Author Topic: FM Radio (Read 6003 times)

mddolloff · « **on:** April 28, 2005, 11:41:50 AM »

Does anyone know of a good FM radio that would work on my motorcycle. I'm trying to get some tunes while I ride and I really can't find anything. I don't want a comm system. Just a good old fasioned radio.

PeteSC · « **Reply #1 on:** April 28, 2005, 11:48:41 AM »

It's been a while since I've used one on the bike.
I did use a cheap walkman type, with a Boostaroo, and some helmet speakers for a while.
This is the cheapest route, and you'd be under $100.
I did see one Bandit years ago with a Kenwood unit in the tailsection, and the remote in the tankbag. I think he was using helmet speakers, also. He had a car antenna mounted on the rear of the bike.
If you're in an area with decent reception, I'd try th boostaroo, walkman, helmet speakers route....

chevsuz12 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 28, 2005, 01:17:50 PM »

Just find a little mp3 player that can fit hundreds of songs and be happy!

PeteSC · « **Reply #3 on:** April 28, 2005, 02:23:44 PM »

One of the problems with listening to music on a bike, is, if you use headphones/helmet speakers.....most portable devices don't have enough audio output to overcome wind and road noise.
Helmet speakers help, but it's still a little borderline.
Earphones can be used, but unless you get custom made ones, can be uncomfortable under the helmet, or inefficient.
I played with using a walkman, and several 2 way radios on the bike 4-5 years ago.
Audio level, and general comfort were problems.
If you use helmet speakers, you'll end up with a wire dangling from your helmet you need to live with, and connect/disconnect, depending on what it's hooked up to when you get on/off the bike.

There is a FM stereo mounted in a tankbag, with external speakers....called a 'Bag of Tunes'.
Then you get to annoy the world as you blast down the road listening to
Slim Whitman......

It would be easy enough to rig up an old tankbag, with a modest car stereo, if you want to go that route.

B12Teuton · « **Reply #4 on:** April 28, 2005, 03:08:51 PM »

I don't know of any.
I don't believe in listening to music wile riding... too big a distraction.
But if I did, I would use an iPod.

Red01 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 28, 2005, 04:13:59 PM »

Quote from: "PeteSC"

Then you get to annoy the world as you blast down the road listening to
Slim Whitman......

Slim Whitman sux... everyone knows Boxcar Willie is much better.

I've tried the tunes bit... had a cheapie AM/FM Cassette that would fit in a jacket pocket or tankbag and plugged it into my Chatterbox's aux input so it would play thru the speakers in my (and the pillion's) helmet. The Chatterbox's speakers aren't of the highest audio quality, but were OK for the task. (Audio quality of the cheapie radio isn't too great either.)

Like Manny, I found it too distracting. Might be OK for a drone down the superslab, but not for me while doing spirited twisties - which is my much preferred method of travel.

mddolloff · « **Reply #6 on:** April 28, 2005, 07:22:11 PM »

No such thing as "spirited twisties" in Houston. Nothing but flat and straight stuff. Great for setting land speed records though.

Quote from: "Red01"

Quote from: "PeteSC"
Then you get to annoy the world as you blast down the road listening to
Slim Whitman......

Slim Whitman sux... everyone knows Boxcar Willie is much better.

I've tried the tunes bit... had a cheapie AM/FM Cassette that would fit in a jacket pocket or tankbag and plugged it into my Chatterbox's aux input so it would play thru the speakers in my (and the pillion's) helmet. The Chatterbox's speakers aren't of the highest audio quality, but were OK for the task. (Audio quality of the cheapie radio isn't too great either.)

Like Manny, I found it too distracting. Might be OK for a drone down the superslab, but not for me while doing spirited twisties - which is my much preferred method of travel.

97RedBird · « **Reply #7 on:** April 29, 2005, 12:32:58 AM »

I use my old CD player. Use the cigarette lighter adapter under the seat to power it and use an old cheap slim head phones under the helmet. I have a splitter and my wife and I both listen in. She has a CD case that she puts over her neck (so it will stay with us) and controls the on/off function (gloves restrict much else).

Sound quaility is better than nothing on straight hour long drives at 60 mph or less. above 65 and it begins to fade with the wind noise.

Cost = $0, what can I say, I'm cheap.

GeoBandit · « **Reply #8 on:** May 11, 2005, 01:50:42 PM »

strap a boom box to the back

echomadman · « **Reply #9 on:** May 12, 2005, 08:05:56 AM »

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000C8CG6/103-0634078-3938254?v=glance

earbuds like that do a good job of isolating outside noise, but some people dont like the way they mount in your ear, however if you normally wear plugs while riding there'd be little difference.
I'd second an mp3 player rather than an fm radio, unless you have a really good model, you'll get lots of interference and variable reception on a ride.

GeoBandit · « **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2005, 08:39:29 AM »

You might check into sirrus radio or some other satelite radio. I am pretty sure they have come out with a portable that fits it the shirt pocket or maybe a little bigger. As far as comfort. I rode for ten years with small speakers that were designed for naval aviation flight helmet (donated by the USN). I had to modify the foam so the fit right in. With a good full face the noise is not an issue. But I bought a new bike and new helmet. Not being set up for the radio, I discovered I enjoyed not having the noise in my ears and just listening to the sound of the engine and the air slipping by. One other point of view. I am set up now for a walkman/cd player. Most of the time I do not use, but I can. It is like the power of the bandit. You don't do 110+ all the time but when you want the surge it is there. So hook up and enjoy.

Bob Holland · « **Reply #11 on:** May 12, 2005, 09:24:17 AM »

Quote from: "B12Teuton"

I don't know of any.
I don't believe in listening to music wile riding... too big a distraction.
But if I did, I would use an iPod.

I agree with you, I have an iPod in my truck, but it is to easy to get killed riding on the street to be listening to tunes while riding.

echomadman · « **Reply #12 on:** May 12, 2005, 04:31:50 PM »

I just sing to myself in my helmet to be quite honest

tried using my mp3 player once but got annoyed at not being able to adjust the volume, whats comfortable at low speed is inaudible at high speeds, and whats nice at high speed is deafening in traffic.

longislandbandit99 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 12, 2005, 06:48:58 PM »

XM Satellite radio is the way to go! My buddy has the portable one and is experimenting with the antenna mount and how to get speakers in his helmet as well. That always seems to be the sticking point. The satellite receiver is very small in all their units. The MyFi is portable like a walkman and has a portable antenna that clips onto your shirt, jacket, etc. He hasn't mounted it or anything and the ear buds don't fit in the helmet either. He is really taking a half assed approach and he rides a Gixxer 1000 to boot. Not exactly set up for walkmen and radios.

I suspect that if thought out properly, a comfortable setup could be accomplished with something like this and the best part is you can then take the MyFi into your car and home after you ride the bike. The best part of portable audio entertainment right there.

If XM isn't your bag baby, I'd suggest an IPOD like others have.

NCBANDIT · « **Reply #14 on:** May 14, 2005, 08:59:03 AM »

I actually saw an yamaha fjr up at tuggles gap thursday when I was hanging with the rally crew. Had sirius on it, antenna was mounted flat on the tail section just behind the seat. Had a bar mount for the receiver, everything looked really accessible. Appeared he had his helmets wired up with speakers as there was a disconnect dangling where it came from under the seat. The setup looked really trick but I think I'll just keep singing to myself, i like to hear whats going on around me.