Is Wireless Apple Carplay Android Auto On A Honda Goldwing Worth It? | Cruiseman's Reviews

[@TheTonytodd]

I purchased the CarlinKit based on your past videos reviewing it. It has worked flawlessly, without disconnecting, on my 2023 Gold Wing Tour. My Android phone disconnected and reconnected on 100% of my rides prior to using the CarlinKit. No more disconnects for me! Side Note: I also purchased my Gold Wing Tour after years of watching your videos. I watched your videos not because I wanted a Gold Wing or to replace my previous motorcycle, but because of the quality content and my interest in motorcycles in general.

[@mariodaytona4347]

I'm the happy owner of a 2018 Goldwing. After riding 62 000 km struggling with Honda standard Android auto system conection system, I purchased the carlink after I saw your first video. Super thank you!!! Brilliant idea. Now, I use the carlink with the phone installed on quadlock wireless waterproof charger and antivibration system located on left side handlebar all the time. The carlink sits very well in the trunk, and the phone is always charged, without no heating problems like it was before (located in the trunk). Doesn't matter if I start the Sena communication immediately or not, Honda info system checks every 10-15 sec and tries to connect to Android Auto via carlink. I don't know if it was caused by carlink, but it is great! No issues till now! Just some disconnected situation, every time when I pass a gas station! Looks like it is a strong signal that probably disturbs the bluetooth connection between phone and carlink. But after 1 minute, automatically recover the connection and is back again the Android Auto!!! I use it every day, in the city and also in long rides. Works great!!! Regards from Romania!

[@Knotdead73]

INstalled the carlink over the weekend. IT'S A TOTAL CHARM and so glad I did this, should of done it last year. ITS AMAZING

[@moose3971]

I have the same problems with my Sena not connecting to my bike until the second time. I have a different unit for wireless CarPlay. So, no IP address. In my case, I bought a switchable USB pigtail. So, I just open the glove box and cycle the switch once. Works like a charm, even if I forget and need to hit the switch going down the road. I mounted it in the glove box. Easily accessible and a cheap fix so far!

[@matthjas67]

Using my Pixel phone and Cardo unit the wireless adapter has proven to be very reliable. 100% worth it.

[@tibdek4042]

Agree, 45 seconds with Sena SRL2 is the sweetspot, and allows for a 2nd pairing attempt if headset does not connect first time, I’m very happy with the Carlinkit 5.0, connection is robust. I had predecessor „cplay2air“ model which was unstable, but this version is working well.

[@gazopaul]

2023 Goldwing along with a Sena 50C. The car link kit works great and I have no problems with the Apple Car Play. My problem is with the Sean connecting to the bike and then the Goldwing connecting to my phone. I put in 20,000 miles last year and always have had problems using my phone for calls. People can barely hear me if the Sena is connected to the motorcycle and not the phone. When the Sena is connected to the phone then there is never a problem. I love the Apple Car Play but with as much as I ride and talk to my wife. I think talking to the wife is more important. Love your videos also.

[@Valentino50541]

I have been using it on my 2022 Indian Pursuit and I love it. I am purchasing another one for our car. Always turn on the headset first. It will take care of most problems with connections.

[@2011stressedout]

I never have any problem plugging my Apple phone in and connecting. Turn on head set Cardo Freecom 4+, start bike, plug in phone works every time. But it would be nice to just have the phone in my pocket instead of having to go thru these steps. Shorts trips are always a pain when you are on and off the bike. Most people on here, do not state which Carlin unit they were having trouble with. It could be the newer units have been improved. So it would be nice to know which ones did not work.

[@OleHorsefly]

Thanks for doing a great explanation of how all this works. I had a lot of trouble connecting when I tried this unit in the past. I ordered another one just now and will give it a go again using your settings. I have a 23 DCT Tour and iPhone. P.S. Cruiseman, you have cost me a lot of money with your product reviews! However, I am pleased with all of the purchases and use your maintenance videos regularly as well. Keep up the good work!

[@cruisemansgarage]

Everybody blames me for all the money 💰 they spend. Just trying to help the economy! 😂

[@waltermitty7452]

@@cruisemansgarage if you can connect and use CarPlay, and therefore Google Maps; Waze, etc., why do you also choose to use your Garmin? I have a Garmin on one of my bikes, but if I had CarPlay, I don’t think I would feel the need.

[@RanGer-498]

​@@waltermitty7452 i think he said in another video that the garmin has maps built in, so if he looses sat he can still navigate.

[@JK-wr6is]

I have a different brand of adapter (AutoSky) that I used infrequently due to this issue. It also has the ability to set a time delay, but I had no idea until I watched this. Works like a charm now and my phone doesn’t overheat in the tank cubby. Thank you very much!

[@Wachuko-1]

Glad to see that the code is still working. For 51.00 (with the discount) worth a try. Thank you Chris!!

[@tcatnat70]

100% worth it. I use the Motorola MA1 on my 2021 and keep my phone plugged in, in the left saddlebag. Sometimes, it won't connect on the first try and says there is no headset even though my Cardo is connected but if I start the sequence over it will always connect the second try.

[@steveharleyfan]

I'm an Android Auto user with Lexin headsets for my wife and I. I bought a Motorola MA1 for my 2018 Goldwing. I've found that the sequence to guarantee AA start first time, every time, is to power up the headset first, on the walk to the garage. Then I start the bike up after the Lexin headset has booted up. The headset connects to the bike every time, and AA is displayed very shortly after. It does seem to be that the bike looks for the headset first and if it doesn't find it - stops looking.

[@gregcautrell1259]

All of the workarounds required to successfully use, in my case, Android Auto, cause soooo much frustration. I've finally got it down fairly well, although I gave up on wireless headsets and went with the J-M Audio setup that converts it back to wired headsets (no longer available!). Then that unit didn't play nice with my phone in the storage pocket, so I bought the Honda phone mount that comes with the airbag model and moved my phone to the trunk. I did learn that a high quality usb cable makes all the difference in keeping Android Auto connected to the bike's system. It all connects pretty much flawlessly now when I hook up my phone in the trunk and just get on the bike and go. But using Android Auto without a touch screen is really clunky. Honda needs to work on this. A lot. 2020 Gold Wing Tour.

[@tracyratzlaff7421]

I just ordered the 5.0 2air for 55.20 with your discount code and am excited about getting and using it ! Thank you

[@kriskoppy2753]

I have both on at the same time with my Cardo backtalk. Never any problems. Turn the bike on, wait for map, turn the headset on, plug the phone in. 100% every time.

[@Ray-Rotorua]

I also use 45second delay.. makes sense .. have had good success with that setting..🤗

[@GB57825]

With an airbag requiring me to keep my phone in the trunk, it was a hassle if I wanted to stop for a quick photo, email check, etc- especially doing a tour of honor run with all those stops and pics. I ran the data cable to the left saddlebag, velcroed the wireless adapter there, and put a splitter on the other cable. Now I have my phone on the handlebar with a Quadlock wireless charger, AND another charger in the trunk which charges a power bank in the phone holder. The wireless upgrade solves more problems on the airbag model!

[@billdonohue2389]

I believe the 45 second rule might be the key. So far it connects first time every time.

[@theonlyredspecial]

Carlink works great. I have a wired Bluetooth adapter in my pannier as I don’t use a headset. Bought it for a few quid from Amazon. The Goldwing needs to connect to this adapter before the Carlin kit wired in the tank storage compartment. I set it for a timed 30 second start. Boots up every time automatically to Apple CarPlay when I turn the bike on.

[@michaelbortz5845]

I recently tried another brand adapter. The reliability of the connection was so bad that I returned it. I just ordered this device based on your review. Hopefully, I'll have similar results.

[@allenchevalley5322]

Thanks for the tip about changing the connection time to 45s I will try that.

[@mikemousseau2106]

Where can we get the Goldwing T-shirt that you wore in this video? Excellent design

[@cruisemansgarage]

shop.cruisemansgarage.com

[@4loyal]

Hello Cruiseman! Do you have your Garmin Zumo connected through your headset while using Apple car play? Loyal from San Diego, CA. I enjoyed your video and am still enjoying my CarlinKit: I used the technique you taught on one of your previous videos, where you taught to turn on the headset as soon as you see the blue screen, perfect!!! Sincerely, Loyal.

[@cruisemansgarage]

Yes I do!

[@unicornhairhead]

Works great on my 21 Goldwing. Thanks for suggesting it to me. It however worked poorly in my Honda Ridgeline. It kept freezing up my screen and I couldn’t get it to function again until I turned off the truck and turned it back on again. I did use the same unit for both vehicles without reconfiguring it so maybe I shouldn’t have done that.

[@Hinckley_Biker]

Interesting video! I have recently installed the CarlinKit 2air to my Honda NT1100 after issues with the wired connection, I use Android auto and it has been faultless in operation, however I do get a message asking if I want to pair a headset if I forget to switch the headset on! I recently went on a touring holiday in Scotland, I was using my mobile phone to take photos and not having to constantly unplug and plug it back into the wired connection was a big relief!!

[@petex1568]

Not sure why so many people seem to have an issue with CarPlay. My 2018 Goldwing non tour CarPlay works all the time and doesn’t disconnect. I have the Cardo Freedom 4+. Most Importantly you need to shut off the Bluetooth connection on your iPhone first . You Can’t have Bluetooth and usb connections at the same time if,you do then you’ll have trouble with the bike and Cardo. Also if you’re just fueling up switch the bike to accessory mode instead of shutting the bike off completely so the connections don’t break. Additionally when I use my Cardo on my other motorcycles Bluetooth devices I have to re-pair the Cardo to the Goldwing for it to connect. Once connected I never have issues. Siri works flawlessly too. I even have my Radar detector plugged into my AUX connection so I can hear it through my headset. Everything works seamlessly at least for me

[@Red_Moto_86]

Why you don’t choose quad lock wireless adapter?

[@danielkleiner9560]

Chris, I have been watching your videos ever since I purchased my 2018 Tour DCR in early 2019. I have bought most of the accessories and tools that you have reviewed. No complaints. Until now. I purchased these wireless kits for my wife's Rav4 and my bike. In terms of the bike, I have to re-connect it for each use, just as I had to do with my iPhone. From this video, I am now seeing that I can edit the start time to give my Cardo Packtalk Bold time to connect. I cannot find any information on the manufacturer's website about editing the wireless unit. Can you tell what steps I have to take to edit the start time? Thank you. And as for the wireless for the RAV4, it continually drops telephone calls.

[@DanNeimy]

Hi Cruiseman, Great fan of your videos. Can you tell if the sound quality playing through the Goldwings speakers is equal to when the iPhone is plugged in directly to the Goldwing? I know that when I just use bluetooth to stream music on my Goldwing without connecting directly, the sound quality and volume is not very good. Dan

[@Im-a-machine]

A great informational video if you have an iPhone. But I guess that your next video will be for Android auto for the rest of us?

[@jmc8444]

Quicker to go to Bluetooth settings on the bike, select the Sena, and hit connect. It's instant

[@billforrest9002]

What would actually be the best headset for the 2018 model i have a pair of HJC helmets

[@cruisemansgarage]

I have had good luck with both Cardo and Sena. I tend to wear my Sena more than my Cardo, but both are excellent.

[@Tazwarrior]

I was under the impressions that when using the kit, the headset we could connect the Car Play without having a headset ?

[@billdonohue2389]

You absolutely have to have a headset, or something the bike thinks is a headset, or CP or AA will not work. Some guys have something that fools the bike into thinking there’s a headset. I don’t know what because I wasn’t interested, I use a headset and have for years.

[@donmunroe8148]

I’ve managed to learn the timing of turning on the helmet headset first, then turn on the bike and wait for it to pair then I plug in the iPhone. Sometimes I have to go into the menu on the wing and force it to connect to the helmet since it won’t automatically connect (Bluetooth is still a very buggy system). The problem I have is using my iPhone for directions in CarPlay - the phone overheats and then freezes up due to overheating in the poorly designed center pocket. How does the carlink device react in the high heat hell of the center pocket?

[@ZedThirtyOne_Z31_]

- Need to make sure your Phone is not too old - make sure it is compatible with the version of CarlinKit Wireless you intend to buy. - Anyone messed with T-Box at all? Watch KZbin on your GW screen whilst moving! It really needs a mouse to run (due to no touch screen), Goldwing does not have the proper amount inputs to run T-Box poperly. But, it does work.

[@greenwithNV]

great review! What windshield are you sporting there on your GW?

[@cruisemansgarage]

F4 Customs 20"

[@billdonohue2389]

Bought the 5.0 (2air) and have it installed. It’s hit and miss. I turn on my headset before I ever start the bike. It connects, says it’s connected, bike says it’s connected, but Carlinkit won’t connect because the bike says headset not connected, but the bike also says it is connected. Haven’t figured that one out. So I have to turn off the bike, wait till Carlinkit powers off, watch the light, then start all over. It connects the second time and then for the rest of the day it’s perfect. Stop for gas, lunch, breaks, what ever, start the bike and it connects every time without fail. It’s the first time in the morning that’s the problem. I tried the 10 seconds delay and couldn’t tell any difference, so I put it back. I’ll try the 45 second delay and see what happens. I noticed on my Sena 50s I power on the bike and hear the 2 beeps, which means it’s gonna connect, but first time in the morning, it says, headset connected with another beep. It never connects if this happens. Even though it shows connected on the instrument panel of the bike. Sena 50s is NOT paired to the phone, but is paired to the bike. Phone is not Bluetooth paired to the bike but is paired to the Carlinkit. I still have a mic problem where people can’t understand me, nor does Siri, but I’ve read where a few others have had the same problem. Their problems were resolved at the dealer by replacing the Nav unit on the bike under warranty. Going to the dealership Tuesday to have mine checked. But when the Carlinkit works it’s great. Bill

[@cruisemansgarage]

Sometimes the headset will "say" it is connected, and the Goldwing will show that it is connected on the dash, but if you are not getting any audio through the headset (like from the radio) then it is NOT really connected.

[@kboyd1212]

I have a 2021 non-touring model and use Android auto with an S24 ultra. I can connect my phone while the bike is off. Turn on the bike, then connect my Scala q-solo and android auto will connect. I could not do this when I had an iPhone 14 pro max.

[@rickking3173]

Is super slow shipping normal? ordered about a month ago and still waiting.

[@donaldremington3737]

Honda should provide a better sound system! The system in my 2018 was terrible to the point of being part of my decision to sell it

[@steveknode4517]

I bought the CarlinKit and after setting the delay to 60 seconds it very rarely fails to connect to CarPlay. If there’s an issue it’s always my fault. It’s worth the price just to be able to keep my phone on my belt.

[@David-yp4fl]

🌿 LOVE FROM MISSISSIPPI USA 🇺🇲

[@tom81773]

Hi Cruiseman, great explaination of the CarLinKit! I have been using it for several months and have generally been very happy with it. Especially for trips around town, I love being able to jump on the bike, turn on my blue tooth headset and leave my phone in my pocket and have CarPlay start automatically. Recently, I have been having some problems with the unit disconnecting and reconnecting frequently. I am not sure what is causing this. If I am traveling and will be on the bike all day I prefer to plug in my phone to run CarPlay so that the phone will charge.

[@seanbussie7480]

I have a 2024 bagger and I wonder can I use the usb connection in my bag instead of the one in the glove since that one will lock once I walk away from the bike ? If not I think it's still a good idea to get one

[@cruisemansgarage]

Have not tried that.

[@davidallen1213]

Sounds like it works well, but it can still be stolen from the glovebox??

[@edmuraca7349]

Is there any way to use phone on bike without headset

[@admoto77]

My car link adapter disconnects while I’m riding like after an hour or so, while the headset is still connected. The only way is I need to completely pull over to to the trunk disconnect & connect the cable to the carline adapter again , and then it stars to work again This issue happened couple of times already . Never happened before while with my mobile connected.

[@cruisemansgarage]

Which model of CarlinKit do you have?

[@philhanson2560]

Can anyone comment on Carplay control lag induced by this unit? Even when my iPhone is plugged into the USB directly and the phone heats up in the cubby during the summer, controlling Carplay can get pretty laggy. Does this setup eliminate that lag?

[@garybranson8383]

I have a 2021 Goldwing and I can never get the Apple Carplay to activate until im on the road for a few then I sometimes have to unplug and plug in the iPhone. Sometimes it goes on by itself. But never immediately. It’s so inconsistent and such a pain and it sounds like you have similar problems. So if I purchased one of these devices that will correct this? Id just plug in the device and leave my iPhone in my pocket with the Honda Bluetooth turned on.

[@kenkivi5206]

Can someone tell me how to change the delay? Plug into my PC?

[@2upblacktopriders]

Will this work if located in the left saddlebag if addressed I missed it ... I think that is called USB2?

[@mugsy_71]

No , thats power only . Ive read you can take the seat off and switch the usb plug slots and it will make the trunk info and the dash power only .

[@4940markhutchins]

How do you keep it from disconnecting while you’re riding?

[@cruisemansgarage]

Has not been an issue so far.

[@4940markhutchins]

@@cruisemansgaragehas been with me - every few minutes or so on my 18 Tour DCT. Sometimes it would reconnect on its own, sometimes it wouldn’t. After much troubleshooting with no change, I gave up and put my phone back in.

[@allenchevalley5322]

My only problem with it, is that it doesn’t connect every time even when the headset icon is clearly on the dashboard. Very frustrating! I use a dongle by the way.

[@RanGer-498]

Do you still need to pair the phone with the gw or just the carlink unit?

[@cruisemansgarage]

Just Carlinkit

[@TassiePhil]

I have been using the Quadlock Apple CarPlay adapter and have found that it works really well. In the settings you can set a delayed start. Setting this has just about removed all connection issues. I have a Bluetooth receiver in my saddlebag to fool the bike so it thinks it has a headset always connected. This has worked really well for the last two years. With the Bluetooth receiver I pair this as a headset.

[@RanGer-498]

Does your phones bt pair to the gw or to the carlink unit? Thanks

[@TassiePhil]

The phone pairs to the car link device via Bluetooth and wifi

[@Eric-ne8vg]

What kind of Bluetooth receiver do you have?

[@TassiePhil]

@@RanGer-498the carlink unit

[@TassiePhil]

@@Eric-ne8vgQuadlock unit

[@chris-way]

Hi. Is your headset also paired with your Garmin at the same time?

[@cruisemansgarage]

Yes, it is

[@clementworks]

On another note, My Radar is available for CarPlay and I finally have a radar map on my Wing without having to stop.

[@markk2103]

This seems like it might be a good system if just riding around town for a few hours. I ride on long trips and my phone requires charging over the 8+ hours we usually ride each day. I could install a mount and wireless charging to go along with the wireless CarPlay or just unplug the dongle when the phone needs a charge. I think I will just use the system as designed and save the money. Thanks for the info.

[@cruisemansgarage]

The solution for that would be to have a battery pack, or a second USB charging cable connected to your phone.

[@markk2103]

Just to add to my comment. I contacted support at Carlinkit to find out about the USB A connection on the unit to find out if a phone can be connected to it for charging. According to support it can. This will allow the use of the wireless adapter without having to unplug it when my phone needs a charge.

[@cruisemansgarage]

@@markk2103 Now THAT is interesting and something I will test. So, it is like a pass-through power USB port?

[@markk2103]

Others have indicated it bypasses the wireless and treats the connection as wired. I didn’t get that from support but from another user. Either way it seems to be a solution to my concern so I ordered one.

[@markk2103]

I took a 2200 mile trip last week and had a chance to test the Carlinkit. It worked “ok”, but I did have problems daily with it dropping the wifi connection with my phone. This was not an issue with the connection with the bike, only the phone. I did consult the Carlinkit troubleshooting site and I made the suggested setting changes. It did make a difference but it would still drop the connection sometimes, mostly while in traffic. This could be my phone as I am running an older iPhone 2nd generation SE. When it did drop most of the time it reconnects within a minute or two. There was two times it did not and I just turned wifi off on the phone and then back on. This forces a reconnect. When returning home yesterday it was 102 and the heat didn’t seem to affect it in the compartment.

[@JK-wr6is]

Thank you.

[@Red_Moto_86]

What version of Bluetooth has goldwing?

[@cruisemansgarage]

I don't know, but I "think" it is version 2.x.x

[@DavidBucciVoice]

I guess I’m in the minority that connecting my helmet, phone and bike has not been an issue, since I got the sequence down. I also don’t mind having the phone in the pocket. I lay it against the pad, not in it, and it’s no worse for wear on long rides.

[@RobertWilliams-ie4pl]

Well you know what really sucks is I don’t want to ride with a headset because of all the hookup problems. I’ve ridden with people who have them and sometimes we’re waiting 10 minutes to 15 minutes for everyone to hookup. Man, I’m there to ride not talk. I’m waiting for my new 2024 to be delivered and want to use CarPlay but it won’t work?

[@tracyratzlaff7421]

After watching four I think of these videos and purchasing this car link kit, I’m still unclear as to the steps to take to make Apple CarPlay work, in other words a simple step-by-step one plug this in to turn this on would be very helpful

[@cruisemansgarage]

You will basically pair your phone to the CarlinKit once it is plugged into your bike. That's it.

[@goldwingrocks3859]

I use android auto on my 2022 Goldwing bagger. Last year with my Packtalk black worked flawless. This year I purchased the new cardo packtalk edge hoping to bre 😮😮able to use the record feature on the edge to record conversations, but you can't cause the phone is connected to the bike and the edge is connected to the bike as well. You cannot connect to your bike and your phone at the same time. And when connecting to my bike and android auto it won't connect until several times of rebooting the Cardo edge. I'm here to tell you I am not impressed with the cardo edge, I wouldn't purchase another, these are so finicky. My brother who is very tech savvy is very frustrated with his edges. So I think the biggest problem is purely based on the headset. And in my case "Cardo Edge"

[@PavelShevchuk]

That's a lot of issues for something that is supposed to be better than a phone mount

[@tommychan3260]

Hello, can you make a video about the zomfom motorcycle dash cam? If you are interested in it, please contact me. Thanks

[@paulmarley754]

I have it set to 60 seconds delay

[@wflentge]

Don't even think wired Carplay is worth it! I use Bluetooth between phone music (loaded my 450 favs) and Bike audio system and then J&M Bluetooth headset to the bike! I don't like Carplay nav, so use bike's Nav and separate XM Garmin GPS. Neve have connection problems as long as have the music app open on my phone, regardless of sequence of what is turned on first.

[@wingingit9493]

How about not wasting any time or money on the utter POS Honda system. It's like going back to the telegraph doing the hokey pokey.

[@goldwingrocks3859]

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