| Author | Message | ||
     Strmvt |
I currently use a Scala Rider by http://www.cardowireless.com/scala_rider I was in Kroger's reading an issue of a cycle magazine I forget which one but I came across http://chatterboxusa.com/xbi.html Need to find more info on it as it isnt even out yet. I like it better mainly because it looks like it will come in stereo which my cardo is only mono. The ability to stream mp3's from my zumo to my gf when she rides. Just curious what other Buellers use. | ||
| Coolice |
Autocom systems, works well, even on the racetrack. | ||
| Strmvt |
Looks like a nice set-up but for some reason I'm not into a system you would have to mount something to your bike especially when I have a 12R and space is already at a premium but it's worth looking into. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
+1 on Autocom system. We just stow ours in the tank bag. I'd steer clear of the Chatterboxes. I've yet to know anyone that actually has one that works worth a damn. The secret with the communicators is having *GOOD* FRS/GMRS radios. It's not going to work well with any of the 'consumer' grade radios. I went through Motorola, Cobra, and Unidens, and none of 'em worked worth a damn on the bike. Switched to Kenwoods, and they work like a charm! You're gonna get sticker shock. The Kenwood radios are $120-$140 each from buy.com or Amazon. But the wife and I can be over a mile away and still talk with each other easily. Another one I've heard good things about is the starcom systems. But I have no personal experience with 'em. | ||
| Jaimec |
I find hand signals and screaming at the top of my lungs works pretty well... | ||
| Michael1 |
I use Collet communicators. By far the best ones that I have ever tried. I use them on the snowmobile and bikes. It beats any FRS/GMRS communicator out there. And the VOX actually works. Worth every penny. http://www.collettcommunicators.com/ | ||
| Spiderman |
Hand signals, if I wanted to talk I would have took the car  | ||
| Slaughter |
When I start rolling, it means follow me. When I stop, it means I'm stopping. Digital communication - means No Thank You:  I don't need no steenking radio. | ||
| Xl1200r |
I like my chatterbox just fine, but will be upgrading to the new Scala Rider Q2 which allows for bike to bike communication. It's also stereo. Keep in mind that your Zumo 550 doesn't broadcast the bluetooth in stereo, so that won't make a difference. Thought I think the original Scala Rider only has one speaker, so that would be an upgrade. | ||
| His_and_her_buells |
quasi-hijack time While were on this subject I have a question. My wife and I both have bluetooth phones and unlimited mobile to mobile calling. Is there any drawback to just getting a connection before we head off down the road and just stay connected the whole time? Has anyone tried that yet? Just wondering. Hijack complete. | ||
| Aeholton |
I've heard good things about the BlueAnt Interphone unit. We use the Chatterbox GMRS-X1 units. Something to consider: Bluetooth technology works helmet to helmet between 2 units only. FRS radio technology works with anyone on the same channel (better for group rides). (Message edited by aeholton on March 18, 2008) | ||
| Xl1200r |
Adrian- the new Q2 will allow you to connect to 2 other riders, as well as 2 other bluetooth devices (say, a GPS and your cell phone). So groups of three are now possible. Still not as large as you can get with FRS, but maybe just enough for a lot of riders, myself included. The last time I was on the radio with more than just the one guy I usually talk with, it was just annoying, lol. Like I said, I really like my chatterbox, but I want bluetooth, and a smaller unit. plus, my new helmet doesn't have speaker pockets, to the really thin speakers in the Scala will fit better without having to cut up the helmet. | ||
| Strmvt |
the new chatterbox is smaller then the current chatterbox x1 bluetooth thats the only reason I went with the scala set I didnt want a big ass thing hanging off the side of my helmet. Mike1 I'm gonna look at that collet site you posted and get back to the thread on my thoughts. I was orginally looking at a Nolan set up bluetooth integrated into the helmet but you have to buy like 3 things to get it set up so that went out then I was looking at Dainese bluetooth cost to much so went with the scala but it's getting pretty beat. hence this thread. thanks guys for the info. (edit) Had a chance to take a look at the collet system it's a very nice system a little to pricey for me and I'm not to keen on putting velcro onto my helmet not that a little goo gone wouldnt take care of it. The main reasons I use a communicator is 1. gps 2. mp3's 3. cell ph all of which the collet will do. But the scala 2 and the chatterbox xbi all do those and are cheaper time will tell though. (Message edited by strmvt on March 18, 2008) | ||
| Dfbutler |
I've been using a Cardo Scala Rider for nearly 3 years. I can't speak to GPS or rider/passenger features, but I've carried on phone conversations at freeway speeds and the people on the other end were surprised to hear I was on my bike. I were those foam earplugs and can talk up to nearly 80mph. | ||
| 1st47 |
I got the Cardo-Scala Team set from Bargainbikergear.com for $169.00 last year for the wife & I while riding. We use it in the (always on) mode & it works fine for 8+ hrs.Mounts very easy to helmets & recharges fast. | ||
| Igneroid |
We use self contained 32 channel radios built into our hard hats at the sawmill. They work slicker than snot on a doorknob. I use it constantly which may be the reason I prefer not to use any sort of radio communication when Im riding. I love the solitude of riding, even with my buddie Bob(the guy with the Ducati Monster),the doing without speaking is one of the reasons I "ride". I can see advantages for commuters(cell phones) and chatting can help eat up the miles....but....my brain kinda goes blank on just about any thought that doesnt have something to do with the ride.... | ||
| Xl1200r |
Inger - I am kind of the same in the sense that i prefer the silence, or a little music. But the chatter can help me stay alert on longer rides, and it's nice to be able discuss where you want to stop to eat. There's nothing worse than throwing out a hand signal and stopping at McDonald's when you had a craving for the Taco Bell up the street. | ||
| Naustin |
Just got a Starcom1 Advance and installed it on the bike last night. It interfaces with the Zumo nicely and I'm really happy with the choice. Long multi-day rides are going to be so much better now that I can talk to my pillion and listen to music! | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
What Spidey said +1 | ||
| Dfbutler |
Here's a good review of the Cardo Scala Rider Q2: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-intercoms/s cala-rider-q2/ | ||
| Brumbear |
I talk in my helmet the entire time I never shut up and nobody else needs to hear the wacky shit my mind does it would be extremely hard on ones physcie. | ||
| Firebolt32 |
}  That's the damn truth. In a car you can listen to the radio, sing along, or talk to someone. The bike: nothing. Just you and your mind. I've caught myself thinking of some wacky shit myself. | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Do you mean I'm only supposed to talk that wacky shit when I've got my helmet on & riding? I never knew that! No wonder my wife looks at me strangely sometimes. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
I talk in my helmet the entire time I never shut up and nobody else needs to hear the wacky shit my mind does it would be extremely hard on ones physcie. Before I turned off voice control on my cardo scala. I once inadvertently made a phone call, while muttering wacky stuff. It is a scary moment when someone else accidentally joins your helmet conversation. | ||
| Aesquire |
I have an old Maxxon radio/intercom rig. ( not used for years ) It used wires between pass. & driver, and the same freq's as old portable house phones for inter bike. Riding though town you would catch one side of phone conversations. Sometimes scary. The Scala looks good, I need a Bluetooth router, to mix in mp3 & radar. | ||
| Strmvt |
Gonna toss another one into the mix Chatterbox is coming out with a Scala sized rig isnt much info on their site yet but here is the link. http://chatterboxusa.com/xbi.html  |
