So quick question about adding XM/Sirius to my harley.

Is the OEM XM module from HD the only option? I realize there are XM receiver units you can buy, but that's an external receiver and wouldn't utilize the handlebar controls. Was hoping there were other module options that would function the same as the HD one.

Thanks.

 

i stream XM from the app on my iphone. hand controls work too. of course i have unlimited data so thats not a worry for me

 

Well duh.....didn't even think of that. Well I did, but didn't think the controls would work I guess. At least not full functionality.

I know when I listen to music from my phone, there are a few functions I wish were there. Though not sure its possible. Like being able to move through different albums/artists selections like in a menu type format.

 

Best I recall, HD had the software in the radio already. I had to buy either an antenna that went under the fairing (not visible while riding) and possibly a module to receive the signal and send it to the radio.

I just keep moving the stuff I bot from this bike to the next each time I get a new bike.

BuzzCap7

 

If you are going to stream from your phone over an Internet connection, you do not need to pay XM.

Amazon Prime comes with Amazon Music included and you can stream just what you want, like it's your own personal data bank of music. Can even download music to your phone and play it back when you have no internet connection. You can download entire playlists (at home for example over WiFi) and have hours and hours of music without an Internet connection. You can use Alexa hands free to call up songs, or artists. Handlebar controls work just like it's an MP3 player, and songs show up on the boom screen.

Another alternative is IHeartRadio. This is a free Internet music streaming app that can play any IHeartRadio radio station or playlists that they have created like Classic Rock, Blues and so on. Works with Harley handlebar controls and shows songs on the boom screen.

The only reason to use the XM app is if you already have XM account and they let you sign in on your bike.

 

I have XM in my truck, so was thinking of adding it to the bike. Not for more money though.

I do have Prime, but thought the song list was limited for music, unless you upgrade. I also have iHeartradio, slacker, and pandora, but as far as I know, youre limited to just volumn control and song skip. You cant change stations or artists without using your phone, which I keep in the storage compartment when riding.

I'm fine with that though. Just wondering if there were better, cheaper options than paying the over priced amount for the HD XM module.

 

The song list is limited, but is still millions and millions of songs. Pick an artist and you can see what is included and what requires upgrade.
Yes, volume and song skip, I change playlists at a stop or fuel or food.

 

Biggest difference between streaming and the built in module is full control and signal. On mine I don't and can't interact with the phone when I'm rolling. So changing stations etc is way different working blind than on the screen.

Easy example is Spotify. I can stream a Playlist but need to pick it at a stop, tuck the phone away and then that's the list until the next stop. I can skip etc through the handlebars but not switch lists.

Not good or bad just different depending on your likes and dislikes. Each app and platform have their own nuances you may like or not.

I have music ADD so I like to change it up a lot and I'm too lazy to build my own big lists.

 

One thing to look into might be the Weather overlays available from Sirius XM weather, which integrate with the H-D GPS navigation. Supposedly the H-D GPS will route you around thunderstorms, etc. in conjunction with the XM weather data. I haven't used it yet, but past touring experience suggests that - if it works - this sort of feature might be worth having XM for if you do a lot of touring.

 

I had the XM weather service on my previous bike and it was great for trips.