Intercom recommendation

[Time4me2ride]

Since my wife has started riding with me two-up, and has expressed an interest in some longer rides, I was curious if anyone had any experience with a rider/passenger intercom system. We both wear full-face helmets so we can't really talk while riding. It has some advantages but on longer trips it might be nice to talk or listen to some tunes while on the hiway and away from town and traffic. Any input would be welcome.

[Clint]

I've been researching this lately. It's a confusing topic. First, you have low-budget, complete systems like Chatterbox. You get everything you need, but sound and noise-reduction quality are questionable. Then you have higher-end setups like Autocom, which require a seperate third-party radio for bike-to-bike but are known for good sound and noise-reduction. Only recently are there wireless options, with Bluetooth showing up in the last year or two. With some of these systems, you can connect iPods, Bluetooth-enabled phones, and radar detectors.

You'll have to do some reading to find out exactly what's available this year. Things in this category are changing fast, and the cost can vary widely. Personally, I'd look at Autocom and buy as much feature as you can for future upgradeability.

[tlwisner]

I bought the inexpensive Chatterbox system. It is really crappy - I suggest you avoid it. I have heard good things about the inexpensive Nady system.

[SVZuki]

I have a chatterbox system. Noise reduction sucks overall. I connect an mp3 player to it, but at highway speeds my gf can't hear it. I am going to look into different set ups. Let us know what you find.

[Bryana_fl]

Has anyone tried the more expensive Chatterbox system with the GMRS radio system incorporated?

[Time4me2ride]

Tlwisner and SVboy84, which Chatterbox system do you have? Is it the HJC-CB50 or the CB60. The CB60 is supposed to have better noise reduction, but I haven't heard anything positive from a user yet. I am a little worried about the quality. I have seen the Nady systems on-line, but again I would like to hear from someone who has actually used the system. I have seen some very nice ones on-line including some German systems that would cost upward of $1200 including accessories for a compete set-up, but I am not made of money and would like a more reasonably priced system as long as it works reasonably well.

Thanks for the input Rowdyred94, I have looked at all sorts of systems, but I would really like a first-hand word from someone who has a system and likes it.

[SVZuki]

I have the FRS multisport system. Also, it is pretty hard for her to hear me as well. I simply attach another line off of the module to her helmet and use the intercom system. Overall it would work fine at touring speeds, but highway is a no deal, too much wind noise.

[SKTR]

Well Rowdy, as usual you seem very well informed. Will you comment on any experience you've had with GMRS Radio w/ helmet ear/mike accys. Would love ability to communicate with son as we ride, but austerity program I'm on won't even let me consider the systems under discussion above. However I do own a pair of the Midland GMRS Radios (my headpieces are PTT only so would have to be replaced) Jim

Later ordered 2028 headpieces from DAK.com to use with my existing. Can advise after field trial if you are interested. Maybe there will be other cheapskates.

[tlwisner]

Originally Posted by Time4me2ride

Tlwisner and SVboy84, which Chatterbox system do you have?

I bought the HBC-50. I regret it. If I try again, I'll try the Nady system - I've heard that it's pretty good. I don't really want a $400 solution, and $1200 is out of the question.

The problem with my Chatterbox system isn't wind noise, it's just very low system quality. They need to use better connectors.

[Bluecruzer]

I dunno - I think an Ipod or two is better.

I would think very carefully about what your setting yourself up for... or as I always say - be careful what you wish for...

Picture this:

Your wife or g/f on the back.

An ability to talk to you while riding.

[drgibson]

Hmmm, I have the Chatterbox FRS-X2 I have a cable ran to the back for my wife. I can here from it just fine. Further more so can my wife. She is 90% deaf in one ear and 70% in the other. Now it doesn't work at highway speeds but we have the modular helmets and there is a lot of wind noise and I don't know any system that could over come it. Now I have an MP3 player that I plug into it and I cannot turn it up all the way even at highway speeds it is plenty loud. I have not used it bike to bike yet so I cannot speak to the quality of that function. Over all I am happy with it. I do wish it was wireless.

[batman]

Dr. G.
What do you mean MP3 player and bike to bike???
I am looking into some bike to bike solution (my son and I)
Thank u

[drgibson]

THe Chatterbox has the ability to communicate with other Chatterbox's. THey both have to have the bike to bike feature it's like a CB but it uses propritary channels. It has the ability to plug in a MP3 player or other audio as well as a plug for a Cell Phone.

http://www.hjc-chatterbox.com/frs_x2.htm

[batman]

I get it... MP3 player playing, connected to one Chatterbox. and Chatterbox channel to the other bike....
Thanks

[drgibson]

It won't broadcast.

[Firedog]

I ended up getting the Nady PMC-2X as an intercom (driver-to-passenger) for my wife and me.

It works ok and it's cheap. It does have an option of hooking up a two-way radio to it for bike-to-bike. It is by no means the ultimate, but it might be an option for you.

[GIXXER-Mike]

Sign language is free! j/k

[Clint]

SKTR, I've done a bunch of shopping, but I've never owned a system. I tend to be a solitary rider. Sorry.

[burkeg04]

I have the Chatterbox CB60 and I modified the ear pieces to be a small female mini jack that I can plug earbud style earphones into. This is the way to rid the wind noise. As for the quality... It's decent, and we use it and it works. Would I buy another one? Probably not. If you are good with an iron, I recommend modifying the speakers to earbuds... That's the ticket for sure.

[dnthmn44]

Does anyone have the open faced chatterbox headset in a full face helmet? This was a recommendation that was on another forum but if it does not work well I may reconsider buying a chatterbox.