Intercoms

[JimC]

After reading the thread about the Sena headsets I started to think about my own situation.

Unfortunately I lost one of the helmet modules for the Cardo Scala Rider bluetooth helmet system I used with my standard. So that is probably not an option as my system was from 2007 or so, and I am sure it is very outdated today. The new systems are out of sight cost wise so that brings up my question.

Does anyone use the rider to passenger intercom system on their interstates?

On my current interstate, all the communication plugs are still in their original locations, so I am guessing that the intercom would still work.       What type of headset or cords do I need to buy to plug into the bike to make it work?
Are new ( or used )  headsets and cords still available?    I looked on Ebay and found nothing that seemed like it would work.

Thanks, Jim

[The emperor has no clothes]

I have the Sena 20s and the stock intercom. I prefer the intercom. If I remember I got the headsets from J&M. I’m pretty sure most of the Goldwing sellers have them. Just make sure you get the correct pin hook up.

[vanavyman]

For 2-up riding the built in intercom gear work great.  We used them for over 10 years on the Goldwings and Valkyrie Interstates we've owned.  Only recently changed to Bluetooth when the wife started riding a Trike on her own.  Much easier using the built in system.  Nothing to charge.  Just need a couple sets of J&M comm gear installed in your helmets.  Different levels of quality.  I've always liked the nicer speaker sets to make the music sound better. 

[henry 008]

i have a cardo scala rider that i no longer use (wife doesn't ride with me anymore). i'll look up the model this weekend and let you know. its from around 2007,2008, so it may be compatible with yours.

[ridingron]

The cords are available from J & M and Ed's Sets. Be sure to get the right cord (based on the number of pins). Expect to pay ~$50 a cord.

Ed's Sets: http://www.edsets.com/index.php

[gordonv]

J&M is a good source.

Wingstuff is another.
http://wingstuff.com/shop/gold_wing_gl1500-electronics_audio

$90 for the head set and all cables. Open face.

Open face and full face helmet requirements are different. I have the open face head set, but use a moduler helmet, but haven't ever mounted it yet.

[Avanti]

I have the Sena 20s and the stock intercom. I prefer the intercom. If I remember I got the headsets from J&M. I’m pretty sure most of the Goldwing sellers have them. Just make sure you get the correct pin hook up.

I use the intercom system on my Interstate and have the volume turned all the way up, but would still like more volume due to the fact that my wife and I wear ear plugs. Is there a booster that can be added to increase the volume?

[The emperor has no clothes]

I have the Sena 20s and the stock intercom. I prefer the intercom. If I remember I got the headsets from J&M. I’m pretty sure most of the Goldwing sellers have them. Just make sure you get the correct pin hook up.

I use the intercom system on my Interstate and have the volume turned all the way up, but would still like more volume due to the fact that my wife and I wear ear plugs. Is there a booster that can be added to increase the volume?

Not that I'm aware of. The only way of increasing the volume that I've used is when using the auxiliary plug. I will listen to audiobooks thru my phone, and I can use the volume controls of both phone and bike. But that doesn't help you on just the intercom speaking to each other.

[gordonv]

I use the intercom system on my Interstate and have the volume turned all the way up, but would still like more volume due to the fact that my wife and I wear ear plugs. Is there a booster that can be added to increase the volume?

Not having used the intercom yet, but using the radio, does the auto volume increase work with the intercom like it does with the radio?

[Avanti]

I use the intercom system on my Interstate and have the volume turned all the way up, but would still like more volume due to the fact that my wife and I wear ear plugs. Is there a booster that can be added to increase the volume?

Not having used the intercom yet, but using the radio, does the auto volume increase work with the intercom like it does with the radio?

Two different volume controls. The radio volume control has a larger scale than the intercom volume control.

[JimC]

OK,
I have another question re: the factory intercom on the bike.

Can both pilot and passenger hear the factory radio through the headphones on the interstate?
Or is it strictly for conversation?

Second question:
How many of you use a bluetooth intercom system other than the Cardo and Sena brands?

I see that there are many more brands to pick from today vs. when I bought mine Cardo system 10 - 12 years ago. Also, the price is half as much for the lessor (China) brands. Is anyone satisfied with the way any of these new brands operate?

Thanks,
Jim

[shortleg]

After reading the thread about the Sena headsets I started to think about my own situation.

Unfortunately I lost one of the helmet modules for the Cardo Scala Rider bluetooth helmet system I used with my standard. So that is probably not an option as my system was from 2007 or so, and I am sure it is very outdated today. The new systems are out of sight cost wise so that brings up my question.

Does anyone use the rider to passenger intercom system on their interstates?

On my current interstate, all the communication plugs are still in their original locations, so I am guessing that the intercom would still work.       What type of headset or cords do I need to buy to plug into the bike to make it work?
  If you go to Sena.com now they have the 20s refers units with two year warranty for 179.00
Are new ( or used )  headsets and cords still available?    I looked on Ebay and found nothing that seemed like it would work.

Thanks, Jim

[The emperor has no clothes]

OK,
I have another question re: the factory intercom on the bike.

Can both pilot and passenger hear the factory radio through the headphones on the interstate?
Or is it strictly for conversation?

Second question:
How many of you use a bluetooth intercom system other than the Cardo and Sena brands?

I see that there are many more brands to pick from today vs. when I bought mine Cardo system 10 - 12 years ago. Also, the price is half as much for the lessor (China) brands. Is anyone satisfied with the way any of these new brands operate?

Thanks,
Jim

Yes both rider and passenger will hear radio, aux, cb. I haven’t tried any of the cheaper brand communicators. But that old saying comes to mind “you get what you pay for”

[gordonv]

OK,
I have another question re: the factory intercom on the bike.

Can both pilot and passenger hear the factory radio through the headphones on the interstate?
Or is it strictly for conversation?

Second question:
How many of you use a bluetooth intercom system other than the Cardo and Sena brands?

I see that there are many more brands to pick from today vs. when I bought mine Cardo system 10 - 12 years ago. Also, the price is half as much for the lessor (China) brands. Is anyone satisfied with the way any of these new brands operate?

Thanks,
Jim

Yes both rider and passenger will hear radio, aux, cb. I haven’t tried any of the cheaper brand communicators. But that old saying comes to mind “you get what you pay for”

Both supposedly hear the CB too, but you need a push-to-talk (PTT) button to talk on it. The driver has it on his control, and the passengers is an optional item.