R1200rt

[mdhill]

Newbie here....sold my Goldwing and am looking at a R1200rt. It has most
everything except a radio. Is there an aftermarket radio that is available or
is the only answer the very expensive BMW radio?

Sorry folks...I see the same subject was brought up yesterday......

[Effjay]

Not directly related to BMW OEM radio question (which mine has), you might be interested in this test ride report posted today by another GW rider: BMWST RT ride report (http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=378865&gonew=1#UNREAD)

Jeff

[AliMar]

MP3 and/or XM is far better than "radio", plus both integrate nicely using a Zumo GPS... Radio & CD are legacy... time to upgrade & move on no matter RT, LT, Kawa, etc...

[someonehappy]

I think the advantage of the BMW radio is it comes with the handlebar buttons, it's really easy to adjust sound, or change radio stations.

But I prefer mp3, and a remote waterproof controller for ipod and ipod in pocket/tankbag is an inexpensive solution. But I haven't put many miles on the RT and probably I would eventually find out that listening to radio is not bad either.

[PlaneGeek]

+1 on the iPod. I commute 70 miles round trip so just under two hours a day on my bike and my little iPod Shuffle keeps me groovin'. Some day I'll have to submit a front on my allowance for a Zumo to The Boss. That is definitely the way to go.

[gr8ridn]

All of the suggestions are good ones. I have gone one step farther that might appeal to someone coming from a Goldwing.

I went with a Zumo 550 with XM antenna and a J&M 2003 CB. Now I have MP3, XM Radio, Intercom, CB, weather radio, and GPS verbal messages all in the correct priority. I also integrated a bluetooth cell phone. All of this is water resistant and mounted within easy reach while riding. The volume is easily controlled through the 2003 CB while maintaining both hands on the grips. This combination has served me well for over a year. The combined price of all of this is still way less $$$ than the factory radio that is less capable.

Food for thought.

[dwfindley]

How have you folks mounted the Zumo 550 on the RT? Is it hardwired into the electrical system?

[ArthurKnowles]

I personally do not like any satellite radio and don't recommend them either. I think their programming stinks and didn't care much for them jacking up the price on me either. I much prefer public radio, cds, or my own MP3s.

It's also easy to add a radio to any of the RTs. 1200s too. You can even add a wired remote (for any marine rated radio). Some people mount them above the handlebars as I did on my RT. Some mount them on the center of the triple clamp. Some (on the 1200) mount the unit where the stock radio select buttons are on the lower left fairing.

To install an aftermarket radio does require the factory BMW speaker enclosures (only avialable with speakers from BMW), antenna, and if you want it the case/enclosure/din assembly for the glove box.

[AliMar]

How have you folks mounted the Zumo 550 on the RT? Is it hardwired into the electrical system?
Sure did. I wired mine to a switched fuse block. Relay power comes from the rear accessory outlet. I ran +/- direct from battery to fuseblock. From the fuseblock ran the +/- wires up under the tank and behind the instrument panel. I have the 550 mounted using the gadgetguys.com mount. Let me know if you want to see it or need help figuring out what to do.

[ATDRS]

How have you folks mounted the Zumo 550 on the RT? Is it hardwired into the electrical system?


R120RT's come with a plug that is switched and designed for the GPS.. I use that for my Zumo and it works very well.

[Stixx]

I just bought an SD card for my Zumo and listen to tunes through my bluetooth headset. Passenger can too. I hear it fine that way and I'm still able to use earplugs and full face helmet on long stretches.Radio's on bikes are really not the way to go nowadays methinks.

My bluetooth system attached to my helmet has an FM tuner built in for just background music stations if you like that sort and for specific music I just load the Zumo up with MP3's from my computer. Takes very little time and it works great. Everything comes through the zumo interface and touch screen adjustment on the fly. Can't beat that system in my view and you aren't annoying anyone with a loud sterio cranked up on your Gold Wing like a few I've seen do.

[ATDRS]

I just bought an SD card for my Zumo and listen to tunes through my bluetooth headset. Passenger can too. I hear it fine that way and I'm still able to use earplugs and full face helmet on long stretches.Radio's on bikes are really not the way to go nowadays methinks.

My bluetooth system attached to my helmet has an FM tuner built in for just background music stations if you like that sort and for specific music I just load the Zumo up with MP3's from my computer. Takes very little time and it works great. Everything comes through the zumo interface and touch screen adjustment on the fly. Can't beat that system in my view and you aren't annoying anyone with a loud sterio cranked up on your Gold Wing like a few I've seen do.

Stixx,
What brand of stereo Bluetooth helmet setup are you using?
Thanks