You are
riding with a friend; you want to communicate with him/her, you try hand
signals, no good. You can't shout, your message gets lost in the roar of
engines and the wind.
Being able to
communicate with other riders on a motorcycle ride is not only fun but can be
beneficial, as well. Some times communicating with others on a ride can warn
them of hazards or obstacles in the road.
Not to worry,
technology has the answer for you: Motorcycle Communications Systems. Here are some
Bluetooth communication devices that will work very well for you and your
fellow riders. Be forewarned motorcycle communication systems only work with
other comm systems of the same brand.
SENA 20S EVO Bluetooth
This state of
the art Motorcycle Bluetooth Comm Device has a new design for improved intercom
function.
Features:
- Bluetooth 4.1
- A range of 1.2 miles (2km).
- Connects up to 8 riders on a single
network.
- Jog dial configuration.
- Voice-activated - Hands-Free.
- Audio HD speakers.
- Audio Multitasking
The new
design includes a shark fin antenna, Group Intercom feature (8 riders), listen
to music, FM radio, or GPS direction commands. Installs easily into your
helmet, there is a YouTube instructional video to help with installation.
A single unit
sells for $299.00; the two-unit set goes for $549.00 through BikeBandit. As you
are talking with your riding buddies, be sure to wear Men
Motorcycle Mesh Pants.
Cardo Scala Rider G9 Powerset
A motorcycle
comm system packed with the latest Bluetooth technology and equipped with a
social media platform.
Here
are some of the features:
- One+8 - toggle up to 8 users.
- Flash Pairing in one second.
- Send group audio to all eight connected
riders.
- Stays connected up to 1 mile (1.6km).
Pros:
- Long Range 1 mile.
- Long battery life, 13 hrs talk time,
one-week standby.
- Numerous great features.
Cons:
- Expensive (No price listed on
motorcycleintercoms.net or Amazon).
- Some users report the device is difficult
to install and get operational.
UClear HBC 200HD Force
The UClear
HBC 200HD Bluetooth comm system takes the 200 series to a higher level. UClear
comm systems have been a step ahead due to the absence of wired microphones.
The HBC 200HD Force Bluetooth system has features only used by the military and
can very well win you over.
The
Features:
- The speaker housing has a boomless
microphone infused into it.
- The unit is compatible with other
Bluetooth comm brands (Sena/Cardo Scala).
- Connects up to ten users.
- Range 765 yards.
- Fits Full face helmets, ¾, and half.
- ABF/DSP technology.
The UClear
HBC 200HD uses duplex technology to extend the range and also the quality of
communications within the group as well.
Pros:
- Affordable (Amazon sold out of the units,
no price listed).
- Connects to other brands.
- The sound quality is excellent.
Cons:
- Users complained the range was too short
765 yards.
- Motorcycle communication systems
discussed need to be fitted into your MC helmet.
FreedConn
Motorcycle
Helmet with Bluetooth
FreedConn
supports one of the best Bluetooth technologies in the motorcycle industry. It
is one of the best item in Helmet gears with communication facility, safety and
style. You should know more about the History of
motorcycle helmets before you buy one.
Features:
- 500m range.
- Connect with up to 3 riders.
- Bluetooth 3.0 headset is pre-installed.
- Talk time 9 hours intercom time, with
five days in standby.
FreedConn
Bluetooth motorcycle helmet can connect to your GPS for audio directions,
compatible with cell phones.
Pros:
- Connect to 3 riders.
- Latest Bluetooth technology.
- The helmet is waterproof, sun-proof, and
lightweight.
Cons:
- Speeds over 70mph can affect sound
quality.
- The adapter is not included.
Sells for
$194.00 on Amazon. And do not forget to stay warm on a chilling winter group
ride and wear your Leather
Motorcycle Vests.
ILM Modular Flip-Up
ILM has given
its users what they wanted most in a Bluetooth helmet, long-range.
Features:
- Bluetooth 3.0 technology.
- One-touch control.
- The range is over 1000 feet.
- Complies with ECE and DOT standards.
- Connects two riders (no info if more than
two can connect).
- Supports FM radio, GPS audio directions,
and cell phone use.
One-Touch
technology makes for safe control of your motorcycle while communicating with
your fellow riders.
Pros:
- The helmet is a perfect fit.
- Bluetooth quality is top-notch.
- DSP noise suppression makes for clear
communications even at high speeds.
Cons:
- Not enough padding inside the helmet.
- It doesn't fit all head sizes.
Final Thought
There are a
bunch of Bluetooth motorcycle communications systems to satisfy everyone's
needs.
There systems
that connect to 2 or 3 riders, some that connect to 6 to 8 riders with ranges
from 500 yards to 1.2 miles.
The comm
system you choose means you can stay connected to the other riders making for a
fun, safe ride.