Topic: Opinions on rider to rider communications (Read 5921 times)

Puzzled · « **on:** April 07, 2007, 03:54:01 PM »

Opinions on rider to rider communications wanted. For those who do not have the big ol' Geezer Glides what are you using for bike to bike communications? A few of my buds have picked up Baggers (finally) so now we may be able to communicate from bike to bike as opposed to trying to hand signal or ride side by side and yelling at each other.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #1 on:** April 07, 2007, 04:01:04 PM »

Quote from: Puzzled on April 07, 2007, 03:54:01 PM

Opinions on rider to rider communications wanted. For those who do not have the big ol' Geezer Glides what are you using for bike to bike communications? A few of my buds have picked up Baggers (finally) so now we may be able to communicate from bike to bike as opposed to trying to hand signal or ride side by side and yelling at each other.

I've been known to offer the occasional hand signal.....

Puzzled · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2007, 04:11:04 PM »

The #1 sign, sort of........

Twolanerider · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2007, 04:36:18 PM »

Quote from: Puzzled on April 07, 2007, 04:11:04 PM

The #1 sign, sort of........

That's right Puz. Some folks are just so #1 they even deserve extra efforts or both hands.

HogBreath · « **Reply #4 on:** April 07, 2007, 04:41:23 PM »

I get on my bike to get away from the cell phone, technology, and communications. CD player and XM radio is different. THAT doesn't require a response from me.

Puzzled · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2007, 04:49:04 PM »

That isn't the input I was looking for when I asked for rider to rider communication opinions. That is more of rider solitude which doesn't require a hell of a lot.

RedDevil · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2007, 07:03:43 PM »

Puz,
Check the NADY website, http://www.nady.com/pmc_motorcycle_pg.html, they have a fairly nice bike to bike/rider to passenger system available, but it requires you connect a FRS/GPRS or cell phone radio to it.
Cheers

,

hard10 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 07, 2007, 11:44:01 PM »

J&M has a setup.

ccr · « **Reply #8 on:** April 08, 2007, 06:52:46 AM »

When I was first learning to ride we had chatterboxes that attached to the helmet. They work great - I think up to a mile separation and I could still hear my husband screaming at me askin where the heck I was and what the heck did I think I was doing. I hated that. But when I wanted to let him know that I wanted a break, it was good. They were a little heavy, made you ride with a tilt to your head. I guess this is about six year old info, so I am sure there are much better and innovative way of communicating now.

Now we rely on the ole hand signals - Out of gas, Kiss my Butt, Bite Me, Love you, Thumbs Up

, Thumbs Down, Up Yours, #1

you know the ones.

If I could ever do something over again, I'd forget about the need to communciate with words while riding. Just not all that important. I'd love it if it were part of the bike, but strapping on extra stuff, it is just too easy to pull up beside someone and ask them to pull over for a sec.

Puzzled · « **Reply #9 on:** April 08, 2007, 07:20:35 AM »

Thank you Mrs.WeCVO. That is what I'm looking for, first hand expierence.

I agree with the add on equipment. Thus my radio choice. In this situation a portable setup may be a better setup for me as I can transfer it from bike to bike.

SneakyPete · « **Reply #10 on:** April 08, 2007, 08:28:16 AM »

We have had some interesting discussion on this topic as part of our local HOG chapter group rides. CB radios and other communication options are becoming more prevalent and it seems everybody wants to rely on being able to talk with one another versus using hand signals. The point here being not everyone needs, has or wants a CB radio (or any other device) when they ride alone or in a group. It is just good, safe riding practice to know your hand signals and use them whether you have any communication device or not. As a chapter, we agreed no CB radios except for road captain and sweep (even this is optional). Personally, I have never felt the need for anything other than hand signals to communicate the basics. If you want to BS, pull over at your next gas stop, stretch out, pump the bilges and discuss where or what to do next. To me this is all part of the biking experience, JMHO.

Puzzled · « **Reply #11 on:** April 08, 2007, 08:45:21 AM »

Let me rephrase my question as I wasn't clear in my original post. I'm after opinions on the actual devices that those of you who do have them use (make sense?). Not if your for or against it. Thank you.

hard10 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 08, 2007, 09:39:52 AM »

Quote from: Mrs.WeCVO on April 08, 2007, 06:52:46 AM

When I was first learning to ride we had chatterboxes that attached to the helmet. They work great - I think up to a mile separation and I could still hear my husband screaming at me askin where the heck I was and what the heck did I think I was doing. I hated that. But when I wanted to let him know that I wanted a break, it was good. They were a little heavy, made you ride with a tilt to your head. I guess this is about six year old info, so I am sure there are much better and innovative way of communicating now.

Now we rely on the ole hand signals - Out of gas, Kiss my Butt, Bite Me, Love you, Thumbs Up , Thumbs Down, Up Yours, #1 you know the ones.

If I could ever do something over again, I'd forget about the need to communciate with words while riding. Just not all that important. I'd love it if it were part of the bike, but strapping on extra stuff, it is just too easy to pull up beside someone and ask them to pull over for a sec.

I'd really like you to show me this Mrs.We

Oh and Puzzled:

http://www.jmcorp.com/index.html

SneakyPete · « **Reply #13 on:** April 08, 2007, 10:56:15 AM »

Quote from: Puzzled on April 08, 2007, 08:45:21 AM

Let me rephrase my question as I wasn't clear in my original post. I'm after opinions on the actual devices that those of you who do have them use (make sense?). Not if your for or against it. Thank you.

Sorry, didn't mean to preach (couldn't help it on Easter Sunday). From those I have seen, I would say CB radio either built in like the Ultra Classic or added on like the HD CB For Road Glide kit or J&M unit mounted to handlebars.

Puzzled · « **Reply #14 on:** April 08, 2007, 07:15:10 PM »

Preaching is OK, I figured this group would give me the heads up on what works and what doesn't.

cuthbertss · « **Reply #15 on:** April 08, 2007, 07:27:15 PM »

check out Autocom

they make nice stuff and its compatible with about every radio out there...

i got some nice radios for like 28 bucks

long range

Puzzled · « **Reply #16 on:** April 08, 2007, 07:32:51 PM »

I'll check them out. Thank you.

From the little bit of looking I've done I will be after some sort of hands free (maybe PTT), noise cancelling removable units.

cuthbertss · « **Reply #17 on:** April 08, 2007, 09:01:10 PM »

you dont need ptt on this one but you can get it...and you can adjust the noise cxling on it'
my problem was i didnt read the instructions and set the radios for VOX

which caused background issues
you dont need to...
the mikes do it

contact info below

MELINDA BRORUP
TOPGEAR ACCESSORIES
1-888-851-4327 EXT2234

arcticdude · « **Reply #18 on:** April 08, 2007, 09:04:55 PM »

Puzzled,
We've run autocom systems for many years now. They work exceptionally well, except for one problem. We had an intermittant problem with one of our systems that drove us nuts for a couple of years. Even sent it back several tiems, but always "no problem found" Finally we had time and inclination to ride and get the system to act up. Started switching parts and found a bad radio adapter cord (which was an autocom part). Once that was fixed, no more problems. I've worked with most of the major other systems out there. NONE work as well as the autocom. Not one has the clarity the autocom has. Pipes and wind will distort more sound than you can imagine. Sytems that sound great when standing still often are crap when running down the road. Now that we're on ultra's we don't have any use for the autocom, if you're interested let me know. I can answer any question you've got. I've used the nady's and had a little experience with the chatterbox's, not in the same league imho. You can hear somebody talking to you over the pipes and wind noise at any speed you are willing to ride with the autocom. Topgear distributes the autocoms, totally vox. We've never used a ptt.
arctic

Twolanerider · « **Reply #19 on:** April 09, 2007, 11:18:43 AM »

Quote from: arcticdude on April 08, 2007, 09:04:55 PM

Now that we're on ultra's

No more blue Road Glide?

Puzzled · « **Reply #20 on:** April 09, 2007, 02:45:50 PM »

I'm reluctant to buy anything for my Glide as I have a feeling the V-Rod/Road Glide hybrid will be the new SERG for 08.

A bud at a dealership had hinted about it......
The American Bagger magazine had made mention of it.....
A vendor I was talking with during bike week had mentioned something along the same line....

Hmmmm.

Or they'll just build another Batwing bike and deny me a new bike again this year.

hogheritage04 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 10, 2007, 11:11:18 AM »

Puzzled,

Our HOG chapter Road Captains use almost exclusively J&M CB radios. I had one on my Heritage before I got my FLHTCUSE, and it worked GREAT! It's pretty easy to install and has the capability of rider to passenger com, plus CB, plus plug in MP3. The units are easy to use and work great. I would HIGHLY recommend you check out the J&M site. :2vrolijk_21:Good luck.

arcticdude · « **Reply #22 on:** April 12, 2007, 08:47:25 AM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on April 09, 2007, 11:18:43 AM

No more blue Road Glide?

Don't you remember MV? She sold the SERG when we decided to get the jester. We got much more return on it than we would have the CUSE. She's found it's not too much different. We'd thought we'd replace her SERG with another one if/when they did another, but realized it would probably have the chopped tourpak- she wants a king- and it wouldn't probably have the CB- so we'd be adding that too. By the time you add just those 2 items you've dumped ~$2500 more into an already overpriced bike

. So we kept the CUSE. I think the guy that bought the SERG lurks here regularly. Seemed like a real good guy and one who would ride it. It was a GREAT rider.

TimBone · « **Reply #23 on:** April 20, 2007, 09:22:52 AM »

Puz,
I have a Chatterbox system and have used it for many years. My last trip was 3600 miles from PHX, Az up into Canada and back through Yellowstone and into PHX with a buddy of mine. We had no problems at all with them. There are 2 different units FRS-X2 and GMRS-X1 that are spot on. We used the GMRS-X1(5 mile range). With these you can plug in an MP# player and also use a cell phone too. It can be hard wired to your bike or you can just recharge the unit. We went as long as a 12 hour day on one charge. Prices are not too bad and unit is waterproof. I hope that helps.
http://www.motorcycleonlinestore.com/chatterbox?gclid=CNDvkqSz0YsCFQF-PgodzH1EIQ

TimBone

Puzzled · « **Reply #24 on:** April 22, 2007, 12:20:05 AM »

I think I'm going to go with the GMRS-X1. Just need to get the OK from the other riders. It appears I'll only need an extension cord and an extra headset to outfit a passenger.

TimBone · « **Reply #25 on:** April 22, 2007, 07:59:34 PM »

Puz, those and the MP3 wire are exactly what I got too.
You will really dig the piece of gear and how well it performs!
GooD Luck,
TimBone

patrickt · « **Reply #26 on:** April 22, 2007, 09:18:43 PM »

Autocom with FRS radios. Audio is fantastic, much better than I expected. Put one on my wife's Sportster and I even interfaced the Autocom into the HK radio built into my 06 CUSE. Works great.

We are currently riding from east Texas to Laughlin for the Laughlin River Run, in Albuquerque NM tonight, and we are using them to talk back and forth. Great to have reliable communications.

Patrick

SPIDERMAN · « **Reply #27 on:** April 23, 2007, 10:26:48 PM »

Quote from: Puzzled on April 07, 2007, 03:54:01 PM

Opinions on rider to rider communications wanted. For those who do not have the big ol' Geezer Glides what are you using for bike to bike communications? A few of my buds have picked up Baggers (finally) so now we may be able to communicate from bike to bike as opposed to trying to hand signal or ride side by side and yelling at each other.

With all due respect,You asked for opinions so you shouldn't be upset that I'm offering mine

This dumbass idea defeats the essence of riding a motorcycle to me. Having someone yakking in my ear is anathma to me. Sure we all pull along side each other occasionally and holler as loud as we can which is actually part of the experience, but there's just something Honda Wingding about these intercoms and all that chit that detracts from it all. If you want that experience then buy a dam Wing Ding which is basically an Accord sawed in 1/2 and ride along with no wind blast, decible level of about 50 from the exhaust and yak it up with your fellow Wingdingers on your WingDing intercoms.

Just my $0.02

B B

Puzzled · « **Reply #28 on:** April 23, 2007, 10:41:01 PM »

Quote from: SPIDERMAN on April 23, 2007, 10:26:48 PM

With all due respect,You asked for opinions so you shouldn't be upset that I'm offering mine

This dumbass idea defeats the essence of riding a motorcycle to me. Having someone yakking in my ear is anathma to me. Sure we all pull along side each other occasionally and holler as loud as we can which is actually part of the experience, but there's just something Honda Wingding about these intercoms and all that chit that detracts from it all. If you want that experience then buy a dam Wing Ding which is basically an Accord sawed in 1/2 and ride along with no wind blast, decible level of about 50 from the exhaust and yak it up with your fellow Wingdingers on your WingDing intercoms.

Just my $0.02

B B

I did not ask for opinions as to weather to use them or not. I asked for opinions as to what units those that have them use. If you choose to be such a purist ditch the Road King and ride a kick only rigid slabside Shovel (not that there is anything wrong with a Shovel). Seriously Before I drop the coin for a couple of units I'd like to know what works and what doesn't. There is a reason that there is more than one brand of beer, to each their own.

SPIDERMAN · « **Reply #29 on:** April 23, 2007, 10:55:38 PM »

Quote from: Puzzled on April 23, 2007, 10:41:01 PM

I did not ask for opinions as to weather to use them or not. I asked for opinions as to what units those that have them use. If you choose to be such a purist ditch the Road King and ride a kick only rigid slabside Shovel (not that there is anything wrong with a Shovel).

Actually you did. The title of the thread is " Opinions on rider to rider communications " and the first sentence of your original post on the thread repeats that plus adds the word " wanted " so I gave you mine. Sorry if you don't like it. I stand by my post. Those things do not belong on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. As to the 2nd half of your above post, pray tell what should I do with my 07 Road Glide LD ? Elvis is not my only Harley, just my favorite.

B B

PS
Would love to have a rigid shovel, but with two artificial joints, and arthritis in my lower spine, plus a bad heart, I think I'd have a hard time with the long distance riding I do on that

Puzzled · « **Reply #30 on:** April 23, 2007, 10:59:13 PM »

Quote from: Puzzled on April 08, 2007, 08:45:21 AM

Let me rephrase my question as I wasn't clear in my original post. I'm after opinions on the actual devices that those of you who do have them use (make sense?). Not if your for or against it. Thank you.

Post 11

SPIDERMAN · « **Reply #31 on:** April 23, 2007, 11:04:20 PM »

Quote from: Puzzled on April 23, 2007, 10:59:13 PM

Post 11

Gorgeous Road Glide Dude, My all time favorite paint scheme too. Shame to think of you riding that with a damn headset, but hey being a biker is all about doing your own thing, so if that's what you want then bless you brother.

B B

Author Topic: Opinions on rider to rider communications (Read 5921 times)

SPIDERMAN

SPIDERMAN

SPIDERMAN