Yet another Cardo/Sena/WHIM/Freewire question(s)

[Devildoc99]

I'm riding a 2016 Triglide.

Not sure if my Boom is/was upgraded to 6.5 or not or even if it is possible to do so (is it?). How do I tell?

Anyway, I'm all fired up to go wireless but am confused and uncertain as all get out. It's a bunch of cash that I'd be willing to spend if I could trust that what I buy does what I want it to and does it very well.

That said, I've searched many forums using a number of different search terms but haven't been able to get what I want.

So, here it is. Are there folks out there who have been there and have opinions or knowledge I could consider?

1) I want to be able to use wireless for driver/passenger and bike to bike

2) I want to still connect to my boom for all it's functions including the CB the bike has

3) I want stereo, good quality. What about at interstate speeds?

4) Cardo seems the best unit but most problematic to install/use on a HD. True? I'm sucked in by the JBL speakers. Worth it?

5) Branded Sena is seamless but less quality (music, not weather proof for eg.)?

6) If I did Cardo with Freewire, does that work as well as if I got branded Sena/WHIM installed? Do I need a freewire for each helmet? What about losing the stereo I hear that occurs?

7) Can I pair my phone directly to my headset (like Cardo) and use all the phones features for music, nav, telephone etc, and yet still use Boom for whats left such as CB for my friends still on wired? Or use Booms nav if I wanted to?

8) Does my rider have all the ability to listen in or initiate features or shut it all off if she wishes?

Wow! Thats a bunch I know but that's what I'm needing to make a choice and spend 1k.

Thanks

Devildoc

 

[Devildoc99]

Ya, well I thought that might be a bit much for people to want to deal with.

Looking at the number of reads, I suspect there are a lot of folks considering the same move but not sure or knowing what to do or direction to take.

Looks like I'll keep searching whatever threads I find and sort out what I can.

From what I've read so far, I've come to understand that calling HD themselves is not terribly satisfactory either. They simply answer "I don't know" or give an unequivocal "no" which may not be actually correct.

I've seen other forums where some people have had the talent to be able to perform some workarounds to make it all work. There doesn't appear to be any single solution nor any solution which meets all goals. Just as one would expect in an ever changing environment like bluetooth communications integration systems.

So, in retrospect, I may have answered most of my questions myself (sigh!).

 

[Burnerboy]

I have the Sean 10 and my riding partner also has the Sena so when we ride together, we can just talk to each other w/o any problems... We can be 1/2 miles away from each other and still hold a conversation w/o probs..

When my cell phone rings I can talk on my phone thru this headset and the person that I'm speaking too has no idea that I'm on a motorcycle traveling at 60 mph.....

So I love my Sean ................... (I have no idea how much better (or worst) the Cardo brand is)

Ronnie

 

[David792]

Now you're in my wheelhouse! With the WHIM the rider AND passenger can pair with the bike hence they can communicate via intercom + the passenger can hear EVERYTHING including radio and GPS directions. With the Sena Freewire you WILL need a freewire for both the rider and passenger. Hooks up right through the 7-pin din. WHIM will allow you to bluetooth both rider and passenger to the bike.

With only one Freewire the rider has full control over all voice commands and can hear music and prompts, but the passenger can only intercom with the rider. No access to radio etc...

Problem with WHIM is that it disables the 7-pin din. You will not be able to use the 7-pin for anything.

No reason to ever pair your phone with your headset. Pair the phone with the HD radio and it all goes through either your WHIM or the Freewire. If you pair your phone with your headset you will have functionality issues.

Finally; the quality of your speakers is dependent a lot on the helmet they are installed in. IMHO BT intercoms are basically crap. Yes, I use one, but it's frustrating that in this age of tech the BT is the bastard child. Not much effort being made to make it much better.

I use the Sena Freewire bc I have more than one helmet. I use the Sena on my best helmet (HJC RPHA 90) and I can still go wired on my other helmets.

 

[David792]

Also.... the Sena is surprisingly water resistant almost to the point of waterproof. I have ridden all day in a raging downpours and not had any problems.

And if your phone is paired with the HD radio you can use it for music and stuff like that.

 

[Burnerboy]

Like I mentioned above......... I have the Sena 10 and love it.................. it's perfect for talking to another friend on a different bike up too 1/2 miles away......[total clear]

I have used it all the time to talk on the phone, when my cell does ring for an incoming call [person on other end of call has no idea that I'm on a motorcycle doing 65mph]

I can just push a button and say "Call John" and it will activate my call list and the phone will call John's number

I have never used it for music purposes/ cause my Goldwing has speakers ,

I have never used the Cardo make headset so I have no idea how much better or worse that make of H/set is.....

This is the best honest answer that I can give you................"I have only used the Sena brand , and I love it"................Other's may give you a different opinion

Ronnie