[tasman]

I'm in the market for some rider to pillion communication that's a bit more high tech than the "slow down you fool kidney punch" approach. A friend lent me a unit to try that I tested just in my own helmet. This one:

Motoräder 2R Bluetooth Helmet Bike Intercom

I got it working with music and calls via Bluetooth, but I just couldn't get it to be comfortable! Plus the clip for the control unit felt cheap and didn't secure very well onto my helmet. The speaker position annoyed my ears however I tucked them under the helmet linings.

So, if I were to go for something a bit more expensive would that be worthwhile? I was thinking of maybe taking the plunge on a Sena SMH10R unit. Anyone got any experience with it?

Sena SMH10R Low Profile Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset & Intercom

It's twice the price of the Motorader I've just put back in the box...

:nerd:

 

[Tom Schmitz]

I don't do on the bike comm or bike-to-bike comm, but I am quite familiar with the Sena line.

What you are going to find with Sena is a company that truly understands BlueTooth implementation. Their units' firmware can be upgraded via USB. They also offer a wide range of accessories, so you're not limited to what comes in the box.

To your issue with the speakers interfering with your ears: Some helmets have 'ear holes' where there is no Styrofoam to interfere with your ears; these make an ideal place to put speakers.

If your helmet doesn't have ear holes it is never going to be comfortable with speakers in it. My Shoei didn't have ear holes, so I made them. I went ahead and cut two holes where my ears are so that I could recess the speakers into the helmet.

I figure that since some helmets don't have Styrofoam there that removing it shouldn't be a great concern as far as integrity goes. Ear holes will be a feature I'll be looking for in my next helmet.

Tom

 

[bigjohnsd]

I have 30,000 miles on Sena 20's. They truly change the motorcycling experience for the better, not just rider to pillion communication, but rider to rider as well. The journey becomes a long conversation, safety is improved and pleasure too. The Sena 20 has been a great unit, charge lasts 12 hours plus constantly talking. As to Helmet Speakers, my Shoei Neotec has helmet speaker relief pockets but i have migrated to molded ear buds for noise reduction and audio quality. EarFuze is the brand I chose, easy to make and relatively inexpensive too.

 

[tasman]

Thanks.

I think I'll splurge on the SENA set for the missus and I at some point.

 

[jojojones]

anybody used or know anything about the "Interphone" brand...the sport model seems equal to the sena 20 and waterproof, longer battery and simpler controls.

 

[tasman]

Interphone seems to get positive reviews as an alternative to Sena units.

Since I started this thread I splurged on a Sena SMH10R two person communication kit. I've used it almost every single ride since and it's been faultless. I can't even tell it's in the helmet, fits so slim and snug. I use it mostly to listen to music. You can also make/take calls with it but I have no intention of doing that, plus link it to three other units for up to four person communication.

As far as rider to pillion communication goes it's been a revelation! Being able to chat away freely (even at highway speeds) with my wife on the back is fantastic. Much better than a series of leg taps, hand gestures and punches! Sure it's not cheap, but for me at least it's been totally worth it.