Engadget recently blogged about a small repeater unit that enables Bluetooth helmet-wearing motorcycle riders to talk to each other. While helmet-to-helmet intercoms are nothing new, this system is also capable of networking GPS audio, cell phone communication, and music systems-- creating enough multimedia mayhem to distract all but the most disciplined road warriors.
Given that automotive technology is creeping into the motorcycle world, would you want to hold a conversation with your passenger while riding? Vote below, and click "comments" to express your thoughts on the topic.
1. No way! Riding time is quiet time, and I'm keeping it that way.2. I wouldn't mind a little chit-chat on the open road.
3. Don't know 'till I try it; how much are those gizmos, anyway?
Click here to view poll results.
Photo © AKE
chatting with my wife would be one thing, but I really don’t need the other stuff. Especially GPS. Trying to get lost is part of the journey. I just wish I could package and sell my sense of direction.
I’ve been looking for a good wireless bike-to-bike system for several months. Bluetooth seems to have some promise, but so far every system I’ve seen reviewed has some major problems.
I’d be inclined to check local regulations first. This is actually a fairly common request within the industry. It will likely only ever be offered by the aftermarket because they are generally not bound by the same very restrictive legal requirements as OEM. The OEM stays away from these because of the very real safety and liability considerations….at least in Canada…not sure about the States. Here it is helmet to helmet on the same bike only. And I don’t believe anyone makes intercoms for Turbans…
Just heard that a moto cop went down in Dallas…
Scottie,
Yeah, just read about it.
Very sad news.
Basem
When riding with my wife, (which isn’t frequently) yes we chat. When riding alone, it’s “my time” and thus music etc is off off off…and i’m enjoying the road and time alone….
Basem…I’m always very sorry to hear about a Police officer being hurt – or worse. My Dad retired a Sgt from the RCMP after 25 years…I grew up with a deep appreciation of what they do..and rarely get thanked for.
Is he OK? Was it an accident, or deliberate?
(yawn)
Sadly the officer, Senior Cpl. Victor Lozada, 49, a 20-year-veteran, died. He was in a group escorting Clinton and evidently clipped a curb.
Bing…And what’s ur problem?
Hey Pete,
Bing must be sleepy… maybe he needs a nap?
I commute with a pillion quite often (in London) and it’s easy enough to carry a conversation as required wearing open faced (city) helmets at 30mph or less.
For motorbike road tests in the UK the examiner follows behind on another bike and gives instructions through a 1-way radio link. I’ve taken the road test twice over the years (originally on a scooter and subsequently on a traditional bike to remove the power and gearbox restrictions of the first road test) and didn’t find the radio link distracting or otherwise a problem.
For longer trips at higher speeds while wearing full face helmets a bluetooth system is fantastic – though bluetooth doesn’t have the range to keep in contact if you’re riding around with your mates on separate bikes, unless you intend to stay within 10 metres of each other… For that, 2 way radios with typical ranges of up to 2 miles work well.
As for GPS I have TomTom on my phone but can’t be arsed to use it unless I’m going somewhere specific in an unfamiliar part of the city – a must even just for personal safety in a city with over 40,000 roads. Even a lot of the cabbies here have portable GPSs and they’re supposed to know every road in the city by memory in order to be registered. In unfamiliar surroundings there is a certain comfort to seeing your position dutifully and knowingly plotted on an animated map towards your destination!
Tried systems like Chatterbox… a bit too bulky and not as “integrated” as I would like.
Looking more for something like Dainese’s DNECT Infinity.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/dainese-infinity-bluetooth/dainese-infinity-helmet.htm
This would be cool with 1/4 mile range and multiple bike/channel connectivity. Will help make our group rides more coordinated.
I guarantee it will cause a lot of accidents. You thought it was bad when people used cell phones in cars…….You can double the deaths on the road with this stupid helmet.
Bing – don’t come back no more…. jerk… biker death not a joking matter, especially an officer, they put there lives out there for us everyday and on two wheels. In florida we value these brave persons. To all of us on two wheels year round, live hard, ride safe, and have a great new year.
is there any such thing as combined CB-satellite radio-passenger intercom for a bike besides Harley’s stock stuff on touring bikes?
When is the world going to wake up! There is common sense and responsability. Want to talk about distraction. Lets say my wife feels sick or needs something to drink or anything along those lines of communication or even better yet she sees a deer up ahead and says honey watch out for the deer so I could turn my head and take my eyes partially off the road so she can hear me acknowledge her or I could easily talk in the mike. Yes dear I see the deer or Ok I will pull over.