Simple Bike to Bike comms - Advice please

[(RIP) Sam Johnson]

Hi,

I am looking to purchase a simple bike to bike radio setup for my friend and I to use between our 2 bikes. I don't need such things as phone contact or indeed FM Radio, just to be able to talk with my mate should we get lost or split up etc.

Any advice would be greatfully receivied.

Kind regards
Sam

 

[Bumpkin]

I am looking to purchase a simple bike to bike radio setup for my friend and I to use between our 2 bikes. I don't need such things as phone contact or indeed FM Radio, just to be able to talk with my mate should we get lost or split up etc.

If all you want is bike-to-bike and nothing else then a pair of Puxing PX777 from China (delivered in about 7-10 days) and a McKay headset (ask for the open face bike headset with Kenwood Claw) each. This will cost you a tad over £100 a piece for radio and headset.

You will need to tune the Puxings to PMR frequencies, they aren't technically legal in the eyes of OFCOM mind you but are a decent radio.

Do bear in mind the following:

• The Puxing needs to be the UHF version, the VHF version doesn't cover the correct frequency range for PMR and could get you into 'deep water'.
• Only set-up the PMR frequencies on the Puxing and don't operate outside of those.
• For best performance the radio will need to be orientated upright, in a tank-bag is ideal. Lain down under the seat will reduce range to a few hundred yards at best.
• Don't believe the general claims for range made by various manufacturers for PMR radio, in real-world use you're looking at 1-2 miles across open country, 1/2 a mile or less as soon as you get obstructions in the way such as around town. Some tests here but bear in mind that these tests are static rather than mobile.
• If you have future aspirations to add other comms kit such as sat nav etc. then buy a decent intercom off eBay, something like an Autocom Active Plus will cost £50-60. You will need to add a Kenwood radio lead and preferably a PTT switch to this. The Autocom will do it's own VOX which does work on a bike, however, PTT is far better.
• Don't try to use the VOX on the radios, it won't work effectively, the McKay headsets have a PTT switch.
• If you want to be fully legit then a Kenwood TK3201 radio off eBay will set you back £60-70 instead of the Puxing.

 

[rce]

Just buy a pair of Sena SMH-10, will work out of the box all day long. Good range and simple to operate. Full duplex so like talking on the phone, don't use the features you don't need, but have them already if ever you decide to link your phone or satnav.

 

[Bumpkin]

Just buy a pair of Sena SMH-10, will work out of the box all day long. Good range and simple to operate. Full duplex so like talking on the phone, don't use the features you don't need, but have them already if ever you decide to link your phone or satnav.

Bear in mind that going this route you will only be able to speak to other Sena users as the long range BT is proprietary.

 

[stever1]

A couple of years ago my son bought a Midland G8 PMR radio from Hein Gericke. It came with a headset which fitted straight into the helmet. It had a wiring harness to link the headset to the radio, and to a PTT button which we velcroed to the L/H grip.
We then went off to Europe for a week. TOP RESULT. good comms up to about 500mtrs.

 

[Pablo1]

SCALA RIDER

Hi,

I am looking to purchase a simple bike to bike radio setup for my friend and I to use between our 2 bikes. I don't need such things as phone contact or indeed FM Radio, just to be able to talk with my mate should we get lost or split up etc.

Any advice would be greatfully receivied.

Kind regards
Sam

My mate and I bought a teamset Q2 bluetooth 2 years ago and they have been great, the updated model is a G4 and will cost £250 ish for a teamset (2 factory paired units) splitting the cost as we did its only £125 each.