Harley-Davidson's New Boom! Box GTS Infotainment System
Add some cool tech to your Harley with this new infotainment system.
Boom! or Bust
Released in late August 2018, the new Harley-Davidson's Boom! Box GTS Infotainment System has met with both praise and scorn. While the function and usability are vastly improved over the earlier systems, compatibility and pairing issues top the list of criticisms. Here is an overview of the system and a few pros and cons.
Standard Option
The Boom! Box GTS is standard equipment on select 2019 Harley-Davidson models. This includes the Ultra Limited, Ultra Limited Low, Road Glide Ultra, Road Glide Special, and Street Glide Special. The CVO lineup gets the system, along with Tri Glide Ultra models. The GTS is a factory-installed option for the Street Glide, Road Glide, Electra Glide, and Ultra Classic models.
Modern Look
Harley-Davidson gave the Boom! Box GTS a slick redesign. First released in 2014 on Project Rushmore models, the Boom! Box has been through a few incarnations. The GTS immediately stands out from the older models because it has no physical buttons. The face of the new system is touch responsive Gorilla Glass from edge to edge in keeping with the latest automotive touchscreens displays.
Fast Unit
The GTS is not only about slick looks, but it is also user-friendly. Squashing the primary complaint of older systems, the GTS cuts the startup time in half. Access to music, navigation, and the phone is very rapid via the main icons on the home screen. The entire GTS system can be managed through the touch screen or with the thumb-operated five-way joysticks located on the left and right handlebar controls.
Stay in Touch
The GTS is all about connectivity. The system is loaded with radio, navigation and phone functions, along with intercom and CB capabilities. The interface is glove friendly, and both scratch and water resistant. Unlike previous systems, the glare-control and daytime visibility are excellent in both regular and high-contrast modes.
Easy App
Pairing either an iPhone or Android phone is much easier with the new system. Apple iPhone users can run the familiar CarPlay app through the GTS display once paired. One complaint is that the system is platform specific and there is no accommodation for Android Auto. Another complaint is that there is no built-in wireless headset pairing capability, but this is a debatable point.
Plugged In
In order to get fully connected, GTS users need to purchase some add-ons. A Wireless Headset Interface Module or WHIM is required. In addition, a Boom! Audio 20S EVO Bluetooth Helmet Headset, or similar, is also required. The completely wireless system enables voice control, intercom, and CB functions. As an optional add-on, users can forgo the expense and stick with the touchscreen interface and Harley-Davidson maps.
Finger Tips
GPS navigation is greatly improved and a cinch to learn. Like a smartphone, the display now responds to swipe, pinch and drag gestures. General feedback indicates that the included Harley-Davidson maps are much easier to use than Apple's CarPlay. One drawback is the map data is static and backed-dated to 2017. Updates will require a dealer to flash the unit — at a cost. Many owners state that despite the navigation updates they still way-find using their phones and Google Maps.
DIY Retrofit
When the GTS system was first released many late model owners lamented the lack of retrofit capabilities. Soundz Motorcycle Audio Experts have since stepped up with an aftermarket module to install the GTS system in 2014 and up models. Along with the module, Soundz will flash the new system so it is ECM compatible. More discussion on the subject is available through this HD Forums post: New Infotainment for 2019 'Boom Box GTS.
Lookin' for Adventure
Getting connected is Harley-Davidson's way of enhancing that experience. The Boom! Box GTS is just part of a larger package. For a start, it is seamlessly integrated with the Ride Planner app and website. Harley-Davidson also wants to optimize the “rider’s interaction with the bike,” and the GTS delivers. Riders can toggle the navigation GPS between “Fastest, Shortest, Twisty and Scenic” routes — now how cool is that?
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