Last Updates:
- 23-Jul-2009 - Updated NZI Helmet with KIT3 info
- 9-Jun-2009 - Added Vemar VRX-5 and CiKiQui
- 6-Mar-2009 - Added BluTek
- 4-Mar-2009 - Added Suomy D2O, Stilo WRC and Vemar Jiano
- 13-Feb-2009 - Added 2 x Caberg, 3 x Viper and 4 x X-lite helmets.
- 13-Feb-2009 - Added Bluetooth version field and number of loudspeakers and link to SHARP Rating site (when available)
- 18-May-2008 - Added 3 NZI helmets and Nolan 103
We've had two previous Bluetooth Helmet round ups in the last 3 years. Since it's one of the most popular articles on this site, we've decided to make this a permanent article, ie, updated everytime something new comes on the market. So we've produced a database with all the helmets that feature Bluetooth. It's faster this way. Below is the result.
For those of you who don't know what Bluetooth is, it's a wireless communication technology that allows different devices to "talk" to each other over a short distance (typically 10 meters). Click here for more information.
The previous round-up had at the end of the report all 3rd party devices that could be added to allow your helmet to communicate. Since this is the fastest growing segment, that list will be shown on another article. Click here to access it
Use of Bluetooth on Motorcycles
Nowadays, many mobile telephones are equipped with Bluetooth, but you'll also find music players, GPS and other portable devices able to communicate with this popular and growing technology. The use of Bluetooth technology can be advantageous on motorcycles, since they don't involve being wired on to the motorcycle. The best application of Bluetooth on a motorcycle is using it as an intercom, since you can talk to your pillion passenger without the need to be wired together.
The Bluetooth (BT) communications is crystal clear and in full duplex. Additionally, depending on the manufacturer, you will be able to receive other audio sources, such as GPS driving information, music (MP3, iPod, etc), bike-to-bike communications and even for the diehards, mobile telephone.
| Remember, it is dangerous for you and others, to ride and talk on the telephone at the same time. Pull over to talk on your mobile phone!! |
The Survey
To do this survey properly, we've written to all helmet manufacturers which we knew had a Bluetooth offering, and to the larger manufacturers we suspected may be producing one. We asked some simple questions, mostly regarding helmet weight and operating time of the Bluetooth device.
Few of the manufacturers deemed it worthy of their time to help properly (this in sharp contrast with motorcycle manufacturers who usually go out of their way to help). Some replied by referring to their public website, some didn't even reply. One did send some emails until they found out we are a website, and all communciation stopped!
So we had to distill the information from a variety of sources on the web. In other words, if there's an error there somewhere, blame the manufacturer ! It's amazing how little information they publish on the web. A normal thing, like the weight of a helmet, is sadly missing from most of them...how can anyone make an informed choice is beyond us..
Using Bluetooth with Helmets
All Bluetooth enabled helmets listed below can be used as intercom, i.e., you can communicate with your pillion as long as they're equipped with the same system (each BT equipment manufacturer uses different technology that just will not allow you to mix & match different manufacturers). You can not mix & match different helmets manufacturers! To communicate between helmets, you need to "pair" the helmets, a simple procedure involving pressing a button for a few seconds, allowing each unit to identify each other.
Additionally, all listed helmets below can communicate with a Bluetooth enabled telephone. Not all telephones are supported, and usually the manufacturer's website has a list of telephones supported. Only one helmet will be able to communicate with a telephone. That one is designated the "master".
Only a few helmets also offer the possibility to add other devices (Bluetooth or wired), such as iPods, MP3 player or GPS. What you get then is a complete communication and entertainment unit.
We've listed all motorcycle helmets we could find, even if they didn't have a Bluetooth offering. In another article that will appear shortly, you'll find another list of third party Bluetooth add-ons to helmets, ie, from the non-helmet manufacturers.
Helmet Survey Explanation
Clicking on a Bluetooth (BT) helmet name opens new information in a small window. You must have Javascript enabled to see the information.
Explanations: BT = Bluetooth,
Price: Where we've listed prices, they are usually the price found on the web of the lowest possible price. A bit of Googling will get you there. Obviously prices differ from country to country, so they may be different in your country. Some models may also not be available in your country. We've tried where possible to show you the price of the helmet without a BT module (Normal), the price of the helmet with factory/dealer built-in BT and for those that have it available, the price of an add-on BT module.
Other Devices = Supports other devices (iPod, MP3, etc). The connection types are listed (BT Limited = can connect on a limited basis, BT & Wired = you can hook up to a "hub" that will communicate via BT to your helmet allowing you to hook up almost anything)
Weight: The weight of the helmet without the BT module (in grams), and the weight with the BT module.
Battery: Opers= number of hours you can communicate, Stndby = Standby- number of hours you can use the unit while not talking, Charge = number of hours you need to charge the unit.
Both weight and price columns have normally two figures. The first one is without Bluetooth, the 2nd with Bluetooth.
Note1: This page will need several second extra to load, so patience!
Note2: This page will NOT load on Safari/Chrome browsers due to their incompatibility, sorry.
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