Bike to bike comms?

[proseuche]

what do i need to get? special radio? headphones? is there a wireless option? how far apart can you be? know nothing about electronics so any help appreciated! looking for a bike to bike comms set up, not too expensive.

[Interceptor]

I use the Baehr comms system with some friends I ride with. Basically there is a module stored under the bike seat, a cable runs to my helmet for mic/audio and another cable connects to an RT (walkie talkie) in my tank bag, then a small button on the bars enables push to talk. Range between bikes is only limited by the RT. RT I got from Dick Smith is a Uniden one with I think a 10Km range.

The mass of cables is a bit daunting at first and I thought "WTF!?!" but once all tidily tucked away (numerous zip ties) it all fitted in well.

We tested the Bluetooth options and while I think they are suitable for a rider and a pillion they are not at all suitable for bike to bike unless the bikes are right next to each other as Bluetooth has about a 10 meter range at most.

I got my comms system from Challenger Motors who specialise in stocking and installing the Baehr kits:

http://www.challengermotors.co.nz/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=68&zenid=fb0c9e1ad8655056ef56b7bb9ebf1b65

The system is not particularly cheap however it is effective which mattered more to me.

[aroberts]

They are expensive. Often over $300 each unit.

Many of the new ones are bluetooth so you can talk bike to bike or to your cellphone. This website is pretty good, although most are not available in shops in NZ.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-intercoms/bluetooth-intercom.htm

In NZ I have heard rave reviews about the Blueant Interphone and it is sold in a few bike shops.

This has just come on the market and looks to be better range and more useful (can talk to pillion as well). But it is expensive ($400 each).
http://www.gizmag.com/scala-rider-g4/14051/

I'd like to hear if anyone gets one to see what it is like.

I have one from PHS which is great for rider to pillion, but the RT option just doesn't work for bike to bike.

You generally clip them on the side of your helmet and wire in a speaker under the lining.

All of them have some level of sound quality reduction at high speed due to wind noise. But I don't find that a major issue.

[aroberts]

...We tested the Bluetooth options and while I think they are suitable for a rider and a pillion they are not at all suitable for bike to bike unless the bikes are right next to each other as Bluetooth has about a 10 meter range at most....

The Blueant interphone has a range of around 500 metres. But the new Scala G4 claims a range of 1.6km. Both are bluetooth.

[Interceptor]

Bluetooth range has definitely improved since we last tried it a couple of years ago. The units we used were ones like these from Blueant below. They say that range is now up to 150 metres so even this may be a simple alternative:

http://www.blueant.com.au/products/headsets/interphone/index.php

Motomail appears to stock quite a few models including the ones mentioned above by aroberts:

http://www.motomail.co.nz/eStore/Category/Intercom%20Systems.aspx

[EJK]

I made an idea out of my walkie talkie. My set (pair) comes with ear plugs and separate PTT button on the wire. I never tried but I thought it would work and keeping it to try and use it one day.
Ear plug on.
Blutag PTT button below the chin (wind noise may trouble)
Walkie in the bag/ pocket.

Easy 7km talk distance. All that for mere $150 :sunny:

[aroberts]

Note that Motomail are still selling the Scala Q2. The range of those is only around 500 metres. But I'd wait and see what the price is for the G4 when it arrives as the range is claimed to be 1.6km. Plus it can connect to 3 other headsets so you can have a 4 way chat.

[Swoop]

Another support for challenger motors.
http://www.challengermotors.co.nz/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=68&zenid=fb0c9e1ad8655056ef56b7bb9ebf1b65

A bloody good guy who is a biker. Stocks all sorts of radar detector mounts as well!

[Flip]

Got a set of blue ant's on order right now. I actually want them for work but I will let you know how they go.

[Hitcher]

Like most things in life you get what you pay for. The biggest problem with Baehr, apart from the price, is the ride to Auckland to get one installed. Don't buy anything distributed by Pinfolds in Rotorua. The biggest problem with Blueants (now unavailable) is the battery life and the second rider dropping out once they get out of range.

[pocketcracker]

i got a pair of bike to bike intercoms .. 2 walkie talkies .. helmet mics , ear pieces ... push to talk buttons and cables .. brought them to teach my girlfriend how to ride.

if any 1 interested in them make me a offer ... had approx 3 weeks use in as new condition in oridginal packaging ..

[Hitcher]

i got a pair of bike to bike intercoms .. 2 walkie talkies .. helmet mics , ear pieces ... push to talk buttons and cables .. brought them to teach my girlfriend how to ride.

if any 1 interested in them make me a offer ... had approx 3 weeks use in as new condition in oridginal packaging ..

Sell the walkie talkies on Trademe and chalk the rest up to experience. If it's Pinfolds-sourced stuff, after three weeks the rest is dangerously close to its use-by date.

[imdying]

Soooo, what exactly do you guys talk about when you're riding around? See that cow, she was a beauty? Mind that gravel? I need a piss? Really?

[enigma51]

Soooo, what exactly do you guys talk about when you're riding around? See that cow, she was a beauty? Mind that gravel? I need a piss? Really?

Most likely more like

look at me looook at me looook at me

[Hawkeye]

CNELL on TM are doing a pair of bluetooth units for $250

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Helmets/auction-270104484.htm

Not sure of the quality as they are Chinese imports but certainly cheaper option than the Blueants

[proseuche]

haha! i guess so he doesn't have to wait for me at turn offs anymore, and yup watch that gravel. or cop (got $570 fines today F*** IT!!!)

am interested for sure - msg me if you've still got them with how much you paid and how much you want.

[imdying]

haha! i guess so he doesn't have to wait for me at turn offs anymore, and yup watch that gravel. or cop (got $570 fines today F*** IT!!!)Had a thought... you could plug the audio output of the leaders radar detector into the better quality units yeah...? Assuming it wasn't a continually false reading piece of crap, could be good to share the love :)

/edit: I freely admit that I'm all for more gadgets in all things, but I need a killer application to justify something like this :laugh: