Triumphrat

Pig9r · 05-30-2005

Anyone have any experience with the HJC Chatterbox or the like. Would like to have option to communicate wirelessly with passenger or fellow rider. Noticed some have phone and radio inputs also.

Thanks
Brian

kuhlka · 05-30-2005

I need some serious reviews and recommendations as well since I'd rather not piss away $300 a pop per unit when I'll need 2 to talk bike-to-bike. I want something for the longer trips that'll let me plug in my MP3, phone, and later a GPS when I can afford one.

crashmasterd · 05-30-2005

I've got a nice article about cheap options for around $100. It's in PDF format, and I'd be happy to email it to anyone who wants it.

If anyone is interested, shoot me an email and I'll reply with it attached.

I don't have anything like these, but everyone I know who uses Chatterbox seems to really like it.

mjw930 · 05-30-2005

Don't waste your money on the Chatterbox. There are so many things wrong with the design that I won't go into it here but the biggest problem is that the duplex systems will amplify the road and wind noise making what was a noisy environment even worse.

I use an Autocom system and it's one of the best out there. Other systems that are very similar are StarCom1 and Baehrusa

In this, as with most other things in life, you get what you pay for

Legman · 05-30-2005

I gotta ask here why would any body want an intercom or communication device when you are riding. Having one would only encourage people to talk to you. One of the best things about motorcycling is being isolated in your helmet to immerse yourself in the solitude of a long distance ride, alone with your own thoughts to fully appreciate the magnificent experience that you are enjoying (we all know what I'm talking about). If the wife, girlfriend or otherwise pillion needs to communicate they can do it in the time honoured manner of a sharp punch in the kidneys and then screaming into the wind, where most of their words are whipped away...(thankfully). The long periods alone with your own thoughts then make the after ride discussions with your mates over an ale or three all the more enjoyable.

of course this is just my opinion......

Pig9r · 05-30-2005

Legman--- I appreciate my solo time too when riding however I think it would be nice to be able to talk to my passenger or fellow rider while riding. Just because you have it on also doesn't mean you have to talk. Also on longer trips on my own it would be nice to be able to plug in an MP3 player. If that's not enough of a justification how about I just want another accessory for my toy!

togliat · 05-31-2005

I enjoy my solitude when riding. However, when group riding on vacation using unfamiliar roads, my buddies have found that communication is key, especially when we're forced to use busy freeways for short periods. That's why we strongly urge anyone who joins us to get a unit.

"Watch out for that truck, he's coming up on your left."

"I need fuel. My light has been on for the last ten miles, can we take this exit?"

"Jimmy, that car does not see you. Watch out when you exit."

"I'm hungry, anyone want to take a break?"

"I need to hit a rest stop!"

"This is our exit. It splits quickly and you need to be in the left lane to take the left fork."

etc.

Once we were able to communicate, we found that we could coordinate our group's actions with greater ease and greater safety. Now there are fewer “last second” lane changes, fewer distractions trying to make ourselves understood with cryptic hand signals, and a greater level of comfort and camaraderie.

It has gotten to the point where we almost insist that anyone who joins us on tour have one (we happen to use Collett Communicators).

It does take a while to “sample and set” the correct VOX and volume but once everyone is dialed in, it works.

corners · 05-31-2005

I have the middle chatter box and it is fine up to about 70mph for communication. After that the road noise and exhaust noise makes it hard to hear clearly. The nice thing is you can plug a mp3 player into it and rock out when you are riding :upthumb:

hANNAbONE · 06-01-2005

Many Many of my riding friends HAD purchased the Chatterbox...it is JUNK..!! I purchased the Autocom system.. it is the NUTS.!! After a small bit of time - they all bought the Autcom system too.!

Do yourself and your friends a favor and get the one and only -- you will not regret it and you'll be the envy of all your friends...('course, until they but their own.)

Also, get yourself hooked up to a V1 radar. They too are the NUTS.!!

hANNAbONE · 06-01-2005

Many Many of my riding friends HAD purchased the Chatterbox...it is JUNK..!! I purchased the Autocom system.. it is the NUTS.!! After a small bit of time - they all bought the Autcom system too.!

Do yourself and your friends a favor and get the one and only -- you will not regret it and you'll be the envy of all your friends...('course, until they but their own.)

Also, get yourself hooked up to a V1 radar. They too are the NUTS.!!