Harley branded SENA work-around?

[Dr Jer]

I have been researching premium level touring helmets like Shoei Neotec 2 or Schuberth C5 and really like that these helmets now have their own wireless headset electronics incorporated into the shell of the helmet (versus those bulky add-on headset units that are attached the outside of helmet.) The frustrating issue about this is that it appears unless I use a Harley-branded Sena external mounted unit, or a Harley modular helmet with their HD Sena built-in unit, sounds like I will loose quite a bit of functionality of the Harley Boom Box GTS Infotainment System even with a Wireless Headset Interface Module (WHIM). I understand there is a jumper plug available for non-whim bikes which helps some issues, but is there a work-around for Shoei or Schuberth Sena units to use on CVOs which come standard with WHIM? Dr Jerry

[David792]

I don't think so. I have tried with 3 models of SENA units, I've tried jumpers through the aux port on the SENA, I have the SENA Freewire, which gives me more functionality, but not the PTT feature for voice commands. I don't think HD is going to let anything work without the HD branded kit.

I think the installation of the WHIM disables the 7 pin din so The freeware may not be an option for you.

good luck, and keep us posted.

[cycle7447]

I don't think so. I have tried with 3 models of SENA units, I've tried jumpers through the aux port on the SENA, I have the SENA Freewire, which gives me more functionality, but not the PTT feature for voice commands. I don't think HD is going to let anything work without the HD branded kit.

I think the installation of the WHIM disables the 7 pin din so The freeware may not be an option for you.

good luck, and keep us posted.

Somehow, I understood everything would work - except the interface is mono instead of stereo.

My dealer has a used bike on the floor with the new GTS radio and WHIM installed. Bike also has a CB installed. Maybe this Saturday I can visit and see how my Cardo connects to that unit.

This would answer quite a few questions for me.

[Peter A.]

Somehow, I understood everything would work - except the interface is mono instead of stereo.

My dealer has a used bike on the floor with the new GTS radio and WHIM installed. Bike also has a CB installed. Maybe this Saturday I can visit and see how my Cardo connects to that unit.

This would answer quite a few questions for me.

ANY update on this?

Pete

[Udawg]

I don't think so. I have tried with 3 models of SENA units, I've tried jumpers through the aux port on the SENA, I have the SENA Freewire, which gives me more functionality, but not the PTT feature for voice commands. I don't think HD is going to let anything work without the HD branded kit.

I think the installation of the WHIM disables the 7 pin din so The freeware may not be an option for you.

good luck, and keep us posted.

Actually mine has the WHIM installed and I still use the 7 pin din headset because I use half helmets and the HD Half Helmet Headset can't be turned up loud enough to comfortably hear when the Trike is running. I just use the 7 pin and it's clear as a bell.

[David792]

Actually mine has the WHIM installed and I still use the 7 pin din headset because I use half helmets and the HD Half Helmet Headset can't be turned up loud enough to comfortably hear when the Trike is running. I just use the 7 pin and it's clear as a bell.

That's cool, my 2018 didn't work like that. Thanks for the tip.

[cycle7447]

Actually mine has the WHIM installed and I still use the 7 pin din headset because I use half helmets and the HD Half Helmet Headset can't be turned up loud enough to comfortably hear when the Trike is running. I just use the 7 pin and it's clear as a bell.

Interesting - I didn't think you could use the 7 pin if you had the WHIM installed. All the guys I know with the WHIM are not able to do that.

I have 4 helmets, 2 wired and two wireless. I did not install the WHIM for that very reason. Now if you can share how yours work, I might like to consider putting in the WHIM so I can go both ways. This would be fantastic.

[Udawg]

Interesting - I didn't think you could use the 7 pin if you had the WHIM installed. All the guys I know with the WHIM are not able to do that.

I have 4 helmets, 2 wired and two wireless. I did not install the WHIM for that very reason. Now if you can share how yours work, I might like to consider putting in the WHIM so I can go both ways. This would be fantastic.

I have no idea HOW it works, just that it is clear as a bell on the 7 pin even when riding. When I use the wireless half helmet headset from Harley I have to turn it up so loud it's too scratchy to hear comfortably when the trike is running. When the Trike is turned off it's clear also but as soon as you start up the Trike the sound diminishes tremendously and when you're riding (higher RPMs) it's just not worth the hassle. It's almost like the old days when the plug wires on your car were not shielded it interfered with the radio. The Harley headsets are paired to the WHIM not bluetooth. I'm looking into trying to figure out how to unpair them from the WHIM and use bluetooth instead and see if that will help because the wireless headset is nice if it worked.

[cycle7447]

I have no idea HOW it works, just that it is clear as a bell on the 7 pin even when riding. When I use the wireless half helmet headset from Harley I have to turn it up so loud it's too scratchy to hear comfortably when the trike is running. When the Trike is turned off it's clear also but as soon as you start up the Trike the sound diminishes tremendously and when you're riding (higher RPMs) it's just not worth the hassle. It's almost like the old days when the plug wires on your car were not shielded it interfered with the radio. The Harley headsets are paired to the WHIM not bluetooth. I'm looking into trying to figure out how to unpair them from the WHIM and use bluetooth instead and see if that will help because the wireless headset is nice if it worked.

I hear you - still believe you are the exception. From Harley, here is what they say:



NOTES:Impact of Retrofit on Wired Microphone Functionality: Upon installation of the WHIM, your motorcycle’s wired microphone functionality will no longer be available. However, wired audio will continue to function as before.

Our bikes only have one connector - so, if you plug in the WHIM, you have to unplug the wired headset line. Since you say the 7 pin is as clear as a bell, I have to beleive that the headset line is plugged in.

The WHIM might be there and "not connected" If not connected, when you use your wireless headsets, it might be that you are connecting directly with each headset and, not through the WHIM.

Try this. Turn the bike on and boot up the Nav system. Put on your wireless headsets. Now click the push the talk button on your left handlebar. Once that beeps, say something in your wireless mic. If the bike does not respond, they my bet is you are connected to each headset but not to the bike.

[Udawg]

I hear you - still believe you are the exception. From Harley, here is what they say:



NOTES:Impact of Retrofit on Wired Microphone Functionality: Upon installation of the WHIM, your motorcycle’s wired microphone functionality will no longer be available. However, wired audio will continue to function as before.

Our bikes only have one connector - so, if you plug in the WHIM, you have to unplug the wired headset line. Since you say the 7 pin is as clear as a bell, I have to beleive that the headset line is plugged in.

The WHIM might be there and "not connected" If not connected, when you use your wireless headsets, it might be that you are connecting directly with each headset and, not through the WHIM.

Try this. Turn the bike on and boot up the Nav system. Put on your wireless headsets. Now click the push the talk button on your left handlebar. Once that beeps, say something in your wireless mic. If the bike does not respond, they my bet is you are connected to each headset but not to the bike.

OK guys, I apologize. I only use the audio part of the headset. I never tried the voice commands at all. I just tried them and you are correct, the voice commands only work with the Wireless Headset that is paired to the WHIM. The wired headset does not respond at all when I speak into them. I'm sorry I was confused. I just never used the voice part. I use it for music and prompts on the Nav and it works for that.

I'd really like to use the wireless. Wonder if they make better speakers for them!

[cycle7447]

UDawg -hey, no problem. This is exactly why we are here so we can learn from one another.

The guys here that I know that have the Harley headset paired with the WHIM say they have great results.

I keep wanting to take my Cardo to a ride one day and pair it with someone that has a WHIM. Just wondering how cardo will perform. Still, I sort of hate to give up mu wired headsets. Wish Harley had left that option open so you could do both.

Am hopeful that someone will lean in and help with your system.

[Rmitchell55]

About 6 months ago my Whims died, so I purchased a new one and installed it. Now my HD headset, I think is dying. Both of these units are about 5 years old. My hearing is not the best, I have tinnitus in both ears from my time in the Navy on Submarines trying to Isolate a 4500# air leak with my head about a foot away. I may try to replace the speakers on my headset to see it makes a difference. Cycle Gear says they will change they for about $90.00. Two weeks ago when I was out riding across the "Big SandBox" in temps ranging 100* to 105* listening to XM radio my radio stopped working but when I got home and about an hour later everything worked fine.

[DOKK]

About 6 months ago my Whims died, so I purchased a new one and installed it. Now my HD headset, I think is dying. Both of these units are about 5 years old. My hearing is not the best, I have tinnitus in both ears from my time in the Navy on Submarines trying to Isolate a 4500# air leak with my head about a foot away. I may try to replace the speakers on my headset to see it makes a difference. Cycle Gear says they will change they for about $90.00. Two weeks ago when I was out riding across the "Big SandBox" in temps ranging 100* to 105* listening to XM radio my radio stopped working but when I got home and about an hour later everything worked fine.

What I have learned over the last few years and my second set of Senas, the heat is harder on them than the cold. If mine get too hot in the sun, they will cut out until they cool down.

I have the regular 20S EVO Sena and not the Harley branded ones as I don't have the WHIM.

[Udawg]

UDawg -hey, no problem. This is exactly why we are here so we can learn from one another.

The guys here that I know that have the Harley headset paired with the WHIM say they have great results.

I keep wanting to take my Cardo to a ride one day and pair it with someone that has a WHIM. Just wondering how cardo will perform. Still, I sort of hate to give up mu wired headsets. Wish Harley had left that option open so you could do both.

Am hopeful that someone will lean in and help with your system.

Thanks man, I did do a firmware update on both the WHIM and the headsets today so maybe that'll help some. I'll test them out this week and see what happens.

[Udawg]

I love the way the Harley Half helmet headset is designed (I think it's a Sena too) and it works perfectly until I start up the Trike. Then when the trike's running (even at idle) it's hard to hear anything. Once you get on the road it's worthless. Of course I am an old man and probably a little hard of hearing so maybe it's just me but does anyone using the Harley half helmet headset (Harley Expand Boom) with the WHIM have it working correctly at highway speeds? I have done the hardware updates on both the WHIM and the headsets and the system seems to work as advertised but the speakers are just not clear (loud) enough to understand. Are there speaker replacements? Any help from a current user greatly appreciated.