As a dedicated Harley rider, I often found myself longing for the seamless integration of modern technology on my machine, especially Apple CarPlay. The absence of this feature on my Boom GTS radio was a constant source of frustration, making navigation cumbersome and music access a chore. I knew this problem needed solving to enhance both my riding experience and safety, as fumbling with a phone on the road simply wasn’t an option. Had I known about the Carplay Jumper Plug for 2019-2023 Harley Davidson Road Glide or Street Glide with Boom Gts earlier, it would have saved me considerable hassle.
- For Harley Car Play Jumper: The carplay2air jumper is perfect for the Harley Davidson Road Glide or Street Glide 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 BOOM GTS radio with apple carplay. (If the CARPLAY cannot...
- Benefits: By connecting your phone to the Road Glide or Street Glide, you'll have CarPlay on your Harley screen with full-featured, touch and handlebar controls, except for voice commands. Enjoy...
- Easiest & Cheapest Upgrade: Remove your fairing and plug in your gray(not black) auxiliary audio connector for wired apple carplay. Saved $100+ which is the cost of the flash from Harley.
Key Considerations for Your Purchase
For any Harley Davidson enthusiast contemplating an upgrade to their infotainment system, understanding the capabilities of an accessory like a Carplay Jumper Plug is crucial. This product category primarily serves to bridge the gap between your smartphone’s advanced features and your bike’s display, offering conveniences like integrated navigation, streaming music, and hands-free communication directly on your Boom GTS screen. Riders seek these products to modernize their ride, enhance safety by minimizing phone distractions, and simply enjoy a more connected journey.
The ideal customer for the Carplay Jumper Plug is a Harley Davidson owner from the 2019-2023 model years, specifically those with a Road Glide, Street Glide, or Ultra Limited equipped with the Boom GTS radio, who desires Apple CarPlay functionality without the significant expense of a WHIM (Wireless Headset Interface Module) or a dealership reflash. This solution is perfect for the DIY-savvy rider who values cost-effectiveness and doesn’t require voice command capabilities.
However, this product is not for everyone. If your Harley already has a WHIM installed, this jumper plug is not applicable. Similarly, CVO model owners should look elsewhere. Riders who absolutely rely on Siri voice commands for CarPlay functionality will find this product falls short, as it doesn’t enable microphone input. For them, investing in a WHIM might be the only true solution. Before purchasing, consider your bike’s exact model year, whether a WHIM is present, your comfort with removing your fairing for installation, and your specific needs regarding voice control. Also, be mindful of the quality of your USB data cable, as a poor one can prevent the plug from working correctly.
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Unveiling the Carplay Jumper Plug
The Carplay2air Carplay Jumper Plug is a deceptively simple yet incredibly effective device designed to unlock Apple CarPlay on compatible Harley Davidson Boom GTS radios. At its core, it’s a small, ingenious connector that tricks your bike’s system into believing a WHIM module is present, thus activating the CarPlay feature without the need for expensive hardware or software flashes. When you purchase this Carplay Jumper Plug, you literally receive the plug itself, designed for straightforward, auxiliary audio connection.
Compared to the market leader—Harley Davidson’s own WHIM module and its associated dealer flash—this jumper plug stands out primarily due to its affordability and ease of installation. While a WHIM offers full voice command integration via a microphone, this jumper provides core CarPlay functionality—navigation, music, calls via touch and handlebar controls—at a fraction of the cost, saving riders $100 or more on flashing fees alone. This product is specifically for 2019-2023 Harley Davidson Road Glide, Street Glide, and Ultra Limited owners with the Boom GTS radio who want to add CarPlay without breaking the bank or requiring dealership intervention. It is not for CVO models or bikes with an existing WHIM.
Here’s a quick rundown of its pros and cons:
Pros:
* Activates Apple CarPlay on compatible Boom GTS radios.
* Significantly cheaper than a dealer flash or WHIM.
* Relatively simple, plug-and-play installation.
* Maintains full touch and handlebar controls for CarPlay.
* Provides access to online music, live navigation, and call management.
Cons:
* Does not enable Siri or voice commands.
* Disables the rear microphone and intercom system.
* May not physically “lock” into place on all bikes, potentially requiring tape or a zip tie.
* Requires a proper data transfer USB cable (not just a charging cable).
* Not compatible with WHIM-equipped or CVO models.
In-Depth Look: Features That Deliver
Having used the Carplay Jumper Plug for quite some time now, I can confidently delve into the features that make this little device such a game-changer for compatible Harley owners. Each aspect of its design and functionality contributes significantly to a more connected and enjoyable riding experience, albeit with a few noteworthy caveats.
Seamless Apple CarPlay Integration
The primary draw of this Carplay Jumper Plug is its ability to seamlessly integrate Apple CarPlay with your Harley’s Boom GTS radio. From the moment I first connected my iPhone, the familiar CarPlay interface popped up on the Boom GTS screen within seconds. This wasn’t some stripped-down version; it was full-featured, offering access to all my CarPlay-enabled apps.
The real benefit here is the ability to use live navigation directly on my bike’s large display. Gone are the days of trying to glance at a phone mount or relying solely on headset audio cues. With Maps front and center, I can easily see my route, upcoming turns, and traffic conditions. Music streaming is equally intuitive; I can browse my playlists, select artists, and control playback directly from the touchscreen or the handlebar controls. This means I’m no longer limited to the bike’s saved media or relying on Bluetooth-only audio from my phone. Making calls is also straightforward, with caller ID appearing on screen, allowing me to answer or decline with a simple tap or button press. The touch and handlebar controls work exactly as they would with a factory-installed CarPlay system, providing a familiar and safe way to interact with the system while riding. This integration significantly solves the core problem of outdated infotainment, making every ride more efficient and enjoyable.
Unbeatable Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most compelling aspects of the Carplay Jumper Plug is its price point. Before discovering this product, I was facing the dilemma of paying Harley Davidson hundreds of dollars for a WHIM module and a dealership flash just to enable CarPlay. That seemed like an exorbitant amount for a feature that felt like it should be standard. This jumper plug, in stark contrast, offered a solution for a fraction of that cost.
The financial savings are substantial. It literally saved me over $100 compared to the cheapest dealership option. This means riders can upgrade their experience without feeling like they’re being held hostage by proprietary software and hardware. The value proposition is immense, offering core CarPlay functionality for minimal investment. For many riders, the trade-off of not having voice commands is a small price to pay for such significant savings and the convenience of integrated navigation and music. This direct approach to activating CarPlay highlights its ingenuity and commitment to providing an accessible upgrade for the Harley community.
Effortless Plug-and-Play Installation
The installation process for the Carplay Jumper Plug is surprisingly simple, making it a true DIY upgrade. The most challenging part is undoubtedly removing the front fairing of your Harley, which for most Road Glide or Street Glide owners involves unfastening a handful of Torx screws, removing the windshield, and detaching a couple of clips. Numerous online videos detail this process, and even for someone moderately mechanically inclined, it’s a task that can be completed with standard tools in under an hour.
Once the fairing is off, locating the specific grey auxiliary audio connector is straightforward; it’s usually in plain sight once you know what you’re looking for. This connector often has a dust plug attached, which you simply remove to expose the connection point. The Carplay Jumper Plug then snaps into place. While some users, myself included, have noted that the plug doesn’t always “click” or lock in as securely as one might expect on some models, a simple zip tie or a piece of electrical tape can easily secure it, ensuring it stays put despite road vibrations. After connecting the jumper plug, I reconnected my phone with a quality data cable, powered on the bike, and watched CarPlay appear. This straightforward process removes the need for specialized tools, software, or professional installation, putting the power of upgrade directly into the rider’s hands.
Specific Model Compatibility and Usage Notes
It’s crucial to reiterate that this jumper plug is specifically designed for 2019-2023 Harley Davidson Road Glide or Street Glide models (and confirms compatibility with the Ultra Limited as well) that feature the Boom GTS radio. This precise compatibility ensures that the plug correctly interacts with the bike’s existing wiring harness to trick the system into activating CarPlay. If your bike falls outside these parameters, or if it’s a CVO model, this Carplay Jumper Plug will not work as intended.
A critical usage note, which I discovered firsthand, pertains to the USB data cable. Not all USB cables are created equal; many are designed only for charging and lack the necessary data transfer capabilities. If CarPlay doesn’t activate after plugging in the jumper plug and your phone, the first troubleshooting step should always be to swap out your USB cable for a known good data-transferring one. I experienced this initial hiccup, and changing the cable immediately resolved the issue.
Finally, while the Carplay Jumper Plug is highly effective, it does come with specific limitations. The most prominent is the absence of voice command functionality (Siri). Since the jumper bypasses the need for a WHIM, which contains the microphone, there’s no input for voice commands. For riders who rely heavily on Siri for navigation or composing messages, this is a significant drawback. Additionally, installing this jumper plug will activate your bike’s rear microphone but simultaneously disable your intercom system. This means if you typically use an intercom for rider-passenger communication, that functionality will be lost. These are important considerations that future buyers should be aware of to manage their expectations. Despite these minor drawbacks, for its price and the core functionality it unlocks, the Carplay Jumper Plug remains an exceptional value.
What Riders Are Saying: Real-World Experiences
After scouring various forums and product pages, it’s clear that the Carplay Jumper Plug has largely been met with positive feedback from Harley owners. Many users express initial skepticism but are quickly won over by the device’s performance. Riders frequently laud the straightforward installation process, noting how easy it is to achieve CarPlay functionality on their 2019-2023 Road Glides, Street Glides, and even Ultra Limiteds. The common sentiment is that it “works exactly as advertised,” providing full CarPlay with touch and handlebar controls without needing an expensive reflash. A recurring piece of advice from users is the importance of using a reliable data-transfer USB cable, as this often resolves initial connection issues. While some riders have noted that the plug doesn’t always securely clip into place, necessitating a bit of tape or a zip tie for stability, this minor inconvenience is widely considered acceptable given the significant cost savings and the overall effectiveness of the jumper plug.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Upgrade for You?
In conclusion, the problem of lacking integrated Apple CarPlay on compatible Harley Davidson Boom GTS radios is a real frustration for many modern riders, leading to less convenient navigation, limited music options, and potential safety hazards from phone fumbling. The Carplay Jumper Plug offers an incredibly effective and affordable solution to this dilemma.
This jumper plug is a great fit for solving that problem for several key reasons: first, its unparalleled cost-effectiveness means you unlock essential CarPlay features without the hefty price tag of a dealership flash or WHIM. Second, the installation is straightforward and DIY-friendly, empowering you to upgrade your bike in your own garage. Finally, it delivers the core benefits of CarPlay—live navigation, seamless music control, and easy call management—directly to your Boom GTS screen, vastly improving your riding experience. If you’re a 2019-2023 Harley Road Glide, Street Glide, or Ultra Limited owner looking for an easy and economical way to get CarPlay, this is an excellent choice. Don’t hesitate to click here to check the product out and transform your ride.
Last update on 2025-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API