helmet communication

[Laila's Dad]

Hello all,

If any of you have seen my previous post, you know that I am far from being highway ready as I have not reached speeds over 40mphs(just reached that as a new high today :yes...any whoooo, I have been thinking about things I will want/ need when I am certified and actually taking spYder trips. I have seen on youtube spYders with speakers and amps added so I know that is an option, but I don't really want to be the guy who has the loud music as I pull up to a stop light. Plus I like the trunk(I think it was also called a Frunk) room for mini grocery runs and or clothes, helmets etc...I saw online today bluetooth systems made for motorcycle helmets that connect to a cell phone, gps, play music, and can be a walkie talkie between riders that have the same type of system. The ones I have seen online are made by interphone(F5 seems like the best option so far), Sena, Cardo. Also, my helmet came with a recommendation for chatter box but all of the reviews were bad on those for music clarity and phone call volume. Do any of you use products made by these companies or have another option that you would recommend. I have a RS-S if that matters. Thanks!!!

 

[Arr MiHardies]

Hello all,

If any of you have seen my previous post, you know that I am far from being highway ready as I have not reached speeds over 40mphs(just reached that as a new high today :yes...any whoooo, I have been thinking about things I will want/ need when I am certified and actually taking spYder trips. I have seen on youtube spYders with speakers and amps added so I know that is an option, but I don't really want to be the guy who has the loud music as I pull up to a stop light. Plus I like the trunk(I think it was also called a Frunk) room for mini grocery runs and or clothes, helmets etc...I saw online today bluetooth systems made for motorcycle helmets that connect to a cell phone, gps, play music, and can be a walkie talkie between riders that have the same type of system. The ones I have seen online are made by interphone(F5 seems like the best option so far), Sena, Cardo. Also, my helmet came with a recommendation for chatter box but all of the reviews were bad on those for music clarity and phone call volume. Do any of you use products made by these companies or have another option that you would recommend. I have a RS-S if that matters. Thanks!!!

I had some cardos. very unhappy with them. incredibly quiet, and they dont seem to want to pair with anything that isn't cardo for intercom.

 

[MMcc]

Communication

I have an old chatterbox not the latest, does not compare to my Cardo scala rider. Wife and I have good connections while riding. At 65+mph some problem with phone Bluetooth. Once connected works well, but voice command to make call has mixed results. At lower speeds everything works well. I use modular full face helmet and wife has open face with full shield. Bluetooth pairing to other devices is not a problem. FM radio works well in town, reception out in the sticks not to good.

 

[Pandy]

Cardo Rider

We have had excellent results withour Cardos. We have, I beleve, the G4 set and pairing has never been an issue and the Bluetooth connection consistency seems to depend on the device. Not the cheapest, nor the costliest, but good results for us. Oh, we wear helmets with shields, with the full face hats we had, it sounded like somebody hollering down a drainpipe.

Patrick

 

[Laila's Dad]

I guess they all have some issues

What you all are saying goes hand and hand with the reviews I have seen online. Although the one made by interphone(F5) had a good review by a dealer but I haven't seen much from actual customers. Two or three hundred dollars is a lot of money FOR ME to spend if it doesn't really help me on the highway.

 

[Bob Denman]

You are really asking GREAT questions! :clap:
I've got no answer for you since I normally keep my RT's stereo hopping... (the guys in the Tuba factory downtown keep asking me to lower the volume!)
I DO know that my ScalaRider Teamset Pro intercoms have a plug that you can hook an I-Pod up to...

 

[NancysToy]

Although the Sena SMH10 seems to me to be the best of the wireless units, I prefer wired systems. They are pretty bulletproof as far as communications on one machine. We use the Starcom1 systems. Seamless hookups to MP3 and phone (wired), and some of the best automatic noise and volume adjustments available. If you carry a passenger, the intercom is outstanding.

 

[warp10]

Sena SMH10 works great for our group. Just bought the complete dual set up, you should be able to get a single for 130-150 range.
hurry up and get legal, have someone ride your spyder to one of the weekend courses and you can use it to pass the test. You will not be legal for 2 wheelers, just 3 wheels. We have several rides coming up in Nov and Dec. hope to see you then.

 

[Farmbanker]

My wife and I use the Sena SmH10 units while riding our RT. Good volume, clarity, battery life. Pairs with my phone or IPod via Bluetooth. As mentioned can also connect via wire to Ipod or or music player. Works good that way for radio if you like.

 

[Ivorspyder]

I just got my Sena SM10 yesterday.In no time I had it hooked up and went riding with good music.Also used the phone.The best deal I found was The Dual headset package.$247.00 including shipping from Eastern Performance Cycles.www.easternperformance.com

Ivor:spyder:

 

[SPYD3R]

CARDO SCALA G9

i bought the CARDO SCALA G9 in May of 2012, and it's a GREAT UNIT... it's made in the USA, Pennsyvania actually, and the guys there are GREAT to work with... the G9 is upgradable, and will also communicate with the older G4's... sound is very clear and will Blue-Tooth to your phone, GPS, etc... the ONLY thing i can think of that is a negative, is that it has so many things it can do, that it's confusing when reading the booklet for the first twenty times...

 

[Papa]

I've been using the Sena SMH10 for two seasons now both as an intercom with my wife on the back and to talk to my buddy on his HD. They work great in both situations. I typically have my iPhone (music) and a Garmim Zumo 220 connected on trips. Nevere have had any issues even in a downpour at highway speeds.

 

[FreeThinker]

Scala Rider

I have the dual Scala Rider set up (Cardio G4 Powerset)and have really enjoyed it. I am NOT a technology person my any means, so my partner gets everything set up and connected and reminds me which buttons to use each and every time we use them. I originally bought them to A) play music and B) to have bike to bike communication (At the time we were a 2 motorcycle family - 1 Harley, 1-Ninja; that has since changed since I just sold the Ninja to help fund a SPYDER :yes:!!!!!!) Negating my technology inabilities, I like the Scala Rider (I found it lightly used on another motorcycle forum) and would buy it again. Since the company recently released the G9 set, you might find some used G4s on various motorcycle boards.

I don't know the laws where you live; however, in Tennessee getting your DL is as easy as taking the written test then the driving test portion. I AM a big fan of the motorcycle safety classes, but in TN a class is not a requirement to attaining one's DL. If you are comfortable with studying a pamphlet and feel confident enough to ride your Spyder while making a few turns, some merging, and stopping, you would easily pass the test required for a motorcycle endorsement for a TN DL. Again, I AM a fan of the moto safety classes and this information holds true in TN; I am unsure about other states.

Enjoy,
Katie

 

[Macca]

My wife an I use the Scala G4 and the voice commands are hit and miss. The intercom works but does drop out once in awhile. I will say when riding by myself it works perfectly syncd with GPS and iPhone. I may move to the Sena 10.

 

[Dustybell]

We've used the Sena headsets for about a year. Couldn't be more pleased. Able to talk to the two other sets in our group, answering the phone and listening to music.

There are several good choices out there. Good luck in your search.

 

[ARtraveler]

Another Cardo user here. No problems with the G'2s that we are still using.

 

[asp125]

Scala Q2 Pro users here. Have em on our touring gear. They pair up ok, only sometimes there is a bit of delay between turning them on and pairing. The in-helmet speakers are not as good as say earbuds, but we can hear each other even while wearing earplugs. Built in FM radio is kind of weak; clumsy controls and poor reception - but I never use it anyway. Range of transmission is 1mi line of sight, less in canyon twisties. Will probably go with Sena next time.

 

[Laila's Dad]

looking forward to it...

Sena SMH10 works great for our group. Just bought the complete dual set up, you should be able to get a single for 130-150 range.
hurry up and get legal, have someone ride your spyder to one of the weekend courses and you can use it to pass the test. You will not be legal for 2 wheelers, just 3 wheels. We have several rides coming up in Nov and Dec. hope to see you then.

I was thinking of getting a small trailer from Uhaul for about $35 to take my spyder to the course to avoid having it on the road before I am legal. I am excited about taking a real ride but want to be as comfortable as possible before I get in real traffic.

 

[Laila's Dad]

I live in Texas

I have the dual Scala Rider set up (Cardio G4 Powerset)and have really enjoyed it. I am NOT a technology person my any means, so my partner gets everything set up and connected and reminds me which buttons to use each and every time we use them. I originally bought them to A) play music and B) to have bike to bike communication (At the time we were a 2 motorcycle family - 1 Harley, 1-Ninja; that has since changed since I just sold the Ninja to help fund a SPYDER :yes:!!!!!!) Negating my technology inabilities, I like the Scala Rider (I found it lightly used on another motorcycle forum) and would buy it again. Since the company recently released the G9 set, you might find some used G4s on various motorcycle boards.

I don't know the laws where you live; however, in Tennessee getting your DL is as easy as taking the written test then the driving test portion. I AM a big fan of the motorcycle safety classes, but in TN a class is not a requirement to attaining one's DL. If you are comfortable with studying a pamphlet and feel confident enough to ride your Spyder while making a few turns, some merging, and stopping, you would easily pass the test required for a motorcycle endorsement for a TN DL. Again, I AM a fan of the moto safety classes and this information holds true in TN; I am unsure about other states.

Enjoy,
Katie

Funny thing Katie, is that on the TxDPS website it lists the safety course as if it is required but it doesn't spefically say that. It only states that the driving test is waived if you have taken the safety course. I will take the course anyway, but wasn't 100% if it was required. My dealer gave me to pamplets for places that does the safety course and allows spyders but I have to buy some riding boots or hightop shoes to take the course. They say the shoe has to cover the ankle, which is odd to me because I ride now in low top shoes with no issues but I am sure there is a valid reason for it...

Requirements for All Applicants
All first time applicants for a Texas motorcycle license must:

1. Apply in person at a Texas Driver License office.
2. Complete the requirements for an original applicant.
3. Present a completion certificate of the Motorcycle Safety Course (MSB-8 or MSB-8R), approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. This completion certificate waives the driving test if you are 18 years of age or older.

 

[Laila's Dad]

does it make a difference

...that I use a 3/4 helmet with the communication system?