Harley Headset Archives - Law Abiding Biker Podcast

Video-How to Update Harley Wireless Headset Interface Module Software-WHIM-Boom Audio Device Manager

October 18, 2017 By Ryan Urlacher 2 Comments

Video-We show you how to hook your Harley Wireless Headset Interface Module or “WHIM” into a laptop and update the software using the Boom Audio Bluetooth Device Manager, which is made by Sena for Harley-Davidson. We show you where to get the appropriate desktop application and where to get the latest version of system software.

GET OUR FULL WHIM INSTALL VIDEO HERE

GET OUR BOOM BOX TUTORIAL VIDEO SERIES HERE

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Video-How to Flash Harley Boom Box Wireless Headset Interface Module-WHIM-Digital Technician

October 18, 2017 By Ryan Urlacher Leave a Comment

Video-Using the Harley dealership Digital Technician software, we show you how to flash a Boom Box Infotainment System after installing a Wireless Headset Interface Module or “WHIM”. Only authorized dealerships have access to this software. There is a specific process that needs to be followed and particular boxes that need to be checked for a successful flash. After a successful Boom Box flash, you'll have a new menu item in your setup options called “Wireless Headset”. If you see that then you know it was successful.

GET OUR FULL WHIM INSTALL VIDEO HERE

GET OUR BOOM BOX TUTORIAL VIDEO SERIES HERE

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CHECK OUT OUR OFFICIAL STORE HERE

CHECK OUT OUR AWESOME FOR PURCHASE TUTORIAL VIDEOS HERE

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Video-How to Install Harley Wireless Headset Interface Module-WHIM-Bluetooth

October 17, 2017 By Ryan Urlacher 2 Comments

In this completely free tutorial video, we show you exactly how to install the Harley Wireless Headset Interface Module (WHIM), and explain the exact parts you'll need. There are specific ways things need to be installed for proper operation. Don't waste your money by having a dealership do this install. You can do it yourself right in your very own shop or garage with this step-by-step tutorial video.

Video of Interest: (Please watch, so you are fully educated on the WHIM)

Davidson Wireless Headset Interface Module-WHIM-What You Need To Know-Problems & Issues?

Important:

After you complete the WHIM install you will have to take your motorcycle to a Harley dealership and have your Boom Box Infotainment system flashed (re-configured), so it will recognize the new WHIM and operate properly. Harley dealerships are the only persons allowed to have the proprietary software necessary to do this Boom Box system flash and it is called “Digital Technician”. Some dealerships charge for this simple system flash (5 minutes at the most) and others don't.

GET OUR POPULAR HARLEY BOOM BOX TUTORIAL VIDEO SERIES HERE!

Also, don't forget to hook the WHIM up to your own laptop and use the Harley/Sena PC or MAC Desktop Application to update the actual WHIM operating software prior to taking your motorcycle in for the dealer Boom Box system flash. You'll use the same Harley/Sena desktop application to make certain your Bluetooth headset is up to date.

Go here for the appropriate Harley/Sena PC/MAC Desktop Application & All Harley/Sena Branded Headset Software Updates

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Will my regular non-Harley branded Sena headset work with the WHIM?

Anwer: Sort of. The only way you'll get “stereo” sound with the WHIM is if you pair a Harley branded 20's headset. With other regular Sena branded headsets (no HD logo) you'll only get mono sound. Also, you'll want to make sure your regular Sena headset software is up to date. You'll have to contact Sena to figure out if your regular Sena headset will pair with the WHIM, so you can get only mono sound. I can say that the regular Sena 20s and Sena 10u will pair with the WHIM in mono as we've tested them.

Question: Will another non-Sena headset work with the WHIM?

Answer: Yes, maybe. Some other brand Bluetooth headsets will pair with the WHIM, but you'll only get mono sound. You'll have to just test it and see if your particular Bluetooth headset will pair with the WHIM. We don't have a list.

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Harley Models Coming Equipped with the WHIM:

Owners of 2014 & newer Harley models with the Boom Box must purchase the WHIM on their own and install it as an “add-on”. 2018 & newer Harley CVO models with the Boom Box are coming already equipped with the WHIM out of the factory.

Better Alternative/Sena Freewire:

We here at Law Abiding Biker Media still believe the Sena Freewire ($250) is a much better option, as it is cheaper and you'll get stereo sound even with regular Sena headsets you may already own. And you'll get stereo sound with other brand wireless helmet headsets. With the Sena Freewire, you also get full Boom Box integration and rider/passenger communications just like the WHIM.

GET A SENA FREEWIRE IN OUR STORE HERE

Note: With the single WHIM, you can run two Harley branded wireless Bluetooth headsets. With the Sena Freewire, you'll need one module for the rider and one for the passenger. You'll need to install a 7-pin DIN coms port for the Freewire and we have a free video on how to easily do that.

GET OUR HARLEY 7-PIN DIN INSTALL VIDEO HERE

What are we going to do here at Law Abiding Biker Media? FREEWIRE OR WHIM?

We here at Law Abiding Biker Media will stick with the Sena Freewire. It gives all the functionality of the WHIM at a fraction of the cost. And best of all, it works in stereo with all the great Sena brand headsets we already own!

Sena Freewire Videos of Interest:

OUR SENA FREEWIRE VIDEO 1

OUR SENA FREEWIRE VIDEO 2

If you choose to go with the WHIM, then this is what you'll need and what you'll have to pay for full stereo sound: (part numbers and links)

Wireless Headset Interface Module ($299)
1. (Part Number 76000768)
Wireless Headset Interface Module Harness ($49)
1. Part Number 69201726
Boom! Audio 20S Bluetooth Helmet Single Headset ($299)
1. Part Number 76000736A
Boom Box Dealership Flash ($50-$100)
Dealership Install of WHIM ($200?)

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Harley Wireless Headset Interface Module-WHIM-Bluetooth-NO STEREO SOUND? Beware!!

October 14, 2017 By Ryan Urlacher 4 Comments

As of the date of this video, the Harley Wireless Headset Interface Module (WHIM) will not pair for “stereo” sound with any other Bluetooth headset except the Sena made Harley Davidson 20s headset. This means for wireless Bluetooth headset “stereo” sound from your Boom Box Infotainment System, you'll have to fork out more money and buy the Harley stamped Sena 20S headset. And you'll need to pay a dealership to “flash” your Boom Box system after install to get it to work.

GET A SENA FREEWIRE IN OUR STORE AND GET FULL STEREO SOUND WITH YOUR REGULAR SENA (NON-HARLEY) HEADSET WIRELESSLY AND GET FULL BOOM BOX INTEGRATION JUST LIKE THE WHIM:

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GET THE BEST HARLEY “WIRED” HEADSET SOLUTION FOR FULL BOOM BOX INTEGRATION HERE:

The WHIM will pair with other Sena wireless headsets not stamped with the Harley logo, but you'll only get terrible mono sound. The WHIM will also pair with some other brand wireless headsets, but you'll get the same “mono” sound result.

You will get full wireless headset Boom Box integration with any wireless Bluetooth headset you can get to pair with the WHIM. That means voice commands, turn-by-turn GPS directions, phone calls, music etc. Again, you'll only get “stereo” music sound if you buy the Harley stamped Sena 20S headset.

GET OUR POPULAR HARLEY BOOM BOX TUTORIAL VIDEO SERIES HERE!

We have done extensive tests and are just sharing the facts with the biker community. Even if you go to the Harley Davidson Sena 20S and WHIM software update page and install that software into your regular Sena 20S headset not stamped with an HD logo, you still will not get stereo sound. There is nothing you can do except pay the Harley tax.

OFFICIAL HARLEY/SENA/WHIM/BOOM BOX SOFTWARE UPDATE PAGE HERE:

The best way to get full Harley Boom Box wireless Bluetooth headset integration and full stereo sound with your non-Harley stamped Sena Headset it to get the Sena Freewire. This is what we use here at Law Abiding Biker Media. It does everything the WHM does at a fraction of the cost.
GET THE SENA FREEWIRE HERE IN OUR STORE: https://shop.lawabidingbiker.com/collections/sena-headsets/products/sena-freewire-bluetooth-transmitter-for-harley-davidson-motorcycles

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Harley-Davidson Wireless Headset Interface Module-WHIM-What You Need To Know-Problems & Issues?

September 25, 2017 By Ryan Urlacher 56 Comments

Video-In this video, I tell you everything you need to know about the Harley-Davidson Wireless Headset Interface Module (WHIM) for the Boom Box Infotainment System. Beware and be informed before you consider purchasing the WHIM. You may be throwing your money away.

The WHIM will only work properly with Harley-Davidson branded Wireless Bluetooth Headsets, which are made by Sena. That is the only way you will get wireless Bluetooth stereo sound from your WHIM. If you try to use a regular Sena Bluetooth headset, it will pair depending on the model, but you'll only get mono sound. You'll get the same issue if you try to pair other motorcycle Bluetooth headsets, such as Cardo Systems.

And this is what I call the “Harley Tax”. This is just one instance of Harley sticking it to their customers. The Boom Box should have originally come with Bluetooth headset connectivity and that was a big screw up by Harley-Davidson, who refuses to publicly admit it. Now, the company wants their brand loyal customers to spend upwards of $1000 to fix their mistake with the WHIM. If the continuing Boom Box operating issues have not already left a sour taste in many Harley owner's mouths, then this debacle certainly will.

After the WHIM is installed, you'll need to have your Boom Box system flashed at a Harley Dealership so it will work properly. Many dealerships charge anywhere from $50 to $100. No, you cannot flash your Boom Box yourself, as only dealerships have the proprietary software.

GET OUR POPULAR HARLEY BOOM BOX TUTORIAL VIDEO SERIES HERE!

With the WHIM, you will get full wireless headset Boom Box Infotainment System integration such as voice commands, turn-by-turn navigation, and rider/passenger communications, but it's not the only device that can accomplish this.

Note: Owners of 2014 & newer Harley models with the Boom Box must purchase the WHIM on their own and install it as an “add-on”. 2018 & newer Harley CVO models with the Boom Box are coming already equipped with the WHIM out of the factory.

Better Alternative/Sena Freewire:

GET A SENA FREEWIRE IN OUR STORE HERE

GET OUR HARLEY 7-PIN DIN INSTALL VIDEO HERE

What are we going to do? FREEWIRE OR WHIM?

Sena Freewire Videos of Interest:

OUR SENA FREEWIRE VIDEO 1

OUR SENA FREEWIRE VIDEO 2

If you choose to go with the WHIM, then this is what you'll need and what you'll have to pay: (part numbers and links)

Wireless Headset Interface Module ($299)
1. (Part Number 76000768)
Wireless Headset Interface Module Harness ($49)
1. Part Number 69201726
Boom! Audio 20S Bluetooth Helmet Single Headset ($299)
1. Part Number 76000736A
Boom Box Dealership Flash ($50-$100)
Dealership Install of WHIM ($200?)
1. We will be releasing a free WHIM install video on our YouTube Channel

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Video Review-Wireless Headset Interface Module-WHIM-Harley Bluetooth Headset-Boom Box Infotainment

August 31, 2017 By Ryan Urlacher 19 Comments

Review-The Harley Wireless Headset Interface Module (WHIM) is now available for '14-later Touring and Trike models equipped with Boom! Audio 6.5GT Radios, this Wireless Headset Interface Module (WHIM) lets you communicate with your bike without being wired to it. The WHIM Bluetooth adapter permits wireless connectivity to the 6.5GT Infotainment system, allowing you to communicate via CB radio, hear turn-by-turn GPS directions, listen to your favorite radio stations and so much more all through your Bluetooth®-enabled headset.

NOTE: You will have to take your Harley to a dealership to get your Boom Box flashed after install of the module and harness. Only Harley dealerships have this proprietary software. And, some dealerships will charge you.

SHOP FOR SENA BLUETOOTH PRODUCTS OR BIKER BOOM IMC WIRED HEADSETS IN OUR STORE

SENA FREEWIRE HERE

BIKER BOOM IMC WIRED HEADSETS

GET OUR BOOM BOX TUTORIAL VIDEOS HERE

Harley Headset Interface Module Information & Part Numbers

HARLEY WIRELESS HEADSET INTERFACE MODULE PART #76000768

HARLEY WIRELESS HEADSET INTERFACT MODULE HARNESS PART #69201726

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LAB-143-Sena Cavalry Bluetooth Half Helmet Review & Discussion-Real World Testing

May 24, 2017 By Ryan Urlacher 2 Comments

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Podcast-In this episode, we talk all about the new Cavalry Bluetooth half helmet from Sena. We put these helmets to the ultimate test in a real life motorcycle riding environment. What does this helmet mean and does it work for the real world everyday biker out there? We answer this and many other questions you may be asking yourself in this podcast episode.

Note: If you appreciate our free videos, podcasts, and this information, please consider purchasing a Sena Cavalry Half Helmet directly through our store!

Get a Cavalry Bluetooth Half Helmet Here in Our Official Store!

The Cavalry has a Sena 10R headset Bluetooth system built right in and integrated nicely. The speakers are built right into the helmet and sound great for a helmet style headset. There are ear flaps that help direct the speaker sound into your ears. You may also want to check out my complete tutorial video on how to use the Sena Cavalry Bluetooth headset system.

You can listen to your music wirelessly and make phone calls going down the freeway at 70+ mph. Yah-really, in a half helmet! You can also pair your Cavalry helmet with up to three other riders for group or single communications at a max distance of 1/2 mile was our findings.

See my review video & article on the Sena Cavalry Helmet:

Video Review-Sena Cavalry Bluetooth Half Helmet | Does it Work?

The Cavalry helmet does pair with the Sena Freewire Bluetooth transmitter/receiver. When the two are paired, this allows you to have wireless integration with your Harley-Davidson Boom!™ Box Infotainment System. You can give voice commands directly to the Boom Box system and hear anything coming out of the Boom Box such as music and GPS voice directions wirelessly inside your Cavalry helmet.

See my Sena Freewire videos here:

The Calvary helmet is definitely geared more towards a touring rider with a fairing or windshield, which helps cut down wind noise, so you can hear the music, make phone calls, use rider-to-rider communications, and give voice commands. The capabilities of the Sena Cavalry helmet are greatly reduced if riding a motorcycle without a fairing due to the added wind noise. If just riding around town or slow country roads, you may be able to use the Cavalry helmet on a motorcycle without wind protection.

The Sena 10R headset that is built into the Cavalry charges fully in about three hours and has about 10 hours talk time. There is also an FM radio built in with station presets. Of course, you can pair your Cavalry with Sena's beautiful smartphone app to easily manage settings. Using Sena's desktop app for MAC or Windows, you can plug your helmet in and update the software, which should be done immediately.