radio, CB, intercom system

[valkgirl]

Does anyone have any recommendations on an integrated radio, CB, intercom system? Looking at the kind that mount on the left handlebar.

Also, any recs on helmet headsets as well?

[DiverRay]

Most of the integrated systems are for the OEM market. This is the Honda or Yamaha systems that ship as part of the motorcycle. There are a few threads here about the head sets, and with a quick search you should be able to find them. I think the last one was about three months ago.
I'll be looking into a "chatterbox" system, as I am a HAM radio operator and want that on my xs11, not CB.
Ray

[rickmcdougald]

DiverRay why?

Ham vs. CB, why?
Aren't there more people listening to CBs closer to where WE'LL be - on the road?
How much power do you need for the HAM tranceiver vs CB?
How much money do you need for the HAM tranceiver vs CB?
You know, all those kinna' questions.
(I've gotta find out sooner or later, 'cause I want radios, too!)

[DiverRay]

Rick,
I've had a HAM license for over 12 years. I actually got my job because of HAM radio. You can get a HAM without morse code, and talk to a LOT of people. I talked to my now boss, and help with the local emergancy respnce via HAM. I have talked with people in europe while driving to work. Try that with a CB.
I plan on putting my dual band radio on the daily ride, once I get the new fairing ready. I will probably going to a "chatterbox" unit for the interface between the radio and the headset.
HAM can operate at 5 watts, or 5,000 watts. I use a 10 watt unit for mobile, and the radio was about $200 new. With a good antenna, you can talk for about 5 miles on 1 watt!!
Ray

[valkgirl]

Thanks guys for the help. DiverRay, unfortunately, HAM is not an option for me as the people I travel with are CB users and I need to be able to comm with them.

I'll search for the headset thread and see what's up.

I get into enough trouble talking on the cell phone in the car . . . can't imagine talking to someone from Europe!

[Pain]

I use an Autocom, though the control unit does not mount on the handle bar. It allows CB, Cell, Music, Radar Detector, talking GPS and passenger intercom, is modular, and can run off batteries or bike power. My control unit sits in the locked case of my Vetter fairing, the CB on the outside of the same fairing. I can see it just fine, and with the throttle lock work the controls when I need too.

The most common handlebar units I have seen are the J&M sets. I know people who have them, and like them, but I have no personal experiance.

both units come with their own helmet speaker/mic sets. The Autocom fits in my Shoei pretty nice, but took some tweaking. I can hear just fine at about 100mph on my Beemer (Hey, it's the back-up winter beater bike) which has no windshield to speak off.

[DiverRay]

Valkgirl,
We all need to have fun sometimes, and talking to someone from another continent is a kick!
I understand about the CB. Most of the road riders around here have them also, as I think Honda puts them on the bikes. I did use the CB back in the '70s, when I was driving a truck. Little Rebel back at you.
Ray