Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Intercom or not? Intercom or not?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Apr 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Posts: 35
Intercom or not?
I can't make up my mind about this. Should I buy a intercom or not to the bike. I do alot of touring with my wife on a BMW and I have been thinking about this. When we commuicate we talk or scream to eachother. It works and it's sort of the way it is on a bike, right. But sometime I want to say something and then I have to slow down or stop to talk to her. But on the other hand it's very nice to have those moment for your self on the bike with no one to disturb you. Specially when you going to overtake a car and a voice tells you in your helmet "should you really overtake that car now"?
Anyway, if I decide to buy a set, should I buy a set fixed to the bike with cables or a set with two seperate walkie-talkies. Anyone have any experience with reliability and so.
I appreciate all sort of feedback on this.

Thanks!

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Apr 2005
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
I suggest you either buy a cheap set, so if it doesn't work out it doesn't matter, or go and try out several at dealers/manufacturers.

The tricky bit seems to be to find good headsets and get them fitted right. The model of helmet will also have an influence on sound quality.

I tried a PMR radio kit from Conrad Electronic in Germany and ended up sending it back, unusable. Some other people seem happy with it, though.

If you are always on one bike I wouldn't buy radios. Buy something that's linked. No interference and better sound quality.

There are also Bluetooth headsets appearing now: no wires!

If it uses batteries make sure you can use standard AA or AAA NiMH batteries, NOT proprietary accus. Cheaper and less hassle in the long run. (This counts for ANY gadgets you buy.)

I'm in the process of rigging up two old Baehr CB sets on our bikes. German users swear by them, but their gear is hellishly expensive. I'll report back in the Comms forum once I have something to report.

------------------
Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Apr 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Alabama
Posts: 47
The general wisdom is that you get what you pay for. I dont think I would want a box attached to the side of my helmet. From personal experience the wires are not overly bad to deal with.

Yankee Dog

Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Apr 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 86
I also considered getting an intercom, but after much discussion with my fiancé we both decided against it.

Sure, there are times when you wish you could speak up and tell her something but there are ways around it.
We have both developed simple hand signals that are fun and sometimes hilarious to use on long trips.
When she absolutely has to tell me something I will always stop and use the opportunity to stretch my legs.
We also enjoy telling each other what we saw along the way when we pull over for fuel/meals/sleep.

An intercom would be nice but we both prefer the time spent in silence together. No intercom for us… but if you decide to get one – get something decent (the best you can afford).
I have play-tested cheap systems and they are extremely unsatisfying!
__________________
BMW R1200GS
Suzuki TL1000S
Suzuki GSX750R
Honda MBX50
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Jun 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 182
Me and my girlfriend tried Nady bike to bike intercoms on our Scandinavia tour. And in our opinion they were more hassle than they were worth. I would agree that you get what you pay for and maybe if we had a professionaly fitted Autocom system costing thousand pounds then it would have been better but our system was still not the cheapest and at any speeds above 40mph there was just too much background noise from the wind. Also the wires are a pain in the *rse and not very durable so we spend a lot of time repairing delicate mics and headphones. there are wires between your helmet and you and then between you and the bike so always unplugging and untangling etc etc. Just my opinioin. Something else to consider...is the frequency you will use always legel in the countries you will be travelling in? i never got an answer to that question.

------------------
Africa Trip web journal
__________________
Africa Trips web journal
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Sep 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Poole, UK
Posts: 316
I've got the Autocom Activ 7 system. Bought it via internet direct for £195 and installed into bike and helmets myself. Have now done 20k miles with them and can't think of not using it. Can also connect mp3 player, mobile phone, satnav etc.

Well recommended.

Also check www.intaride.com
Similar to Autocom and well recommended.
__________________
If there's a will there's a way so I will anyway!
http://www.buyaikhaya.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Sep 2005
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Me and my mates bought radios and headsets before going to Norway this summer and they were guff. Or rather the headsets were. We couldn't communicate over 50mph because the background noise is too much, my headset broke after 2 days and one of my mates after 6 days. A total waste of £60. If you are going to get sets get better/more expensive and higher quality ones than we did. I will try to remember the brand and post it on here to warn people off!
matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Sep 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
"slow down!"

"why did you overtake on that bend?"

"oooo, stop a minute, i saw a nice pair of shoes in that shop!"

"its left here.......oh no, the other left, well i was pointing!"

"beep at him, hes on his mobile"

still want an intercom? or is it just my wife?


------------------
dave
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 23 Sep 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: London, GB
Posts: 2
got the autocom system wired to the bike this year. voice activation works great and sound quality is very good. i am normally concentrating on the road and miss quite a bit of the scenery. being able to hear for example 'there was a footpath down into the gorge, looked like nice rock pools in the river as well, should we check it out and have our lunch down there, what you think?' without having to stop or slowing down on a great mountain road just for hearing that is great,being able to make a decision together without taking anything away from my fun of riding fastish on said road is even better. the places we are having our breakes have changed quite a lot and we both would hate being without intercom. she is thinking of getting her own bike now and we will definitely have bike to bike then. the only thing to remember is, when you have to cough or sneeze, cover the microphon with your finger.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:18.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top