CB radio or ?

[JimmyG]

I've been thinking about adding a cb for a road trip and have been searching old threads about how to do it etc.  Most threads are a couple years old now and I was wondering if there are any new ideas out there?  I really don't have a big budget to do this, is there a moderate(read cheaper) alternative to the high dollar custom jobs? Or do I need to bite the bullet and start saving for the big bucks units?

[Gryphon Rider]

Here's what I did with an handheld CB.  I connected it with my IMC Electronics MIT-100 intercom system (http://www.imc-motorcom.ca/content/products.php?catalog=1_2_3&language=en).  I also installed a "no ground plane" antenna to improve transmission/reception.  Right now I am abandoning this system in favour of a Scala Rider G9 Bluetooth system because more of my riding buddies use this system than CBs, plus they are wireless (Yay!) and can play stereo music.  If I were to do CB again, I would go with the J&M handlebar-mount system, which wasn't available when I did my handheld system.  Check out this link for more pictures including my rear-mount antenna.

http://photo.vrccservices.com/thumbnails.php?album=301

[old2soon]

As an ex over the road truck driver-you really DO NOT want a C B radio. Too much B S and if anything important needs to be gotten on the air chances are slim and none as to getting it there. It USED to be an enjoyable thing-C B radio. Not so much anymore. BUT that is just M H O. RIDE SAFE.

[chuckie]

Had a midland cb attached to handle bar with adapter. Worked ok. Used rechargeable batteries good for a days ride figure on 150 bucks plus headset. Recently changed to J&m 350 plus. Much better and Waterproof to boot also plays my tunes from my Zumo 550. I ride with others who are cb equipped.
Unless I had a specific use I wouldn't bother. There are better ways to go. good luck with your choice
Regards Chuckie

[Joe Hummer]

My wife done this before we got married...on her shadow...



Now, she uses a J&M JCBM-2003 system. 

http://www.jmcorp.com/SeeProducts.asp?PF=38

An added plus is that she can hook up her GPS (or mp3 player) as an input to the radio and listen to music as she rides. 

Joe

[Oss]

To each his own but IMHO having the CB while riding from Cody to Portland with
Bear and Allan made the trip  much more enjoyable

The leader could warn us of road hazards, we could talk about where to pull over
or more often not speak at all while keeping a hundred yards or more between the bikes even up to a mile if someone wanted to stop just to take a picture the others did not have to stop but knew what was going on till the other caught up  It helped each of us ride our own ride without needing to be in tight formatiom

The cb was pricey and a luxury but worth it

I think lone also has the handheld setup and it has served him well

[salty1]

I've been using a Midland handheld for 3 years for all the reasons mentioned. The CB will set you back about $100, but the most expensive part will be the speakers and mic setup for you helmet. J&M has a lot  of what you need, but give Sierra MC Electronics a look see also.

[scoot]

 I use the J&M radio on my bike. It has CB, intercom and an aux. plug on it. About the only time I use the CB is when I am riding with other friends. We normally use channel 15. It is nice being able to stay in contact with the other bikes just as Oss said. The benefit with this set-up for me was the intercom. It is so much nicer for us to talk between driver and passenger. And, the added bonus is the is the aux. plug. The run both my satellite radio and GPS into it.
Now with that being said, if I were to do it now I would look into the bluetooth technology. The only drawback I have heard of is short battery life, and some people have complained about not staying connected. And, it is still pretty pricey for something that isn't as reliable.

[JimmyG]

Thanks and great replies.  I am meeting up with my brother in New Mexico this spring and we are doing about a 2500 mile trip up through the big country and out in the plains. He has a cb on his wing and we just want to be able to communicate while on the road. My I/S has the radio and intercom plugs for driver and rider, wired listening and communication, but no cb, so I was just wondering what it might take to do this in an inexpensive way.  Thanks for the responses. 

[Joe Hummer]

Hey Jimmy,

Didn't realize you had an IS.  The J&M will not work with the IS setup.  The Yamaha Venture CB radio is supposed to be a plug and play for the Hondas.  The only problem is that the cords are shorter so you pretty much have to put the radio under the seat.  I also don't think the Yahama unit is as expensive as the Honda one.  Now that I say that...I have absolutely no experience with this.  Maybe someone else will chime in. 

Joe

[Pappy!]

I use the Scala Rider G9 as well. Nice system and good for fairly large groups. You can "Buddy" around 8 additional riders on the system and talk to one or all. Can Bluetooth about anything you need or want into it.

[NJF6Cowboy]

Currently seven yamaha royale venture cb radios on ebay model # 215-R. priced at $250 / $350. I purchased mine for 125.00 several years ago. Used a y splitter to the fm interstate antenna. Everything else was plug and play.  Great reception and  transmission for talking with my buds on a local ride or vacation trip

[B]

Thanks and great replies.  I am meeting up with my brother in New Mexico this spring and we are doing about a 2500 mile trip up through the big country and out in the plains. He has a cb on his wing and we just want to be able to communicate while on the road. My I/S has the radio and intercom plugs for driver and rider, wired listening and communication, but no cb, so I was just wondering what it might take to do this in an inexpensive way.  Thanks for the responses. 

Big Mike may have a plug & play for the I/S

michaeljterry@yahoo.com