Motorcycle Communications

[pancho]

I am thinking about getting a radio set to be able to communicate with other riders on the road, and am wondering what do people use these days? Is it still CB radio that is used? or do folks use FRS, GMRS or what?? Also, wondering if there are units available that are bluetooth compatible for linking with the phone etc.

Any information will be helpful as I currently know zip on the subject.

[salty1]

J & M  makes a lot of motorcycle audio gear.

http://www.jmcorp.com/index.htm

In my world, CBs are used. My system is from J & M and is low budget using a handheld CB with an Integrator. The latter allows for FM radio, CB, mp3, and phone connection. The CB has top priority. I like this system because it's "portable" and I use it on other bikes.





Another vendor that has a lot of audio equipment is Sierra Electronics.

http://www.sierra-mc.com/

[dpcarson]

Are you looking to communicate with other riders that are often a little ways away, or only with riders that are riding with you in small groups?  Are the other riders a close group and you always ride together or maybe a family member.  When my wife an I both rode there was a bluetooth system where we could talk directly back and forth without worrying about a cb.  However, If you are riding with a group, it would require all of them getting the same system to do it that way.  If you are already riding with a group that has communication gear then you should find out what they are using first and go from there.

[Kunkies]

Sena Bluetooth SMH10, highly recommend

[pancho]

I want to be able to communicate with who ever is out there on the road.  I am looking for the most popular equipment that is most widely accepted and used by those who ride. These days there is more of the frequency spectrum that has been opened up for general use, there is GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service),  FRS (Family Radio Service) and CB (Citizens Band) is still around,,  as Salty1 said is used in his world.

I am most likely to be found traveling by myself, and would to be able to talk to those I come upon. So, is CB still widely used and popular?

[salty1]

FWIW, I think CB is much more universal.    Most major cruiser manufacturers offer a CB option.

[pancho]

Well, how does that outfit you have work salty1,, I mean do you have helmet speakers and mic? do you have VOX control or do you have to push a button to talk? handlebar controls?? What channel do people  monitor,, still 19?

Don't want to overload you, I am starting at the bottom. I probably need to Google motorcycle CB basics.

[salty1]

The CB is actuated using a push to talk  button on the left handlebar.



I use J & M comunications in my helmet. I operate the radio by batteries. A full charge can last 2-3 outings. The Cobra handheld has the option of hard wiring it. The Integrator I use requires a 12 volt source.

http://www.jmcorp.com/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=HS-CD9279-UN-HO

In my case, the ptt is plugged into the radio and the Integrator. A call comes in and a response is given while the ptt is depressed.

Most of the folks I ride with use Ch 1. If there is to much "traffic" we move to another channel, only rarely. I purchased an extendable antenna which will give a about a 1/2 a mile to a mile on the flat, depends on the day. It's plenty when riding with a group.

[pancho]

OK salty1,, thanks for the info. I think I am on my way into the research to figure what will work best for my situation.

[pancho]

Well,,,  I started to gather up equipment for my communications setup, and I purchased a Midland 75-822 portable radio,, looks to be the same thing you have salty1. 

Wondering what kind of mount that is you are using? and if it is working out OK for you.

[salty1]

Pancho I've used RAM mounting gear. It starts with a 1" ball that bolts through one of the handlebar clamp bolt passages. I use a 2" riser and then a iPad cradle that pinches the radio. I also use a black electrical tie to help secure the radio in the cradle. The speaker is not part of the radio system. It's to amplify feedback from the radar detector, just a convenient velcro mounting place. I like this mounting place on the bike because the radio is protected behind the winshield and easily operated here. Another thing you might want to consider is an extendable antenna for maximizing your range on the CB. Amazon has them, see below.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00006JPER/ref=mp_s_a_1_sc_2?qid=1429104546&sr=8-2-spell&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=cobra+antenba#

[pancho]

I'm going to use the mobile hookup rig that came with the unit, so I am thinking I will use a regular CB antenna mounted on the back somewhere.



I just need to figure out a quick disconnect mounting setup that will work with what I have.

[salty1]

 I didn't know that a faring was in place on your bike and with the speedo and tach mounted on the handlebar.  ???  You may need to use a handlebar ball mount or a ball system off the clutch reservoir clamp. The radio probably will need to be on the leftside because of the need to connect the PTT wiring. I'll need to think about it.

[Bocephus]

Sena SMH-10 works great.

[Pappy!]

A bunch of us in Florida are using the Scala Rider G9 or G9X set. They do everything and you have to mount exactly nothing to your bike.
FM Radio, Bike to Bike, Rider to Pillion, Music via Bluetooth, Directions piped into your helmet via a Bluetooth GPS or phone, phone calls, etc. It wont make you breakfast but thats about all it wont do.
Also the SENA 20S set is nice.

[pancho]

That all sounds good Pappy,, except for the fact that it won't make me breakfast!!!!! (stinkin lazy Scala)  and I may get something along those lines at some point, but for right now, I just wanted something universal to have while out roaming.  I'm thinking this Midland radio is small enough that it may live in my Hopnel tank bib bag, with a headset and remote PTT on the bars.

[Gryphon Rider]

Sorry, with all the Bluetooth communicators our there, there really is no "universal" motorcycle communications system.  CB used to be king, but many are going to Bluetooth.  GMRS/FRS would be a good alternative to CB if more were using it, but I certainly don't see that in my area.  The current problem with Bluetooth is that there isn't an industry standard and most units only communicate within the same brand name.  Things change quickly though, and it wouldn't surprise me if in five years most major manufacturers' new units will be able to talk to each other.  Right now my local CMA chapter has had more and more members purchase Scala Rider G9/G9x headsets.  The current firmware allows conversations to automatically switch to cell phone when riders get out of range from each other, if the users have registered their cell numbers on the Cardo Community web site.  I didn't see very many other Scala Rider units at the last Inzane.

[pancho]

You right Gryphon, let me rephrase "something universal" to ...  most likely to be able to communicate with someone in random situations,,,,.   


Planning on some extended riding, and I plan on being solo most of the time, so I just wanted some basic communications to  other travelers for now, maybe later I will update to be able to talk to anyone equipped with anything,,, but that isn't necessary right now.

[Bagger John - #3785]

I'll have to post some pics of my setups, but both of my Concours 14s and both of the Valkyries (1ea Tourer and I/S) are set up to utilize CB, FRS/GMRS, MURS, inter-helmet Bluetooth and amateur radio (VHF/UHF allocation) communications. The Valkyries use a Kennedy Technologies "FRSet4" to integrate the various radios and the Concours are set up with a J&M Bluetooth dongle which ties radios, helmets and phone together.

I may look into a Sena unit for the Connies later on, as I don't care for the J&M's preemption scheme.

[pancho]

Well, you just about got the field covered Bagger John,,,,, I'd like to see some pictures. 

[salty1]

Well, you just about got the field covered Bagger John,,,,, I'd like to see some pictures. 

Me too! 

[IamGCW]

Like Pappy said several of us use the Scala sets.  But there is always issues connecting the group up.  Where the units shine is for cell calls and streaming music.  If I had a chance to do it over it would be a Sena 20 set.  Sena has a mux unit that can be used to tie in a radio (CB, FRS, VHF, UHF, etc) to their headset.  And other audio sources as well.  Price for a full setup can get up there.  Some are using a BAEFUNG UV5R in the MURS or even GMRS on high power to get range without getting interference from kids or truckers cutting in.  Best to be a ham radio operator to be legal.

At bike week Daytona I chewed on the Scala rep about their poor service and faulty firmware.  He says there is a new system for SCALA only units that will get extended range (5 miles).  But I think you must be linked before hand to chat.  If you're looking for random chats with strangers riding around you CB seems to be the standard.  For clear and more private group chatting, bluetooth.   Our Scala units are helmet mounted so if you switch bikes the comms go with you.  Battery life is 9 - 12 hours.

Gil

[pancho]

Thanks for the info Gil,, I checked out the Sena 20S,, nice rig, seems to be on the cutting edge of technology and provides a lot of features. I may go for that at some point, (a bit pricey like you said) although it sort of forces you into wearing a helmet,, I guess it could be adapted into a leather aviators hat but that does not give much shade.