Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Snype on November 11, 2012, 11:52:59 AM
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I could not find a thread on this; not saying that it doesn't exist...
I am looking for a good GPS and Com system (2-up, bike to bike, GPS, Cell, etc... don't leave out the farkles).. I have Nolan Bluetooth Helmets and an (unused) Kenwood FRS. I'd really like to avoid hardwiring myself into the bike every time I get on it. The optimum solution would be that I just walk out and jump on the bike. So... What are your opinions on how to setup my Japanese Prozac? I'm also interested in your opinions on mounting solutions. If you do not like wireless solutions, please let me know why.
Snype
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Scala G4 powerset and Zumo 660 here... :)
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Sena SMH10 works very well for me.
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Sena has a Bluetooth module you can hardwire your FRS with a PTT. Then BT to your NCOM
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Looked at Sena.. It has some interesting ideas, but each has only half of the solution. The FRS does not have MP3 or 2-up capability... The Sena10 doesn't have FRS.. It seems like I'd have to buy both units and slave one to the other. Am I reading all of this wrong??
Anyone use the JM stuff?
Snype
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Scala G9 and Droid Razr Max
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Looked at Sena.. It has some interesting ideas, but each has only half of the solution. The FRS does not have MP3 or 2-up capability... The Sena10 doesn't have FRS.. It seems like I'd have to buy both units and slave one to the other. Am I reading all of this wrong??
Anyone use the JM stuff?
Snype
Not sure what GPS you're using but mine has a built in player..
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I use phone as MP3 (and Pandora, iheart radio, etc)
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IPhone and IRadar setup. Use the phone for maps, tunes, and yes answering phone calls. ;D
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Sena SMH10B set here with the Zumo 660....works for my wife and I
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Looked at Sena.. It has some interesting ideas, but each has only half of the solution. The FRS does not have MP3 or 2-up capability... The Sena10 doesn't have FRS.. It seems like I'd have to buy both units and slave one to the other. Am I reading all of this wrong??
I've been trying to find the same info, but just based on Internet research so far I think the only solution is an Autocom (http://autocomdirect.com/index.php/super-pro)BT unit.
I have the Nolan BT2.1 which only has very limited range for bike to bike comm, so I was thinking of trying to add FRS. I currently have
my cell phone BT with my Zumo 665 and the Zumo BT to the Nolan which is normally all I need, but occasionally I need some kind of bike to bike as well. I have come across many questions in my research but not a lot of answers. Such as, if I go riding with someone that has a Sena or Scala can my Nolan BT2.1 link with them for bike to bike?
So far the Autocom seems to be the only close to all encompassing answer, but I'm not sure enough to make the leap yet. I'll be watching this thread for answers and hoping it doesn't just become a list of who likes Sena and who likes Scala for their needs. I am (like I think Snype is) looking for something that does almost everything with the most interface possibilities, but at a minimum:
phone, GPS (not cell phone GPS), FRS, passenger comm, bike to bike comm, mp3/Sat radio.
Anyone out there have or know of anyone (perhaps on different forum(s))
that has an Autocom with a BT adapter and a Kenwood PTT ($980.00 total :yikes: :yikes:) or some other set up that will handle all of that?
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I had an older autocom system before and thought I paid a lot for mediocre quality. I went through cords like water, and the system itself was not the greatest. for that kind of money I expect a lot more than Autocom delivered.
Snype
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Anybody know where to get a ram ball that threads into 3/8" on Heli Horizon ST's but with the small ball for a garmin mount? The std 1" ram ball is too big. The ball for a garmin is around 5/8".
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Anybody know where to get a ram ball that threads into 3/8" on Heli Horizon ST's but with the small ball for a garmin mount? The std 1" ram ball is too big. The ball for a garmin is around 5/8".
Which Garmin are you using? There are many cradle options for the Garmin with the 1" ball.
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Which Garmin are you using? There are many cradle options for the Garmin with the 1" ball.
I have the 3450 with the included dash mount cradle:
(http://www.mountguys.com/v/vspfiles/photos/010-11478-00-2T.jpg)
That ball is about 5/8"
(http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mgZKHGuwwgqyVvqpAOeT7dg.jpg)
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I have the 3450 with the included dash mount cradle:
I would recommend not using that kind of car mount, they aren't very secure at speed on a bike IMO.
You need to get a cradle with a 1" ball, like this...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-Nuvi-3450-3450LM-3490-3750-3760T-3790T-RAM-Mount-Holder-G39-/230873743552?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c125c0c0 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-Nuvi-3450-3450LM-3490-3750-3760T-3790T-RAM-Mount-Holder-G39-/230873743552?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c125c0c0)
&
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAM-Mount-2-43-x-1-31-Diamond-Base-with-1-Ball-Product-Number-RAM-B-238U-/230871968375?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c10aaa77 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAM-Mount-2-43-x-1-31-Diamond-Base-with-1-Ball-Product-Number-RAM-B-238U-/230871968375?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c10aaa77)
Or you could go with one of these that appear to have the mount as well...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAM-B-149Z-GA39U-RAM-Handlebar-mount-for-Garmin-Nuvi-3450LM-3490-3750-3760T-/230859800394?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c050ff4a (http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAM-B-149Z-GA39U-RAM-Handlebar-mount-for-Garmin-Nuvi-3450LM-3490-3750-3760T-/230859800394?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c050ff4a)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HEAVY-DUTY-FLAT-SURFACE-MOUNT-FOR-GARMIN-NUVI-3450-3450LM-3490LMT-3750-3760T-/130795870164?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item1e740a97d4 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HEAVY-DUTY-FLAT-SURFACE-MOUNT-FOR-GARMIN-NUVI-3450-3450LM-3490LMT-3750-3760T-/130795870164?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item1e740a97d4)
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Ok.. I'm pretty much sold on the X Grip. I need to see if it will fit my Note 2 with a case... It's pretty close.
The next question has been mildly pandered around on other threads, but, I am still a little lost....
Bike media hubs....
I want to connect my helmet with bluetooth to the system. Getting on and off the bike is complicated enough to have to worry about plugging in a ton of devices. As it stands, I have a Nolan helmet that bluetooths to my phone. I'd lie to connect it to a PTT FRS radio, GPS (I may sub my phone here), and the Valentine 1.... Perhaps even a CB (one saved my ass one year in BFE with no gas).
J&M said "That is possible but no cost effect and overly redundant ,,,,,, that is why we don't offer this type of thing as standard ,,,,,,,," Sad, BC they have a really clean CB with PTT built in, but only works corded.
I've had Autocom in the past. Not a bluetooth model, but one of the older pro lines. I spent about $1k on setting up all of this with 2 helmets. The cords wore out quick and the unit had frequent non-working times... I never figured out why. I eventually sold it with the bike.
I am a little leery of starting down the autocom line again; especially knowing I'll be spending a ton on making it all bluetooth.
I'd really like to hear how you all solved this issue. Even more, I want to hear good and bad stories with autocom and it's bluetooth.
Thanks for the info guys!
Snype
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I would recommend not using that kind of car mount, they aren't very secure at speed on a bike IMO.
You need to get a cradle with a 1" ball, like this...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-Nuvi-3450-3450LM-3490-3750-3760T-3790T-RAM-Mount-Holder-G39-/230873743552?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c125c0c0 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-Nuvi-3450-3450LM-3490-3750-3760T-3790T-RAM-Mount-Holder-G39-/230873743552?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c125c0c0)
&
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAM-Mount-2-43-x-1-31-Diamond-Base-with-1-Ball-Product-Number-RAM-B-238U-/230871968375?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c10aaa77 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAM-Mount-2-43-x-1-31-Diamond-Base-with-1-Ball-Product-Number-RAM-B-238U-/230871968375?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c10aaa77)
Or you could go with one of these that appear to have the mount as well...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAM-B-149Z-GA39U-RAM-Handlebar-mount-for-Garmin-Nuvi-3450LM-3490-3750-3760T-/230859800394?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c050ff4a (http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAM-B-149Z-GA39U-RAM-Handlebar-mount-for-Garmin-Nuvi-3450LM-3490-3750-3760T-/230859800394?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item35c050ff4a)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HEAVY-DUTY-FLAT-SURFACE-MOUNT-FOR-GARMIN-NUVI-3450-3450LM-3490LMT-3750-3760T-/130795870164?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item1e740a97d4 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HEAVY-DUTY-FLAT-SURFACE-MOUNT-FOR-GARMIN-NUVI-3450-3450LM-3490LMT-3750-3760T-/130795870164?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item1e740a97d4)
Thanks ZG! I agree and have safety wired my gps for this reason. I like the mount in the first reference you gave and will buy it today.
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Pulled the trigger on this Garmin mount: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130795870164&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130795870164&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160)
And will use it with my Horizon ST bars with this ball: https://www.helibars.com/product/ram-mount-ball (https://www.helibars.com/product/ram-mount-ball)
Should be a good secure and flexible system.
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Thanks ZG!
Pulled the trigger on this Garmin mount: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130795870164&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130795870164&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160)
And will use it with my Horizon ST bars with this ball: https://www.helibars.com/product/ram-mount-ball (https://www.helibars.com/product/ram-mount-ball)
Should be a good secure and flexible system.
Much better! :) :thumbs:
No worries, happy to help bro. :chugbeer:
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Looked at Sena.. It has some interesting ideas, but each has only half of the solution. The FRS does not have MP3 or 2-up capability... The Sena10 doesn't have FRS.. It seems like I'd have to buy both units and slave one to the other. Am I reading all of this wrong??
Anyone use the JM stuff?
I have the J&M set up with a Zumo 550 and am quite pleased with it. I like CB because everyone I ride with has CB's, mostly a Goldwing group.
Snype
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IPhone and IRadar setup. Use the phone for maps, tunes, and yes answering phone calls. ;D
Phone call? We are supposed to ride to get away from all the foolishness! :o
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Tech mount II with a good ole cheap non waterproof Nuvi 260W.
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Phone call? We are supposed to ride to get away from all the foolishness! :o
Ya, but how cool is it when somebody calls and asks, "Hey man, what's going on?"
And you can answer with.....
"I'm flying at very low altitudes railing some corners and you?"
or better yet,
"I'm testing out my new highway pegs as I check out the Teton's!"
(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/2012%20ride/BF560929-C168-4555-AB86-D889DCC517FD-7328-00000D4D243B0CA5.jpg)
:thumbs:
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I have the Garmin 3790 with the same mount that Rhino pictured. I opened up the mount and tapped the speaker so that I could get audio to my Autocom. I use the Ram Ball mount extender and the Ram Mount that holds the Garmin Mount. This is a very tight mount. The problem with using this type of GPS is that it is not waterproof.
IMHO Bluetooth is a very poor way to communicate on the road. Range is limited and without a standard format most units will not communicate with another mfgs unit. CB(27 Mhz) allows you to find out whats going on the interstates by monitoring the 18 wheelers and FRS (Family Radio Service-461 Mhz) gives you decent range if your looking to communicate with other riders, and certainly amateur radio(146 or 440 Mhz) through repeaters will give the rider a range of many miles from just a walkie talkie.
Most riders want the versatility of hooking many devices to their Communications system such as GPS, FM, MP3 Player, as well as rider to passenger and bike to bike communications. This is best accomplished thru a mixer type of unit such as an Autocom. Now I am not suggesting that the interface and audio matching of all these different sources will be easy, but once they are set operation should be pretty good.
I would not suggest using your smart phone for all these tasks unless you have an unlimited data plan as using your phone for internet based radio stations uses data fairly quickly.
Fred
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Mainly i want to Bluetooth my phone, my helmets to an integrated com system that has harnesses to FRS, CB, radar, and GPS. I wan to be able to jump on my bike and go.. not spend 10 minutes wiring myself tot he bike. This should be pretty straight forward, but the systems on the market seem to want to hard-wire everything directly.
J&M basically told me that what I want was stupid. I am really afraid of spending the money Autocomm wants after my last experience. My previous autocom rarely worked right, wires frayed after 8 months and the helmet wires were so annoying!!
Why is it so hard to find this setup. As was said, most riders want this... And today, it not really much to expect with the country's current technology level....
Riders?? How would you solve this?? Farty, Sadly I think you are right. I have the Kenwood.. found it on ebay for a steal.. but I think you need 2 Bluetooth dongles if you want a passenger.
Manufacturers... WTF!!! catch up with the rest of the world!!!
Snype
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Ok... getting closer to even understanding what i am trying to build <lol>. Just spent 40min on the phone with Keith at Tulsa Truck Center Inc. He doesn't know about Bluetooth, but he totally schooled me on everything else. Keith is a long time biker and has a plethora of ideas on how to wire up bikes. Even more, he was really willing to work with me and even design and build custom harnesses. He is an Autocom dealer that has been known to give amazing prices. Because he is new to the Bluetooth stuff, he was willing to send me a base kit to try out (about $450ish to buy it and he'd refund me if I didn't like it or wanted a higher priced version). I may take him up on this next week
Snype
Tulsa Truck Center Inc
5503 W 61st St
Tulsa, OK 74131
918-446-2245
tulsatruckcenter@sbcglobal.net
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Snype, just a quick note on the Autocom units. As the owner of an Autocom(the last generation), I will tell you that they work great for communications, but for mp3 the fidelity lacks. You need to understand that in Voice Communications the clarity or the intelligebility is in the higher frequency range. That being said, you may not get the Bass response that you may be looking for if you plan on playing alot of music thru the system.
The Beauty of the Autocom system is the versatility of the system, as I said in my previous response the system allows the interface of different types of devices for your communications needs which include real radios with extended range as versus being locked into a propriatary Bluetooth system with limited range.
Fred