Options for tunes while riding your GS

[zbuc]

I'm slowly customizing my r1200GS. I'd like to have the option of listening to music while I ride, and I'd like to get input on what works and doesn't work for others. I'm thinking of getting an autocom and connecting a music system to the autocom. Options for a music system include an Ipod or MP3 player or a satellite radio. I'm particularly interested in the satellite radio because it gives you the ability to listen to music, talk radio, and sports. However, the car satellite radios need an FM radio, which I don't plan on getting. So, I would need to buy a portable satellite radio, which is more expensive. Also, I'm thinking I would need an external antenna. What are y'all using to get music to your ears? If it's a satellite radio, can you give me some details on what's the optimal set-up?

[mjuskiw]

Im running a Starcom unit in a Tankbag.
I can hook up XM, Ipod and Phone Will add GPS soon

The com unit functions the same as the FM radio in the car and the connections are simple. I have one radio and cradles in the car at home and on the bike.

Actually my preference is the Ipod, I just make playlists and play them thru speakers in the helmet at fairly low volume I can still hear traffic ect. Didnt really like ear buds just cut out too much ambient noise an never found a good pair. The Ipod is just nice background music.

The XM is great for baseball games I do cover the screen when I ride because I found myself looing down trying to find out that song was ect. Mines hard to read in sunlight and the display was distracting. having it on the tankbag I can change the ten presets and hit the Ipod controls easilly.
if I need the other controls I pull over and take care of it.

Its usefull to have a cord for the phone but I keep it in my pocket on Vibrate. I dont ride with it hooked up. But the cord is nice on cold rainy days. You can pull over check voice mail and answer or return a call without taking of your helmet. People think im crazy enough for riding in the rain it only gets better when they see me stop talk to myself for while then ride off.

mjuskiw
akron Ohio

[smokeyokc]

I am a cheapskate so I try to find solutions as inexpensive as possible. I simply bought an Ipod shuffle $80 and the hook over ear headphones $10. I loaded up about 230 songs set the Ipod to random shuffle and have around 15 hours of music for the ride. The Shuffle is so small it fits easily into a jacket or pants pocket and like another poster said it has no display so I am not trying to look at it while riding. It takes just a few rides to adjust the volume right and then you are good. That is my cheap solution.

[marc]

For long trips that will involve some amount of super-slab I use an ipod on shuffle stuck in a jacket pocket. I picked up a pair of custom earplugs with built in transducer about 3 years ago which are perfect. They are as comfortable as my non-speaker earplugs and just as effective when the music is off. Finally I added a wireless remote for the ipod wrapped around the mount for my GPS, easily reachable with my left thumb (see image). That lets me skip tunes, adjust the volume, and more importantly turn the ipod off when the super-slab ends and the fun starts!

More info here: http://www.snafu.org/pics/r1200gs/ipod/

// marc

[stevef]

I had an XM radio wired through an Autocomm on my K12, which also had the GPS and phone wired in. I ended up getting rid of the XM, and I don't use the Autocomm at all. In the really good riding areas (mountains, valleys, etc.) I didn't find the XM reception all that great, even with an externally mounted antenna. And the phone was just a pain in the ass (who needs a customer-or anyone-calling when your trying to relax and enjoy yourself?).

I got a set of custom earphones that I plug into the iPod (which goes in my jacket) and I love it. The custom fitted earphones work great as earplugs even with the music off, they fit great under the helmet, are super comfortable and they do let in just enough ambient road/engine noise that you don't feel like your in an isolation tank.

+1 on the remote. It's definitely the way to go.

[zbuc]

Stevef and Marc,

Thanks for the information. Can you tell me where you go your custom ear plugs?

[Texas42]

I have a Starcom 1 mounted under the seat with my Sirius radio and Zumo connected. The Zumo is a pretty good MP3 player and the Sirius has better channels than XM IMHO. I use to hook my iPod to the Starcom but not any more I use the Zumo with 4gig sd cards. If XM and Sirius merge then I will probably use the Zumo for that also. I use a Starmate Replay ST2 on the LT and an old XTR on the GS, they don't sell it anymore. Most have an audio out 3.5mm jack that you run to an intercom or directly to head phones.

[marc]

Originally Posted by zbuc

Stevef and Marc,

Thanks for the information. Can you tell me where you go your custom ear plugs?

I got mine at a Motorcycle show. The took the impressions of my ears at the show and sent me the earplugs a week or four later.

// marc

[stevef]

Originally Posted by zbuc

Stevef and Marc,

Thanks for the information. Can you tell me where you go your custom ear plugs?

I got mine from Big Ear at the NY motorcycle show last year. They took the molds at the show and sent me the earplugs a few weeks later. I didn't like the way one of them fit, so I called them about it. they sent me a new one within a week. Good people, I highly recommend them.

You can get molds made at any competent audiologist; check your yellow pages.