Connecting your Sena 20S headset to your Harley Davidson motorcycle opens up a world of connectivity that enhances your riding experience. Whether you’re taking a long ride on the highway or just cruising around town, being able to communicate with your riding buddies or enjoy your favorite tunes is invaluable. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through step-by-step instructions on how to achieve this connection, discussing important features, troubleshooting tips, and more.
Understanding the Sena 20S: A Quick Overview
Before diving straight into the connection process, it’s essential to understand what the Sena 20S is and why it has become a popular choice among bikers.
What is the Sena 20S?
The Sena 20S is a state-of-the-art communication headset designed specifically for motorcyclists. It offers:
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Connects easily with smartphones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- Intercom System: Allows up to 8 users to communicate with each other over a distance of up to 2 kilometers.
- Audio Multitasking: Listen to music or GPS navigation while chatting with your friends.
- Voice Commands: Control the headset hands-free using simple voice commands.
These features make the Sena 20S a versatile tool that can significantly enhance the riding experience when paired with a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Preparing Your Harley Davidson for Connection
Before you make the actual connection, you need to ensure that your Harley Davidson is ready:
Check Compatibility
Not all Harley Davidson models are compatible with every Bluetooth headset. Most late-model Harley Davidsons are equipped with Bluetooth technology, but it’s best to check your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific compatibility details regarding the Sena 20S.
Gather Necessary Components
To successfully connect your Sena 20S to your Harley, you will need:
- Your Sena 20S headset
- A compatible Harley Davidson motorcycle
- A charged battery on both devices
- Instructions for both the Sena 20S and the Harley Davidson’s audio system
Having all these components ready can make the process smoother.
Connecting your Sena 20S to Your Harley Davidson
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step process to connect your Sena 20S to your Harley Davidson.
Step 1: Charge Your Devices
Make sure that both the Sena 20S headset and your motorcycle are fully charged. This step is essential for ensuring a consistent connection throughout your ride.
Step 2: Turn on Your Sena 20S
Press and hold the power button on your Sena 20S. You should see a flashing blue LED light, indicating that the headset is powered on.
Step 3: Enable Pairing Mode on the Sena 20S
To enter pairing mode, press and hold the phone button on the Sena 20S for approximately five seconds until you see alternating red and blue lights. This flashing light indicates that the device is now discoverable.
Step 4: Access Bluetooth Settings on Your Harley Davidson
- Turn on your motorcycle’s ignition.
- Use the motorcycle’s audio system controls to access the Bluetooth settings. This process may vary by model, so refer to your owner’s manual if necessary.
Using the Harley Davidson Touchscreen Interface
If your motorcycle is equipped with a touchscreen, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the audio settings on the screen.
- Select “Bluetooth”.
- Choose “Add Device” or “Pair New Device”.
Using the Harley Davidson Infotainment System
For models equipped with an infotainment system:
- Find the “Bluetooth” menu option.
- Select “Device Manager” or a similar option.
- Choose “Pairing” or “Add New Device”.
Step 5: Pair the Devices
After you’ve initiated the Bluetooth pairing process on your Harley:
- The Harley Davidson should search for available devices.
- Once it detects the Sena 20S, select it from the list of available devices.
- Confirm the pairing process on both the Sena 20S and your motorcycle. You may hear an audible confirmation once the pairing is successful.
Step 6: Test the Connection
After both devices are paired:
- Make a test call using your phone connected to the Sena.
- Play music or GPS navigation to ensure that the audio is playing through your headset.
This is also the point where you can check if intercom functionality works between multiple Sena headsets if you have riding friends with the same equipment.
Maximizing Your Sena 20S Functionality
Once connected, you can utilize the full range of features that the Sena 20S offers. Here are a few tips for optimizing your experience:
Taking Phone Calls
With the Sena 20S connected to your Harley’s Bluetooth system, you can easily make or receive calls using voice control or the button on the headset. Always remember to focus on the road while handling calls.
Listening to Music
You can connect your smartphone to the Sena 20S to stream music. With audio multitasking, you can adjust the volume of the music while still being able to communicate with your riding partners.
Using GPS Navigation
Integration with GPS systems allows for turn-by-turn audio directions—an essential feature that keeps you on track without needing to look at a screen, keeping your attention dedicated to the road.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
Despite the straightforward process, you may encounter some hiccups while connecting your Sena 20S to your Harley Davidson. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
Device Not Found
If your Harley doesn’t detect the Sena 20S, ensure that:
- The Sena is in pairing mode.
- Both devices are within a close range.
- Both devices have Bluetooth enabled.
Inconsistent Audio Quality
If you’re experiencing static or choppy audio:
- Ensure that both devices are fully charged.
- Reduce the distance between the devices.
- Check if any obstructions between the headset and the Harley Davidson’s stereo system are affecting connection quality.
Battery Issues
If either device seems to run out of battery quickly, remember to:
- Regularly check battery levels and charge accordingly.
- Turn off Bluetooth when not in use to conserve battery.
Conclusion: Ride Connected
Connecting your Sena 20S to your Harley Davidson motorcycle is not just about keeping in touch; it’s about transforming your riding experience into something more enjoyable and interactive. From group rides to solo adventures where you can catch up on your favorite tunes and navigation directions, the Sena 20S truly enhances the motorcycle riding experience.
Follow the steps outlined in this guide for a smooth and effective connection. Once you are all set, feel free to explore the wide range of features and functionalities that come with your Sena 20S. Enjoy your next ride with connectivity, comfort, and convenience, making every journey as memorable as the last.
By embracing modern technology like the Sena 20S, you not only stay connected but also elevate your overall adventure on the open road. Safe riding!
How do I start the pairing process for my Sena 20S with my Harley Davidson?
To begin the pairing process, first ensure that your Sena 20S is fully charged. Next, turn on the device by pressing the Jog Dial until you see the LED light blink blue. Once your headset is on, you will need to access the Bluetooth settings on your Harley Davidson’s infotainment system. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to navigate to the Bluetooth settings.
Once in the Bluetooth menu, select the option to add a new device or pair a new headset. The Harley Davidson system will begin searching for nearby Bluetooth devices. On your Sena 20S, press the Jog Dial and hold it until you hear a voice prompt saying “Bluetooth pairing.” At this point, the two devices should recognize each other, allowing you to select the Sena 20S from the list of available devices on your motorcycle’s screen.
What should I do if my Sena 20S fails to connect to my Harley Davidson?
If your Sena 20S fails to connect, the first step is to ensure both devices are in pairing mode. Double-check that the Sena is fully charged and within range of the Harley. Sometimes, interference can occur; therefore, it’s advisable to turn off other Bluetooth devices in the vicinity. If necessary, restart both the Sena 20S and the motorcycle’s Bluetooth system.
If the problem persists, consider resetting your Sena 20S to factory settings. To do this, press and hold the Jog Dial and the Phone Button simultaneously until you hear a voice prompt indicating the reset. After resetting, repeat the pairing process again. If you continue to face issues, refer to the Sena user manual or contact customer support for further assistance.
Can I use my Sena 20S for audio streaming while connected to my Harley Davidson?
Absolutely! The Sena 20S is designed to enable audio streaming while paired with your Harley Davidson. Once connected, you can listen to music, podcasts, or GPS navigation prompts directly through your headset. This feature can enhance your riding experience, allowing for a more enjoyable and connected ride.
To ensure audio streaming works seamlessly, make sure that your smartphone or music source is also connected to the Sena 20S. By accessing the Bluetooth settings on your device, you can select the Sena 20S as the audio output. Adjust the audio settings as needed from both your phone and the Sena device for optimal sound quality.
Is it possible to connect multiple devices to my Sena 20S?
Yes, the Sena 20S supports connection with multiple devices. This means you can connect your smartphone for music and calls as well as another Sena headset for communication with a passenger or fellow riders. However, keep in mind that while you can pair multiple devices, the Sena 20S can only connect to one device at a time for audio streaming.
To switch connections between devices, you will need to disconnect the current device first. You can do this through the Sena’s voice command features or the mobile app. After disconnecting, simply reconnect the desired device by ensuring it’s in pairing mode and following the standard connection process. This flexibility allows you to customize your riding experience to suit your needs.
How can I adjust the volume on my Sena 20S while riding?
Adjusting the volume on your Sena 20S is straightforward, even while riding. You can control the volume using the Jog Dial located on the side of the headset. Simply rotate the dial forward to increase the volume or backward to decrease it. The voice prompts from the device will inform you of the current volume level, allowing for easy adjustments.
It’s important to keep the volume at a safe level while riding. Listening to music or audio too loudly can hinder your ability to hear external sounds such as traffic or sirens. Take a moment to find a comfortable volume that allows you to enjoy your content without compromising safety.
What should I do if I experience static or poor audio quality on my Sena 20S?
If you’re experiencing static or poor audio quality with your Sena 20S, start by checking the distance between your headset and the audio source. Bluetooth has a limited range, and distance can affect the signal quality. Ensure that your connected device, such as a smartphone, is within the range and away from potential obstructions.
Additionally, interference from other electronic devices, such as Wi-Fi routers or other Bluetooth devices, can cause audio issues. If possible, relocate to an area with fewer electronic devices or temporarily turn them off to see if the quality improves. If the problem continues, consider resetting the Sena 20S and re-establishing the connection to resolve any lingering issues.