2018 SGS and Sena freewire - possible?

[verkurkie]

New Harley 2018 SGS owner here & new forum member and I'm just curious if anybody has a quick answer -

I would like to get a Bluetooth headset connected to the BOOM system but it seems like my only option is the WHIM ($299 - part 76000768) and the harness ($49 - part 69201726) and the headset ($299 - part 76000736A) and installation and system flash for a grand total somewhere north of $750 ... just to connect a Bluetooth headset? Wow!

Somebody told me about the Sena Freewire (https://www.sena.com/product/freewire/) but I'm not sure it works with the 2018 SGS because I don't think it has the 7-pin comm port nor an AUX port ... can somebody confirm this?

I asked at a dealer but they didn't really want to entertain the question and tried to sell me on the WHIM or told me to just connect a BT headset to my phone which pretty much renders the BOOM system obsolete doesn't it ...

Thanks!

 

[NGOT8R]

Look here. I believe they have a video showing the Sena Freewire in use on the 2014 and up touring bikes.

www.lawabidingbiker.com

 

[Mojo]

verkerkie- Do you need full cell phone functionality while riding or do you just need intercom features and music playback? I did not need to bother with a cell phone while riding but did want music and intercom to other riders.
I chose the Sena Calvary helmet and it works great. I went to the Whim Seminar and when I found out how much it cost for what it offered I and many others walked away. Good luck with your decision.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle...Y3Q5jkSJCAY6892hdldLPabDHZKHQhEIaAupuEALw_wcB

 

[verkurkie]

Thx for the response! I watched a bunch of freewire videos but they mostly show Ultra Glides or CVOs, etc that have the comm package with the 7-pin DIN connector. Went to a bike shop today and learned that the freewire can be connected to a 7-pin DIN connector or to a 3.5mm AUX port and, as far as i can see, my 2018 SGS doesn't have either one of those ... unless they're hiding somewhere

 

[NGOT8R]

Do you want Bluetooth capability to answer phone calls or to answer calls and listen to music? I installed the HD 7 pin connmunication port on my 2015 SGS and use it to do both. It is the cheapest option by far and I really like it. I also just installed the WHIM on my 2018 SGS and I am waiting for a break in the weather to get the radio flashed for the Boom Audio amp, speakers and WHIM. I am willing to bet the WHIM will not out perform the 7 pin connector setup on my 2015.

 

[NGOT8R]

https://streetglide.com/showthread....rough-headphones&highlight=Communication+port

 

[verkurkie]

https://streetglide.com/showthread....rough-headphones&highlight=Communication+port

Great info! I found the https://www.harley-davidson.com/store/boom!-audio-music---comm-kit in there and that might be a good option, provided i can hook the sena freewire into it! I did notice this remark: "A Dealer Digital Technician software update (priced separately) is required to complete the installation" (https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/boom-audio-music-and-communications-kit) so i'll have to look into that. Something hiding behind every corner

 

[NGOT8R]

Great info! I found the https://www.harley-davidson.com/store/boom!-audio-music---comm-kit in there and that might be a good option, provided i can hook the sena freewire into it! I did notice this remark: "A Dealer Digital Technician software update (priced separately) is required to complete the installation" (https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/boom-audio-music-and-communications-kit) so i'll have to look into that. Something hiding behind every corner

I did the install on my 2015 myself and no dealer flash was necessary. I did however, have a lot of options checked or turned on with the Digital Technician when I had my radio flashed for the JM amp a couple of years earlier. Maybe that's why I did not have to flash for it when I installed the 7 pin communication port. Even if you do, it's still a huge savings over the WHIM and sound quality is sure to be better.

 

[weeT]

I used a Bluetooth transmitter & connected it to my USB port ('14 SGS) for power and wired the input to the headphone wires in the fairing. I can't talk to the bike (nor do I care to) but I get all of the (stereo) audio from the radio, GPS etc. and can still control the radio from the hand controls. All I have to charge is my Bluetooth headset. 15 bucks & about an hour's work...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UEGDDAY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[verkurkie]

I used a Bluetooth transmitter & connected it to my USB port ('14 SGS) for power and wired the input to the headphone wires in the fairing. I can't talk to the bike (nor do I care to) but I get all of the (stereo) audio from the radio, GPS etc. and can still control the radio from the hand controls. All I have to charge is my Bluetooth headset. 15 bucks & about an hour's work...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UEGDDAY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That sounds super interesting! Curious about the "headphone wires in the fairing" ... any hints/tips? which wires should i look for? I haven't looked behind the faring yet but would love to see what the possibilities are! Does this allow you to make phone calls through the headset if the phone is paired with the BOOM system?

 

[weeT]

The "wiring" I was referring to is the cable coming out of the back of the Boom radio to an empty plug (#280 IIRC) that's attached to the top of the radio (on the '14 through'16 SGS at least). That plug is where you would normally connect the factory made communication port cable. I just soldered & wrapped to the existing headphone wires. If you click on my name & look at my posts (I only have a few, mostly talking about this very subject) you will get some more explanations.

It is only 1 way Bluetooth stereo sound (anything that would come through the Boom speakers), no way to respond to a phone call or use voice prompts, neither of which I cared to use while on the bike. I do get text messages on the radio, though, & friends & family know to text me in case of emergency if I don't answer the phone.

Read through my other posts & if you have any questions, send me a PM.

T

 

[Moynihan]

Great info! I found the https://www.harley-davidson.com/store/boom!-audio-music---comm-kit in there and that might be a good option, provided i can hook the sena freewire into it! I did notice this remark: "A Dealer Digital Technician software update (priced separately) is required to complete the installation" (https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/boom-audio-music-and-communications-kit) so i'll have to look into that. Something hiding behind every corner

I installed this myself on my 2016 SGS. The law abiding biker video does a great job showing the step by step process for the installation. One thing I did different was I routed the cable under my seat and into my saddlebag, along with a power port. This way I can hide the sena freewire, and it has a setting that will shut it off when it doesn’t have power coming into it. I have the stock radio and did not have to do any sort of update. You just have to go into the settings and select whether you want it to go through the stereo speakers or your headset.


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