Radio Quality, dealer reccomends no radio??

[S2DOG]

My local dealer recommends not having an RT radio in a new RT. I have become accustomed to the radio in the LT and was told that the RT radio is so poor at speed you can not even hear it.

True???

[messenger13]

This is not the first time that I've heard this. I don't think he's feeding you a line.

[bmotorcycle]

I have have had 2 of the newer LT's and I do agree that the radio/stereo system on that bike is one of the best systems in motorcycling. I had a 02 RT and I had the stereo put in that bike ($1200.00) and it was a total waste of money. As said above, the stereo could not be heard at speed, in fact around town it was barely audible. I just got the 06 RT last April (traded an 04 LT) and I went in with the intention of not getting the stereo on the new RT, the dealer said they totally changed and went with a similar system that is on the LT and suggested that I take the demo out just to make sure that is what I wanted to do. Long story shortened, I bought the RT with the stereo and I am so glad I did. Just got back from Sturgis and it was on the whole trip, radio or CD (only a single CD player on the RT). It is not an LT stereo but is usable and is audible at highway speeds even with the stock windshield. Again I am glad I got it, if you were looking at an 04 or earlier I too would say don't spend the money but on an 05 or later I think you would be sorry that you didn't, just my 2 cents.................Bob

[jtbvaca]

I went without the factory radio on my RT, however I installed an autocom and XM radio along with the GPS off my old LT. I now have music and though I cannot control the volume from the handlebar it works out great and I do not have the big CD changer in my saddle bag.

[S2DOG]

I have have had 2 of the newer LT's and I do agree that the radio/stereo system on that bike is one of the best systems in motorcycling. I had a 02 RT and I had the stereo put in that bike ($1200.00) and it was a total waste of money. As said above, the stereo could not be heard at speed, in fact around town it was barely audible. I just got the 06 RT last April (traded an 04 LT) and I went in with the intention of not getting the stereo on the new RT, the dealer said they totally changed and went with a similar system that is on the LT and suggested that I take the demo out just to make sure that is what I wanted to do. Long story shortened, I bought the RT with the stereo and I am so glad I did. Just got back from Sturgis and it was on the whole trip, radio or CD (only a single CD player on the RT). It is not an LT stereo but is usable and is audible at highway speeds even with the stock windshield. Again I am glad I got it, if you were looking at an 04 or earlier I too would say don't spend the money but on an 05 or later I think you would be sorry that you didn't, just my 2 cents.................Bob

Bob,

Thank you sincerely for your input. I have a dealer that is local and he has an 06 RT with a radio in it. I need to go and ride the bike and see how the radio sounds. I don't need something "surround" quality. I would just like to listen to it now and then without having wires or bluetooth stuff and other odds and ends. Been there, done that....

Thanks again!

[Tom_K]

When you test ride the R1200RT, experiment with different windshield positions as this affects the clarity of the the radio sound. I enjoy mine at all speeds below 80 mph, although there is still some skipping on some (but not all) CD's.

[Croleyg]

Just registered on this board a few minutes ago and stumbled across this thread. I have an '05 RT and opted for the factory radio/CD system. Just my experience, but I wish that I had saved the $$$. I thought the quality was not proportionate to the cost and had trouble hearing it when my windscreen was in any position but all the way up. Also, the CD player skipped on a number of CDs.

I subsequently bought one of the Baehr systems and hooked my XM/GPS and FRS radios to it. I don't mind the pigtail to my helmet when I am traveling distances (though I haven't found a neat way to tuck it out of the way when I don't want to fool with it), but I sure do like the Baehr XM/etc. solution better than the factory sound system. Wish I had saved the money on the factory system to spend on the Baehr/XM setup I have.

I think your dealer is right, but obviously there are a lot of riders who disagree with me. Just my experience.

Croleyg
'05 R1200RT
'06 R1200GS