Today’s motorcyclists rely on communications systems to connect their devices, bikes, and fellow riders. But which communications system is right for you? Continue reading our best motorcycle communications system guide for an overview of the top performers on the market.
Our top pick for the best motorcycle communications system is the Cardo PACKTALK BOLD Motorcycle Communication System. It comes fully loaded with all the essential features, including a built-in FM radio and hands-free operation. Also, it offers an easy setup, excellent range, a fast-charging time, built-in speakers. It is dust-proof and waterproof as well.
Whether you are cruising with your crew or rolling solo, there is a communication system with your name on it.
Table of Contents
- Motocycle Communications System – Comparison Table
- What is a Motorcycle Communication System?
- Why do I Need a Motorcycle Communication System?
- What to Look For?
- Best Motorcycle Communications System
- 1. Cardo PACKTALK BOLD Motorcycle Communication System
- 2. Sena SMH10-11 Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset
- 3. Cardo Scala Ride FREECOM 2 Duo Bluetooth Communication System
- 4. FODSPORTS FX6 6 Riders 1000M Motorcycle Communication System
- 5. Sena 10R-01D Motorcycle Bluetooth Communication System
- 6. LEXIN B4FM Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom
- Key References
Motocycle Communications System – Comparison Table
- Talktime (Hours): 13
- Number of Riders: 15
- Range (Meters): 1600
- Weatherproof: YES
- Weight (lbs): 1.1
- Talktime (Hours): 12
- Number of Riders: 4
- Range (Meters): 900
- Weatherproof: NO
- Weight (lbs): 2
- Talktime (Hours): 13
- Number of Riders: 4
- Range (Meters): 800
- Weatherproof: YES
- Weight (lbs): 2.2
- Talktime (Hours): 10
- Number of Riders: 6
- Range (Meters): 1000
- Weatherproof: NO
- Weight (lbs): 0.6
- Talktime (Hours): 10
- Number of Riders: 4
- Range (Meters): 900
- Weatherproof: NO
- Weight (lbs): 0.1
- Talktime (Hours): 8
- Number of Riders: 4
- Range (Meters): 1600
- Weatherproof: YES
- Weight (lbs): 1.1
What is a Motorcycle Communication System?
A motorcycle communication system allows riders to wirelessly connect with other riders and devices like GPS systems, MP3 players, and smartphones. This ability lets riders communicate while riding as well as listen to directions with a clear sound with no wires getting in the way.
Why do I Need a Motorcycle Communication System?
Few products have ever transformed motorcycling as much as the communications system.
- Without a motorcycle communication system, riding a motorcycle is a solitary experience.
- When riding alone, it is a nice way to get your thoughts together or clear your head. But if you are riding with other bikers or you have a passenger, you will inevitably want to talk to them.
- The motorcycle communication system lets you do that. Besides connecting riders to each other, communication systems brought smartphone power inside the helmet – thus putting a lot of tools at every rider’s disposal.
- A modern communication system allows riders to use voice assistants, listen to music, hear directions for navigation, or even record rides.
What to Look For?
A) Maximum Range
The maximum range of communication is the first thing to look for in a motorcycle communication system.
- This will, of course, depend on where you plan to ride the bikes and your riding group. If you are riding in the countryside where there is less traffic, you will not be far from other bikers.
- So, in this case, you will need a communication system with a smaller range of about 500 meters.
- However, if you are riding in a city or highway filled with traffic, you will probably spread out far apart from each other.
So a communication system with an extended range of about 1,000 meters is recommended.
B) Audio Quality
Since you are buying the communication system because you want to talk to your riding buddies smoothly and clearly, you should only opt for a communication system that delivers real sound quality.
- The best motorcycle communications system should have advanced audio technologies such as Digital Signal Processing (DSP) as well as echo and noise cancellation capabilities.
- These features play a vital role in blocking the noise from your bike engines, surrounding traffic, and wind for maximum audio clarity.
- Ensure the unit you choose can deliver crisp-clear audio quality even when you are at top speeds.
- Also, make sure the communication system comes with HD speakers with powerful bass.
Not only do HD speakers contribute to audio clarity, but they also give an immersive music listening experience.
C) Connectivity
Another great feature to look for when shopping for the best motorcycle communications system is the ability to connect your iPad, smartphone, and other cellular devices.
- This feature makes it easy to dial/reject/answer calls hand-free.
- Also, you can listen to your favorite playlist from your smartphone.
Suggested Readings:
D) Number of Users
How many riders are in your riding clique?.
- Knowing the answer to this question is important in determining the type of communication system you will buy.
- Most motorcycle communication systems support about 3 to 4 riders and allow just 2 riders to communicate simultaneously.
- Advanced communication system support around 6 to 8 riders and allow up to 6 riders to communicate at a time.
- It is important to note that the more riders a unit supports, the more expensive it becomes.
So, it is smart to choose a communication system that supports the number of users you need.
E) Battery Life
Having a communication system whose battery life is not reliable can be frustrating.
- So, we recommend you choose a unit with a long-lasting battery that gives you enough talk time.
- The best motorcycle communication system should be equipped with batteries that can deliver an average talk time of about 6 to 8 hours.
- Additionally, a fast-charging battery makes it more convenient to use.
Best Motorcycle Communications System
Here are the best motorcycle comm systems in the market today:
1. Cardo PACKTALK BOLD Motorcycle Communication System
This is likely the most advanced communications system on our list.
- The Cardo PACKTALK BOLD Motorcycle Communication System presents riders with unique functions and great capabilities, giving you value for your money.
- This unit combines groundbreaking dynamic meshwork communication (DMC) technologies plus V4.1 Bluetooth to give riders the best of both worlds.
- The Bluetooth makes it convenient to connect with your fellow riders, listen to music, operate your smartphone, and receive GPS navigation instructions.
- The DMC technology allows up to 15 riders to communicate at incredible ranges up to 1, 600 meters.
- Other remarkable features include voice recognition, SmartSet App capabilities, self-adjusting volume, and about 13 hours of talk time.
- The dustproof and waterproof feature makes this communication system ready for use in all weather.
- The Cardo PACKTALK BOLD Motorcycle Communication System will change the way you interact with other riders.
- It is undoubtedly one of the deals available on the market today.
- Made for up to 15 riders.
- 1.6km maximum communication range.
- Ultra-fast pairing
- Dustproof/weatherproof design
- On the expensive side but it is worth the price.
2. Sena SMH10-11 Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset
The Sena SMH10-11 Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset is one of the best motorcycle communication systems made for riders.
- It allows you and other riding buddies to communicate and share music over extended ranges of about 900 meters.
- The beauty of using this communication system is that you can pair it easily with your smartphone and receive navigations voice instructions, listen to stereo music, make hands-free calls, and enjoy chatting with your fellow riders or passenger.
- Using advanced digital procession technology plus the latest V3.0 Bluetooth technology, this unit delivers crisp-clear, natural sound across your riding clique.
- The communication system integrates an Advanced Noise Control technology that amazingly gets a boost in noisy places, ensuring you enjoy clear communication for both outgoing and incoming audio.
- Additionally, this unit comes with two universal microphone kits (the wired mic and boom mic) that help facilitate versatile helmet installation.
- The intuitive and easy to access bottom gives this communication system a user-friendly interface.
- The Sena SMH10-11 Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset allows up to 4 riders to connect and converse hassle-free.
- Long-range communication and music sharing.
- Up to 12 hours talk time.
- 4-way intercom conversation
- Includes universal mic kit.
- The extra setup software isn’t Linux compatible.
3. Cardo Scala Ride FREECOM 2 Duo Bluetooth Communication System
The Cardo Scala Ride FREECOM 2 was designed for those riders who travel alone or tour as a couple.
- Featuring an aerodynamic and sleek design, this unit is straightforward to use and fits almost all helmet types.
- It is a reliable unit that is both dustproof and waterproof, making it suitable for all weather.
- Thanks to the 40mm ultra-thin high definition stereo speakers, the sound is guaranteed to be crystal clear.
- The battery is long-lasting as it can last for up to 13 hours, making it perfect for those long trips.
- This model is the ideal communication system for passenger and rider as it has multiple connectivity options.
- Equipped with 2 Bluetooth channels, you can communicate with your passenger, listen to navigation instructions, and make or receive calls.
- The AGC technology adjusts the volume automatically according to riding ambiance and background noises.
- Additionally, the Cardo SmartSet App allows you to control your device and customize settings on the go.
- Optimized noise suppression
- High-quality speakers
- Parallel audio streaming
- Can only be used for 4 riders.
4. FODSPORTS FX6 6 Riders 1000M Motorcycle Communication System
So, you and 5 fellow riders (6 in total) are having problems conversing with each other while riding on the noisy and busy streets?
- In this case, we recommend you choose the FODSPORTS FX6 Communication System and enjoy communicating with each other clearly.
- This unit makes it convenient to keep in touch with your fellow riders even when you are 1, 000 meters apart.
- You need not be skeptical about audio clarity at this distance as this system produces HD sound quality even at these distances.
- The incorporated CSR chip helps to minimize surrounding noises, including engine noise and wind, for ultimate audio clarity.
- Also, this model allows you to connect to your smartphone so you can enjoy immersive music experience, receive voice commands wirelessly, retrieve GPS routes, and many more.
- It has a long-lasting battery along with power level notifications to let you know how much charge is remaining.
- The FODSPORTS FX6 has a dustproof and waterproof design, making it great for all weather.
- 1000m maximum communication distance.
- Supports up to 6 riders.
- Impressive noise reduction ability.
- Crystal-clear audio quality
- Dustproof and waterproof design.
- Flimsy mounting bracket
5. Sena 10R-01D Motorcycle Bluetooth Communication System
Featherlight and ultra-slim, the Sena 10R-01D is especially a good choice for riders who want to minimize fuss factor and concentrate on their riding technique.
- The innovative Bluetooth handlebar puts the control where you can easily see and use them, without interrupting the safety and rhythm of your ride.
- The Bluetooth 4.1 allows riders to keep the chitchat going, get GPS directions, listen to music, and make hands-free calls.
- The advanced noise control technology helps to cut down on background noise for both outgoing and incoming audio.
- It features a universal intercom firmware makes this unit compatible with other communications systems.
- The Sena 10R-01D allows riders to pair with up to 2 mobile phones for convenient hands-free calling.
- Ultra-slim and featherlight
- Relatively easy to install.
- Quick pairing and power-on.
- Relatively unobtrusive
- Speakers distort at higher volumes.
6. LEXIN B4FM Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom
Compatible with most full-face, flip-face, and open-face helmet design, this unit lets you communicate with other bikers smoothly for extended ranges around 1, 600 meters.
- This communication system can support communication with up to 4 riders.
- The Bluetooth V2.1 incorporated into this model allows you to easily connect to your Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- This allows you to enjoy GPS voice instructions, stereo music, hands-free calls, and many more.
- It boasts high-performance and upgraded HiFi speakers, so you can rest assured you will enjoy audio clarity when interacting with your fellow riders.
- The LEXIN B4FM Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom has a universal pairing feature that allows you to use it with Bluetooth headsets from different brands.
- Uses boom microphone
- High-performance speakers
- Up to 1, 600 max range.
- Reasonably priced
- 8 hours talk time.
- No in-built FM
Our top suggestion for the best motorcycle communications system is the Cardo PACKTALK BOLD Motorcycle Communication System. It features a built-in FM radio, and it offers an easy setup, excellent range, a fast-charging time, built-in speakers. It is dustproof as well as waterproof.
The best motorcycle communications system allows you to talk clearly with your passenger or other riders as you ride through noisy highways.
From our review list, it is clear the market has lots of communication systems with different capabilities and features. We recommend you allow your unique needs to guide you when selecting the most suit model for you.
Key References
- “The Value of Digital Signal Processing”. Accessed April 22, 2020. Link.