Triumphrat

DaytonaDingle · 09-12-2004

My friends and I are looking for a way to talk to each other while riding. I know there are several products out there, such as chatterbox and Baehr. Does anyone have any experience with bike to bike radios. Any help would be appreciated.

[ This message was edited by: DaytonaDingle on 2004-09-13 18:46 ]

09-12-2004

Check out the Autocom Pro 7 Sport or Active 7 kits. The key is to get a good two-way radio with some range (Kenwood's work best) with the Autocom kit. Nice quality and works well once the VOX is set and the microphone and headset are placed just right. You can also hook up a music source for long trips and other audio sources such as cell phone and radar. Just like anything good, it will set you back a few bucks but worth it if you're going to be doing a lot of bike-to-bike communication. I think they also have a push-to-talk kit that costs a little less, but it doesn't have the ability to add audio sources or do two-up communication. Anyway, I like mine. Hope the info helps.

bmwhd · 09-12-2004

If all you want is bike 2 bike without intercom or complicated audio mixing (GPS, radar, etc.) then I suggest the Motocomm headset from http://www.radiogadgets.com with a GMRS or FRS radio. GMRS on the bike is good for 1-3 miles range which is plenty. Motocomm also sells an optional audio patch that will allow you to plug in a Walkman or MP3 player. Add a Boosteroo to boost the music volume and you're all set for <$200 :-D

2ndSpace · 09-13-2004

I went with the Audioboss AB-1. It's inexpensive $150. It comes with everything you need except the radio. 2 headsets, 2 PTT, has cell phone, GPS/radar, audio inputs and a built in FM receiver. I did replace the speakers with better ones. For one fiddy i can't complain. I'm running GPS, XM, FRS, and cell throught with no problems. Unlike the previous post I have had bad luck with anything Kenwood.

sangsters · 09-14-2004

Not all that interesting but I am running a Chatterbox GMRS X1.

No complaints. Generally don't bother with VOX though I haven't had too many problems with it.

robbie · 09-15-2004

Hi

the PMR radios here and across the pond are different so some of what i know may not be relevant.
range and clarity are what you need. here in the UK the radio is limited to 500mW output so keeping the antenna vertical and as high as possible help greatly, this means mounting it to the bike or top pocket ( I don't like things in pockets so mine are mounted to the bikes.)
you can get PTT (push to talk) headsets for most types of radio. they connect to the radio and have a speaker and mike that is fitted in the helmet. these are cheap and OK for a group ride when you need to talk at gas stops and such but are useless at anything over 40-50mph
for higher speed or communicating when on a long tour you need to have some sort of amp in the circuit.

this is what I use
i have a starcom1 intercom that is connected to my GPS and MP3 and a Cobra MT700 with PTT and bike power mod
the Cobra is a cheep radio but not dirt cheep it has useful features such as roger bleep and scan mode
powering the radio from the bike will give you extra range as the voltage drop from the batteries is used to limit the output power. having a cheaper radio also means that if it damaged by a spill or rain or stolen then you have not lost much. I am happy to stop for coffee without to much paranoia

also when traveling in a group the group communication is limited by the lowest power unit. having a high quality radio and amp set up only means that they can hear you OK and you only hear squawks and wind noise amplified!!

talk to all members of your group and find out how much they want to spend. take time to set up the systems and make sure mikes and speakers are placed correctly and don't cause discomfort. also practice using the systems as often as possible.

starcom info

try googleing 'cobra mt700' and see what comes up