM

Harleypingman

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 10,449

Likes: 46

From: Roswell, GA

The manual for the radio, including the intercom, are in this link:

http://www.ironcrossaudio.com/Harley...ons_manual.pdf

Yes, you'll need HD compatible headsets that hardwire to the bike via a seven pin connector for rider and passenger.

Carl

Apr 14, 2011 | 11:37 AM

07FLHT

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 2,588

Likes: 9

From: Sunny Southern California

Now don't get me wrong, I love my lady & everything

but, while on a ride the occasional yell over the shoulder is all the (verbal) communication I want! Plenty of time to talk when we stop for gas, food, a stretch or whatever! LOL!!

Apr 14, 2011 | 01:31 PM

Ultra89Rider

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 1,687

Likes: 9

From: SoCal & West TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelsfardoyle

Thanks Ultra, I really doubt I'll use the CB but know I'll use the radio. I have blue-tooth headsets (Scala G4s?) newest whatevers so have the headsets but am thinking I'll need cables to hook into the bike systems as nowhere have I seen that the HD units have Blue-Tooth capability.

Again, Thanks,

Harley does not have Blue-tooth for the radio, yet. But when you get your Touring model, you can add the Blue-tooth module to your own. Several companies have them. I favor J&M Corp. You can contact John on this forum to find the Blue-tooth adapter for Harley and get a discount too.

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Apr 15, 2011 | 06:30 PM

we_brown

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 207

Likes: 2

From: Atlanta, GA

One thing to keep in mind that the volume settings are independent for each mode on the radio. The FM volume can be set fine and when you switch to AM, or CB, or weather the volume can be set differently.