New Motorcycle Communication System & BlueTooth from Bikes in the Fast Lane

Custom Search

New Motorcycle Communication System & BlueTooth

October
2004

  File under Bluetooth New Products
  Author: Mike Werner
  Location: Normandy, France

Read the special articles on Bluetooth and motorcycles:

All Motorcycle Helmets with Bluetooth

All 3rd Party Bluetooth add on for Helmets

One of the top motorcycle communication/intercom manufacturers, Chatterbox, are releasing a new BlueTooth powered product next year.

Code named XB1, this new device is a all-singing, all-dancing device; one of those that you can only dream off.

The XB1 functions as central unit and is placed on your motorcycle, preferably attached somewhere safe. Powered by your motorcycle's 12V, or by optional batteries, the unit provides the following functions:

Intercom
Bike-to-Bike communication (FRS/GMRS 22 channels)
GPS/Radar warning interface
Music/MP3 device interface
Cellular telephone interface

This means that while you're out there enjoying your motorcycle ride, you can listen to your favorite music on your iPod, while listen to your Garmin GPS giving you routing instructions and your Laser radar warnings. You can also talk to your pillion passenger, and talk to the other riders in your group.

But the most important feature is that the XB1 device will communicate with you via BlueTooth, ie, wireless to your helmet. So far, it has always been a nagging thought for me when riding with my helmet wired to the bike..... what happens if I fall and the bike slides one way, and I slide the other way ??? With BlueTooth that is no longer a problem (nor is forgetting that you're tied to your bike, which has happened once or twice).

You can now get yourself one of those nice new BlueTooth equipped helmets recently announced (MomoDesign, BMW System V) and communicate with the ChatterBox unit without the need to wire yourself to your motorcycle (while looking at the HUD inside your helmet.... who needs a multi-million fighter jet?)

Communications with other motorcycles is "limited" to a 5 miles radius, one of the largest ranges currently available. The 22 channels an 38 sub-channels give you enough combinations to enjoy a "private" conversation with fellow bikers. The unit can handle Vox or PTT communications.

Availability is planned for Spring 2005, and estimated cost will be between $450 and $500 (excluding your BlueTooth helmet). This is one interesting product...... looks like I'll be lining up to buy it.

Source: Chatterbox