Intercom help!

[Adamj79]

Anyone give me some advice on a decent rider-passenger intercom system?

I've done a fair bit of research online and it looks like autocom or starcom are the better available. I'm happy to have a wired system but unsure which is best?

I read that starcom bought autocom out but the 2 systems are still separate. Basically I want a good quality system for me and the missus when we go off touring, with the facility to link in with phone, music and maybe sat nav if I invest in one later. From the 2 brands I think the starcom 1 digital (£260) or autocom super pro automatic (£299) look most likely.

I've read up loads but obviously they all have rave reviews and claim to be the best etc. I'd rather go with a recommendation before taking the plunge.

First post, any help much appreciated folks....

 

[Gray]

For wireless check out the Cardo Scala website & then buy from Lemonddigital. I've used solo, team set Q2 & G4s now, can recommend all of them.. it's dependant on the price you wish to pay.

Gray

 

[Canuck]

I have two bikes...... one with an autocom smart 7 (?) and the other with the autocom pro avi.... both kits a superb and can be had for well under £90 I figure. Both run a sat nav, mp3s and bike to bike coms... why spend more! The autocom smart 7 actually fits inside my fuse box so apart from the few leads, you can't even tell its on the bike.

 

[Rasher]

Just switched from an excellent Autocom 200 to the new Super Pro jobbie, not much wrong with the old one (and I sold it for a goodly amount after 4 years service)

The new one (like your looking at) is excellent, in the past every comparison test in bike mags has always put Autocom above Starcom, but if you ask on here you will get people claiming they are both goo, and they are both crap. In my experience 2 Autocoms have worked flawlessly.

With comms that work at 150mph (ignore what is said on the boxes, I tested this myself) we had to shout onto the Mike, but we could just about communicate, at more normal crusiing speeds conversation is easy, especially on the GS which has less wind roar than sportsbikes, music is also perfectly listenable at 100mph as well.

I steered clear of wireless to avoid any pairing issues, batteries going flat etc. etc. I can run Music Player, Sat-Nav, Scamera Detector and phone all at the same time with no worries and once you have cabled the bike setting up before you ride off takes seconds.

I got both my Autocoms from Chainspeed as they specialise in this sort of stuff and know the kit very well, can offer advice if you have problems and even fit the stuff for you.

That would be my only other recomendation - buy from a company that know the gear and will offer help and advice if needed, Chainspeed do not do Starcom, but they do offer wireless stuff and were happy to guide me through all the options to make sure I got what would suit me best.

 

[beemerboy9]

The new one (like your looking at) is excellent, in the past every comparison test in bike mags has always put Autocom above Starcom, but if you ask on here you will get people claiming they are both good, and they are both crap.

Before Starcom bought its deadly competitor Autocom in what can only be described as a fire sale, Starcom declined to have its products compared to Autocom in the same test (especially RiDE magazine). There was also a lot of "knocking" of each others products going on.
Honestly, the two are very closely matched and if you were going to connect in a lot of extra equipment I would say go with whichever has a more local dealer to offer support. However you are going for a simple installation which you should be able to fit yourself, so why not purchase an Autocom system from Chainspeed - you'll get great sales advice & after-sales service.

Since Chainspeed also sell the Interphone Bluetooth system ask for advice about this and the 2 alternative Autocom units. I am sure he will sell you what best fits your needs.

Hope this helps - and let us know how you get on,

John

 

[Adamj79]

Wow thanks folks I'm really grateful for the advice and impressed with the forum. Although I've had a fair few bikes over the years I've never had a gs but I'm really loving it so far.

After a lot of deliberation I'm going to go for the autocom system. I phoned them up today to query a few things and they were really helpful. As I have an iPhone apparently the best way is to use a Bluetooth add on to pair with the intercom.

Now I have to get it fitted to the bike!

Thanks again!