Bike to bike communications

Just saw this setup on ebay here in Oz, and as I know very little about these, i thought I would get some members thoughts or ideas about bike to bike radios for me and my missus.

Ebay link

I don't care for CB's. I don't like them because they're not very clear, especially on a bike. Also, everyone can listen in on your channel.

We use Family Radios over here and they work on FM channels. Very clear transmissions and somewhat private conversations can be had.

Don't know if you have anything like that in your area, though.

I have an Autocom on my bike and feed the radio sound through it. Maybe check them out for some info.

Buy a Chatterbox. They are the best that I have found. Lots of options for add-ons.

Originally posted by ViciousRR
Buy a Chatterbox. They are the best that I have found. Lots of options for add-ons.

They do work great and I am going to buy one soon, but beware, they do come DOA out of the box. Make sure you verify that they work before taking them home, because they make you send them back to Chatterbox and wait.

Originally posted by HondaGal
I don't care for CB's. I don't like them because they're not very clear, especially on a bike. Also, everyone can listen in on your channel.

We use Family Radios over here and they work on FM channels. Very clear transmissions and somewhat private conversations can be had.

Don't know if you have anything like that in your area, though.

I have an Autocom on my bike and feed the radio sound through it. Maybe check them out for some info.

A couple of questions for ya HG. I have a few FMRs and was thinking about using them on the bike. I've had a hard time finding voice activated headsets that would fit under the helmet. Just wondering what you use.

Thanks

My buddies and I use FRS, but they're not really that good for bikes. Can't hear anything above 100kph (60mph).

One of my boys has a push button setup on his left handlebar. Another wears a buklava (spelling? Those head covering hood thingys you see some F1 riders wear beneath their helmet) and puts the mic in there. But jutting out his chin, he presses the button and starts talking.

I use mine b/c it has a radio function, that's about it.

HondaGal and I use the Autocom units and the Autocom VOX headsets. They work great! We've chatted at speeds up to 70 mph. They would work better if I move my mic a bit, sometimes wind gets up under my helmet and kicks the mic on. We use the Kenwood Family Radios, as they got the best ratings. Also plugged into the Autocom is my XM radio. You could plug in a tape, disc, mp3, etc. as well. We found some demo, slightly used Autocom units for a good price, from Autocom. I've been very pleased with them.

Edit: The US distributor for Autocom is Top Gear Accessories:
Top Gear Accessories
P.O. Box 1477
Slingerlands
N.Y. 12159
U.S.A. Phone: +1 888 851 GEAR
Fax: +1 518 449 8876

They don't have a website. They are very helpful over the phone.
I think there is a uk website that may have product listings.

Chatterbox here...once I got that and my MP3 player...wooohoooo never going back!

Bike 2 Bike communicators are a lot of fun....

I have friends that ride with CBs because it's handy for finding speed traps on slab trips. But, I'm not sure that I would choose it as my primary communicator.

FRS or GMRS is the way to go...not sure what your equivalent there would be? Also if you do any 2-up riding, make sure you buy a unit that can work both as B2B and intercom....

Thanks for the replies.

I have since found out the deal was not a bargain, so I'm going to give it a miss.

Etymotic ER-6 headphones are the best. You HAVE to keep your ears very clean to use them though

I swear they make it seem like the music is comming directly from the brain. No wind noise whatsoever.

I've found Collett Electronics communicators work great. No VOX problems and simple installation. Been using them for over 2 years now. Even at high speeds the VOX has enough adjustment that is isn't bothered by wind and you can still talk.

Figment,

How is the bass response using the Etymotic ER-6 headphones?