Anyone install an aftermarket stereo on a 12RT?

[shredder]

Has anyone used / seen / installed a non BMW brand stereo in a 12RT that has the radio prep package on it? I've never had a stereo on a bike before, but the extreme price for the BMW unit is a bit steep for me!! Bike has the speakers and wiring in it already so I would imagine all I need is a new head unit... any suggestions??

[marcopolo]

Yes, install an Autocom and use an iPod together with in-ear speakers. Seriously. Any radio/CD/MP3 player is not very useful when used with onboard speakers. You just can't hear it very well at highway speeds. I have the BMW radio/CD, but installed the Autocom this year. I use Arizona Al's in-ear custom-molded speakers -- excellent.

[TEWKS]

I have this radio http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Nl60fsKS8zw...dio&tp=1721

with this remote http://www.crutchfield.com/S-qAEmbMuH1Py/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=113KRC50MR

and this for my iPod http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Nl60fsKS8zw/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=113IP500

The fit is tight, the CD player skips, problem solved with the ipod. I have no problem hearing the music at Montana highway speeds. Total installed price was just under five hundred dollars. I did have to take the tupperware off myself.

 

Pat

[Nitrox]

I have this radio http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Nl60fsKS8zw...dio&tp=1721

with this remote http://www.crutchfield.com/S-qAEmbMuH1Py/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=113KRC50MR

and this for my iPod http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Nl60fsKS8zw/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=113IP500

The fit is tight, the CD player skips, problem solved with the ipod. I have no problem hearing the music at Montana highway speeds. Total installed price was just under five hundred dollars. I did have to take the tupperware off myself.

 

Pat

 

Pat, what speakers did you use?

[TEWKS]

My bike has the radio prep kit, so they are the stock speakers, I don't know the brand name. I had my doubts about them because I heard them on a bike with the stock radio & was not impressed. With the Kenwood they seem to be holding up well & they sound great to me.

 

Pat

[Tapatio]

Here's the pinout for the stock wiring harness. You should be able to tap into the power and speakers directly rather than wiring from battery. You can get the male connectors from your local BMW car or motorcycle dealer.

 

[KTM_95]

I was under the impression that the RT did NOT come wired up with speakers unless you bought the Radio option. Correct me if I am wrong.

[s3steve]

The radio prep kit has the speakers and the handlebar controls .

[royal]

Okay, I'm a complete idiot when it comes to anything technical. Or, maybe I'm just a complete idiot, but I have a few questions. I have an 07 RT that didn't come with a radio or the prep kit. Can I order the prep kit through my dealer and have them install it or is this something that must be done at the factory. And, if it is something the dealer can install for me, then what ? Where do I take it to have a CD or IPOD thing hooked up so I can have music ? I've tried earplugs and helmet speakers, but I far prefer having music come out of external speakers. Please remember when responding to me, I have the technical IQ of a gnat. Try to explain what to do as if you were trying to explain it to your father. I didn't mean that as if all of your fathers aren't smart, I meant it as new technology being explained to an old guy. Heck, I had to hire a guy to show me how my IPOD worked. He was 14.

 

Roy

[TEWKS]

Welcome Roy, if you don't understand its probably not you. I don't splain things all that well. If your dealer could install the radio prep kit, it's going to be expensive. I believe its about $450 if you get it with the bike. So other than the antenna, you should be able to get everything you need at a good audio shop that installs what they sell. I would take off your bikes tupperware yourself & leave the rest to them. If you do go with Kenwood, I would try to get a unit without the CD to save space.

 

Pat

[Dave_in_TX]

My 07 RT didn't have the radio prep kit but I installed a Pioneer stereo and a Pioneer marine remote. I've never been a fan of external speakers for motorcycle use. I added resisters to the radio outputs and routed that to helmet speakers.

[finallyabeemer]

Another non-fan of external speakers on bikes. My set-up: Delphi Roady 2 into Autocom. Stock Autocom helmet speakers are pretty marginal to downright horrid sounding, and I plan to replace soon. In the meantime, I found the sound quality to be quite bearable with cut-down earplugs. I use MAX lights cut to about half length and not fully inserted. Reduces road noise and most of the tinny sound, greatly improving perceived bass response of Autocom.

 

After many miles in dense forests along Oregon coast last weekend, I plan to add MP3 player as second input.

[tgrrdr]

Any radio/CD/MP3 player is not very useful when used with onboard speakers. You just can't hear it very well at highway speeds.

 

my bike has the factory radio/Cd and I can't hear it on the freeway (say over +/- 55 mph but I haven't checked lately) with the stock windscreen. With my taller Cee Bailey screen in the up position I can hear pretty well but the sound quality isn't that great. I haven't personally tried it but I'd go the MP3 player/autocom route if my bike wasn't already set up with the radio.