Honda RDS Radio

[leelee]

Can anyone tell me if it's possible to connect an external device, such as an MP3 player, to the factory radio system fitted to the ST1300?

I'm buying an ST1300 in the next few days that has the Honda system fitted.

Thanks.

 

[tricky_micky]

I think the answer to that one is no!

The Honda Radio will need a source of somekind to take the audio from the radio to your helmet.

Most use the autocom system over here in the UK although there are other systems that you can purchase.

I have the Honda Radio fitted and also the Autocom System. Audio from the radio goes into the Autocom and then back to my helmet via the leads and speakers. Likewise, my wife plugs her leads in and she gets the music.

There are so many permutations you can have, make or do, but if you only have the radio fitted, it will be difficult to get the sound to your helmet in stereo.

 

[leelee]

Ah I see. The bike in question also has an Autocom system fitted. I've never used an Autocom before............ It also comes with a Garmin SPIII and I have no experience whatsoever of GPS systems. I'll be learning how to use some new toys then!

 

[tricky_micky]

Ah I see. The bike in question also has an Autocom system fitted. I've never used an Autocom before............ It also comes with a Garmin SPIII and I have no experience whatsoever of GPS systems. I'll be learning how to use some new toys then!

That is cool and just what you need.

The Honda radio plugs into the autocom unit and you can here music in full blast stereo, excellent! Your Garmin will also plug into the unit, and if it is all fitted to the bike as you buy it, it should all work ok, providing of course, you have the autocom headset in your helmet.

You should, if it is the Pro ar AVI version of autocom, have an extra lead for your passenger, and they can plug in and get the same as you get from the radio, plus, you can talk to your passenger if they have the same headset fitted in the helmet.

The Autocom units are so flexible, you will be suprised what it will do providing it is the Pro 7 or the new AVI version.

I have the Autocom Pro 7, and I also have the Honda Radio which works fine. There is the Garmin 2820 plugged into the unit and if I want, i can add a cellphone. At the moment I am testing a new blutooth headset system, but once you get the hang of the Autocom, and the VOX set up correctly, it will give you years of service.

If ever you have any problems or questions about the Autocom unit, then give them a call on the landline and they will do their best to help you. I have never had any problems with their equipment, and I have been using Autocom stuff for about 14 years. I run bike to bike systems, I use them for bike training, pleasure with the music and so on, in fact, my bike is my mobile office and it is excellent.

Go get the bike and when you try sorting things out, you will always get someone on this forum that will help you. If it has an autocom unit fitted, it will most probably be a Pro 7 or AVI unit, you may have to purchase the headsets for you and your partner, but once that is done, the system is spot on.

 

[leelee]

It IS an Autocom 7 unit. I won;t be gettiing the headsets as the vendor is transferring them to his new bike (and let's be honest - would I want them!?). So i'll be buying a two new sets from Autocom's website. Thanks for your reply.

Buy the way, I've been reading the ABS threads on here (i've ridden BMW's for the last 6 years) and I saw your comments about releasing the rear brake slightly when it locks - you're absolutely right. I've been a bike courier in Central London since 1998, so I know all about idiot road users and the situations they present.

Anyone who has been riding for longer than 5 minutes will know that you DO NOT keep a locked wheel locked and hope for the best................ Whatever works though eh? I have never highsided in 13 years of riding (i'm a relative newbie!) and i've ridden like a complete tw@t over the years.

Anyway, thanks for your reply. If I have I any questions about the Autocom 7 and am too stoopid to consult the manual i'll let you know! ;-)

 

[tricky_micky]

That is good for you.

The Pro 7 has now been taken over by the new AVI Autocom unit, but the Pro 7 is damn good. Autocom did create a stir with bringing in 7 pin leads as an upgrade to the old 5 pin leads. They say that the 7 pin leads are better for the newer units because it gives more clearer audio.

However, before you purchase any new headsets, make sure you have 5 or 7 pin leads from the unit.

All of their hullabaloo about it! I had a 5 pin unit and a 7 pin headset, they do supply a cable that will run a 5 to a 7 pin and to me, it made no difference!

So before you order your headset, check the leads from the autocom unit that go to the headset, it will probably have the 7 pin system and if so, you just order the new 7 pin leads. If the dealer is sorting it out for you, then they should follow suit accordingly and you should not have any problems.

I would recommend Autocom to anyone however, it is a buyers market and you make your own choice. If this system is fitted to the bike for you, you will not have any problems at all. I think the biggest problem I found was getting the VOX settings just right so that the wind noise does not cause any break in effect as you are riding, until you actually speak of course.

Once you get it as you want, I feel sure you will be very happy with the system, and it will give you years of service.

 

[Fuzwuz]

Question???

How do you attach the RDS to the Autocom?

My 03ABS has the RDS installed and I am about to install a recently purchased Autocom.... My RDS is completely concealed & enclosed (with no access) in the left fairing pocket; the only visible object is the control module on the left handlebar.

 

[Keith_UK]

I have exactly the same set-up as Mick. I also have the Honda stereo speakers mounted on either side of the dashboard.

I've installed a toggle-switch on the dash too so that I can direct the sound either (a) through my lid's headphones, or (b) through the dash speakers - just by flicking the toggle-switch either up or down. It's a neat set-up IMHO, and works well for me.

Cheers

KEITH