[Wharf Rat]

I have a bud that just got a '16 FLTRU. We were talking & he asked me if the new Infotainment system would work with a Bluetooth rig in his helmet. He was specifically interested in the capability with the CB.

Anyone got the skinny on that topic?

 

[Spazz]

If you are referring to hands free operation with phone or CB via BT and infotainment... forget it. MOCO never opted for it during the build of the infotainment systems. There is a BT protocol missing from the build... on purpose

 

[Wharf Rat]

No, what he is looking for is to be able to use his current lid (with Bluetooth comm) with his new FLTRU, as opposed to having to put a wired headset into the helmet that plugs into the console. I don't believe he is looking for anything hands-free, just being able to use the CB via the current Bluetooth comms in his helmet.

 

[Jhl192]

This is the one thing that pisses me off about my new Road Glide. this Boom Box Infotainment! You need to be wired to use its functionality through he headset when all of the technology is available to leverage the Bluetooth. At least he has the wired option. The RG and RGS folks would need to pay close to a thousand to upgrade to this antiquated wired set up. The MoCo went too far by leaving the Bluetooth option out.

 

[Ohiobellboy]

I haven't seen ANY manufacturer incorporate BT into an aftermarket headset yet.

 

[Spazz]

No, what he is looking for is to be able to use his current lid (with Bluetooth comm) with his new FLTRU, as opposed to having to put a wired headset into the helmet that plugs into the console. I don't believe he is looking for anything hands-free, just being able to use the CB via the current Bluetooth comms in his helmet.

Thats what I am saying.... the BT capabilities of the infotainment are very limited and... as OP stated... YOU MUST use a wired headset for CB and handsfree operations... sucks

This is the one thing that pisses me off about my new Road Glide. this Boom Box Infotainment! You need to be wired to use its functionality through he headset when all of the technology is available to leverage the Bluetooth. At least he has the wired option. The RG and RGS folks would need to pay close to a thousand to upgrade to this antiquated wired set up. The MoCo went too far by leaving the Bluetooth option out.

 

[kurt1305]

The RG and RGS folks would need to pay close to a thousand to upgrade to this antiquated wired set up.

Besides the $69 comm cable kit and a headset kit, what else is needed for the FLTRX?

Boom! Audio Music and Communications Kit-69200865 | Sound Systems & Accessories | Official Harley-Davidson Online Store

 

[Wharf Rat]

This topic piqued my interest, as there are plenty of Bluetooth headsets on the market. So, what's missing? Apparently there is a protocol that H-D didn't request be added to the Infotainment system: the HSP-headset profile.

The 6.5 system supports these protocols: HFPAG, HFPHF, AVRCP, A2DP_SINK, and A2DP_SOURCE. But not HSP. Seems to me that it could be added in a flash update... unless we have to wait for a BoomTooth headset. ;-)

 

[09Sharknose]

I haven't seen ANY manufacturer incorporate BT into an aftermarket headset yet.

Exactly. There's a whole other thread on this subject, but the bottom line is above. It's not Harley's fault this time. NOBODY has it!


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[Wharf Rat]

Exactly. There's a whole other thread on this subject, but the bottom line is above. It's not Harley's fault this time. NOBODY has it!

I guess I don't understand. I see plenty of Bluetooth headsets on the market (Sena, Cardo, UClear, etc.) Isn't the problem really with the audio manufacturers (head units) not incorporating support for the Bluetooth protocols & services presently available?

 

[100edition]

Mine is an 09 CVO and I picked it up from dealer this morning. Had them install new Garmin 590lm and Bluetooth module. Had to purchase additional speaker cable. GPS plugs into aux port. Everything else syncs to it. Phone and Sena headsets. All plays through steroids system on bike. 276 miles so far today and I'm loving it. New GPS is awesome.

 

[smitty901]

This is the one thing that pisses me off about my new Road Glide. this Boom Box Infotainment! You need to be wired to use its functionality through he headset when all of the technology is available to leverage the Bluetooth. At least he has the wired option. The RG and RGS folks would need to pay close to a thousand to upgrade to this antiquated wired set up. The MoCo went too far by leaving the Bluetooth option out.

I have to agree with you on this.

 

[Jhl192]

I guess I don't understand. I see plenty of Bluetooth headsets on the market (Sena, Cardo, UClear, etc.) Isn't the problem really with the audio manufacturers (head units) not incorporating support for the Bluetooth protocols & services presently available?

I bought a SENA and its fine. I can listen to my iPhone and take calls from it. I can't however listen to the GPS or answer any phone calls when the iPhone is connected to the BOOM BOX. Besides the the wired comm headset, you also need someplace to plug it in. The RGU has a comm port in the center of the gas tank. You would need to upgrade the bike to do that and it is expensive. In the end you have the communications but you are hooked to cable.

 

[09Sharknose]

I guess I don't understand. I see plenty of Bluetooth headsets on the market (Sena, Cardo, UClear, etc.) Isn't the problem really with the audio manufacturers (head units) not incorporating support for the Bluetooth protocols & services presently available?

It's not the protocols. It's an addition to the radio that has never been mass produced or needed, not to mention liability. There are no companies that make motorcycle head units exclusively. They all make head units for cars. The Bluetooth on car head units is input only, not output. Imagine the lawsuit when a teen puts on his Bluetooth enabled headphones in his dad's F250, doesn't hear what's going on around him and kills someone.......

I don't know who makes the infotainment system, but Harmon Kardon made Harley's previous head units. Harmon Kardon is among the top tier of mobile audio companies in the world. The technology is available, but it's not necessary or feasible in a car, therefore it's not necessary or feasible on a motorcycle.,..,,in their minds.


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[Wharf Rat]

It's not the protocols. It's an addition to the radio that has never been mass produced or needed, not to mention liability. There are no companies that make motorcycle head units exclusively. They all make head units for cars. The Bluetooth on car head units is input only, not output. Imagine the lawsuit when a teen puts on his Bluetooth enabled headphones in his dad's F250, doesn't hear what's going on around him and kills someone.......

I don't know who makes the infotainment system, but Harmon Kardon made Harley's previous head units. Harmon Kardon is among the top tier of mobile audio companies in the world. The technology is available, but it's not necessary or feasible in a car, therefore it's not necessary or feasible on a motorcycle.,..,,in their minds.


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Regarding the potential liability... I guess that's one opinion. Distracted driving is distracted driving. Seems immaterial if that teenager is trying to type with their thumbs versus listening to a voice in their ear.

Not to mention that you can use BT to connect your phone to the Infotainment system to make/receive calls, issue voice commands, etc. I don't see how expanding that to include CB increases the risk.

Harmon Kardon also makes the current HD system.

The only reason you can't connect some of the BT headsets (Sena, for example) is that the Infotainment system doesn't have the HSP protocol. I'm not aware of any other 'addition' that would be necessary.

At least that's my understanding from what I've read.

 

[09Sharknose]

Regarding the potential liability... I guess that's one opinion. Distracted driving is distracted driving. Seems immaterial if that teenager is trying to type with their thumbs versus listening to a voice in their ear.

Not to mention that you can use BT to connect your phone to the Infotainment system to make/receive calls, issue voice commands, etc. I don't see how expanding that to include CB increases the risk.

Harmon Kardon also makes the current HD system.

The only reason you can't connect some of the BT headsets (Sena, for example) is that the Infotainment system doesn't have the HSP protocol. I'm not aware of any other 'addition' that would be necessary.

At least that's my understanding from what I've read.

Here's what I know about HSP(Head Set Profile) The following is an intentional oversimplification:

HSP creates a relationship between the headset and rcvr where the headset is the input and output platform for the rcvr for the duration of the connection.

This relationship would not allow music streaming TO the headset, because the headset is the input device as well. That relationship would have to be disabled in order for music to stream from your head unit to your headset. HSP doesn't support stereo sound as we know it either.




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[Wharf Rat]

Here's what I know about HSP(Head Set Profile) The following is an intentional oversimplification:

HSP creates a relationship between the headset and rcvr where the headset is the input and output platform for the rcvr for the duration of the connection.

This relationship would not allow music streaming TO the headset, because the headset is the input device as well. That relationship would have to be disabled in order for music to stream from your head unit to your headset. HSP doesn't support stereo sound as we know it either.

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And yet it seems that Sena's 20S headset does that.

I believe the A2DP protocol is what is used for the stereo sound.

But, what do I know? :grin:

 

[09Sharknose]

And yet it seems that Sena's 20S headset does that.

I believe the A2DP protocol is what is used for the stereo sound.

But, what do I know? :grin:

Correct, but remember that there are 1000s of headsets that do "that", but exactly ZERO head UNITS that do it.

And yes, the A2DP profile allows for stereo, ONE WAY S2S streaming. It's not a protocol itself, it defines how protocols work together within a device.

Once again, simply not feasible for motorcycle/mobile audio operation.

Doing technical explanations on weekends hurts my head, so this will be my last one?.

Keep in mind, what you're asking THIS head unit to do, no head unit can do. It's complex but simple why they don't.

Mobile audio companies figure, if you're wearing headphones, you're listening to your phone, not in your car, where monitoring your surroundings is a must. Why spend the money to R&D the ability to insert a head unit between an S2S connection while simultaneously assuming at least some liability in the process?


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[Wharf Rat]

Keep in mind, what you're asking THIS head unit to do, no head unit can do. It's complex but simple why they don't.

Mobile audio companies figure, if you're wearing headphones, you're listening to your phone, not in your car, where monitoring your surroundings is a must. Why spend the money to R&D the ability to insert a head unit between an S2S connection while simultaneously assuming at least some liability in the process?

I understand that no head unit currently does that. Sounds like an opportunity, not an impossibility. I remember when no head unit had any Bluetooth capability. Or, remember when no head unit could play an mp3 file? Innovation is what keeps products viable.

Harmon Kardon likely figured it was worthwhile to build this system to whatever specs the Motor Company wanted. I doubt they figured "if you're wearing headphones, you're listening to your phone, not in your car, where monitoring your surroundings is a must."
Granted, the market is small. For an audio manufacturer the bigger payday is the automobile market. And, there is simply no need to develop a product that has headset capability for use in a car.
But, HK developed this Infotainment system for HD using HD's specs to be used exclusively in a motorcycle.

As to liability, I am calling BS. The only difference between what I'm talking about & what currently exists is a wire - the cable coming from my helmet to the port on the tank. From a liability perspective does it really matter if the sound gets to the rider by way of a cable (what we currently have) or by radio waves?

 

[smitty901]

This topic piqued my interest, as there are plenty of Bluetooth headsets on the market. So, what's missing? Apparently there is a protocol that H-D didn't request be added to the Infotainment system: the HSP-headset profile.

The 6.5 system supports these protocols: HFPAG, HFPHF, AVRCP, A2DP_SINK, and A2DP_SOURCE. But not HSP. Seems to me that it could be added in a flash update... unless we have to wait for a BoomTooth headset. ;-)

Seem like something that would not be that hard to do.