[ajb5540]

Jut wondering if the radio speakers in the 21 1250RT are a standard sized speaker that can be replaced with a better quality speaker of the same size, without drilling or cutting or anything else. Thanks in advance.
AJ

 

[SvFiat]

The 21 RT actually has a pretty good audio system. The amp was upgraded to I believe 50 watts per channel instead of 12. The speakers have a decent size magnet and they brought back an actual separate tweeter. I can clearly hear my music at 80MPH wind noise at half volume. But you can get exact fit upgrades from Focal Audio.

 

[jono]

Last month I upgraded the speakers on my USA spec 2022 R1250RT to a pair from Focal and though it is quite an easy job - wanted to share my experience and maybe save someone the learning curve. The model I chose was the Focal IC BMW 100, which is a plug-n-play unit with the stock speaker. Note: there is a model quite similar in name but with an L at the end (100L) which have a cushion that would cause fitment problems on the RT, so just get the plain 100. These are available from retailers in the States for typically $400. I bought mine from a reputable eastern European vendor on eBay for $208 including shipping. Note: these speakers are not labeled as waterproof but their construction is as good or better than the stock units - meaning the polyglass woofer is unlikely to be affected by moisture and the aluminum/magnesium tweeter should also be water resistant. Also note that the BMW cover has a membrane that will keep most water out of the speaker housing.

Here are the installation steps.

1) Remove the speaker grill by removing two torx screws at the bottom of the cover (red arrows in first photo). Once removed, pull the grill from the bottom out and lift up - you need to pop out three press fit latches (green arrows in second photo).

2) Remove the stock speaker by removing the three torx screws that hold it in (yellow arrows in third photo). Once the screws are removed, carefully unplug the two connectors with the speaker wires. One of these pairs (the red/purple on my bike) is the wiring for the stock woofer and the second pair (orange/black on my bike) is for the stock tweeter. Since the Focal has a combined woofer/tweeter, leave the orange/black connector tucked back in the speaker housing. Now is a good time to check the captive nuts for the grill to be sure they are still aligned properly (red arrows in third photo). Note: you can remove the speaker box by loosening three rubber-expansion torx screws and unplugging the wiring connector at the lower inner side of the box, but it is not necessary. I removed one to figure out how best to eliminate the stock tweeter, which is glued into the speaker box - so I just left it unplugged.

3) Plug the speaker wiring connector in to either of the connectors on the Focal speaker. Install the speaker with the three torx head screws.

4) Reattach the speaker grill by placing the pressure fit plugs into their respective sockets and press them in gently but firmly - when positioned correctly you feel a solid "click" when they are seated. Secure the cover with the two torx screws.

As for the performance of these speakers - I have taken a few trips with them and find they produce reasonable sound in the cockpit at lower volume levels, meaning you are less likely to bother anyone else on the road if that's a priority. There is also less distortion than the stock. Some have said this is a 20% improvement over the stock speakers - I would go further and say a big improvement in sound quality and matches the higher output of the amp in the 21/22 model.

 

[Bulitt]

When did they upgrade the amp? What year? I have a new to me 2019 1250RT and think the radio, audio, thumb drive, sounds pretty good. Easily as good as my 2018 Goldwing and the radio reception is actually better than the wing…due to the vertical antenna.

I have a werks 24 windshield but I can hear the radio fine at 80mph with earpiece noise cancelling earplugs in …..so I am pretty happy.

 

[jono]

The 2021 R1250RT had an upgraded amp to 50W. On the flip side, the antennas for the 2021/2022 don't perform nearly as well as the previous versions.

 

[Fluidocs]

Thank you for this topic. I must admit that I use the speakers regularly....

Which is better, a separate tweeter or a combination like the Focal speaker?

What if I connect both in parallel? So the original BMW tweeter and the Focal tweeter play music together?

Is there any other way to improve the bass?

Sven

 

[jono]

Thank you for this topic. I must admit that I use the speakers regularly....

Which is better, a separate tweeter or a combination like the Focal speaker?

What if I connect both in parallel? So the original BMW tweeter and the Focal tweeter play music together?

Is there any other way to improve the bass?

Sven

In my initial install of the Focals, I kept the BMW tweeters connected and though I couldn't hear it while riding, when the bike was parked, the speakers sounded a little harsh. When I unplugged the BMW tweeter, the harshness went away. Acoustically, I don't think there's much of a difference between a separated tweeter and one over the woofer - certainly not enough on a bike where wind noise has a far bigger impact on the quality of sound. The poor bass is a function of the size of the woofer - unless you figure out how to add a larger speaker - you're stuck with the limitations of a 5" speaker. Note there are audio controls in the TFT to boost bass, though the effect is limited.

 

[SBA]

The 2021 R1250RT had an upgraded amp to 50W. On the flip side, the antennas for the 2021/2022 don't perform nearly as well as the previous versions.

Agreed. The FM and AM antennas/reception is crap on my 2022 R1250RT and until I added a top trunk Sat antenna raising the windscreen even a few inches cut off the Sat radio reception (like an off switch).

 

[jono]

Agreed. The FM and AM antennas/reception is crap on my 2022 R1250RT and until I added a top trunk Sat antenna raising the windscreen even a few inches cut off the Sat radio reception (like an off switch).

FWIW: my FM antenna is performing fine - it's the AM that doesn't seem to work at all. They look to be the same kind of antenna with the FM on the left side of the fairing and the AM on the right. A rod antenna in the same location pulls in AM stations fine.

 

[SBA]

FWIW: my FM antenna is performing fine - it's the AM that doesn't seem to work at all. They look to be the same kind of antenna with the FM on the left side of the fairing and the AM on the right. A rod antenna in the same location pulls in AM stations fine.

Great. Where did you place the rod antenna. I likely will add one for better FM reception. Thanks!

 

[jono]

Great. Where did you place the rod antenna. I likely will add one for better FM reception. Thanks!

It fits fine attached to the wiring / frame just to the left of the stock unit. When you take the panel off you'll see there is plenty of space.

 

[AlessandroNoto]

The 21 RT actually has a pretty good audio system. The amp was upgraded to I believe 50 watts per channel instead of 12. The speakers have a decent size magnet and they brought back an actual separate tweeter. I can clearly hear my music at 80MPH wind noise at half volume. But you can get exact fit upgrades from Focal Audio.

Hallo, after all these months, what about your feedback around water: they are water-proof?

 

[Fast1]

I can clearly hear my music at 80MPH wind noise at half volume.

Am curious about the music volume at 80 mph and if you wear any type of ear plugs and what type of helmet you use?

Windshield type?

Usually I wear foam ear plugs and a Arai XD4 helmet so was trying to get clarity if I'd be able to hear music at speed.
I use a Werks quiet ride windscreen that does lower the db of the wind considerably.

My 22 came with the speaker package/wring but minus the head unit which I am considering procuring.

 

[SvFiat]

Hallo, after all these months, what about your feedback around water: they are water-proof?

Been through many down pours never had a problem

 

[SvFiat]

Am curious about the music volume at 80 mph and if you wear any type of ear plugs and what type of helmet you use?

Windshield type?

Usually I wear foam ear plugs and a Arai XD4 helmet so was trying to get clarity if I'd be able to hear music at speed.
I use a Werks quiet ride windscreen that does lower the db of the wind considerably.

My 22 came with the speaker package/wring but minus the head unit which I am considering procuring.

7jurock Earplugs NO Helmet radio volume level 50%

 

[Trilergy]

I rode for a number of years without earplugs and now suffer. So never without plugs now.
With the plugs I have wired "monitors" (speakers) in my ears. Perfect sound and ears are protected.
Cant see the point of speakers. Was always difficult to have clear sound at best at speed.
Stupid part is on my 22 I don't have the radio but still have a waste of space with the speakers. With technology now I wonder when they will let the useless option go, or at least give an alternative to the space.
FWIW I have never had an issue with water in the speakers.

 

[Fast1]

I rode for a number of years without earplugs and now suffer. So never without plugs now.
With the plugs I have wired "monitors" (speakers) in my ears. Perfect sound and ears are protected.

Similar issue as you and ride with plugs every ride. Most of my damage occurred as a young teen in the early 70s racing 2 stroke moto cross bikes without a silencer and just a non-silenced expansion chamber.

Which product do you use for the "wired monitors" in your ears?

 

[AlessandroNoto]

Been through many down pours never had a problem

WOW. I ordered it.

I think is important said one thing:
this new focal speaker it's a 2 way, so it's means tweeter is integreted on it.
The orange black cable re-send the signal on High-Pass Filter and then to the official tweeter: when I'll replace speaker I'll not connect it.
In that way I'll use only focal speaker and high frequency will not "disturbed" from the original one.
Are you agree? I think you did in the same way.

 

[jono]

WOW. I ordered it. View attachment 181903
I think is important said one thing:
this new focal speaker it's a 2 way, so it's means tweeter is integreted on it.
The orange black cable re-send the signal on High-Pass Filter and then to the official tweeter: when I'll replace speaker I'll not connect it.
In that way I'll use only focal speaker and high frequency will not "disturbed" from the original one.
Are you agree? I think you did in the same way.

I initially had the OEM tweeter connected along with the Focal and found the sound a little harsh. Disconnecting the OEM tweeter cured the harshness.

 

[Trilergy]

Similar issue as you and ride with plugs every ride. Most of my damage occurred as a young teen in the early 70s racing 2 stroke moto cross bikes without a silencer and just a non-silenced expansion chamber.

Which product do you use for the "wired monitors" in your ears?

Here in Aus we have Ear Mould (www.earmoldsydney.com.au). They do a custom mould that suits your ear. You can add the wired monitors which have a 3.5mm connector which connect straight to the PTB.
They are a perfect fit and block out 99% of the noise. (I can still hear a siren).