Wireless Helmet Comm Systems

[husker525]

So I am new to this whole street riding thing, and have some newbie questions pertaining to wireless helmet comm systems. I am looking for feedback on some of the different systems, as searching the internet left me flooded with information and more questions.

1. Is there a system available that is wireless or without electrical tethers to the bike, so that I can talk from helmet to helmet, (like my rear seat passenger), listen to my music, the passenger can listen to their own music (because I can't do country when I am pretending to be Valentino Rossi)?

2. I do not need or want cell phone access, as this is the whole reason I ride, to get away from all the cell phone calls.

3. Is there a system that is available that I can mute the rear passenger, so that when she starts talking about romantic things, I can just shut her off?

4. Do these systems require hard wiring 12V power into the bike? I would like to avoid this if at all possible.

5. I have 2 Arai full face helmets, do the boom mics work well in these helmets, or get in the way of the built in breath shields?

Any input or suggestions with equipment that works well is greatly appreciated. I think a little money spent on a system such as I described would eliminate the cold hands on my bare skin under my riding jacket when she wants to get my attention, while I am dragging a knee through a corner in the Colorado mountains.

 

[JonKerr]

So I am new to this whole street riding thing, and have some newbie questions pertaining to wireless helmet comm systems. I am looking for feedback on some of the different systems, as searching the internet left me flooded with information and more questions.

1. Is there a system available that is wireless or without electrical tethers to the bike, so that I can talk from helmet to helmet, (like my rear seat passenger), listen to my music, the passenger can listen to their own music (because I can't do country when I am pretending to be Valentino Rossi)?

2. I do not need or want cell phone access, as this is the whole reason I ride, to get away from all the cell phone calls.

3. Is there a system that is available that I can mute the rear passenger, so that when she starts talking about romantic things, I can just shut her off?

4. Do these systems require hard wiring 12V power into the bike? I would like to avoid this if at all possible.

5. I have 2 Arai full face helmets, do the boom mics work well in these helmets, or get in the way of the built in breath shields?

Any input or suggestions with equipment that works well is greatly appreciated. I think a little money spent on a system such as I described would eliminate the cold hands on my bare skin under my riding jacket when she wants to get my attention, while I am dragging a knee through a corner in the Colorado mountains.

The Chatterbox X1 or X1 Bluetooth systems sound like exactly what you need. There are ways to use just one Chatterbox unit with a passenger link but that's kind of a pain and you'll be wired together. If you get two X1's you'll be able to keep everything separate but still be able to talk to each other. I have the X1. I love it. I do have to run a wire to my iPod touch but that's it. The Bluetooth one you could connect to a iPod touch with Bluetooth but from what I've been told you don't get stereo sound and it's not real great quality. The only other real reason to get the Bluetooth is to connect to your cell phone. But since you don't want or need that (me either) there's no real reason to get the Bluetooth unless you're dead set against running one wire to your iPod. Each of you will have your own Chatterbox on the helmet and will talk to each other by either using your push to talk or VOX just like if you were talking to someone on another bike.

As far as fitting into the Arai helmets, I don't know. I have mine installed into an Icon Domain 2 and it fits nice. It takes a little work to get the headsets wired in under the padding in the helmet. But it's not too bad.

Also if you want to get them, call Diego at Cycle Sector (link in my signature) He's got the best price I've ever seen. (Don't trust the web store pricing) I made the mistake of buying it from the dealership before I knew about Cycle Sector.

 

[Tinkerbellskpr]

My boyfriend and I just got the Chatterbox XBI2 systems. We picked them because you can use them while on the same bike or riding separate. There are no wires that have to link the two devices together in order to communicate. They attach directly to the helmet and don't have any cables that link into the battery power of the bike. We really like them because you just start talking and it automatically picks it up without having to push any button first, however there is no mute button-at least not one other than the power button

 

[JonKerr]

Can you run an iPod with them? I was looking at those and thought I remembered that being a deal breaker.

Edit: I just checked their site. That's not the one I was looking at. I couldn't use this one because I need to communicate with many other bikes over long distances for group rides.

 

[MikeN02]

3. Is there a system that is available that I can mute the rear passenger, so that when she starts talking about romantic things, I can just shut her off?

Lol! So win!

The only romance is between the man and his bike. If you want to have a fight about relationship/do naughty things, that's cager talk!

 

[neshi]

You can try looking at scala rider products units they should be able to do all that you ask just find the correct pair

 

[Tinkerbellskpr]

Can you run an iPod with them? I was looking at those and thought I remembered that being a deal breaker.

Edit: I just checked their site. That's not the one I was looking at. I couldn't use this one because I need to communicate with many other bikes over long distances for group rides.

Yeah, ours can only communicate with up to 3 riders over a distance of 500 meters.

 

[husker525]

I tried to contact Cycle Sector both by phone and email over the last week, no response so I moved on. Looked into Midland BT1's, but Midland only sells to dealers, and no dealers around here to go eyes on with the actual product.

Looked into the Chatterbox, talked to a few local riders who had them, and found that some of them had a few more problems than I cared to deal with.

Ordered the Scala brand, price was good with my sponsored rider discount and the model I got is supposed to do everything I want it to. Time will tell. Thanks to all that helped and had input.

 

[MiltonDorkenhoff]

I picked up a chatterbox xbi2 the other day and installed it in my Shoei RF1000 this afternoon. Overall, it seems pretty nice, but I've run into a pair of problem with it, maybe others have seen them?

First - I paired it with my iPhone. It paired fine, it plays audio fine, it makes/receives phone calls fine. But the most amazing thing - each time I turn the chatterbox on, it connects to my phone and then tells the phone to call the last number I called. Kind of annoying...

The other problem is the microphone that comes with it (the full face helmet version). The thing is gigantic - it's 0.5inches in diameter and just about as deep. When mounted to the chin bar of the helmet, it hits my mouth pretty regularly. I can't imagine this would be safe if I ever went face-first into the ground. I'm wondering if maybe there is an alternate headset that someone has tried?

Thanks

 

[Heineken]

I tried to contact Cycle Sector both by phone and email over the last week, no response so I moved on. Looked into Midland BT1's, but Midland only sells to dealers, and no dealers around here to go eyes on with the actual product.

Looked into the Chatterbox, talked to a few local riders who had them, and found that some of them had a few more problems than I cared to deal with.

Ordered the Scala brand, price was good with my sponsored rider discount and the model I got is supposed to do everything I want it to. Time will tell. Thanks to all that helped and had input.

What Scala did you get? I was looking at the G4, kinda expensive but with up to a mile radius ....

 

[Bikegirl88]

I use the Scala Rider Q2 multiset. My husband and I have no problem using the intercom for about 1/2 - 3/4 of a mile apart. Also links with my blue tooth phone, GPS, has a built in FM Radio and can connect my Ipod to it.

I rate it 8 out of 10. I wish the mic mounted differently is all. Good product - recommend.

 

[MiltonDorkenhoff]

I use the Scala Rider Q2 multiset. My husband and I have no problem using the intercom for about 1/2 - 3/4 of a mile apart. Also links with my blue tooth phone, GPS, has a built in FM Radio and can connect my Ipod to it.

I rate it 8 out of 10. I wish the mic mounted differently is all. Good product - recommend.

Does your Scala have a boom mic or on a wire? Cyclegear said the wire (non-boom) ones won't be available in the US until later in the summer.

Thanks

 

[JonKerr]

I picked up a chatterbox xbi2 the other day and installed it in my Shoei RF1000 this afternoon. Overall, it seems pretty nice, but I've run into a pair of problem with it, maybe others have seen them?

First - I paired it with my iPhone. It paired fine, it plays audio fine, it makes/receives phone calls fine. But the most amazing thing - each time I turn the chatterbox on, it connects to my phone and then tells the phone to call the last number I called. Kind of annoying...

The other problem is the microphone that comes with it (the full face helmet version). The thing is gigantic - it's 0.5inches in diameter and just about as deep. When mounted to the chin bar of the helmet, it hits my mouth pretty regularly. I can't imagine this would be safe if I ever went face-first into the ground. I'm wondering if maybe there is an alternate headset that someone has tried?

Thanks

The chin bar being close to your face is why I don't have my Chatterbox installed in my RF1000. I'm not sure if they have a smaller mic but it's perfectly fine in my Icon Domain 2.

 

[Spunky99]

I use a Motorola GPRS walkie talkie and a headset.
You can talk to Chatterbox, have a lot more range and it sure is cheaper.
No bluetooth tho.
The passenger can have the same setup and talk to you.

Here is the headset. KAWAMALL
Helmet Speaker Mic for Motorola Talkabout FRS radio NEW - eBay (item 140405940891 end time Jun-06-10 17:03:23 PDT)

 

[raven6]

Does your Scala have a boom mic or on a wire? Cyclegear said the wire (non-boom) ones won't be available in the US until later in the summer.

Thanks

newenough has the corded mic (non-boom) for the Scala Rider... Cardo Systems Scala Rider Audio Kit Upgrade Corded Microphone :: New Enough