Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C10, aka Kawasaki Concours - The Original => Accessories and Modifications - C10 => Topic started by: connie_rider on May 30, 2011, 10:36:49 AM

Title: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: connie_rider on May 30, 2011, 10:36:49 AM
Several years ago I installed an (inexpensive) Intercom on my Connie. Think it was a Moto Boss.
Wanted to see if we would use it..

Wife really enjoyed the intercom but was useless above 40 MPH.
Since that time we've been wanting to get something better.

We want a unit to which we can attach a FMS Radio/Music. (Maybe a phone)
Have a Tank bag we can place the unit in. Don't think I want a unit that mounts on the helmet.
Wireless preferable..... (Bluetooth confused)?

Cost is an object, but willing to pay to get something that works...

Suggestions?

Ride safe, Ted

Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: snarf on May 30, 2011, 10:48:56 AM
Costly but extremely effective; StarCom or J&M.
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: connie_rider on May 30, 2011, 11:04:47 AM
Fergot to ask, if I get some,,,, which Model and where to buy?

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: F-106 on May 30, 2011, 11:07:34 AM
I use the J&M Integratr IV. it works great and you can hookup mp3, phone, cb ect to it. I too put it in a tank bag for going to work and on a belt around my wast. The only down side is it uses batteries. However the rechargables work great. For the price you can not beat it.
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: gtr1000 on May 30, 2011, 11:49:32 AM
Just going thru the same process and eveyone I ask comes up with Autocom http://www.autocom.co.uk/FindADealer.htm (http://www.autocom.co.uk/FindADealer.htm)

Again, not cheap and the selection process from their web site seems somewhat daunting  :-\
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: ZG on May 30, 2011, 02:14:17 PM
My wife and I got the Scala G4 powerset last fall and both really love it, built in FM tuner plus blue-tooth connections to gps, phone, mp3, etc... We both have closed face Arai helmets that fit a little closer to the face so we opted to go with the wired mic instead of the boom mic.
 
http://www.cardosystems.com/scala-rider/scala-rider-g4-powerset (http://www.cardosystems.com/scala-rider/scala-rider-g4-powerset)
 
Happy hunting!
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: booger on May 30, 2011, 06:44:54 PM
My best suggestion is no intercom.  That way you don't have to talk with your wife ;)
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: connie_rider on May 31, 2011, 07:09:05 AM
I've sorta used that theory for years.
But I've now learned that if she is happy, I enjoy the ride more.
AND, if she wants to go riding, I get to go more... <grin>

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: blade on May 31, 2011, 09:14:47 AM
I got the scala teamset a couple years ago so my GF could talk while we were riding. When she started riding her own bike we found that the units would stay paired for  about 200 feet when you had clear line of sight.

http://www.cardosystems.com/scala-rider/scala-rider-teamset (http://www.cardosystems.com/scala-rider/scala-rider-teamset)

Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: connie_rider on May 31, 2011, 09:40:12 AM
Your the second person to suggest Scala.
I looked at the first one briefly, looks like it mounts on the Helmet.

Is that a problem?

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: RFH87_Connie on May 31, 2011, 10:01:47 AM
Hey Ted,

Donna and I have used the Scala Teamset Q2 for the last two years.  We used it yesterday coming back from Myrtle Beach for more than 8 hours on the road.  We can use it up to around 75 or so (full-face helmets).  Only the "driver" unit pairs to Bluetooth.  One is marked 'driver' and the other is "passenger".  We can switch it between who gets it we need to.  She usually uses the "driver" unit when we ride together so she can talk to her friends or anyone else.  If I'm solo, then I take the "driver" unit.  There is a newer version out.  No complaints from us.  I think we paid about $180 from my local shop during a sale.

Frank
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: ZG on May 31, 2011, 10:23:22 AM
Ted,
You should also check the differences between the newer model G4 powerset and the Q2 teamset, I believe Frank is referring to the Q2 teamset, not sure but that's just my guess.

Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: RFH87_Connie on May 31, 2011, 10:25:32 AM
Yes - Q2
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: blade on May 31, 2011, 12:27:54 PM
I have the Q2 set as well. Mounting to the helmet takes about a minute, as it is a basic clamp system. The bluetooth/power section just slides off/on so you can switch between helmets or for charging.
Definitely check out the old and new models and pick which is best for you. when I bought the Scala riders seemed to be the most reliable at a reasonable price.

I got my set on ebay as no one local had them at a good price
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: booger on May 31, 2011, 04:33:14 PM
I've sorta used that theory for years.
But I've now learned that if she is happy, I enjoy the ride more.
AND, if she wants to go riding, I get to go more... <grin>

Ride safe, Ted

I totally understand.  I've always found I can get a new bike if I convince the wife it will be more comfortable for HER.
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: connie_rider on May 31, 2011, 05:14:55 PM
Heh heh,,,,, <sneaky grin>

Several years ago, I bought her a new helmet, but unfortunately it didn't match my bike.
She didn't like the color match so,,,,,, I was "forced" to buy a bike that matched!!!!
The helmet just happened to match the color of an 03 Connie....
(Somehow, I think she knew my evil plan all along)

From the notes I've seen, the Scala appeals to be what many are suggesting. When I got my last unit the Autocom was what I wanted.
Looking it over, it looks like more wires than I want.
Haven't looked at J&M or StarCom yet..
Will do so.....
Ritwe now I like the look of the Scala.

Unfortunately since this project began, I've had a setback.
Some thief stole the Wifes truck. 
Looks like I will be spending my mad money on another vehicle for her.....

But, I'll continue to look for a good intercom!!

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: ZG on May 31, 2011, 05:32:12 PM
Another one to research Ted is the Sena, I've never used one myself but there are often debates between the Scala and Sena as to which is better, there are valid arguments from both sides, I think it comes down to your preference and what all you want to do with it. The Sena some folks say are easier to use right out of the gate, but the Scala does come with the built in FM tuner, which I really like and use a lot.


Good luck on your search, sorry to hear about your wifes truck...  :(
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: Uglydog56 on May 31, 2011, 09:44:46 PM
I have a Sena on the way - will report when received.  Ability to use earbuds and ease of use are what decided me - SO isn't technically savvy.
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: Furbo on June 01, 2011, 08:55:41 AM
Just going thru the same process and eveyone I ask comes up with Autocom http://www.autocom.co.uk/FindADealer.htm (http://www.autocom.co.uk/FindADealer.htm)

Again, not cheap and the selection process from their web site seems somewhat daunting  :-\

+1. Got an Autocom in '06. You can pipe music in, set the VOX sensitivity and volume. It's good up to about 90mph. After than, you can still hear each other, but the roar keeps the VOX activated.
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: Stasch on June 01, 2011, 11:43:21 AM
I use an Autocom, but bought it 5 - 6 years ago.  Never had issues with it.  Got it for half off right around Christmas, probably brought the cost into the normal range compared to other mfg's.

I seem to recall their US online dealer is no more, don't know who replaced them if anyone.

The Starcom's had a PS2 type connector at one point that had failure issues for some.  Weren't beefy enough.
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: bbroj on June 03, 2011, 08:21:54 AM
The wife have and are happy with the Sena units. We can talk bike to bike in real world situations for about 1/4 mile or so. We each have music, she uses a bluetooth adapter (dongle) and I use the included input wire. We also each sync to our phones as well as each other's units (of course) for intercom. The only nit to pick for us is a slight but noticeable delay in the mic's opening the VOX session, after that it's full duplex, clear conversations at any reasonable speed. By the way, I wear earplugs and have no problems with volume.
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: Uglydog56 on June 05, 2011, 04:14:21 PM
I have the Sena installed now.  I found them fairly easy to install and use.  The SO and I went on a ride around the hood canal last night and they worked with no problems.  I have mine paired with my phone and my ipod touch.  Hers is paired with her phone and she uses the cord to run her ipod.  I have answered the phone multiple times and it is easy to hear and I am clear to the caller (once I quit shouting because I was worried they couldn't hear me).  I tested them to 90 and they are easy to hear there as well.  This was rider to pillion.
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: Daytona_Mike on June 05, 2011, 09:07:42 PM
The Starcom's had a PS2 type connector at one point that had failure issues for some.  Weren't beefy enough.
I have the Starcom1 advance for some 5 years now.  Very beefy and better then than Autocom I tested. What I also like is I can get a cable from any computer shop as the ps2 cable is the same as a keyboard extension cable and  very inexpensive.
Title: Re: Intercom for the Wife
Post by: toojeep4u on June 06, 2011, 05:20:49 AM
I use the Sena as well and am very happy with it.  It is quite loud if needed in a full face helmet and with the face down, the person I am talking to doesn't know I am on the bike at speed.