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pilecarls8
30th April 2020, 22:11
I am a new rider, who just bought a new 2020 Yamaha tracer 900GT. I'm ready for warmer weather, and can't wait to get out there to explore and have fun. But I'd like to stay in contact with my phone for GPS and maybe some light tunes and the occasional phone call. Plus, I'm thinking if I sign up for a group ride, I might need to communicate with a pack lead.

Taking all this into consideration, I'd like to add 2 more points. Room for expansion to a second device for a passenger rider, and something that fits on a HJC full face helmet with vents.

Any suggestions? Thanks so much in advance.

caseye
30th April 2020, 22:47
I am a new rider, who just bought a new 2020 Yamaha tracer 900GT. I'm ready for warmer weather, and can't wait to get out there to explore and have fun. But I'd like to stay in contact with my phone for GPS and maybe some light tunes and the occasional phone call. Plus, I'm thinking if I sign up for a group ride, I might need to communicate with a pack lead.

Taking all this into consideration, I'd like to add 2 more points. Room for expansion to a second device for a passenger rider, and something that fits on a HJC full face helmet with vents.

Any suggestions? Thanks so much in advance.

Wife and I use Senna 30 K's dual pack, so 2 head sets, chargers etc, they are not the cheapest, but I believe they're as good as any other and they work, doing all you want and more.
Welcome along to the nut house.
Jump right on in.
:first:

FLUB
1st May 2020, 02:17
Over the years I've tried plenty of intercoms, including all of the cheap ones, but at the end of the day it's better to buy from a quality brand. I've been using Sena SM5's for about 10 years now. These were their cheapest units (not sure if they're still available). My wife rides pillion and these allow us to talk, listen to music, receive calls and mine is also connected to my GPS.

I still receive software updates from Sena, often adding new features. The only thing the SM5 won't do is link to your ride leader. Have a look at their web site and compare features between units to find which one suits your requirements. I bought mine through Amazon from an official Sena retailer in the USA and paid less than half the NZ price, delivered to the door.

One unit developed a fault after 10 months, so I sent an email to Sena to ask if warranty was still covered even though I hadn't purchased from the official NZ distributor. They told me that the Amazon channel was official so warranty was still covered. I had to send it back to the US factory but they reimbursed my postage and sent me a new unit. Not many companies give service like that.

Keep an eye out on here for the Fat Bikers (FBMC) who have regular monthly rides to an eatery somewhere. Your don't need to be overweight to join us, as long as you identify as fat and enjoy pies. Rides are organised by Caseye, who gave the reply above.

HenryDorsetCase
1st May 2020, 11:08
Why do you need another distraction? I love being out on my bike and no distractions, no fucking phone calls. You don't need music. Enjoy the experience you're having while riding. These aren't the droids you're looking for.

A countervailing view from a grumpy cunt.

Gearup
1st May 2020, 12:46
Why do you need another distraction? I love being out on my bike and no distractions, no fucking phone calls. You don't need music. Enjoy the experience you're having while riding.



Couldn't agree more.

onearmedbandit
1st May 2020, 13:12
Or simply people have different wants/needs/likes/dislikes. I really don't understand telling someone not to do what they like because you don't like it.

Gearup
1st May 2020, 13:55
Or simply people have different wants/needs/likes/dislikes. I really don't understand telling someone not to do what they like because you don't like it.


It's not about likes or dislikes etc, it's about distractions:https://www.nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safely/driver-distraction/

onearmedbandit
1st May 2020, 15:44
It's not about likes or dislikes etc, it's about distractions:https://www.nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safely/driver-distraction/

Haha ok. Hope you don't allow people to talk to you when you're driving, that could be a distraction. Or listen to the radio, big distraction there too.

James Deuce
1st May 2020, 15:47
I'm with Henry. Fuck being able to take calls on a bike. Or talk to anyone, including a "pack lead", whatever the fuck that is. Are you a wolf?

pritch
1st May 2020, 16:09
If Nicky Haden could talk he might tell us about the dangers of listening to music while on two wheels. OK he was on a push bike, but he was likely a lot better on either form of two wheels than us.

Gearup
1st May 2020, 17:18
Haha ok. Hope you don't allow people to talk to you when you're driving, that could be a distraction. Or listen to the radio, big distraction there too.


Car or motorcycle the same applies with me.

OddDuck
1st May 2020, 23:04
If you do find that you have to ride without comms... one basic rule for that situation is that every time the group comes to an intersection and they're going to leave the current centerline, the whole lot waits for last rider and then sets off again. If you aren't keeping up and have lost sight of people, just stay with the centerline and sooner or later you'll find them again.

Crude but it's worked for me over the years.

Something else to consider: most of us have limited cash, I'll assume you're the same. What else can you put that money towards, if you can live without for a while? Heated gloves, heated vests, a set of tinted / clear visors, tank bags and luggage, general riding gear? Petrol, food, accomodation for that big post lockdown trip? Multi-day rides with mates cost. But fuck they're good.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the temptation to ride beyond your skills, to keep up with faster riders. Yeah nah. You've got to do your own ride. If they aren't dicks, they'll understand. The alternative is going like hell and then running out of road at corners, maybe running wide into something solid or head-on. If you're losing intercomms with the leader and you start chasing proximity... well I'm sure that you can fill in the rest.

HenryDorsetCase
2nd May 2020, 12:54
Or simply people have different wants/needs/likes/dislikes. I really don't understand telling someone not to do what they like because you don't like it.

I get that. He does however make the point he is a new rider. New riders don't need more distractions from what they should be doing which is: 1. Trying to stay alive, and 2. Trying to enjoy their ride(s).

He will do as he will as will I.

HenryDorsetCase
2nd May 2020, 12:56
Haha ok. Hope you don't allow people to talk to you when you're driving, that could be a distraction. Or listen to the radio, big distraction there too.


I don't like it. I do have music playing. Rammstein or something usually so my aggression ramps up and I fit in with the Christchurch drivers more better.

onearmedbandit
2nd May 2020, 13:38
I get that. He does however make the point he is a new rider. New riders don't need more distractions from what they should be doing which is: 1. Trying to stay alive, and 2. Trying to enjoy their ride(s).

He will do as he will as will I.

I must admit I did miss the part where he mentioned being a new rider. Take that away however and my point still stands.

caspernz
2nd May 2020, 14:57
Why do you need another distraction? I love being out on my bike and no distractions, no fucking phone calls. You don't need music. Enjoy the experience you're having while riding. These aren't the droids you're looking for.

A countervailing view from a grumpy cunt.

New rider and comms set equals higher risk of incident, and yeah I'm a grumpy cunt too.

But if you gotta have a comms set to do them things you want, Cardo Packtalk, end of discussion.

nzspokes
2nd May 2020, 20:39
Why do you need another distraction? I love being out on my bike and no distractions, no fucking phone calls. You don't need music. Enjoy the experience you're having while riding. These aren't the droids you're looking for.

A countervailing view from a grumpy cunt.

Have used Sena 20s for years and no real problems. At times I work from the bike so being able to take calls works for me.

Syd_Knee_down
4th May 2020, 17:42
New rider and comms set equals higher risk of incident, and yeah I'm a grumpy cunt too.

But if you gotta have a comms set to do them things you want, Cardo Packtalk, end of discussion.
Seconded, comes in the standard or a 'slim' version as well.
If he had timed it right he could have got in on all the deals that lockdown set in place.

Jeeper
5th May 2020, 10:54
New rider and comms set equals higher risk of incident, and yeah I'm a grumpy cunt too.

But if you gotta have a comms set to do them things you want, Cardo Packtalk, end of discussion.Cardo Packtalk, good bit of kit. Battery lasts a decent amount of time.

eldog
5th May 2020, 11:44
Does the sales hype match the user experience?

Does the mesh tech work.

Can Cardo and Sena talk together or is there restrictions

How is the sound?

Blackbird
5th May 2020, 12:42
Does the sales hype match the user experience?

Can Cardo and Sena talk together or is there restrictions




Cardo and Sena can talk together. Pairing a couple is easy, adding more is a bit fiddly but do-able. Funnily enough, a how to do it article has just been written by one of our central north island IAM members in the latest newsletter. If you go to the main IAM website and click on this link: http://iam.org.nz/central-north-island/ , just scroll down until you see April 2020. The article is on the last 2 pages.

I use a Sena and sound quality paired with a Cardo is fine. I agree with caspernz (Rob) that the Cardo is a superior product. I just happen to have had my Sena units for several years and they haven't died yet.

Jeeper
5th May 2020, 13:02
I changed over to 45mm JBL speakers on the Packtalk when I changed my helmet, and the sound quality increased greatly. Simple plug and play speaker upgrade.

eldog
5th May 2020, 22:41
Cardo and Sena can talk together. Pairing a couple is easy, adding more is a bit fiddly but do-able. Funnily enough, a how to do it article has just been written by one of our central north island IAM members in the latest newsletter. If you go to the main IAM website and click on this link: http://iam.org.nz/central-north-island/ , just scroll down until you see April 2020. The article is on the last 2 pages.

I use a Sena and sound quality paired with a Cardo is fine. I agree with caspernz (Rob) that the Cardo is a superior product.

Link, worth the read.

thanks for the feedback on sound and ability of units to perform.:Punk:

rastuscat
8th May 2020, 08:53
Why do you need another distraction? I love being out on my bike and no distractions, no fucking phone calls. You don't need music. Enjoy the experience you're having while riding. These aren't the droids you're looking for.

A countervailing view from a grumpy cunt.

Nah, each of us is different. You choose not to use one, all power to you. I use BT, for whatever the mood takes me. Music, GPS, pillion comms. Sometimes I use the bike stereo through the external speakers. Each to their own.

Totally agree on the second paragraph though.

rastuscat
8th May 2020, 08:59
Cardo and Sena can talk together. Pairing a couple is easy, adding more is a bit fiddly but do-able. Funnily enough, a how to do it article has just been written by one of our central north island IAM members in the latest newsletter. If you go to the main IAM website and click on this link: http://iam.org.nz/central-north-island/ , just scroll down until you see April 2020. The article is on the last 2 pages.

I use a Sena and sound quality paired with a Cardo is fine. I agree with caspernz (Rob) that the Cardo is a superior product. I just happen to have had my Sena units for several years and they haven't died yet.

I've had SMH-10R sets for maybe 7 years. I keep getting emails from Sena about all the reasons I should upgrade.

When I do (if ever, I'm too tight to upgrade for no reason) it'll be Cardo mesh. I have mesh wifi at home, and the seamless integration has impressed.

I'll check that article. I'm a member, after all.

Blackbird
8th May 2020, 09:22
I've had SMH-10R sets for maybe 7 years. I keep getting emails from Sena about all the reasons I should upgrade.

When I do (if ever, I'm too tight to upgrade for no reason) it'll be Cardo mesh. I have mesh wifi at home, and the seamless integration has impressed.

I'll check that article. I'm a member, after all.

Pretty much mirrors my experience Pete. In that time, I've had one unit fail and replaced the battery so no complaints. However, having tried caspernz's Cardo mesh, that's the way I'll go when the time comes. BTW, I've just retired as Central North Island chair of IAM, just doing examining now but still editing the CNI newsletter.

Berries
8th May 2020, 17:26
Nah, each of us is different. You choose not to use one, all power to you. I use BT, for whatever the mood takes me. Music, GPS, pillion comms.
Wow. If I expected anyone to come on here and bang on about the dangers of distractions while riding it was you. I am genuinely surprised at your response.

I used to ride around with a Walkman and headphones on, I found it just made me ride more stupider when a good song came on. Not sure why I stopped doing it, I probably lost my Tenpole Tudor cassette.

Definitely support the view of each to their own but for a new rider I'd be saying keep your mind on the riding. Mincing along to your favourite tune thinking of those good old times at the back of the night club or arguing on the phone with the boss are not really things you want to be doing as you plough into a corner a bit hot in the wet or miss the roadworks sign and jump on the back brake. On a 900. With a pillion. Yeah, I would get a few miles under ze belt first Hans.

Jeeper
8th May 2020, 18:53
I don't use mine for listening to music or radio. Its mainly for emergency phone call and gps directions if I'm using navigation.

caspernz
8th May 2020, 20:15
Nah, each of us is different. You choose not to use one, all power to you. I use BT, for whatever the mood takes me. Music, GPS, pillion comms. Sometimes I use the bike stereo through the external speakers. Each to their own.

For an experienced rider talking about comms sets, yep fair enough. For a newbie, having a comms set is one heck of a distraction. Almost as weird as fitting a Go-Pro to capture an accident that a bit of training can possibly alleviate altogether.

Sorry PD, in your new R4E role I'd have expected you to take a more risk averse outlook :devil2:

Ulsterkiwi
10th May 2020, 13:58
For an experienced rider talking about comms sets, yep fair enough. For a newbie, having a comms set is one heck of a distraction. Almost as weird as fitting a Go-Pro to capture an accident that a bit of training can possibly alleviate altogether.

Sorry PD, in your new R4E role I'd have expected you to take a more risk averse outlook :devil2:

yet instructors routinely use BT comms for training and CBTA assessments usually involve some form of comms. Cmon Rob, sound in your ears is nothing near the highest risk to be managed on the roads.

Blackbird
10th May 2020, 14:48
yet instructors routinely use BT comms for training and CBTA assessments usually involve some form of comms. Cmon Rob, sound in your ears is nothing near the highest risk to be managed on the roads.

Paul, I think the spoken word is less distracting as it focuses on the task at hand, especially during coaching. Whilst I love music in the car, I hate it on the bike as it's intrusive and yes - distracting. A highly personal thing I guess. I always find on the bike that there are enough sights and sounds to keep me fully occupied without adding to them.

caspernz
10th May 2020, 18:33
yet instructors routinely use BT comms for training and CBTA assessments usually involve some form of comms. Cmon Rob, sound in your ears is nothing near the highest risk to be managed on the roads.

Absolutely right Paul, and you know I'm one of those instructors.
The context to consider though, an instructor coaching a newbie can see the circumstances and will adapt accordingly, whereas a newbie taking a call from a hot date will have an entirely different risk profile.

On that note, sound in our ears is a minor thing, the really big thing to consider is the mental distraction brought about by someone not present.

That is what I was hoping Pete would have taken into account.
All nice and well looking at the situation as an ex LEO used to multi tasking, flip the situ to an L plater and the risk of an incident grows exponentially.

Ulsterkiwi
11th May 2020, 22:30
Absolutely right Paul, and you know I'm one of those instructors.
The context to consider though, an instructor coaching a newbie can see the circumstances and will adapt accordingly, whereas a newbie taking a call from a hot date will have an entirely different risk profile.

On that note, sound in our ears is a minor thing, the really big thing to consider is the mental distraction brought about by someone not present.

That is what I was hoping Pete would have taken into account.
All nice and well looking at the situation as an ex LEO used to multi tasking, flip the situ to an L plater and the risk of an incident grows exponentially.


Maybe it’s because I never really experienced those sorts of phone calls, mores the pity! [emoji849]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

rastuscat
12th May 2020, 09:46
For an experienced rider talking about comms sets, yep fair enough. For a newbie, having a comms set is one heck of a distraction. Almost as weird as fitting a Go-Pro to capture an accident that a bit of training can possibly alleviate altogether.

Sorry PD, in your new R4E role I'd have expected you to take a more risk averse outlook :devil2:

I hear that. I'm more of a realist, than an idealist. If I was an idealist, I'd go back to an XL250 with an open face.

rastuscat
12th May 2020, 14:23
Absolutely right Paul, and you know I'm one of those instructors.
The context to consider though, an instructor coaching a newbie can see the circumstances and will adapt accordingly, whereas a newbie taking a call from a hot date will have an entirely different risk profile.

On that note, sound in our ears is a minor thing, the really big thing to consider is the mental distraction brought about by someone not present.

That is what I was hoping Pete would have taken into account.
All nice and well looking at the situation as an ex LEO used to multi tasking, flip the situ to an L plater and the risk of an incident grows exponentially.

Yes, taken into account.

It's amazing, the concept of cognitive distraction. Music doesn't do it, radio telephones only do it a little bit, but phones do it huge style. Touch screens in cars, don't get me started on that.

When I was a baby Popo you used to have to pay extra to get a car with a radio in it. Then the radios became standard, the Police used to pay to have them taken out !! Because they were a distraction. Ironic, given how much electronics were in the cars.

Now look at cars, distractions on wheels.

pritch
13th May 2020, 16:54
It's amazing, the concept of cognitive distraction. Music doesn't do it, radio telephones only do it a little bit, but phones do it huge style. Touch screens in cars, don't get me started on that.

<snip>

Now look at cars, distractions on wheels.

And that is a worry. Seriously.

Perhaps one day I'll be so experienced that I'll feel confident enough to ride while zoned out listening to the music. So far though I've only been riding sixty years, maybe one day?

caspernz
13th May 2020, 19:44
Maybe it’s because I never really experienced those sorts of phone calls, mores the pity! [emoji849]

Close your eyes and use some flexible imagination :killingme



I hear that. I'm more of a realist, than an idealist. If I was an idealist, I'd go back to an XL250 with an open face.

A noob on a bike needs to hear the reality, distraction caused by comms hooked to cellphone is risk tolerant behaviour. Impart the info at least...



Yes, taken into account.

It's amazing, the concept of cognitive distraction. Music doesn't do it, radio telephones only do it a little bit, but phones do it huge style. Touch screens in cars, don't get me started on that.

When I was a baby Popo you used to have to pay extra to get a car with a radio in it. Then the radios became standard, the Police used to pay to have them taken out !! Because they were a distraction. Ironic, given how much electronics were in the cars.

Now look at cars, distractions on wheels.

In my day job we ban the use of cellphones during a trainees' learning phase. Nothing idealist about it, heavy machinery and cognitive distraction, real damage and hurt. About the same as a noob on a bike come to think of it.

Just my five cents :2thumbsup

kennystone
24th June 2020, 19:57
I really like the SENA 30K - comfortable and nothing extra!

Ulsterkiwi
25th June 2020, 12:00
I really like the SENA 30K - comfortable and nothing extra!

not doubting your personal experience.
I have yet to see a comparison between this model and its direct competitor the Cardo Packtalk, where the Sena comes out on top.
That and its not guaranteed waterproof.

nzspokes
25th June 2020, 15:12
not doubting your personal experience.
I have yet to see a comparison between this model and its direct competitor the Cardo Packtalk, where the Sena comes out on top.
That and its not guaranteed waterproof.I will change from my 20s when someone comes up with a system that has an easy universal pairing setup.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Ulsterkiwi
25th June 2020, 15:51
I will change from my 20s when someone comes up with a system that has an easy universal pairing setup.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

then its time to buy a cardo:

Cardo - select bluetooth mode, place in Cardo Gateway pairing

Sena - place in 2nd phone pairing

Cardo - once paired, initiate connection

Done

If you have a DMC group you want to link the Sena to, follow the steps above then:

Cardo - select DMC mode, select Bridge

Done

It is easier to do all this using the Cardo App but possible with button commands on the unit.