This is the radio that most people on Central Route used when we tested GMRS on the 2024 RFTW. We used this one because it is one of the only units out there that can also Bluetooth to an existing Sena, Cardo, or any Bluetooth helmet set-up.
The plan for 2025 is to still continue to use GMRS, so if you want to hear comms on the 2025 Run, we recommend getting a GMRS radio. GMRS radios will be required in 2025 for all “Pack” leadership.
With the decision to go with GMRS radios for RFTW, is there any additional information available about bike mounts, useful accessories, or lessons learned from the central route when they did the testing?
Would it be beneficial to buy an extra battery? Which one of the three antennas they suggested is the more practical one?
@Tack There is a plethora of mounts available.
Here is a sample at Amazon..
If you go with the Btech GMRS Pro, I don’t believe an extra battery is necessary. It does have a USB-C charge port right on it, so you can also plug it in to a charging accessory.
Realistically, the stock antenna will probably be just fine. But the Nagoya’s are a little better. The longer Nagoya may seem to get “in the way” as @Boots said.
Personally, I like the a permanent mount antenna, MXTA26 if you are able, with the an NMO Mount, and adapter for the handheld to connect to it. These external type of antennas can double, or quadruple your range, depending on the GAIN.
There are many mounts, But I recommend the Ram Mount. It’s more durable and handles the vibrations. I do not suggest any mounts from Amazon. A few riders got them, and the conditions cracked and caused stress fractures in the plastic mounting equipment. I found a military Mollie radio pouch ,and attached it to my belt, it worked but uncomfortable. Next year I am having some webbing sewn on my vest where it is easy to access. They do make a whip antenna
Hope this helps.
They do, BUT…Certain configurations allow only the GMRS to connect to the headset (I.E. the headset disconnects from the motorcycle and or phone until the power on the radio is cycled off and back on. I just connected the radio last year during the day and didn’t need my phone or Apple Carplay. I just ordered a headset combo that supposedly works. I will be able to report on that in September when I get back to the mainland and try to connect it to my bike and the gmrs radio.
Will someone be puting out a programing help or video, for those of us who are not a techy as others. Actually have purchased the radio and a bluetooth helmet, which is my first bluetooth. So as you can see im probably gonna need some tech coaching. Thanks
I have purchase the BTECH GMRS radio and wireless PPT. Disclaimer, I am not the most techy person! I have read the manual, communicated via email to BTECH and Sena, to no avail.
You’ll see your Sena show up as an available device on the radio’s screen. Select it.
Pairing should be done.
Now, put the radio in pairing mode again, and pair the Wireless PTT button to the radio. You do this by holding the wireless PTT button for a few seconds.
We modified the Ram Mount Universal Belt Clip Bar Holder RAM-HOL-BC1U, $13.49, found on eBay thru GPSCity. One handlebar mount is on Helibars on a Goldwing, and the other handlebar mount is on the regular handlebars. You can’t go wrong with a Ram Mount.
Thank you for this. I have this same mount and may need to modify if use this. Do you find a need to have constant power (usb-c cord) connected to this unit? or seems to keep enough power through the day. ALso considered back up battery
It is a 1” ball and it is a separate purchase, however we have several configurations of ram mounts, so this is what we had in the drawer. Very secure and so far I don’t feel a need to charge during the ride. I would probably charge it during a lunch stop, altho I have thought about drilling a slot to accommodate the charging cord.
I looked at a lot of the mounts on Amazon, with some of the potholes we hit, and the vibration, I didn’t trust them or using the radio’s belt clip. I decided to go with the Ram finger mount. It bolts right to the reservoir on the handlebar of the Harley.
