Probably been done before, but what about bike to bike communication systems. I have looked at chatterbox, J&M, Starcom, Autocom...I think the Autocom is best bang for buck, but it's expensive. Before I buy I want to make sure it works as it says it does. Also, would like to see or hear from Trophy owners and mounting options of units to Trophy.

Top priorities for Bike to Bike: Easy to operate(push to talk...), Clean Sound(Want to hear my buddies), Ruggedness, ease of intall, Music, GPS, Cell.......

Hi Bwelsh,
I only have first hand knowledge of the Chatterbox system. I wasn't sure
if I would like or even need to talk bike to bike. After riding thousands of miles
with the radios it would be hard to get rid of them. It isn't that we talk all that
much while riding but the extra level of communication is wonderful as well as a
great safety feature. I purchased the basic model and find that the reception is
quite good. I believe the set was said to have a range of 2 miles but I think they
must mean a mile in front and a mile behind. Most of the time the greatest
distance we are apart is a few traffic lights going through towns. On the open
road we usually aren't more than a few hundred feet apart. With my full face
helmet sound quality is pretty good at normal speeds. Of course at higher speeds
it gets harder to hear because of wind noise.
I have the unit that attaches to the helmet or a number of other places. With it on my helmet I don't have to unplug when getting on or off the bike. Also when riding two up
my wife can just plug into the unit and we can both talk to the rest of the group as well as to each other.
The safety aspect is probably the most important. Since the whole group can hear whats going on at all times there aren't any surprises. Warnings from the lead rider are sent back instantly rather than the chain reaction of each rider signaling to the one behind them. Fuel stops can be coordinated, bathroom breaks, lunch stops, unusual traffic,road conditions, etc, are instantly understood by all.
The push to talk feature is nice because there isn't the half to one second delay of the voice activated system. Although once you get used to the idea either way is good. I did find that the push to talk button was a little awkward on the handlebar. Not too bad when in the right spot.
All things considered I would highly recommend a system if you ride with the same group alot of the time. That way everyone in the group can get compatible radios. the brand of system is really a matter of personal choice.
Good luck, ride safe, Jeff

Thanks Jeff.

The Chatterbox is one we are looking at. It seems to be a good unit. The J&M is the other unit like Chatterbox. They seem to have best headset out there and it had been said that the headsets are as important and unit you choose.

Thanks for comments.

bwelsh

What did you end up going with? I am also looking for a good system. I initially was looking for a better solution for music as I am tired of putting on earbuds, then the helmet, etc....

But then after a ride when we had a couple of near misses, I realized the distinct advantage of having bike to bike communication.

So now I am looking for a high quality headset for music that has integrated bike to bike communication.

My Wife and I had a Chatterbox. While intercom was OK, listening to music kind of sucked. Also, the wireing on the Chatterbox is CHEAP!!!!!! Wireing fell apart after 6 months. Threw it all in the trash. Ended up getting the AutoCom. Pricey, but well worth it. Can hook up Cell phone, GPS, XM, Bike 2 Bike, Intercom, all hands free voice activated. Unit is small(fits under the seat on the rear fender), cables are heavy duty and water proof. Head set speakers are excellant(20-20000 hz frq res) for listening to music. Noise canceling mikes work great. Clear coms after 4 years and still going strong.

My 2cents worth.

Erv
Deep in the Heart of Texas!!

__________________
"Life is tough, but it's tougher when your STUPID!" John Wayne

erv you've sold me...

which model do you have?

millwallfcuk,
I have an older Pro7 model not made anymore. But, being that you live in the UK where they are made, go to www.autocom.co.uk and download the pdf file(click on the "new for '06" to start the download) for all the info and configurations. They basically have 3 models to choose from. Just depends on how much you want it to do. I do know the newer models are nicer than my old unit. If/when mine ever takes a dump, I'm definatley getting another one. I'm sold!!

Erv
Deep in the Heart of Texas!!

__________________
"Life is tough, but it's tougher when your STUPID!" John Wayne

We have used the basic chatter box for communication for 3-4 years now, using the same system. We listen to our XM or Ipod using the chatterbox and then we also chat between the two of us on the bike. For the price it has been one of the best things we have purchased for the bike.

We have friends using autoCom and the star system and those are awesome as well, just cost a lot more that the chatterbox.

Just my two cents

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Jerry
http://motoadrenaline.blogspot.com/

I use the J&M 2003 dual unit. I love it for it's size and the ease to use! I have never seen a better unit that small and easy to use other than the Honda/Clarion unit that you could buy several years ago. I don't think you could spend your money in a better way and not have to continue spending to make it right. Once you go this way, there is not much better alternative! Here is a link that will show Deal's Gap this year and the radio on the left side along with my antenna mount that I still have to work on to get my trunk and the antenna looking the way I want it to with it mounted. If you would like to see better pictures of it, just let me know and maybe I can get them posted this weekend.

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Brian Holland
'02 Trophy 1200