ZephyrChuck
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Posts posted by ZephyrChuck
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You can check the battery level thru the Info System. My front quit registering at all. I thought it was the battery. It was not. The bike shop had to reset the TPMS device in the front tire with a device the dealer has. BTW, the front tire pressure should be 36PSI and the back is 41PSI per factory recommendations.
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Sorry, I just saw this and you probably have it on already. It's not as hard as it looks. I took a pic of the wire routing, then disassembled the stock one and installed the new higher one. My issue is, neither one is straight enough to support your back properly. You have to lean back into it, which eliminates the support factor.
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Has anyone installed headlight or taillight modulators on a 2018 Venture T/C? I've been checking the internet and can't find anything specific for the newer Ventures.
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Can anyone tell me how to set up a Sena Cavalry helmet to the Sena Freewire. At present the the voice activation of the Cavalry Helmet activates the CB and COMM at the same time. So, if I have the CB on and try to talk to my wife on the back, it also broadcasts out over the CB without hitting the Talk Button. Is there a way around the voice activation?
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I will be taking a look at this, also. It must be a ***** to not be able to get into your saddlebag when you need to. Especially, if you carry your wallet and other needed things in there, like I do.
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My 2018, also acts like this. It has to get good and hot, then the idle settles down. It's just something you have to get used to.
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I've noted in several posts that some of the limitations of the wired setup of the 2018 Star Venture can be overcome with a Sena Freewire setup. I wanted to put up this post to explain how this works, what you need, some gotchas to look out for, and the various ways you can use the setup to accomplish what you want.
BEFORE I BEGIN
Let me say up front that I'm not a Sena employee, nor am I getting any kind of monetary compensation for any of this. I mention these products because a) I own them or have ordered them, b) I know that they work, and c) I use them because they work and/or I like them. This post isn't meant as an advertisement for Sena. Honest!
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The issue at hand is that the 2018 Star Venture does not have the capability to pair a wireless Bluetooth headset to the infotainment system. The only way to get a headset hooked up to the system is via a 7-pin headset connector (available for both rider and passenger). This is all well and good, but poses some issues. 1) You and the passenger are tethered to the bike. Step away, and you have to unplug, losing your connection, among other annoyances. 2) You are forced to use the on-board intercom to speak to each other. This causes issues because the PTT for the intercom is also used for the CB, so if you use both, every time you talk via the on-board intercom, you broadcast the conversation via CB.
You can certainly use BT headsets and chat with your rider via the BT intercom, and then have your bike audio play out via the speakers, but then you have no way of talking out via the CB.
SOLUTION
The Sena Freewire is a wired-to-Bluetooth adapter. The adapter plugs into the wired connection on your bike; then, you pair your BT headset to the adapter using the BT headset's phone pairing feature. This allows two-way audio (speakers and mic) between your BT headset and the bike's on-board audio system. The 2018 Venture uses the same 7-pin connector as modern Harley-Davidsons, so the Freewire for Harley-Davidson is the version you need to buy.
PROS
Your helmet is no longer tethered to the bike. More flexible options on how to handle intercom. One headset can accomplish music, intercom and CB communications without overlapping.
CONS
Expensive. Current price is $225 per unit, and you'll need two if you want to include your passenger's access to the on-board audio. Keeping the various options straight can be a bit of a learning curve. It's wireless/BT, so expect some delay when using the mic. Passenger can't have access to their own phone AND a Freewire at the same time (the infotainment system only allows one phone to be connected for calls at a time).
SETUP - NO PASSENGER
Sena has a video on Youtube that quickly shows how to pair the Freewire with your BT headset (see below). Thus, it's just a matter of 1) plugging the Freewire into the bike helmet socket, 2) mounting the Freewire on your bike (handlebar is easiest), 3) turning the Freewire on, and 4) pairing your BT headset with the Freewire.
Once this is done, you're pretty much set. You can leave the intercom off in the infotainment system and use the PTT for the CB. If you're using a smartphone, pair the smartphone with the infotainment system on the bike, not the BT headset. This is because most headsets only let you pair one phone, and since the Freewire uses the phone pairing feature, you wont be able to use it for phone and Freewire at the same time. This isn't a problem, as the Venture infotainment system shows you when someone calls (along with their number) and flashes text messages on the screen, etc etc. You can answer the phone, and the Freewire will handle all the audio for the phone call, both in and out.
SETUP - WITH PASSENGER
Follow the same setup as before, adding a Freewire to the passenger mic socket. You'll need to find a place to mount the passenger Freewire; I'm going to try to put it on the side of the passenger grab handle. Now the passenger has access to the infotainment audio, and this is where the fun begins.
- EDIT: I managed to find a way to mount the passenger Freewire in the trunk. See this post: http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?135982-First-Mod-2018-SVTC-Hide-the-Freewire
Intercom and CB
Most motorcycle BT headsets come with a built-in headset-to-headset intercom feature. Probably the biggest limitation for CB enthusiasts on the Venture is that the PTT button functions for both the on-board intercom and the CB, as I previously mentioned. With this setup, you can use the BT headset intercom instead of the bike intercom (which you can turn off). Now the PTT button only has to be used for CB, and the headsets can function as your intercom.
Of course, if you don't plan on using the CB, you can turn the CB off, and now you have the option of using either the BT headset intercom or the bike intercom, whichever you prefer.
Dual-Zone Audio
Since your passenger is connected into the bike's infotainment system via the wired connection (via the Freewire), they can take full advantage of dual-zone audio.
That's it for now. This post is meant to be a living document, and I'll update it as my setup gets some shake-down runs in.
Need a little tech support. I mounted the Sena Firewires on the bike. I paired each Calvary Helmet separately to their own Firewires to the phone setting. My wife's (passenger) puts out music from the entertainment media. Mine does not. I put it in intercom mode. At first it worked, when I hit my button, it cut out the music in my wife's helmet and I could talk, and visa versa (but talking thru either helmet also put your voice thru your own helmets earpieces). I drove the bike up to the front of the house, I figured, for today, we could just listen to the music thru the onboard speakers and just use the intercoms in the helmets. So, when I got up to front of the house, I turned everything back on. My wife's put out music. Mine did absolutely nothing. No music, no intercom, nothing. I tried re-pairing the devices, playing with connections, etc...I don't know if I got a bad helmet or not. Help.......
- EDIT: I managed to find a way to mount the passenger Freewire in the trunk. See this post: http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?135982-First-Mod-2018-SVTC-Hide-the-Freewire
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I've noted in several posts that some of the limitations of the wired setup of the 2018 Star Venture can be overcome with a Sena Freewire setup. I wanted to put up this post to explain how this works, what you need, some gotchas to look out for, and the various ways you can use the setup to accomplish what you want.
BEFORE I BEGIN
Let me say up front that I'm not a Sena employee, nor am I getting any kind of monetary compensation for any of this. I mention these products because a) I own them or have ordered them, b) I know that they work, and c) I use them because they work and/or I like them. This post isn't meant as an advertisement for Sena. Honest!
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The issue at hand is that the 2018 Star Venture does not have the capability to pair a wireless Bluetooth headset to the infotainment system. The only way to get a headset hooked up to the system is via a 7-pin headset connector (available for both rider and passenger). This is all well and good, but poses some issues. 1) You and the passenger are tethered to the bike. Step away, and you have to unplug, losing your connection, among other annoyances. 2) You are forced to use the on-board intercom to speak to each other. This causes issues because the PTT for the intercom is also used for the CB, so if you use both, every time you talk via the on-board intercom, you broadcast the conversation via CB.
You can certainly use BT headsets and chat with your rider via the BT intercom, and then have your bike audio play out via the speakers, but then you have no way of talking out via the CB.
SOLUTION
The Sena Freewire is a wired-to-Bluetooth adapter. The adapter plugs into the wired connection on your bike; then, you pair your BT headset to the adapter using the BT headset's phone pairing feature. This allows two-way audio (speakers and mic) between your BT headset and the bike's on-board audio system. The 2018 Venture uses the same 7-pin connector as modern Harley-Davidsons, so the Freewire for Harley-Davidson is the version you need to buy.
PROS
Your helmet is no longer tethered to the bike. More flexible options on how to handle intercom. One headset can accomplish music, intercom and CB communications without overlapping.
CONS
Expensive. Current price is $225 per unit, and you'll need two if you want to include your passenger's access to the on-board audio. Keeping the various options straight can be a bit of a learning curve. It's wireless/BT, so expect some delay when using the mic. Passenger can't have access to their own phone AND a Freewire at the same time (the infotainment system only allows one phone to be connected for calls at a time).
SETUP - NO PASSENGER
Sena has a video on Youtube that quickly shows how to pair the Freewire with your BT headset (see below). Thus, it's just a matter of 1) plugging the Freewire into the bike helmet socket, 2) mounting the Freewire on your bike (handlebar is easiest), 3) turning the Freewire on, and 4) pairing your BT headset with the Freewire.
Once this is done, you're pretty much set. You can leave the intercom off in the infotainment system and use the PTT for the CB. If you're using a smartphone, pair the smartphone with the infotainment system on the bike, not the BT headset. This is because most headsets only let you pair one phone, and since the Freewire uses the phone pairing feature, you wont be able to use it for phone and Freewire at the same time. This isn't a problem, as the Venture infotainment system shows you when someone calls (along with their number) and flashes text messages on the screen, etc etc. You can answer the phone, and the Freewire will handle all the audio for the phone call, both in and out.
SETUP - WITH PASSENGER
Follow the same setup as before, adding a Freewire to the passenger mic socket. You'll need to find a place to mount the passenger Freewire; I'm going to try to put it on the side of the passenger grab handle. Now the passenger has access to the infotainment audio, and this is where the fun begins.
- EDIT: I managed to find a way to mount the passenger Freewire in the trunk. See this post: http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?135982-First-Mod-2018-SVTC-Hide-the-Freewire
Intercom and CB
Most motorcycle BT headsets come with a built-in headset-to-headset intercom feature. Probably the biggest limitation for CB enthusiasts on the Venture is that the PTT button functions for both the on-board intercom and the CB, as I previously mentioned. With this setup, you can use the BT headset intercom instead of the bike intercom (which you can turn off). Now the PTT button only has to be used for CB, and the headsets can function as your intercom.
Of course, if you don't plan on using the CB, you can turn the CB off, and now you have the option of using either the BT headset intercom or the bike intercom, whichever you prefer.
Dual-Zone Audio
Since your passenger is connected into the bike's infotainment system via the wired connection (via the Freewire), they can take full advantage of dual-zone audio.
That's it for now. This post is meant to be a living document, and I'll update it as my setup gets some shake-down runs in.
I am in the process of purchasing the Sena Freewire and Sena Calvary helmets for my 2018 Venture TC, after I had read this post and did some research. From what I've read, this should work and I got my fingers crossed, because it is a chunk of change to buy it all. But, I'm excited. Thanks for the info.
- EDIT: I managed to find a way to mount the passenger Freewire in the trunk. See this post: http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?135982-First-Mod-2018-SVTC-Hide-the-Freewire
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Does anyone else, that has a 2018 Venture, have a stiffness with the shifting? Mine really snaps as you shift into any gear, up or down. When I took it in for it's 600 mile check-up, I asked them to ride it and let me know if that was normal. I was used to my 2005 Tour Deluxe and 2007 Venture transmissions which shifted much smoother. My wife even made a comment from the back seat on how she felt the shift, everytime I shifted. Anyway, the Yamaha mechanics said it was normal, but I thought I would check with other owner riders, to see what they have to say. Appreciate any comments.
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Got the bells, Don. Sorry, I took so long to tell you. Had other issues going on. Thanks again, they look great and are on the bike, already. 👍
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I would like two of the VentureRider Guardian Bells. Heading to Paypal, now.
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Have these units from J&M worked? I bought "iMC motorcom" headsets for HARLEY to put in our half helmets. They plug in fine, but I cannot hear anything from my wife and she hears me constantly. And neither one of us can hear the stereo thru the helmet speakers. I think I made a bad purchase. Anybody have any ideas.
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Not sure what steps (Steps 6&7) I see many people are saying they didn't have in their manuals. I realize many of these comments are old, yet I am sure there are some new Venture Riders out there that may want to get an additional fob, I just did. I paid $179.17 for mine. The procedure in the manual is convoluted, but it worked. I just had to get the steps correct in my head. Once I did, I finally got it programmed. If any one needs the procedure, let me know,
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Hi, I would like one of your guardian bells if you still have them. Let me know and I will go to Paypal.
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Okay, I guess I'll order the 7 pin sets that I can install in mine and my wife's half helmets (she really like's her helmet anyway and that is cheaper than buying a helmet with them in it already). Thanks, I'll give these a try.
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The new Venture has 7 pin connectors for the helmet communication system. Are these connectors compatible to the Harley 7 pin connectors? I can find Harley helmets and some kits to install in helmets, but I am not sure about ordering them, because I don't know if the 7 pin connectors are compatible. Please help.
Sena Freewire issue
in Star Venture and Eluder Tech Talk ( '18 - Present)
Posted
I have the Sena Freewire and Sena Calvary Helmets (built in mic and speakers). I can't use the CB because my Helmets are voice activated. With my chatterbox wife along, her voice thru my helmet gets picked up by my mic and goes out thru the CB. Riding with our group, her constant talking or singing would go out overthe CB and the tailgunners and leaders could not talk to eachother. LOL. I had to quit using the CB.