Headset Killer on New Harley Infotainment 

Thank you! Yes keep the USB A to C adapter handy for a little while and for Apple users the lightning cords around, thanks Apple!!!!

You bet, this adapter has continued to work well for me as well. Enjoy!

Oh my! Takes time to get across the pond! I think it will work well for you but let me know!

You are most welcome. This adapter has sold out a couple of times. An alternative is: amzn.to/3TnF3Rr

Awesome! Appreciate your support. It is apparently an Apple requirement to have a headset paired to launch CarPlay. In a car the system uses the built in microphones of the car but for a motorcycle you need a wireless headset. For those of us who would rather just use navigation or music through speakers this option works well! I give credit to Facebook members for these new bikes for finding the option!

Do you also Bluetooth the phone to the wire or to the bike

@@morganzoey Bluetooth the phone to the bike

Correct but it is possible to just connect CarPlay vs also having the phone as a bluetooth connection. If we still have connection issues I would just pair CarPlay or turn off Media / Calls in the connection settings.

Glad to have you! The response has been way more than I expected! Appreciate your support!

Indeed!

Excellent! Appreciate your support!

Indeed its been a frustration since the bikes were released, so happy to find this adapter, works very well.

Great but I have and like the headset in my helmet which is hard wired to plug in. I too struggle with getting Car Play to work at all. Sometimes it does but mostly not. My 2023 HD TriGlide has the GTS Infotainment system and the dealer says I need to get a WHIM module installed at some labor intensive cost plus the device. Leave it to Harley to make things complex and costly after spending $36 K for the bike. Do you have a fix for my situation. Thanks. Jeff

Awesome! Yes its a great find!

Appreciate you sharing! This setup should work with any system that requires a headset and allows use of Bluetooth headset.

Excellent! Appreciate you sharing and glad its working well for you on the '21!

I tried it on my 2020 CVO Street Glide and could not get the Maedhawk to pair with the bike. Very disappointed. Wondering what if anything I'm doing something wrong.

LOL! My hope is to one day get enough subscribers to get some sponsored help in this area!

Yes indeed this is the intended setup that Harley is expecting riders to use. The key is to check the Menu - Sound - Audio routing to select what goes where, speakers or headset. I cover this option in this video but I am considering an updated version of it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--3Ej_sMdP7E.html

I give credit to the FaceBook group, great resource for owners!

Awesome! Appreciate your and everyones support!

Awesome! Appreciate your support, let us know how it works for you.

Yep this is the idea, no need to bring a headset along to enjoy CarPlay through your speakers!

Of course! Appreciate your support of the channel!

For sure you can use any headset, Harley branded or not. I assume you are wanting music through the speakers but your headset for calls? If so you do not need this adapter. Pair your Sena to the bike and use the audio routing to choose what routes to headset vs speakers, menu - sound - routing

CarPlay is on by default for these new infotainment systems. So nothing is needed from the dealer, but it won't open without a headset being present.

My guess is having your Cardo paired to your phone will get in the way of the bike interacting with SIRI. ideally you would pair both your phone and the Cardo to the bike but not your phone to the headset. I would check the Software Updates at the bottom of the main page of HD.com. Welcome to the channel! Happy to try an help with any questions here! Tom

@@ITFZone Cardo paired to Cardo phone App and to Freewire. Car2Play plugged into USB so I can have CarPlay on GTS screen with phone on bars connected to Quadlock charger. No recent software updates to GTS or Dealers since 2022. Thanks.

On the iPhone go to Settings - Screen Time - Content & Privacy Restrictions - turn off or if you want it on make sure Allowed apps includes CarPlay and your Cardo app.

Yes it should, it just presents as a bluetooth headset and only needs power, but not something I have tested.

The new infotainment system includes the Bluetooth hardware (WHIM). You can pair any Bluetooth headset of any brand to these new bikes.

@@ITFZone ok thanks

Hello, the trike is still using the Boom System, so unfortunately you need to install the WHIM module from Harley. The headset adapter is USBA so you can plug it right into your larger USB A port for power.

Awesome! Appreciate the confirmations always!

You are most welcome! Both solutions are working great!

@@ITFZone I just saw the other video with the splitter. Thank you!

This adapter only removes the need to have a headset paired. You would still need to connect an iPhone, wirelessly to get CarPlay to launch. Both the iPhone and Android phone can be used with a Bluetooth only connection and a headset or adapter is not required for this. However you will have to use the embedded navigation if you will be using navigation on the bikes screen.

Depends on what your goal is. If you want to connect your phone wired and have the headset adapter connected you can use the information in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hBWlt_4YN6I.html If you are trying to use a thumb drive as a media source but also charge your phone we have found the USB C port is not enough power to charge a phone, works with the headset adapter but not a phone. I will be testing some other options here shortly.

Hmm, never was good at word math problems! I think we want the following: PackTalk paired to bike only, Phone paired to CarPlay only, not also Bluetooth. Then under Settings - Sound - audio routing for all to headset. The mesh should be headset to headset but if it does not allow the music there should be a Cardo setting for that. Let me know if not!

@@ITFZone we’ll give it a shot. But do you think the adapter should be used as well. Sorry to sound like my grade 8 teacher Mr. Lenard, he was a pain in the ass as well….lol

I don't think the adapter will be needed or gain you anything. It would allow you to NOT pair the Cardo the bike but then the bike would be trying to route all of he sound to the adapter. If I am following you correctly.. Happy to look at it further with you, just reach out by email: ITFZoneEmail@gmail.com@@erniethompson33

Hmm, so the blue indicator light no longer comes on, what if you plug it into a standard USB charger? Feel free to email me to troubleshoot, ITFZoneEmail@gmail.com

Thank you! Much appreciated!!!

You will NOT need this adapter as the AI Box includes this wireless headset option in the magic box!

No this will work for any of the new bikes with the 12.3" screen. Happy to troubleshoot with you. In email is easier, ITFZoneEmail@gmail.com

Need the WHIM module from Harley

YES this works with any of the new models with the new 12.3" screen AND yes I think I have found a solution for splitting the USB port into 2. Video soon.

@@ITFZone fantastic

As long as you have a headset as rider it should pair. Check out my video on this: CarPlay on the Harley Infotainment System! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--3Ej_sMdP7E.html

So I have received a comment that it does not work with the older Boom System. Let me know what you find.

Thanks. I’ll let you know in a few days.

I did get an update that this did work for the Boom system.

@@ITFZone That has not been my experience. I have a 2020 CVO Street Glide and it doesn't pair.

Several possibilities, in device manager make sure the MAED Hawk shows as paired to Rider then make sure your phone shows the CarPlay icon. Happy to troubleshoot further but via email is much easier: ITFZoneEmail@gmail.com

Yes you will need to split the USB connection to have the MaedHawk connected and also a port for charging. There are other options here as well I have a video coming shortly about this. But check out this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hBWlt_4YN6I.html Also feel free to reach out with any questions: ITFZoneEmail@gmail.com

Yes! the 23.5 CVO's have the same infotainment system as the '24's.

If you have the WHIM installed my understanding is yes.

You don't need this if you intend to BlueTooth pair your Android phone and just stream music. This is only a CarPlay requirement but for iPhone or Android if you only Bluetooth pair you don't need a headset OR ANY adpaters.

Correct, you can choose what sound routes where but this adapter will not produce any sounds at all if you have your choices routed to it, unless as a recent viewer pointed out you use the 3.5mm to say wired earbuds.

Yes! You can use wired CarPlay! If you plan to only use it wired I would turn off the wireless connection. On iPhone -settings - CarPlay - HD entry - slide CarPlay off. It may prompt to use wireless just select USB.

Thanks 😀

For any bike with the Boom system, square screen, you will need the WHIM module to use a bluetooth headset. The new 12.3" wide system now includes bluetooth.

The video is for the new infotainment system. My understanding is you would need the WHIM to get a headset to pair to the bike. The jumper for the older bikes would work without this adapter.

@@ITFZone My bike has the new info system, it's a 2021. My question is if I have a jumper and get carplay now when my phone is plugged in, will this device your showing take the place of my phone so I do not have to plug it in each time? Thanks

@@markthomason8396 To clarify you have the now older BOOM system vs the 12.3 screen. This headset adapter is not what you are looking for. You need a wired OEM CarPlay to wireless adapter. You will not need to plug your phone in but you will of course need it with you. Check out @CycleFantix video on this adapter: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-XbIL2MDPdE8.html

Well I have not had any longer rides than about 30 min since installing it. Not seen any reports of it failing from the FaceBook community. Would be curious if it shows disconnected in device manager and is the indicator light going out. I will update next time I get to be out longer.

I’ve had issues where it stopped working or wouldn’t connect at all. Anyone have any advice?

@@deetaylor3419 So the headset connection leaves and doesn't return? Not run into this. Any error message on the screen? I assume the headset icon goes dim?

No error message. Sometimes it won’t connect at all and sometimes it comes right on

@@deetaylor3419 Does the Bluetooth icon remain on…. Not sure could be a bad headset adapter.

Make sure the MaidHawk is connected to the USBC port of the BCLink adapter and your phone through the larger USBA port.

@@ITFZone The Maedhawk plugs directly into the larger USB A port and my phone directly into the smaller USB C port. Are you suggesting using adapters and plugging them in the opposite ports??

@@charliemattie6781 this configuration will not work. The phone will only work through the A ports. You need to use an A to C adapter for the MaedHawk. Data is only supported on the A port.

@@ITFZone Thank you! I have the adapters. I’ll give it a try.

@@ITFZone Got it to work based on that connection but only once. Now Car Play won’t work through MAEDHAWK or with the Sena headset. Any suggestions?

WHIM is NOT required with the new infotainment system. You can use ANY wireless headset or adapter with these bikes.

My understanding is that these bike would need the CarPlay jumper.

You are working with an iPhone or one of the CarPlay to Android Auto adapters? Feel free to email me: ITFZoneEmail@gmail.com generally easier to troubleshoot - picture of your device manager screen helps.

I’m having the same issue on my 24 road glide. Any suggestions?

Yep, new head unit apparently, I’m still waiting for mine

Key is to have both a phone and headset showing in the connected list. Send me a photo of your device manager screen, ITFZoneEmail@gmail.com @@briangibbsbd

Possible corruption with the OS in the device or failed chip for CarPlay. Would love to get my hands on it but replacing it should be a for sure fix. If not reach out!@@user-qh3wb3be7x

We need to make sure the headset is showing as connected, not just pared in the device manager. Then if CarPlay continue to spin I would try it using an Apple cable to the USB A port. If it still spins I would pull the main fuse for about 3 - 5 minutes to reset the ICFU. Normally the spinning is a stuck ICFU process. Easier to troubleshoot via email so don't hesitate to reach out: ITFZoneEmail@gmail.com

@@ITFZone thank you! I will email you

My understanding is no it will not as the WHIM is looking for a branded headset. However from what I remember about the WHIM is it did pair with aftermarket headsets but you would not have stereo sound.

The Bluetooth adapter us USBA Male and your bike is USB C Female. So you need a USB A female to USB C male adapter. I will be testing a different option here soon that will not require the adapter OR see my USB Power video and put this adapter under the seat. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_QYg2finzOA.html

For this solution we are not using the headphone jack. You can actually just cut the wire and remove this connector.

So before the SkyLine OS update it did remember and auto started as in the video. But since the update I have to pick a source every time. Frustrating for sure. I have a theory that I will be testing soon.

@@ITFZone Thanks for your response, I will continue to follow your channel. Greeting.

Mine connects Everytime right away prob need an update

Same!! Building a thumb drive with .mp3 requires no phone to be paired. But you can Bluetooth your Android phone for some of the functionality!

You don't need to connect this at all. Just plug in the USB adapter and pair it as a Wireless headset to the bike. You will not connect the aux cord at all. You can actually just cut it off to save space.

Hello! Yes many of the splitters work as the Headset Adapter requires so little power. I have a video featuring the BCLink version but there are other versions but not ALL work.

I have not seen a USB C headset adapter.

Always happy to troubleshoot, email works best: ITFZoneEmail@gmail.com

Apple seems to want to make sure Siri is ready to help. I don’t think she likes me much though!

The device only needs USB power and then you will pair it as a wireless headset. I think the problem with the 2020's is the headset has to be a branded Harley Headset to get all of the features. So I am really not sure.

@@ITFZone I could NOT get the Meadhawk to pair with my 2020 CVO Street Glide. If you figure out how to do it, please pass it on!

This for sure works on the ‘24’s. Happy to troubleshoot with you.

@@ITFZone THANK U!! TRIED AGAIN AND WORKS GREAT! APPRECIATE THE FOLLOW UP!! TY

Does the PanAm require a headset to be paired to use your phone? Since it does not have speakers I don't think you would need this adapter, what is it that you are trying to solve for?

@@ITFZone No pan america does not need a headset. I wanted to know if it is possible to have car play on the TFT. Pan america has a USB in

@@gianpierocattaneo2684 I see so the answer would be no. The system has to have that built in. I do not know of a way to mirror an iPhone on a system that does not have at least wired CarPlay built in. You would have to mount an external screen.

@@ITFZone Thanks, that's what I was afraid of...

Excellent, appreciate you sharing here!

@@ITFZone I have a 2020 CVO Street Glide. I finally got the Maedhawk unit to pair by following @sfcgadget's suggestion: That is, first I had tried using the Bluetooth setup to pair and nothing happened. When I used the Wireless Headset Setup Menu instead, I got the Maaedhawk unit to pair as Driver right away. That's as far as I can get; I still can't get Apple Car Play to come up. I have the Maedhawk unit connected to the bike with a USB splitter, and my iPhone connected to the other leg of the splitter. Looking for advice to get Car Play running.

What is your setup, you are using CarPlay or the phone is connected via BlueTooth. If you go to the menu - Sounds - Audio Routing do you have speakers or headset?

For sure this should work with your '24. Happy to troubleshoot, ITFZoneEmail@gmail.com

On the new infotainment system this adapter will allow CarPlay to start without the need for a helmet headset. All of the features of CarPlay will work.

@@ITFZone OUTSTANDNG!!! Ordering now!!!

Indeed, but if you turn on the privacy features your bike may not start!! LOL!

You are correct, Apple requires a microphone for Siri access.

Not sure I am following - make sure under the menu - sound - audio routing is speakers vs headset. It likely changed to headset when pairing the adapter. Might be easier to troubleshoot via email: ITFZoneEmail@gmail.com

Change the Meadhawk to rider 2, then it works. Had the same issue.

@@craigschiffman1507 Interesting, in my testing I have had to have the headset as Rider vs Passenger for CarPlay to start, wonder if that changed in the update? Will try it!

I have not but I have seen others that have. I did have a report of the headset device cutting out. I highly doubt cutting this cord would create any issue but I would verify the wires are not touching just to avoid the device thinking there is a connection. But possibly a good video to make!

@@ITFZone I ordered the parts from your links last night. Should arrive today. Just nervous to cut the cord off and then it not work right but also don’t want all the extra cord shoved in the new street glide compartment. I did find I could pair my air pods pro to bike and just lay in compartment and work the same but like this idea that it uses power from plugging in. My AirPods will die eventually.

Correct or get stolen! I think your will like the MaedHawk adapter solution and you should be able to cut the cord. I will plan a video on it an trial it with mine.

My affiliate link for the adapter can be found here: amzn.to/4agVRQc

As long as it has USB Power it will pair as a headset. I have not tested it on an older bike however but yes it should work just fine it doesn't rely on anything with the infotainment system.

@@ITFZone Thank you. It does have the USB

However!!! The WHIM required a HD Branded headset to get stereo and full functionality. Not 100% sure what the experience will be.

@@ITFZone I ordered and will see when it gets here, and I will install

Hmm, make sure your phones volume is up. Are you saying on the infotainment screen the volume bar will not go above half way?

I didn't realize my battery had lost some juice, so the volume wouldn't increase beyond 2 or 3 until I put it on a battery tender and started the bike. Everything is working good now. Thanks

Ah yes the low battery limit! Good to know!

See my video on the multiple USB adapter. Others are also using the heated gear connector under the seat but you have to step down form 12v to 5v USB A. Nice solution but a bit more work than just using the USB adapter.

Not with these new bikes, WHIM is no longer required or even available for the new infotainment system. You can use any wireless headset you like! Anything!

This would not help an Android phone. The bike will not support Android Auto without and AI adapter.

@@ITFZone Do you have a linc for that? I followed your linc for the adapter

Everything I have tested has sold out. All are moving to newer Android OS versions which do not display correctly on the new infotainment system. I continue to search for options.

For sure the MAED Hawk adapter works with the new infotainment system. Happy to troubleshoot, reach out to me at ITFZoneEmail@gmail.com

@@ITFZone I hooked up everything just like the video. After it synced up, then I added rider. CarPlay never appeared on the screen.

@@danbrown5623 we want to make sure the headset icon is illuminated for CarPlay to start. Send a photo of your device manager to my email address.

Just sent you an email

If you use the splitter you can!

Should work for you. Happy to troubleshoot with you, ITFZoneEmail@gmail.com

Sometimes, after the latest SkyLine OS update its proving to block many of the Android Adapters, but this headset option is still working great.

This alternative will work: amzn.to/435Ejnq

Still sold out@@ITFZone what do you plug the headphone jack into?

You don't. You an actually physically cut that cord off to save space. We only need the bluetooth connection which is in the USB connector.

Yes they added an 100w amp (or 200w can't remember) but used the exact same speaker they have been using since 2014. Good news with the amp in place we should have good success dropping in a good set of Hertz or other model speaker and have music at cruising speed.

Options are good.

Merci de votre soutien ! Merci!

LOL! You are not wrong but I am who I am and the video is free.

Oh and good for you old salty

That's the wonderful thing about Harley's. If you don't like new tech, more power, new designs, LED lights, etc, stick with the classic Harley bikes and enjoy. My first bike was a 99 Heritage Softail, I'm sad I sold it when we had our babies. 6 bikes later, I have a new 24 CVO RG in the garage along with 2 others. Stay happy old and salty!!

I do what I can to stay happy, and for the most part I succeed. I guess I'm a bit old fashioned. I love tech, at work they call me inspector gadget. I've just always loved the old hog style bikes. I have a Kawasaki Vulcan Classic, I lucked out when I got it, I never rode a bike in my life until a couple of years ago my sister-in-law sold me her 2015 Vulcan Classic that she bought brand new but then decided she wanted a trike instead, so she sold it to me, it had less than 1k miles on it, hadn't even been fully broke in. I just love the classic look that it has, especially when you take the windshield off. The naked frame, the spoked wheels, and the big wheel fenders. I still listen to my music with my phone paired to my Cardo, I've always preferred that then trying to hear the speakers blasting from the motorcycle speakers, not to mention everyone around you hears it too. So, for me, I don't need all the tech built into my bike, but my bike isn't built for long touring rides, so I guess it would be nice to have all the tech for the long touring sessions. That is one thing I do like about motorcycles, there is a style for everyone. 😁

That Vulcan Classic is a really nice looking bike. Reminds me of my 1st Heritage softail or a softail deluxe. Mine had whitewall tires and an evo engine with the choke. I added some Vance and Hines pipes. Sounded great. That is classic old school riding. When I first saw the new 23 CVO fairings and body style last year, I wasn't a fan, but somehow it's grown on me. I have an iron 883 because my wife and daughter are learning to ride. They started last year. I also have a 2015 Ultra Limited and now this new 24 CVO GR in Legendary Orange. I really like it, just need some warm weather to break it in. It only has 1 mile on it!! Stay safe! @@oldsalty3d122

I have no challenge for what works and especially what works for an individual! How will the traditional Harley crowd stand with these new bikes. I know for sure the ride is significantly improved but this can be achieved through aftermarket with the more traditional bikes. Time will continue to move forward, how will Harley address its own history!