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Bike to Bike Communication Recommendations

heejrbmw

heejrbmw

New member
Looking for a recommendation for bike to bike communication product that is worthy of consideration and not too expensive. I'm looking for something that may not exist. Has anyone had any success with a FRS/GMRS radio set with a full face helmet speaker/microphone combo? Is it even worth considering? I don't need communication over about 1/2 mile at most.
 
FRS/GMRS works fine, but I use it as part of an autocom system. Some of the high output bluetooth setups may work for you. Check out the Scala reviews on webbikeworld.com.
 
My husband and I have the Scala Rider Q2 set and it has been a relationship saver on many levels. Works well, clear, uncomplicated and comes pre set with the units coordinated.
 
My wife and I use the J&M CB unit. it works well and comes in handy for talking to other riders. most riders in the U. S. that have a CB stay on channel 1. complete setup for two people on one bike costs about $800. to add other units to other bikes (we have 4) costs an extra $400 per bike. if you don't want to invest that much, I hear Chatter Box works well.
 
I use the Blueant F4 Interphone. It works with up to three devices (cell phone, ipod, voice GPS or intercom between two bikes, etc.) I don't use mine for intercom, as I ride solo and not typically in a group of bikes, but the clarity is great and installation was simple. I wrote a product review and installation report for it here in the gear section. The distance for intercom is supposed to be 500 meters.

http://www.myblueant.com/products/headsets/interphone/f4/index.php
 
No love for the Sena's?

My wife and i both two units that we mounted to our helmets for about $250. Works great for up to about 1/2 mile distance between us. I use a cable to pipe in my XM radio. She doesn't want the music.....

They are wonderful.....:kiss
 
heejr1 said:
Looking for a recommendation for bike to bike communication product that is worthy of consideration and not too expensive. I'm looking for something that may not exist. Has anyone had any success with a FRS/GMRS radio set with a full face helmet speaker/microphone combo? Is it even worth considering? I don't need communication over about 1/2 mile at most.
Click to expand...

Yes sir... '06 LT with the stock COMM system using Shoei flip-up. I use the TK3131 from Kenwood (discontinued). Pluses???

  • No hash and trash due to squelch being set to low
  • Crystal clear communications of 1/2 mile or more
  • Squelch does not break my MP3 player / FM Radio / Pilot to co-pilot discussions
  • Small, lightweight and rechargeable anywhere there is a plug
  • Window that tells you what channel and DQT settings you are on
  • Lockable input - results in the radio not changing channels when you bump it
  • Useable off bike - nothing like having the radio available when your waiting for
    companions to arrive

Minuses???
  • Proprietary cable for VII to radio, however it works with the VII very well
  • Again, proprietary cable only 12 inches long. I made one that's 28 inches and makes the radio usable from a tank bag. If'n you tinker, it's not really an issue.
  • Discontinued - finding them could be tough.

ICOM also has a FRS/GMRS radio... Just don't like the way it works on the VII system.

my $0.02...

Would I recommend it? You betcha...
 
+1 on Sena

Easy to set up, 1/2 mile or so range, logical interface and outstanding support. And if the music is important to you - almost audiophile quality sound thru the speakers.
 
I did a lot of looking and testing before settling on the Sena SMH10, just edging out the Scala G4. Both are great units, I just liked the big volume wheel on the SMH10. Both can be had for around $350 for a 2-unit set.
 
heejr1 said:
Looking for a recommendation for bike to bike communication product that is worthy of consideration and not too expensive. I'm looking for something that may not exist. Has anyone had any success with a FRS/GMRS radio set with a full face helmet speaker/microphone combo? Is it even worth considering? I don't need communication over about 1/2 mile at most.
Click to expand...

There are Autocom headsets with PTT which go straight to a Kenwood radio. I'll be more than happy to look into these for you. The headset and kit is $199. The radios will run between $50 and $250. There are cheaper ways to do the same goal, but they aren't as reliable and nowhere near the same build quality.
 
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