CB...Worth the $$$$ ?

[irish2themax]

What is the advantage of a CB vs. a GMRS/FRS type of radio? :dontknow:
Dick

Only real advantages of the CB are range and ablity to get road/traffic info from other CB users. However, the more I research, the more likely I am to get an GMRS/FRS radio rather than a CB...probably the GMRS though I'm not sure. The GMRS/FRS are clearer comms than a CB and half the price. It does require a license ($5) if you want to be totally legal. I have sent an e-mail to Cardo to see if I can plug the GMRS into the Scala Rider system

Since they come in pairs, I will likely let Gene use the spare since we've been planning the Route 66 trip together. Looking at the Midland LXT360VP3 right now which is waterproof. $25 on Amazon.com.

Don't believe the range claims but I don't think we need anything over 1 mile anyway

 

[Jornie1]

CB vs... other options

We have ordered BRP CB packages for our two RT A&C's coming mid Jan. Obviously some sort of bike to bike comm is essential, especially for long distance touring which is our intent. Blue tooth is excellent but limited in range and innability to comm with multiple others. CB has an advantage over FRS some of the same reasons. BRP CB disadvantage, no cell phone interface...that I know of...The trucking community, on CB, can be a wealth of information for accident/construction/bridge out kind of stuff. Last but not least info on where the Enforcers are, just in case you aren't paying real close attention to you MPH. With multiple channels on CB, it isn't necessary to monitor a noisy channel constantly but the option is there should you need it. It is my plan to install both the units on our RT's. I'm just weird that way, so if there are any knowledgable RTer's out there on installs, could you please give me some insight as to what I may run into. [email protected] Or hopefully I will see your reply on this site.

 

[NancysToy]

Thanks, Scotty. Then I don't see the use other than an emergency for those with bluetooth headsets. I suppose you can hook into a wired communications set-up like the Starcom that you have but unless the others riding in your group have the same deal then it couldn't be used for inter-bike communications. Right:dontknow:
What is the advantage of a CB vs. a GMRS/FRS type of radio? :dontknow:
Dick

The Starcom1 will work with either CB (impractical unless you permanently install and tune an antenna) or FRS/GMRS radio. The latter is the most common. You can talk to others on the same channel (and security setting) who have the same type of radio. Not that practical for strangers or large groups, although sticking to the standard CB channels will tune you in to traffic and others in the vicinity. My comm system will also let you answer your cell phone and talk, but I never use it in that mode unless I am expecting an emergency call. Frankly, bike-to-bike is a bigger pain than it is worth, IMO. I never bother.

 

[Jornie1]

Bike to Bike being a pain..

The Starcom1 will work with either CB (impractical unless you permanently install and tune an antenna) or FRS/GMRS radio. The latter is the most common. You can talk to others on the same channel (and security setting) who have the same type of radio. Not that practical for strangers or large groups, although sticking to the standard CB channels will tune you in to traffic and others in the vicinity. My comm system will also let you answer your cell phone and talk, but I never use it in that mode unless I am expecting an emergency call. Frankly, bike-to-bike is a bigger pain than it is worth, IMO. I never bother.

Scotty, I'm with you for the most part, on the bike to bike being a pain with maybe one exception. That being the other bike is MY WIFE... :yikes: Pain comes when I don't answer her...ie food, relief stop... etc. Jornie1

 

[dwsdad]

Can you tie the CB to a scala or other bluetooth headset so you can communicate with other riders while on the move?
Dock

You can if you use this: http://imcmoto.com/home/bluetooth-adapters/camos-btar-stereo-bluetooth-adapter-2.html

 

[Trickie Dick]

You can if you use this: http://imcmoto.com/home/bluetooth-adapters/camos-btar-stereo-bluetooth-adapter-2.html

Looks interesting. Thanks for the info.
Dick

 

[TicketBait]

OK, I need some input. Having never owned or been around a Touring bike I have no clue how necessary a CB or Intercom would be. But....My dealer told me if I order the CB package before my oRT is shipped he wont charge me for installation (if he installs it during the initial setup).

So, for those of you with Touring experience...with all the new bluetooth stuff out there, is the CB/Intercom Package worth the cash?

Great question, so what did you decide John G, I myself am going down to the dealer tomorrow to order the rest of my options, while I have just a little bit of control with the cost, the RTS and garmin were ordered and I am gonna add the CB and XM also.

gonna also get a price on the B.E.S.T. warranty

The trailer I will get later if I see the necessity on bringing a lot of stuff. Heck 22 cubic feet is what i could fit in the back of my vet and believe me that was a lot.

 

[MarkLawson]

I ordered my RT with CB. The RT arrived two weeks ago, but no CB yet. Dealer doesn't know when it'll arrive...

 

[2Gunns]

Great question, so what did you decide John G, I myself am going down to the dealer tomorrow to order the rest of my options, while I have just a little bit of control with the cost, the RTS and garmin were ordered and I am gonna add the CB and XM also.

gonna also get a price on the B.E.S.T. warranty

The trailer I will get later if I see the necessity on bringing a lot of stuff. Heck 22 cubic feet is what i could fit in the back of my vet and believe me that was a lot.

I'll probabley go with the CB option, my dealer has offered to extend his free installation into March (or whenever the CB's come out).

 

[SPYDDER]

A CB radio is the last thing I would want...
"Breaker ...Breaker Good Buddy...got your ears on""

 

[Questions]

OK, I need some input. Having never owned or been around a Touring bike I have no clue how necessary a CB or Intercom would be. But....My dealer told me if I order the CB package before my oRT is shipped he wont charge me for installation (if he installs it during the initial setup).

So, for those of you with Touring expierence...with all the new bluetooth stuff out there, is the CB/Intercom Package worth the cash?

I wouldent ride in a groop with out one

 

[TicketBait]

I wouldent ride in a groop with out one

:2thumbs:welcomehyea:

great first post,,,,,ok I am gettin the CB:yes: and if I am wrong and i wasted my $$ then you can put that on my tombstone, but if just once if it saves my life, then , nahnah nah nah naaaaaaaaa!!:cheers: