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Law Abiding Biker Podcast

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

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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)
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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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

OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN VIDEO:
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)
  1. Wireless Headset Interface Module ($299)
    1. (Part Number 76000768)
  2. Wireless Headset Interface Module Harness ($49)
    1. Part Number 69201726
  3. Boom! Audio 20S Bluetooth Helmet Single Headset ($299)
    1. Part Number 76000736A
  4. Boom Box Dealership Flash ($50-$100)
  5. Dealership Install of WHIM ($200?)

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

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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: 

BECOME A PATRON MEMBER AND GET BENEFITS: (Shirts, Stickers, Private Facebook Group, Premium Videos)

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.

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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If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk.

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OTHER WHIM VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL YOU MUST WATCH:

1. https://youtu.be/X5vqELUWVPY

2. https://youtu.be/OAfl_SJaMRs

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

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If you appreciate this free information make sure to join the thousands of law abiding bikers that have already joined the free Email Club! You will be notified of new useful motorcycle content and techniques as we put them out. Join the Community now!

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

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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.

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:

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.

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 just how to easily do that. 

What are we going to do? 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 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: (part numbers and links)
  1. Wireless Headset Interface Module ($299)
    1. (Part Number 76000768)
  2. Wireless Headset Interface Module Harness ($49)
    1. Part Number 69201726
  3. Boom! Audio 20S Bluetooth Helmet Single Headset ($299)
    1. Part Number 76000736A
  4. Boom Box Dealership Flash ($50-$100)
  5. Dealership Install of WHIM ($200?)
    1. We will be releasing a free WHIM install video on our YouTube Channel

Join the Free Email Club!

If you appreciate this free information make sure to join the thousands of law abiding bikers that have already joined the free Email Club! You will be notified of new useful motorcycle content and techniques as we put them out. Join the Community now!

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

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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!

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:

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.

Sponsor-Ciro 3D

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Video-How To Use the Sena Cavalry Bluetooth Half Helmet-Bluetooth Sync & Pair

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Video-Sena was nice enough to send us some Cavalry Bluetooth half helmets for review and testing. In true style, we put these helmets to the ultimate test in a real world biker environment. And we learned how to use the Bluetooth headset system during our testing. I wanted to pass along what we learned in this free tutorial video. I also did an in-depth review of the Cavalry helmet, so make sure you watch that video too.

In this completely free video, I show you everything you need to know on how to operate the Bluetooth headset system built into the Cavalry half helmet. The headset built in is a Sena 10R. I show you how to pair your smartphone, play music, play radio stations, set station presets, check battery levels, pair with other Cavalry half helmets, menu systems and much more. You can pair with up to three other Cavalry helmets for single or group communications. 

We trust and like the Sena Cavalry Helmet so much that we now sell it right in the Official Law Abiding Biker Store! If you appreciate this and our other free videos, please consider purchasing any Sena products directly from us. 

NOTE: You'll definitely want your smartphone perched safely in a Biker Gripper Cell Phone Mount, so you can safely see it while in use with the Sena Cavalry half helmet. 

Make certain when you get your Cavalry helmet that you immediately update to the newest software version for correct operation. 

NOTE: 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 more in my Sena Freewire videos here:

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If you appreciate this free information make sure to join the thousands of law abiding bikers that have already joined the free Email Club! You will be notified of new useful motorcycle content and techniques as we put them out. Join the Community now!

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

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Video-Sena sent us a couple Cavalry Bluetooth Half Helmets for testing and review here at Law Abiding Biker Media. We put them 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 review video.  

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

The Sena Cavalry Helmet is US DOT approved, is of great build quality, and fairly light weight. It 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 used the Sena Cavalry Bluetooth headset system. 

This helmet allows you to pair your smartphone directly to your Cavalry helmet. Built into the upper front portion of the helmet is a noise canceling microphone. 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.

Note: I was actually very impressed at how well the Sena Cavalry Half Helmet microphone and speakers performed at freeway speeds on a fairing motorcycle! I didn't even have to turn the volume all the way up at 70 mph. The technology is amazing and Sena did it right. 

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.

Note: My findings are that up to about 40 mph on a fairing bike, you can give voice commands via the Cavalry Helmet if paired directly with your smartphone or via the Freewire to the Boom Box fairly consistently. At above 40 mph, the software in the smartphones and Boom Box just simply can't understand or recognize what you are saying. That's due to the extra wind noise over your voice through the helmet's microphone. 

This is only for voice commands (40 mph). Having actual phone conversation, communicating to another rider with a Cavalry Helmet, or listening to music is just fine at 70+ mph. Instead of telling your phone to “dial” a particular name/number in your contact list via voice command, you could simply just reach up and hit the contact on your smartphone to dial. That is if your smartphone is sitting securely in your Biker Gripper Cell Phone Motorcycle Mount!

See more in 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. 

See my Sena Cavalry Bluetooth Half Helmet Tutorial video where I show you how to operate and pair it with other devices:

Overall, I love this half helmet and I don't think anyone purchasing it would be disappointed. The only addition I hope Sena makes on the next version is to add a built-in drop-down tinted sun visor like so many other half helmets out there already have.

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Does Sena Freewire Work With Harley Boom Box Voice Commands, CB, Intercom, & Phone Calls?

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This is an update to our original Sena Freewire Tutorial/Review Video (A must see)

sena_freewire_zoom

The Sena Freewire, paired with a compatible Sena Bluetooth Headset, can do everything a wired headset can do! 100% Full Harley Boom!™ Box Infotainment System Integration!!

Boom Box/Freewire Voice Commands:

Yes, the Sena Freewire offers 100% full integration with the Harley-Davidson Boom!™ Box Infotainment System & I've tested it extensively for you! You can activate voice commands using the rocker switch on your left Harley control cluster. With the Freewire and your Sena compatible headset, you can give direct voice commands to the Boom Box wirelessly! You can tell the Boom Box to “play” a particular song or album or “tune” to a particular radio station. Or you can say “destination” and give a physical address and the Boom Box will take you there via the integrated GPS system! Yes, the Sena Freewire is the king and offers this functionality with the Boom Box!

You can also use the Harley Boom Box internal intercom system with a passenger if they are also equipped with a Sena compatible headset and a Sena Freewire. You can chat wirelessly now via the intercom! And you can use the CB radio wirelessly with the Freewire too. 

official-law-abiding-biker-store-small-150

Get a Sena Freewire From the Law Abiding Biker Store Here!

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    Does Sena Freewire Work With Harley Boom Box Voice Commands, CB, Intercom, & Phone Calls?

Sena Freewire Bluetooth Transmitter for Harley-Davidson-Review & Tutorial

Boom Box/Freewire/Phone Calls:

Yes, with your smartphone paired wirelessly with your Boom Box, you can make and accept phone calls going into your Boom Box with your Sena Freewire and Sena compatible headset wirelessly! They sound great! I tested this and it works perfectly. 

Important Note:

Make sure you unpair your smartphone with your Sena Headset as it will cause phone call Bluetooth conflicts. Only pair your Sena headset with the Freewire, so they are not fighting over the incoming call so to speak.

If you want to “cut the umbilical cord” and don't want a wire running from your helmet and attached to your motorcycle any longer, in my opinion, the Sena Freewire is the absolute best functioning option out there. I love the Freewire!

There is a cost associated with the Sena Freewire setup of course.  You can still use a wired headset solution, which provides all the same functionality, just not wirelessly. If you're looking for a wired Harley Headset here is the only one I recommend and it's great quality. 

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