Why is Autocom stuff so expensive?

[paul08]

I have just bought a new LC with the Navigator IV and have been investigating fitting my Autcom Pro-7-Sport from my old bike.
I am told I need part 2437 to power the Autocom from the Canbus. And that part is 29 euros here in Germany.

Then, I need part BTM-02A to get a Bluetooth connection from the Nav!V into the Autocom. That part is 100 euros.

And I have then been quoted 2 to 3 hours for fitting at 70 euros/hr!!!! Giving a grand total of 339 euro + the Pro-7-Sport which I already have

I dread to think what a complete system from Autocom would cost!

For example, taking advice from another Thread in the LC section, I can get a Sony MW600 Bluetooth stereo headset which will pair with both the NavIV and a smartphone and with which I can use the included ear buds or my own. Plus it offers FM radio. But no rider-pillion comms. And I get that for a grand total of 33 euro on Amazon. With no fitting charge!

And, if I want rider to pillion comms as well as phone and GPS bluetooth connection, then I can buy a Sena SMH10 or an SMH10R for around 300 euros.

I am about to give up on Autocom I fear.

 

[RobertG]

It is expensive but I have found the quality outstanding.

You can eliminate the Canbus connector by soldering or using a few spades. Find a friendly auto electrician to wire it for €50. It's at most an hours work if you are hooking up Bluetooth only.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

I thought Autocom went bust ?

 

[judge]

I thought Autocom went bust ?

Autocom went into administration and were bought by Tecstar, owners of Starcom. Both brands continue to be sold although Tecstar now have new owners too.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

I did not know that. Thanks Judge.

 

[STUBBS]

good job touratech doesnt sell them

 

[Bryn]

Just in case you don't know.. Sam at Chainspeed I believe worked for Autocom in the past, and knows the stuff inside out...

Worth considering if you're buying Autocom stuff..

No connection, other than being a very satisfied customer... Sam sorted out an intermittent problem on my unit that most would have given up on

 

[Jester]

you get what you pay for.

Had all types ... autocom is on my current teed

 

[Bumpkin]

Autocom kit, when compared to Bluetooth headsets, is modular and repairable as well as arguably more robust to start with. Recently read of a BT headset user asking manufacturer about battery replacement to be told that they'd need to buy a new headset! How many 2nd hand Bluetooth headsets do you see on eBay?

Yes, it's expensive I'll agree. But IMHO it's worth it. Your mileage may vary...

 

[(RIP) Tunneruk]

Autocom is the price it is because, put quite simply, it's the best kit on the market!

 

[newboy]

Agree it's the best and a thumbs up for Sam at chainspeed too - good bloke and a nice part of world to have the excuse to visit...

 

[beemerboy9]

The Autocom Pro-7 Sport disappeared from the brochures in 2006 after 4 year production run. Indeed, people are still paying good money for its predecessor on Fleabay.

So, as Bumpkin says, it is built like a brick sh*thouse. The stuff is "hand-built" in the UK, rather than being mass-produced in China.

You do not need a 2437 to connect to the Canbus. You can take positive feed off an accessory socket and connect the negative directly to the battery.

Of course the fancy BMW Nav IV only has Bluetooth, which is more expensive to connect to the Autocom than the cheaper Zumo 660.

Nor do you have to worry about the BT headset running out of charge half-way through a journey.

I believe Autocom still has its place the world of motorcycle comms, but the high-end (but equally expensive) BT systems have almost caught up. I am half-expecting to take the plunge myself one day, it's just that I'll take a lot of shifting with 3 bikes and six crash helmets in the family.