This looks interesting.............

[grandtrousers]

Just been speaking to a friend who is trialling this :

http://www.parrot.com/uk/products/motorcycle-kits/parrot-sk4000

If all goes according to plan you should be able to talk bike to bike (to a similarly equipped machine) in duplex mode - ie without having to use a PTT button and functions can be voice controlled.
The bike to bike range is limited to your mobile network coverage.

Further details to follow.

 

[AdamA]

Interphone - http://www.interphoneuk.com/ and Scala Q2 do the same (except for the bar mounted controls, but the bottons on the units are perfectly adequate) and have the added bonus that two units can pair at up to 500m providing B2B comms NOT limited by network coverage or cost.

 

[grandtrousers]

Interphone - http://www.interphoneuk.com/ and Scala Q2 do the same (except for the bar mounted controls, but the bottons on the units are perfectly adequate) and have the added bonus that two units can pair at up to 500m providing B2B comms NOT limited by network coverage or cost.

Looks like the interphone only has one helmet speaker (I could be wrong) and I can't see anything resembling an FM radio. I hear what you are saying about the "cost" of using mobile phones to talk but some networks provide free calls to some phones (ie Orange "magic number) and 500 metres represents a few seconds of riding in the wrong direction - less in built up areas!

Like I said earlier it is being evaluated at the moment and if it turns out to be a crock of sh*te I will let you know.

 

[AdamA]

Looks like the interphone only has one helmet speaker (I could be wrong)

It does. Do you need to hear your riding buddy in stereo?

and I can't see anything resembling an FM radio.

Pretty certain the scala has it.

I hear what you are saying about the "cost" of using mobile phones to talk but some networks provide free calls to some phones (ie Orange "magic number) and 500 metres represents a few seconds of riding in the wrong direction - less in built up areas!

So?
It ALSO is connected to your phone, so use it to call your riding buddy if you go out of range and can't cope for a couple of seconds apart.
500m reperesents QUITE A FEW seconds of riding in the wrong direction.
(Quite why you would take the wrong direction if you are talking to each other I don't know tho.)

Then when you get close enough go back to the FREE bluetooth connection.

I have been using my Interphones for a couple of months.
It is great. Used it for a 2000mile tour with the wife riding her NC 30 and we were both really impressed.
So much so I have bought another universal headset to use for instructing.
It's better than any radio I have had the misfortune to use on a bike (keep in mind I have used and repaired radios for a living for the past 18 years).

If listening to music is an issue the Scala is the better bet with it's two ear pieces.
As I never listen to music on the bike the Interphone was fine for me, and also seems slightly better put together.

Also, when paired with a suitible bar mounted GPS (zumo?) you have full access to your numbers and keypad from the screen on your bars and also your MP3 collection stored on it.

 

[ebbo]

Sorry to moan but, do these designers actually ride bikes, or do they all have deformed thumbs, how are you supposed to operate them little buttons with gloves on, while that things crowding the handlebar grip

 

[Bem]

Looks like you get a Honda Handlebar for free?