Now, That's Infotainment!

NOW, THAT'S INFOTAINMENT!

Boom! Boxes all around for H-D's heritage touring models

There's nothing nostalgic about smartphone connectivity, bluetooth-to-bike communication or voice-activated global-positioning satellite services. Yet Harley has skillfully made its state-of-the-art bonanza of electronics, dubbed Boom! Boxes, one of the best features on the heritage touring models.

After all, we need Molly Hatchet and Steppenwolf to blast with profound clarity, right? But “eye-popping, ear-pleasing audio” is only the beginning. Harley has placed interactive communications, navigation and a raft of vehicle information right at your thumbs.

Two five-way toggles can be operated by your hands from the grips. Or better yet, opt for the in-helmet audio and you can speak your commands.

This system is worth the price of admission. Of course, testing the devices’ myriad features is best initiated in a

parking lot lest you run off the road mid-command, but once you get the hang of running the programs, whether using the toggles, touchscreen or voicerecognition system, it quickly becomes second nature. Call your mom? No problem. Ask forthe nearest hotel, point of

interest orfueling station? The VR system worked better than Siri on my iPhone.

There are two systems available, but the 4.3 version (stock on standard Street Clide and Electra Clide Classic models) seems lightweight in comparison to the 6.5GT system factory-installed on the Street Glide Special and Ultra Limited. The addition of CPS and a larger screen (6.5-inch compared to 4.3) makes a world of difference.

Yes, Harleys are all about heritage, but at the end of the day, who really wants to kick anything high-tech out of bed? Once you go Boom! you’ll never go back. JE