I'm swapping my K1600GTL for a '14 R1200GSW and was hoping to bring my Autocom and Kenwood 2 way radio over to the GS. I've searched but not found where this has been done before. Has anybody here done this? Any suggestions on the location of the Autocom SPA and Kenwood and where to draw power to trigger a fuse block?
Fitting Autocom and Kenwood to GSW
- Thread starter Ralphie
- Start date
Most people remove the next to useless "toolkit" 
from under the riders seat and locate the Autocom unit there and piggy back power off the back of the BMW power socket near the rider seat.
from under the riders seat and locate the Autocom unit there and piggy back power off the back of the BMW power socket near the rider seat.
Delboy777
Registered user
Im in the process of fitting a 1300 Peli case to the frame of a rear seat. Autocom and Kenwood will reside there and can easily be removed. I use a remote PTT switch on the bars available from Autocom.
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I have an autocom on my GSA which is fitted under the seat where the tool roll should be. The autocom is wired into the can bus system using a relay so it is switched off with the ignition. My bmw dealer fitted it for me. I then mounted my kenwood next to the instrument panel using a ram mount with radio bracket: you need a belt clip attachment on the radio to clip it to the mount. I then installed the autocom radio extension cable through the bodywork to the radio position. It's all very neat; I can see and adjust the radio when required and reception/transmission is good. I also wired in a PTT/Vix switch on the left handlebar grip. Hope that helps
Delboy777
Registered user
Yup I forgot to say I bought a Bluetooth module from Autocom and it will do for my nav 4 and phone. The radio is for IAM work.
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Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk
Muncher
Registered user
Please make sure you waterproof the autocom Under the seat as mine had to Be rebuilt as it was ruined by heavy rain . It was fine with the wc but not the wc
Since the 2014. GS1200 GSA has not been released yet I am not sure how you would expect a search to find anything.
How can anyone have done it - they ain't got a bike yet
It's a GS not a GSA!
Ralphie - I can't help with any info regarding an actual WC install, but after swapping from an Active-PLUS to an SPA on my '06 GS I've found it suffers from more electrical interference which will need better suppression. Same install position against the back of the tank but notable more "noise" particularly related to my brake servo. I'd probably get your install up and running before finalising the actual kit location.
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We seem to be descending into 'flyer speak'. Apparently a GSW is what is more commonly referred to as a GS WC (i.e. a 2013/14 GS).
Now I realize it is a GS
.
There is a good place just back from the rear seat. Piece of velcro to secure and should be ok
.There is a good place just back from the rear seat. Piece of velcro to secure and should be ok
How do you waterproof the Autocom? It looks like there is good room under the passenger seat and tail of the liquid cooled GS but it would not be completely waterproof. If there is a way to seal up the Autocom placing the unit under the passenger seat will be the ticket.
roadrider
Registered user
I have mine under the passenger seat wrapped in a bubble wrap bag, helps against vibration & water ingress. HTH.
I ended up having enough room to mount both my Autocom and Kenwood 2 way radio under the passenger seat of my 2014 GS. As noted in other post it is not completely waterproof under the passenger seat so I cut a rubber mat to match the shape under the seat and secured it to help keep water out of the area. I then wrapped the Autocom and Kenwood with plastic bags with paper to help keep dry and paper to help absorb moisture that gets into the plastic. It fits well and remains accessible for adjustments. The reception of the Kenwood radio is great in that location without interference.
I put my power distribution module (electronic fuse block) under the driver seat which powers the Autocom and some other items.
It appears most have gone with Bluetooth options but that does not do enough for me. I prefer the sound quality, not needing to always charge batteries and ability to bring in many audio inputs into one hub which cannot happen with Bluetooth as of today. I've had this set up for about six months and it has worked very well.
I put my power distribution module (electronic fuse block) under the driver seat which powers the Autocom and some other items.
It appears most have gone with Bluetooth options but that does not do enough for me. I prefer the sound quality, not needing to always charge batteries and ability to bring in many audio inputs into one hub which cannot happen with Bluetooth as of today. I've had this set up for about six months and it has worked very well.
Hello! My Autocom SPA control unit and Kenwood bike - to - bike were very neatly installed under the pillion seat of my 2014 LC GS by Sam at Chainspeed in deepest Wales. He has a LC GSA, and he has carried out an identical installation on his own bike. Highly recommended and knowledgeable individual.
Gargy
Registered user
Slightly of topic................ But what kind of range do you get with the Kenwood's................ and do you need line of sight as with Bluetooth ?
Oilcracker
Registered user
If you struggle sleeping have at read
http://www.offshoreblue.com/communications/vhf-capabilities.php
Will tell you all about VHF comms and range. It talks about marine radio but theory is the same.
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