Harley Davidson officially has Android Auto

[@BrianHellman]

Thanks for the video, always enjoy watching them! My guess is that the USB drive just needs to be FAT32 (a windows native format), however the majority if not all USB flash drives ship with FAT32. I’ve been in tech for 30+ years and never seen a difference in copying files to a standard format drive - that’s why there is a standard.

[@TheHarleyTech]

That’s what I was thinking, but I haven’t ever tried updating a radio from my MacBook. I didn’t want to steer anyone wrong!

[@richardhowren1134]

John, that is correct. I initially used a USB drive that was NOT FAT32 and the file was not recognized. I reformatted the drive to FAT32 with the DOM file and all worked as advertised.

[@richardhowren1134]

Oh...BTW, I am using a MacBook Pro.

[@rborim]

That’s it! FAT32 is not the default option when you format the pendrive on a Mac but you can definitely choose that option and you will be ok from there...

[@ernieme101]

beat me to it !

[@bobrose3298]

I don't even have a radio on my bike and I watched this....very entertaining, as usual. Thanks.

[@TheMonchoXD]

Same here, no radio 😂😂

[@SIERRA-dx9wm]

Ha-ha me too. Ride Safe

[@ronerx]

Don’t even have a fuel gauge...

[@Legendairy_Angel94]

Sportster life! ❤

[@bobrose3298]

@@ronerx haaaaaaa

[@ddaohio]

Thanks John I saw your video this morning, I downloaded and installed the update just before i went on a 200 mile ride, Android Auto worked perfectly! I had no issues at all. I have two Touring bikes one with the GTS radio and the other with a Sony XAV-AX5000. it is my opinion that the Harley version of Android Auto is superior to the Sony version. Funny thing happen today on my ride. We stopped for gas, and I was telling a friend how much I loved the new upgrade. He was telling how much he hated his iPhone and had been waiting on the update. I happened to have the USB drive in my pocket, we updated his radio. I demonstrated Android Auto using my phone, he is giving his iPhone X to his wife and buying an Android Phone.

[@Jarvisbiker]

The problem I had was when I turned on the bike with USB plugged in and bike said files are the same “do you wish to install?” At that time I thought the dealer had installed software with WHIM unit and I said NO to install. After watching vid a few more times I tried again and said YES to install and everything works now. Thanks ...JB..

[@TyFromTennessee]

Finally! Way to go H-D! I'm an Apple guy but I'm glad my Android buddies can enjoy the Boom Box GTS like I have been able to do.

[@petemuddafuggincarvo9284]

I yanked out the stock radio and installed a Sony XAV-AX7000 with the adapter to work with my Street Glide hand controls, and I love it!

[@jurban7998]

Awesome! I bought a 2003 sportster a while back. I was messing around on the HD website and got a free pdf version of the owners manual. I got the 03 to work on it, so this made it very worth it to register my serial number with them.

[@JayBird1982]

Thanks for the video man! Just updated my 2020 Eagle Eye and Android Auto works just fine!

[@bobmilo2786]

John, Love you videos. You help to the Harley community is appreciated and priceless. The process was a bit tricky but I eventually figured it out. No I have to get used to it. Thanks again. I've been waiting for this but when I would ask the dealer they could not provide any answers.

[@theneverman]

Helpful tip from random poster guy: the reason John had the #2 at the end of the file is because he had downloaded it to the same directory more than one time and the computer appended the number to the end of the file. This can happen when downloads fail and you go to re-download them. His HD radio is looking for a specific file name that cannot have that appended number at the end so for those scratching their head as to why, this is why. -Rando Bando

[@edwardacosta8894]

I used a micro SD card that was formatted "exfat" because I was unable to format it to "fat32". I was able to update my radio with no issues though. Android Auto seems to be working perfectly! Thank you John! Two Dirty Thumbs Up! 👍👍

[@FLYBOY123456789]

JOHN - THANKS...a big thank you. i had numbers in my file and it did not work...deleted the numbers (end of file) and bada bing, bada boom...update my GTS. Thanks again John. Keep up the great work...thumbs up and s.

[@MattRosenthal1]

I feel like this is Christmas morning!!! Thank you so much John!!!

[@sweetluisp]

Whoaa, I never knew we could do this on our own, always thought the Harley Tech could only do it....awesome video...thanks dude!!!

[@mahagowitz]

I just bought a 2020 Road Glide Limited and couldn't get it to work. Should have looked at you first because my only problem was the cord. You're awesome! Thank you.

[@ocglide2566]

I loaded the update as soon as it came out and it fixed the problem I have had with no audio on calls with Apple car play after upgrading to an iPhone 11.

[@harryhowell5644]

My 21 roadglide limited has android auto. Took me a minute to figure it out but I love it! The screen is really dope too. Showed up on my phone and was easy to install.

[@skottmorris]

Whoa, thanks for breaking this news! I have been searching for the follow up H-D announcement for weeks. I am a long time Android user and just installed the updates and configured Android Auto in ~5 minutes. So pumped to get out there for a ride now. Who needs the H-D WHIM when you can have AA? So glad I went with a Cardo headset system and made the long wait for AA. This is what H-D should have built from the start; Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility in the new Boom system followed by their own connections and apps. You are the best!

[@Colbsterscamaro]

Thanks for the video John ! Very Helpful!! I didnt know I could perform this update at home and not the dealer. Thank you !

[@ghostryderzextremejimmy2ti506]

HELL YEAH!! ABOUT TIME HD!!!! Been using it in my cage for over 2 years and can now use it on the Harley

[@jeffreylove8061]

Thanks John. Watched your vid yesterday and installed the update today on my 2019 Street Glide Special. Easy Peezy

[@matoz785]

Do you need your phone plugged in to use the android auto?

[@jasongathright9479]

Thanks for the video. The trick on leaving the drive in after it doesn't detect music files was helpful. Each manufacturer has their on qwerks.

[@chrisw8725]

Best Harley related channel out there. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience in such an easy and entertaining format. To the general public, has anyone had connection issues with the Galaxy S10 with Android auto? For some reason with using the USB the connection keeps cutting out for me...

[@donmcconaghy1371]

I have the same issue. I am using a pixel 2. It works for a few minutes, then cuts out. I have new cables on order...

[@mikerice8185]

Thanks for the video's John, always look forward to watching and learning some new stuff. keep up the good work!!

[@ThunderTruck]

I've enjoyed watching your growth with the videos John, thank you for the time and work involved. Do you have any plans to review/install a dash cam on a Harley?

[@TysaunCook]

Did mine last Night No issues straight forward install... Thanks

[@somersetDMC]

This is awesome! Thanks John, much appreciated advice on how to install. All working great, easy install. Cheers from England

[@The_Hambone]

Thanks for the heads up. Been waiting for this update for a very long time. Just updated it and it's beautiful!

[@geno7404]

As long as the USB Jump drive is formatted with a PC you can use a Mac to put the files on it and it will work fine. Justupdated mine yesterday and I also have a MAC. But my jump drive is in a fat32 file format not apple format.

[@michaelbancroft1684]

Thanks for the video. upgrade worked flawlessly and was easy to perform.

[@erichgervais7917]

THANKS A LOT.. it work like a charm... I wasn't impress with the Harley GPS capabilities... so now I can use my Google Maps.. :)

[@nokoolaid]

Macs can read and write Fat32/Vfat drives as well as format/reformat drives to that format.

[@michaelchamberlin6821]

Am always looking forward to your VLOGS !

[@paulfuller4905]

Awesome! Thanks John. Always great, informative stuff.

[@JonathanMCarron]

Great video like always. Thanks for all you do John. On my first try I used an 8gb flash drive. The bike recognized the USB and that there was new firmware on it. The radio restarted but never gave me the installation status screen. I let it sit for almost an hour with nothing happening. I tried a few more times trying different formatting on the USB and a few other 8gb drives I had around. Each time I had to shut the bike completely off, remove the USB and turn the bike back on. It gave me a message that the update failed and to reinstall the USB drive and put the bike in the ACC position. I still had the same results. Eventually I tried a 16gb drive and it worked right away. If you have any problems you should try a different USB drive. The instructions say to use a 16gb drive so I do not know if that was the reason or what.

[@sgraves871]

When I go to the website and click on experience HD it does not bring up the owners tab do I need to sign in for this

[@aoakeen]

They moved it further down about 3/4's the way down but here the link to it www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/owners/software-updates.html

[@sgraves871]

@@aoakeen thanks for the help but I kept messing around with it and found it and it works great

[@bigj200016]

Bonus! A Sunday bonus video. Awesome. Hope you’re getting some wind therapy on this holiday weekend, dirty thumbs.

[@HarleyFirefighter]

I have a 15 Streetglide Special and Apple products...I’ve had no issues with installing updates on the 6.5 GT radio. You just have to make sure the usb is the proper size and formatting correctly. I should have the “newer” GTS in a couple weeks. I’ll see if updates have any issues with my MacBook Pro.

[@wesleyrichards7802]

Hey John, thanks for everything you do. Your information really helps with maintaining the ride... RLTW

[@davidbadura923]

I see this is from 3 years ago. Is there an updated tutorial for this? the website i see looks much different now.

[@TheSarge296]

One thing, and I'm still trying to sort out why, but you MUST connect the Android phone AFTER you've started the bike. If you expect Android Auto to start when you connect the phone to the bike's USB port and THEN start the bike, you'll be disappointed. I have the settings in AA set to allow the GTS to start Android Auto, but it doesn't seem to want to work on the bike. (I don't see this limitation on my Kenwood head unit in my truck). Perhaps the GTS' Bluetooth stack isn't starting immediately in the startup routine of the GTS? In Android Auto's settings, you should be able to use the vehicle's Bluetooth to autolaunch Android Auto (and the app sees the GTS as an available Autolaunch option). I have NOT turned off "Pocket Detection" and tried to connect the phone prior to starting the bike, though I am curious if the glovebox is being treated as if the phone was in a pocket or bag. The weird thing is, it didn't matter to the Sony XAV-AX5000 that I had the pre-connected the phone in the glovebox. That odd behavior aside, the method of ensuring you have Android Auto working seems to be: Start the bike, plug in your phone, Android Auto will start (in my case, it opens Google Maps, and whatever media source was playing will continue). I have a Road Glide Ultra, so I put the phone in the right glovebox, I have the USB-C connector right near the port of the phone, and once I start the engine, I can just connect the cable to the phone. My USB-C cable is from Amazon; one of many that I've acquired over the years that I know is both data and charge capable. It's about a meter long, so there's a lot of excess, but it has been functioning perfectly since I did the update on May 16th.

[@luckymanindeed]

I’ll like never have a radio on my bike but I always enjoy your productions John and it is always useful to learn something new. Thanks as always for all you do to keep us informed out here!

[@TheHarleyTech]

Never say never!

[@FlipandTheBlueMule]

I was looking into this ...Thanks for doing this John

[@shadowkira620]

Does updating the radio effect a bike if it has been flashed for rockford fosgate. I have 2 friends that want to do the update but can't find any info on if this will interfere with their radio tuning at all. I used this video to do the update on my bike 2019 road glide ultra worked perfectly. great video the harley website doesnt make it easy to figure it out like it used to when this video was posted it seems

[@WaltFrick]

John, you can partition the hard drive on your Apple computer and load windows on that partition. Windows actually runs better on an apple than it does on any PC. You do not have to shut down the computer to switch hard drives, you can just flip from hard drive to the other. Google the process.

[@gabrielmartin3410]

Also as important as the cable is that your phone is updated to latest software. That stopped my android auto from working until I did most recent update

[@TheHarleyTech]

Great point!

[@kneesinthebreeze7417]

I dont have a radio on my bike John but good info 👍. By the way there is a lot of us out here with Android phones. Its about time Harley realized that. Now can someone give Disneyworld a clue!

[@TheHarleyTech]

😂 I think the hold up was actually the permissions granted by Apple/android. It’s a lot of software to get approved. I hear car play barely made it in by model release in 2019. For all I know, it’s take this long to have android work.

[@rodr8523]

You have to format the USB drive with a fat32 or other compatible. You can probably do it on a mac by formatting options. If the guidance is use a windows pc for the thumbdrive, its bc its easier than explaining how to format with fat32 or ntfs.

[@bradleyyounger8499]

My stereo sound comes from the fishtails on the ass of my evo road king lol. Watching just because I love your videos!

[@Legendairy_Angel94]

What year would that be good sir?

[@bradleyyounger8499]

1997. wouldn't trade it for anything

[@kevindelk]

Shouldn't the newest 23s already have the newest software?? When I plug my phone in android auto doesn't pop up

[@jshprl]

They appear to have removed this update from their website. I cannot find it anywhere. 3/10/2023

[@SoDakTwisties]

Honda better take notice. Their new Goldwing only has Apple Car Play, currently. I don't own either brand, but as someone who loves tech on bikes, this got my attention!

[@donmcconaghy1371]

I thought the same thing, but it was google who was holding them up. Honda will have it soon. The Harley GTS is way better than the Honda system in my opinion. I have owned both.

[@davidfolsom7766]

After I put the flash drive on the first screen came up and I hit OK for no media found, the next screen never came up to update. Where did I go wrong?

[@jamesewing5231]

2021 harley davidson street glide. Was told by the dealership its not available.

[@stanley4747]

Hello, I tried to watch the update to make CarPlay and videos mark private is there anyway I can watch it. I have a 2021 Triglide and I’m sick of wearing the headset

[@scott917]

i am pretty sure the reason you cant use Apple is because the usb drive would have a different format. the Harley interface probably wants a PC format like NTSC or FAT32. my buddy uses apple and his machine doesnt like my flash drives/cards.

[@avassos7571]

Hey John, so I have to use a cable at all times for it to work? Does this not work off the bluetooth without the cable? Cheers!

[@theotherrobzombie]

I'm not sure what the difference is w/ the GTS? I had the previous boom GT system and updated it w/ my Macbook all the time. The issue was w/ the fact that the thumb drive would need to be formatted to FAT32. Which is what I did and never had any issues. Updated just fine.

[@rgggrfrgrfeuyryrrhyr]

I have a samsung 8 plus..........do you need the android auto app installed on the phone to run it?

[@jeffuonites3130]

After you sync the phone up, does it have to be plugged in everytime to the data cable for it to work? Anyone know? Just curious

[@nathanieljones1182]

I put mine on with a MacBook. It just worked. Might not of been tested, so just covering their bases. Also, half the time my headset works for voice controls, but have no WHIM installed. Want to know what stars aligned for that to happen.

[@AM-ju9wx]

Format the flash drive as FAT32 in MAC OS disk utility. Then it will work fine. Just cannot be macs default file system that it uses. FAT32/NTFS is Windows default.

[@arta2870]

I have done my update and I didn't have to unzip the file. I just copied the file from the folder to the usb. Plugged it in and it updated perfectly.

[@tsadkiel2008]

Hey brother, can you update this video? It's 2022 and I am pretty dumb with computer stuff. Thanks.

[@nastylowe4511]

I can't get the Harley website to show that tab that shows owners

[@kevinbaughman2307]

I need to update my 2015 Roadglide thanks for sharing!

[@pspez]

Is there a way to run CarPlay from my iPhone without the WIMM?

[@isaacg3232]

So are you saying I can get Apple CarPlay on my 2015 Ultra Glide? I thought it was just for the GTS infotainment, not the prior, GT models.

[@brianadkins5726]

Thank you very much!! Super easy and quick to update!!!

[@eternalskeptic1]

I struggled with this for some reason. Turn the radio on, let it boot up, THEN insert the USB drive. It seems to work fine on my 2019 RGS.

[@TheHrolfr]

It is the way that Apple writes the data to the thumb drive. www.anysoftwaretools.com/format-usb-for-os-compatibility/ Apple uses a proprietary file system, windows uses NTFS, HD is probably either a Linux Kernel or possibly android. Damn it John you made me put my nerd hat on.

[@davedarling2008]

I unzipped the file, and moved the files to my USB thumb drive, which is what I did last year, when updated my radio. Hoping this works. Is there anything else I need, on my Samsung phone???

[@jdanderson2k]

John my 2020 road glide special has a stage II sound upgrade doing this Android auto update won't cause issues with the flash that was done for the radio during that upgrade will it?

[@jessejames3944]

Great video! Thanks for the info. Just one thing. Most people that have Apple computers are going to brand loyal for compatibility on their phones. That could be one reason why it won't download onto an apple computer. imho.

[@Aprojeep]

If you read the Boom! Box GTS owner's manual, it tells you the requirements.

[@CyphDragon]

Likely the difference is that Mac OS adds a bunch of hidden crap on a USB stick when you plug it in. It's hard to see on a Mac, because it's hidden, but if you plug in a thumbdrive that you copied files using a Mac to a Windows or Linux computer, you will see the "extra" folders. Likely the radio "sees" these folders as well, and it screws things up on the update. There are ways to suppress Mac OS from doing that, but it's probably far more work (it involves modifying system files) than you want to do. Far easier to just grab a PC and do it there.

[@MikesTubeEhh]

Unfortunately, updating doesn’t make a difference for CarPlay. You need the WHIM or the jumper.

[@daleriggle310]

Love you man good work big fan

[@waynegnagey4126]

I've got a 2020 CVO. Downloaded the CVO version from HD. Extracted and placed the file on an empty 32 gb fat 33 flash drive. Placed on bike, was opted with the" no file available" hit ok and nothing happens after this. Tried 2 drives 7x. Thoughts?

[@gonavezyeeet6071]

Question, is there a reason why my 20 RGS does not display info on during an active trip? All I get is just the speed in the middle. Thanks.

[@carm2005]

I'm one of the few Android users lol Fancy touch screen radio doohickies. Here I'm rocking a 19 FLHT and enjoying the simplicity of it lol. I do have a cellphone mount though in case I do need a NAV like Waze or something to get somewhere. Never really use it though. Half the fun is figuring out how to get back to a major road without NAV It's good to see Harley Davidson has Android Auto now. I've used it on my Chevy Silv truck and it works well.

[@TheHarleyTech]

You might like to have Waze accessible on your radio! You know, for that rare occasion.

[@gagehowell3566]

My recommendation for a work around would be to run a windows virtual machine on your Mac. VMWARE for instance

[@phillipking24]

Hey John. I just switched to Apple. How do I install the software for Apple CarPlay?

[@levidavid09]

I dont get the android auto icon on my boom gts.. I have the factory cable that came with my phone.

[@mikeparent2813]

Great video John , have you ever done one on the older system, I would like to know how to update my GPS maps on the older units , I own a 2015 ultra limited

[@adziomen]

Hey John ! Do you about newest software locking down BOOM GTS radio , new software makes it impossible to switch in DT(II) or Diag4bike to flash radio to make it work with AMPS/Stage II speakers / change any functions etc. It was caused by software update from 15th May , but newest release didn't resolve this problem. Radio still bricked

[@fredanderson6021]

Question! I have a 2018 FLHTK. Does this update the maps too or is that seperate?

[@MrLpm119]

If you look at the website for software, it shows another link to maps. They want $160 for the MY2020 maps. I have the same bike as you. The software updated by Android Auto did not come up on my screen nor did it activate on my phone...

[@ericlipke3574]

@@MrLpm119 android auto is only available on the Boom GTS found on 19 & 20 year models. The only way you can get it on yours is to upgrade your radio to the GTS $1800 retail and you may also need a cabling upgrade as well to support it.

[@davidd4071]

thanks for the vid on the android auto update,no issues on the update ,great tutorial, my only question is does the phone have to be plugged into usb for android auto to be viewed on radio when riding

[@Slking507]

How do you do this without plugging into the USB?

[@bschuneman]

Android phone will download and extract iso file. Transfer is to USB drive with phone adapter. Plug into boom box good to go ..Dealer map update still working on that one.

[@MrLpm119]

18 FLHTK, followed the instructions for 6.5 Boombox and the software updated fine, however, no AA icon came up on my screen? Will it only show if my phone is connected?

[@TheHarleyTech]

Android auto is only for 19 and later GTS radios. Not the 6.5GT radios. Sorry man!

[@MrLpm119]

@@TheHarleyTech Danggggggg!

[@tgoodfella4290]

yo does this still work for the 2022's? and does it not work for apple this way?

[@JeremyWilson121]

Is this only for 2019 and up or can I add it to my 2015 RGS with the 6.5?

[@MSGRetired]

MAC OS puts hidden files on the USB drive when you copy the file to it. The radio see's those hidden files and wont work. I have run into this a few times with other projects. I have a dual boot set up on my Macbook so I just boot into Windows.

[@larryakers4144]

Will this work on my 2016 ultra classic?

[@nickwuebben2500]

John, took bike into Harley the other day to get the mic disabled and when they tried to do it they didn’t even get the option for it. When they tried to flash the radio they just got an error. Ever see this?

[@TheHarleyTech]

I just did one the other day, so I’m not sure.

[@richardpanama1]

John you said it works on boombox 6.5GT I tried the software android is not on. I see it only on the GTS. You must have access to something I dont. Other than this love your videos. Richard

[@edwardholley507]

Mine works fine BUT it goes in and out when i hit bumps on the road. Have you had that issue?

[@mikedayitt]

Hey John. I have a 2002 roadking and I have the tac on the handlebar....I would like to know if there is a radio type boombox that can install on handle bar (I have the mini ape type) Also will the new type speedo panel that goes to the tank is that adaptable on my year bike? like the new screaming eagle tuner ithat will not work on my bike . The tuner goes from 2007 and up. so that's why I like to know if there is some type of portable boombos system you may know of that will work on my 2002 roadking

[@SerleioCreer]

Why is the Apple CarPlay with no mic video no longer available?

[@TheHarleyTech]

It doesn’t work anymore. Apple wasn’t too happy about the ability to bypass the mic. So I deleted it to get rid of some confusion.