Rider to rider communication - Blue Tooth

What do you use for rider to rider commuinication? There is quite a spread in cost and no doubt quality. The Cardo Scala look to be the top shelf but I don't want to pay that much. On the other end of the spectrum is the chineese units for around $100 for a pair. Are they worth owning? Your comments and reviews please...

 

Bluetooth is short range, I would not recommend this for bike to bike communication.

I would use a FRS band type walkie talkie radio adapted for a helmet, something with hands free.

Motorola Talkabout MU350R for example offers a 35mile range and the option to connect a bluetooth headset, this device however is push to talk (PTT) but an optional button could be mounted on the handlebars.

Good review
http://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/201 ... io_wi.aspx

$120 for a pair, and I can imagine a wired version (non bluetooth version) would go a for a lot cheaper, these radios are ~$70.

 

No personal experience, but sena smh10 is pretty popular with the LD riding community: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sena ... eo-headset

Manufacturer's specs: http://senabluetooth.com/product/interc ... b-features

 

I have to second the Cardo Scala system. I got one a few years back for less than $200 because a new version was coming out. If you can find the older model anywhere, it'll be inexpensive but worth it.

The FM radio is pretty weak, but the range is great. We use it for rider to passenger, but after I drop my wife off and she goes into work, we can still talk until I get about a hundred yards away and she is inside the building. On open road, they say it's good for up to a quarter mile or so. I believe it, if there aren't a lot of hills or tree lined curves in the way. Even so, if you can see the other bike, you should be able to talk.

Also, it can use bluetooth to connect to a phone or gps unit. Just don't get distracted.

 

I ride because I enjoy being in a situation where people can't talk to/bother me

 

Don't bother with the cheep Chinese versions. I got a set to talk rider to passenger and if we were going more that 10 mph we could not hear anything from the speakers.

 

Man, I'm starting to agree more and more. I put a smartphone holder on my 700, which works nice, but just use it for GPS screen. I thought I may play music, but I think I like the Zen of the road / bike noise more. Very therapeutic.

I actually answered a call from the wife, to which she could barely hear me over noise, but I could hear her ( kinda ) on speaker phone. It was kinda cool, but not very effective. Perfect!

 

Yea, the "Zen of the road" is a good way to put it. My mind just stops working and I use my eyes and ears to just watch the road. I need that 1/2 hour or so to just be completely cut off from everybody just to decompress and de-stress myself. That's better therapy then any shrink could ever do.

 

Yeah, I heard a local HD guy state: need my 2 wheel therapy. I'm a firm believer.

 

I won't play much music at least I don't think so. What I need is a way to talk to the other riders in the group. I have a frs radio but I don't like the cables and the push to talk button. I think the Blue tooth would be a clean way to talk and also be connected to the phone and GPS. Also the 17 mile range my frs claims is fiction, I get about a half mile range if in sight. I was on top a silo and had clear line of site for miles, I got about one mile.

 

Can't say I've used any communication....but per other posts on here, I think someone posted this before.

 

I've owned one of the 2nd generation Sena SM products (not sure which one, they have several variants now for different helmets - mine's more universal and was the first generation model that allowed updates via USB).

I love it and it's easy to use with gloves on (big button/dial).

I use it for music while commuting to work (my last helmet was quite noisy - not in a cool open road way - my new helmet is quieter but I still want my Metallica blaring 8) ).

I also use it for 2up rides with my wife. We don't talk non-stop but its nice to chat and point things out we see.

 

Have an iPhone? There's gotta be an app!

Actually, there is, 'cept the lady has a silly android. I tell ya. Lol

 

When i ride i use a Scala rider G9. only one thing buttons are too small for gloves! but the sound is awesome, music is great! very clear phone calls and it's look sleek on the helmet!

kinen1

 

Oops double post :?

 

Yep 100% understand where you're coming from with that... Gotta have a lot of me time most days... People call me antisocial, but really society is just anti-me 8)

 

Bluefi in the Google store