Well I'll have to ignore the cheap stuff (probably the budget Big Dog was talking about

) simply because I don't consider it, and usually use extensively, so the cheap stuff often doesn't work out, or isn't compatible etc. Not worth the hassle which I've seen many go through. Getting parts for knock off stuff, while cheap, can be more difficult. I'd rather pay the extra for more odds of support (plus user gripes in forums pointing out any bugs).
Wired, the main brands are Starcom, Baehr, and something, sounds similar to Starcom from memory. I've used Baehr since circa 08/09, still have the original unit installed in the second bike. Probably done north of 150,000km, including bouncing down gravel, fording rivers etc, and still works fine as it's permanently wired into the bike. Never broken a lead either. German, not cheap, a complete setup is usually $3-5k. Comms to pillion available simply by talking, the unit has auto-volume when wind noise increases. If only rider and you talk, it's a sing-a-long mode, volume increases. I believe when two are plugged in, it cuts the music upon detection of voice and allows talking. I say believe, as I've never had a pillion with Baehr, being all proprietary, it would be a long term gf / wife (don't have either). Used to be used by police bikes, might still be used by ambo bikes. Also has additional modules for bluetooth, it's a powerful system, but as said, definitely not budget. The brains is a box under your seat, needs power.
Wireless, main brands are Interphone (boss had an F5 or something and problems), Scala and Sena (along with proprietary like Schuberth, N-Com). There is supposed to be some compatibility between brands now (used to be each brand could only talk to another of the same brand) but I haven't had this working yet. I've had Sena for a couple of years now, most in IAM have gone for Sena and we're regularly linking multiple units together in 2, 3, 4 way intercom (any Sena unit, pillion or another rider). New Sena 20S is capable of 8 way intercom with only itself apparently (previous units limited to 4). Batteries a little annoying (charging your helmet is a great gimmick for those that don't realise tho) but cordless... pros and cons. I have the GPS (Zumo 660) acting as the hub, linking helmet and mobile to it, allowing me to control the mobile from the GPS. Occasionally something in the bluetooth chain drops and I restart the GPS / Sena and all is fine again. I have a SMH10R installed permanently in my N104 (10R is modular and needed because of the design of the N104) and a SMH10B for installation temporarily on other people's helmets. Bluetooth doesn't need a central box, just link devices together.
I use both comm systems currently, but debating whether to remove the Baehr as most needs are satisfied via Bluetooth, but for example, I can't be bothered with bluetooth for a ride tomorrow, and the Baehr is instantly available, no charging required etc. Baehr audio installed in one helmet, Sena on another.
Bookmarks