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Moto communicator

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mimico_polak

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Hey all,
Went for a few rides recently and although I don't mind having headphones...they're a total pain in the *** to keep in the ears during helmet on/off and I'm considering buying some type of bluetooth to at the very least play music, and possibly catch some FM stations while riding. Although the phone option would be nice...I may have helmets that are too loud because about 70kph I can't hear a thing and no one can hear me.

Any recommendations for a simple unit that will connect to a phone (no need to connect to others) and just let me listen to some tunes? I had a very old school setup where I'd hard wire my phone to a simple speaker set in the helmet...but iPhones no longer connect via wires to it.

Also, I've got these older tires here. The front is fairly good, the rear is squared out. Wondering whether there's any point in keeping them? I had a silly idea of getting some of ice 'cleats' installed on them and maybe try some ice reading, but not sure if that's really feasible, or even a worthwhile endeavour on this bike. Got lots of time before winter strikes, but wondering if it's worth keeping them to try something new, or just toss em.
 
mimico_polak said:
Hey all,
Went for a few rides recently and although I don't mind having headphones...they're a total pain in the *** to keep in the ears during helmet on/off and I'm considering buying some type of bluetooth to at the very least play music, and possibly catch some FM stations while riding. Although the phone option would be nice...I may have helmets that are too loud because about 70kph I can't hear a thing and no one can hear me.

Any recommendations for a simple unit that will connect to a phone (no need to connect to others) and just let me listen to some tunes? I had a very old school setup where I'd hard wire my phone to a simple speaker set in the helmet...but iPhones no longer connect via wires to it.

Also, I've got these older tires here. The front is fairly good, the rear is squared out. Wondering whether there's any point in keeping them? I had a silly idea of getting some of ice 'cleats' installed on them and maybe try some ice reading, but not sure if that's really feasible, or even a worthwhile endeavour on this bike. Got lots of time before winter strikes, but wondering if it's worth keeping them to try something new, or just toss em.
Click to expand...

you mentioned older tires, see the age on them, if they're older than 5 years, id get new ones

Once you've been riding on your own tires, you can replace 2 rears for every front or whatever, as needed
 
On the communicator side, if it's mostly solo, the variety of off-brand amazon ones work really well. They can pair with cardo/Sena too, just be warned those users don't like the idea that something 1/3rd the price can be as good, sometime better. I have this one, used for over a year, many trips, love it. Easy controls, works well with gloves, no buttons, and even with ear plugs, its not that bad. Could be a bit louder, however even the more expensive ones are the same in that regard. I had another amazon brand a while back, still works, used over 4years through all sorts of terrors and falls, even been run over, just didn't like the tiny buttons on it.

As for the squared tires, I don't think you would be able to do that on tubeless rims without leaks, I could be wrong.
 
bigpoppa said:
you mentioned older tires, see the age on them, if they're older than 5 years, id get new ones

Once you've been riding on your own tires, you can replace 2 rears for every front or whatever, as needed
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I have 2 brand new tires on the bike. The ones I'm referencing are the ones that came off the bike. Either garbage, or test out the ice (word escapes me) nails on it for a lark.
 
mimico_polak said:
I have 2 brand new tires on the bike. The ones I'm referencing are the ones that came off the bike. Either garbage, or test out the ice (word escapes me) nails on it for a lark.
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Dont know much about ice riding or racing, but I imagine for something like that the same rules are dirt apply, lighter is better
Maybe get a dual sport for that?
 
bigpoppa said:
Dont know much about ice riding or racing, but I imagine for something like that the same rules are dirt apply, lighter is better
Maybe get a dual sport for that?
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Possible...this is why I'm here asking. Not going to buy a second bike simply for that. But if the X doesn't do what I want it to do (and so far so good) then I'll re-consider and get that electric thing that @Superveloce posted a while back.
 
I have a Sena SLR-2. Its specifically designed for my helmet.
I wish it was a little bit louder for music but than again I do wear customer molder ear plugs.

For phone conversations its fine.
For music (with Spotify) could be louder.

Other than that it is a good unit.
 
Hey MP, I don’t recall your current bike (cb500?) but I would say go for it and try out the studs as long as the bike is not overly top heavy.

For the radio/communicator I’ve used the fodsports from amazon although an older version than the one shown above. It was good for the price but I had 2 and they both had a speaker malfunction in a short amount of time.

I now have a Cardo, the sound quality and volume are better but not in line with the additional cost. Time will tell how the durability plays out. l don’t use the communicator so I can’t weigh in on that.

I recall PP submitting a review about a different budget comm system a few years back so perhaps he can provide input on that as well.

Edit: also speaker positioning makes a HUGE difference so it’s good to play with that

Sent from my iPhone using GTAMotorcycle.com
 
Can’t stand in helmet speakers, never loud enough. Since I ride solo I don’t find much use for helmet comms either.

Currently using Samsung galaxy buds + via Bluetooth. Low profile enough to get the lid on (I pull them out before taking it off though), long battery life and the mic works just fine to take calls when needed. Also doubles down to lower the noise from the bike/wind. Finally these are one of the few buds that fit appropriately in my ears and stay in, fantastic design.
 
If you are looking for BT headphones:

Been using these for 3 years now, charge once a week even after continous use. Sits snug in ear so won't pull when u remove helmet. Kinda blocks lots of engine/wind noise due to the fit (at least for me).
Wait for sale on Dell.CA or Amazon.ca, I got it for $40

Sony WIC400/B Behind The Neck Style, Wireless Headphone, Black : Amazon.ca: Electronics

Sony WIC400/B Behind The Neck Style, Wireless Headphone, Black : Amazon.ca: Electronics
www.amazon.ca

Will pick up noise from surrounding if you use for phone calls, wont recommend if you get lot of calls on the road. Has issues with MacBook pro, does not provide simultaneous connection to multiple devices.

/Dex
 
I bought these after they were recommended by a local riding group, and they are fantastic. I got the pair, but you can buy just one and play your music through it via Bluetooth - that's what I do when solo. Never had any issues using the comm functionality either. When on a call, the other person can't even tell you're on a bike - I use the stick-on button mic inside my full face Arai. Great quality for the price. Oh, and I also ride with Ear Peace plugs, and the volume with the Lexin is plenty.
 
I got fed up with my ear buds always backing out during a ride so I got a Cardo Freecom 4+ that comes with JBL speakers.
Now I can ride with ear plugs and still listen to music. I'm very happy with this setup and believe the sound quality is quite good, but to be fair this is the only com unit I have experience with. Only downside is I am no longer as 'unavailable' as I once was since it connects to my phone. Meh. Hope you find what works for you!
 
Thanks all for the recommendations! Will look into them over the weekend!
 
Evoex said:
Can’t stand in helmet speakers, never loud enough. Since I ride solo I don’t find much use for helmet comms either.

Currently using Samsung galaxy buds + via Bluetooth. Low profile enough to get the lid on (I pull them out before taking it off though), long battery life and the mic works just fine to take calls when needed. Also doubles down to lower the noise from the bike/wind. Finally these are one of the few buds that fit appropriately in my ears and stay in, fantastic design.
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What helmet do you use? I tired using my galaxy buds with my shoei rf1200 but they would always fall out when I put my helmet on. Only thing that seems to stay in place for me are wired earbuds.
 
Didi said:
What helmet do you use? I tired using my galaxy buds with my shoei rf1200 but they would always fall out when I put my helmet on. Only thing that seems to stay in place for me are wired earbuds.
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AGV K6. Make sure you pull the strap tabs to the side to create more space.
Was fine on my AGV K3-sv as well
 
Jenerator said:
I bought these after they were recommended by a local riding group, and they are fantastic. I got the pair, but you can buy just one and play your music through it via Bluetooth - that's what I do when solo. Never had any issues using the comm functionality either. When on a call, the other person can't even tell you're on a bike - I use the stick-on button mic inside my full face Arai. Great quality for the price. Oh, and I also ride with Ear Peace plugs, and the volume with the Lexin is plenty.
Click to expand...
How is the battery life? Thanks
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