[46067]

Any ideas on why more touring bikes like the new Concourse do not have a real cruise control and radio as options? After spending a weekend blasting around VA and Tenn for a few thousand miles, it made me wonder. My bud, on an ElectraGlide, seemed to enjoy the music most of the time and the cruise control looked fantastic while Interstate droning. Whaddya think Gang?

 

[SmokeU]

The ST1300 has a radio in Europe, maybe cruise too, but I'm ignorant.

 

[sachiwilson]

If you want cruise control and radio you can always get a Buick.

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

I love cruise control and radio on a touring bike. I put a throttle stop on my old Concours; it really helps keep the right hand and wrist from getting sore on a long ride (I have R.A.). I never thought I'd want a stereo on a bike until I took a Road Glide to Key West. It was great fun listening to tunes. I'm thinking I'll get a speaker equipped helmet and an MP3 player when some extra bucks turn up; I've seen several advertised in the various magazines. Although the stock stereo on the HD was good, it was a little distorted with the wind noise etc.

 

[SmokeU]

I use a J&M Audio pack with XM Radio on the Concours with speaker/mic equipped helmet. It works pretty damn good.

 

[46067]

Buick........ funny.

 

[pplassm]

Maybe people just don't want to pay for it.

You can adapt an Audiovox cruise control to any bike, and it only costs about $100. It's available from Kawasaki Concours Parts.

Audiovox Cruise Control

Onboard audio is a very personal choice. In-helmet speakers are technically illegal in many states, and a lot of folks don't like the sound quality of external speakers on a bike. I know many who use earphones or helmet speakers anyway.

It's probably a difficult choice for the major manufacturers to make, sort of like making their off-road bikes street legal.