Bike to bike communication How?

[jimfj]

Does anyone run a CB Radio on their GS? I have a buddy with a Gold Wing and we ride together sometimes and it would be fun to communicate via the CB he has on his bike.

I did a search and came up with nothing on the subject. I would like to go with a small CHEAP handheld with some kind of a headset inside my full face modular helmet. I have already installed a 12Volt outlet on my 850G to run my GPS so power isn't the problem. I don't care about Fm radio or intercom because 99% of the time I ride the bike solo. I just want something that would allow me to communicate that I need to stop or watch out for the monster pothole ect. Range isn't that important either, we stay pretty close by when riding.

Any ideas appreciated,

Jim
82 850G

 

[pjm204]

I know this isn't exactly what you want but I have a set of Scala Rider Q2's. They do am/fm radio, have an ipod input, bluetooth with your cell phone/gps, intercom with passenger, and bike to bike. They were 300 for the set of two. I really like them.

 

[Steve]

Jim,

What you are looking for is available from J&M Electronics. Probably the best source is through Sierra Electronics, "your motorcycle audio store".

There are at least two models that will do what you want, but neither is cheap. One is like a hand-held walkie-talkie that mounts to your handlebars. It comes with everything you need except an antenna, for about $200.

For a little more money, you get a better radio. The JMCB2003 mounts on the left handlebar, has options for solo or dual riders (for intercom), weather band and AUX input for your mp3 player or satellite radio. It runs $255, but then you have to add for your speakers and mic in the helmet, mounting bracket and antenna. Will be just over $400 by the time you are done, but you will have your Wing-riding friends jealous about the way the radio sounds. This is what we have on my wife's 850L.

.

 

[jmanz6]

I am going to use a set of those two way radios you see at every sporting goods store. The one I bought has an option for a headset that is mounted inside the helmet and also for voice activation so I don't need to push a button. I bought them for bike to bike and driver/passenger communication. The radios were on sale for about $55 at Dicks Sporting Goods before xmas and the headsets are $20 each. Haven't used it yet but I have played with the voice activated feature and it looks promising.

 

[robertbarr]

Haven't used it yet but I have played with the voice activated feature and it looks promising.

I wonder if the voice activation will 'know' the difference between your voice and wind noise. It'd be interesting to try it out.

 

[Larry D]

I wonder if the voice activation will 'know' the difference between your voice and wind noise. It'd be interesting to try it out.

For a couple years I did some surveying work, laying out (staking) large construction sites. We had voice activated walkie-talkies. During the time when we worked in proximity to large diesel equipment, those things things wouldn't work at all. The mic triggered constantly.

And, yes. On a very windy day they were difficult to use. Not nearly as bad as standing next to a Caterpillar though......

 

[Steve]

Besides the problems with wind and engine noise triggering the mic, your Winger friend won't be able to hear you because he won't be on the same frequency. If he already has the CB on his bike, and is the typical Winger, he already has the speakers and mic in his helmet, too. That won't leave any room to put an additional set to accomodate another radio. I know it's more expensive, but getting a CB for the GS will be the more practical solution. Besides, when you are not riding with him, you can connect to your iPod and have your own tunes. :dancing:

You can have your tunes when riding with him, too. When he would talk, the CB will override the tunes and mute them so you can hear the CB. When he is done talking, the tunes come back. When you key the mic to transmit back, the tunes are muted again, so he won't hear what you are listening to.

.