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3rd Party Bluetooth Gear for Motorcycle Helmets

May
2007

  File under Bluetooth Helmets
  Author: Mike Werner
  Location: Normandy, France
  Comments:

Last Update: 31-July-2008 - Updated Parrot SK4000

This is the companion report of Motorcycle Helmet Manufacturers with Bluetooth report {link}. In this report, we'll look at the non-helmet manufacturers who provide you with Bluetooth functionality for your helmet, no matter which helmet manufacturer.

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.

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 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

The survey was carried out, as usual, via the internet. When there were questions, we contacted the manufacturers, but, as usual, many did not think it was worth their efforts or time to reply. So any gaps, or mistaken information, blame the manufacturers.

Notes:

Often manufactures will say that you can listen to music using their Bluetooth headsets. This is true, but usually it means that you'll need a Bluetooth enabled mobile telephone that can play music. In most cases you can not hook up a Bluetooth iPod or other to their system. In these cases we'll have not marked the Music/MP3 as "available".

Not all Bluetooth enabled mobile telephones are compatible with the gear. Check the manufacturer's website for compatability.

As is the case with Bluetooth helmets, you can only use headsets belonging to one manufacturer. You can not mix & match headsets.

There are apparently only a few Bluetooth communicator manufacturers, so you'll find the same model offered by several "brands", all with their own logo stamped on the gear. It's not easy to find out who is the original manufacturer.

Survey Explanation

Clicking on the product name opens new information in a small window. You must have Javascript enabled to see the information. NOTE: You will find additional information in the window, such as Bluetooth class and compatibility with other devices.

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 products may also not be available in your country. Note: Make sure you look at the currency symbol used for the price!

Functions = All units support mobile phone/GSM, either directly or via an adapter. I/C= Intercom GPS= GPS device (either wired or BT) MP3= Music device like iPod or MP3 player B2B=Bike-to-Bike Other= Other devices not listed above.

Weight: The weight of the product when mounted on a helmet. If it's not mounted on a helmet, then it'll show n/a.

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.

When clicking on a product name, inside the window that opens, you'll find the Bluetooth Class used, and the device compatibility (where known).

Model

Functions

Weight:
(grams)

Battery:
-Opers
-Stndby
-Charge
(hours)

Price:

Comments

Hide details for [<b>AKE (</b>Germany</font>])

AKE (Germany)

Bluetooth Helm Set 101
Add-On

I/C: Yes
GPS: Yes
MP3: Yes
B2B: Yes
Other: Yes

Ops: 4-8
Sby: 150
Chg: ?

194€

Requires: AKE Powercom
You need the AKE Powercom communication hub for this to work.
Requires: AKE Powercom
Music is carried in stereo.
Requires: AKE Powercom
Click here to read a detailed review

Powercom
Standalone

I/C: Yes
GPS: Yes
MP3: Yes
B2B: Yes
Other: Yes

Ops: -
Sby: -
Chg: -

199€

Powercom is a central communications hub, expandable to multi-functions. The price above is for the smallest unit.
You can add a Bluetooth connector that will allow you to communicate via Bluetooth with any Bluetooth headset (not just from AKE).
Click here to read a detailed review

Hide details for [<b>Albrecht (</b>Germany</font>])

Albrecht (Germany)

BPA-100 Bluetooth Adapter
Add-On

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: Yes
Other: No

n/a

Ops: 6
Sby: 100
Chg: ?

89.9€

Requires: Albrecht Rider
The Albrecht BPA-100 is an adapter enabling a walkie-talkie to communicate via Bluetooth. The unit contains a Push-To-Talk switch. Compatible with all Alan, Midland and Albrecht PMR446 & CB radio devices with 2 pin (2.5/3.5mm) accessory socket

BPA-100 Navi
Add-On

I/C: No
GPS: Yes
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

n/a

Ops: 6
Sby: 100
Chg: ?

79.9€

Requires: ALBRECHT-Rider.
Unit connects to a GPS that does not have Bluetooth.

Rider
Clip/Glue on

I/C: Yes
GPS: Yes
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

33.5

Ops: 7
Sby: 168
Chg: 3

149€

The unit is a Cardo Scala Rider.

Hide details for [<b>Autocom (</b>UK</font>])

Autocom (UK)

Bluetooth Adapter
Add-On

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

Ops:
Sby:
Chg:

Requires: Autocom Intercom
Bluetooth adapter for the Autocom Intercoms. Allows you to use mobile telephones or GPS that are equipped with Bluetooth.
Requires: Autocom Intercom
One of the biggest motorcycle intercom producers, Autocom do not have any real Bluetooth offering. They do supply a Bluetooth add-on for their wired intercoms, which allows for a Bluetooth enabled mobile telephone to communicate with the intercom.
Requires: Autocom Intercom
Contacted - No Reply

Hide details for [<b>Baehr (</b>Germany</font>])

Baehr (Germany)

Bluephone
Add-On

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

n/a

Ops: ?
Sby: ?
Chg: ?

249€

Requires: Baehr Intercoms
The Bluephone is an add-on to their existing intercoms, allowing you to connect a Bluetooth enabled mobile telephone to their intercom systems.
Requires: Baehr Intercoms
Contacted - No Reply

BlueTronic Headset
Clip/Glue on

I/C: Yes
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

Ops: ?
Sby: ?
Chg: ?

This is the Bluetooth equipped headset that is mounted in your helmet. It can work stand-alone with a BT phone, or as intercom.
Contacted - No Reply

BlueTronic MotoBox Solo
Standalone

I/C: No
GPS: Yes
MP3: Yes
B2B: Yes
Other: No

n/a

Ops: n/a
Sby: n/a
Chg: n/a

The Motobox is either wired to your motorcycle, or runs on batteries. It is meant for Solo riders, ie, no intercom functionality.
Contacted - No Reply

Hide details for [<b>BlueAnt (</b>USA</font>])

BlueAnt (USA)

Interphone
Clip/Glue on

I/C: Yes
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: Yes
Other: No

Ops: 10
Sby: 700
Chg: ?

189$

Same as CellularLine Interphone
Buy at Amazon USA:
BlueAnt Interphone Bluetooth

Hide details for [<b>Cardo (</b>USA</font>])

Cardo (USA)

BTA II Adapter
Add-On

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

Ops: 7
Sby: 200
Chg: 2

49.99$

Requires: Scala-Rider
This adapter will make a non-Bluetooth equipped telephone communicate with the Scala Rider via Bluetooth.

Scala Rider
Clip/Glue on

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

33.5

Ops: 7
Sby: 168
Chg: 3

149.99$

For a complete review of the Scala Rider click here
Scala have a large series of accessories including travel chargers, extra headsets, pouches, microphone sponges and clamps.
Buy at Amazon UK:
Scala Rider Bluetooth Hands Free

Scala Rider FM
Clip/Glue on

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: Yes

33.5

Ops: 7
Sby: 168
Chg: 3

179.99$

Radio will last between 8-10 hours before you need to recharge. Scala have a large series of accessories including travel chargers, extra headsets, pouches, microphone sponges and clamps.
Buy at Amazon UK:
Scala Rider Bluetooth Handsfree & FM Radio

Scala Rider Q2
Clip/Glue on

I/C: Yes
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: Yes
Other: Yes

33.5

Ops: 8
Sby: 240
Chg: 3

189€

Up to 3 Q2 units can be interconnected over a distance of 500 meters/1640 feet.

Unit incorporates stereo FM radio.

Scala Rider Teamset
Clip/Glue on

I/C: Yes
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

33.5

Ops: 7
Sby: 168
Chg: 4

229.99$

For a complete review of the Scala Rider click here
The Teamset support three way calls, between the mobile telephone, rider and pillion. Scala have a large series of accessories including travel chargers, extra headsets, pouches, microphone sponges and clamps.
Buy at Amazon UK:
Scala Rider TeamSet

Hide details for [<b>CellularLine (</b>Italy</font>])

CellularLine (Italy)

Interphone
Clip/Glue on

I/C: Yes
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: Yes
Other: No

Ops: 7
Sby: 700
Chg: ?

168€

For a complete review of the Cellularline Interphone, click here
Single unit bike-to-bike with some 150 meter range.
When connecting to GPS, you loose the Intercom.

Hide details for [<b>Chatterbox (</b>USA</font>])

Chatterbox (USA)

X1 Bluetooth
Standalone

I/C: Yes
GPS: Yes
MP3: Yes
B2B: No
Other: Yes

n/a

Ops: ?
Sby: ?
Chg: ?

399.95$

Available June 2007. The unit is wired to your helmet, but allows for Bluetooth connection to mobile telephone and music (iPod or MP3 types).

Hide details for [<b>Dimton (</b>Taiwan</font>])

Dimton (Taiwan)

BlueVirtu BAT-01
Standalone

I/C: Yes
GPS: Yes
MP3: Yes
B2B: Yes
Other: Yes

Ops: 20
Sby: 750
Chg: n/a

300$

Unit can not be hard wired for electricity. Any Bluetooth headset will accept the single from the BAT-01.

BlueVirtu BSH-01
Clip/Glue on

I/C: Yes
GPS: Yes
MP3: Yes
B2B: No
Other: No

18gr

Ops: 9
Sby: 500
Chg: ?

185$

Hide details for [<b>Hebo (</b>Spain</font>])

Hebo (Spain)

Hebo Call
Clip/Glue on

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

Ops: 7
Sby: 200
Chg: ?

197.95€

Unit uses a throat microphone. Only for Bluetooth mobile phone.

Hide details for [<b>IMC (</b>Germany</font>])

IMC (Germany)

BHS-500
Clip/Glue on

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: Yes
B2B: No
Other: No

120

Ops: 10
Sby: 150
Chg: ?

Solo rider model.

BHS-600
Clip/Glue on

I/C: Yes
GPS: No
MP3: Yes
B2B: No
Other: No

120

Ops: 10
Sby: 150
Chg: ?

Rider and pillion can connect their private device (i.e. private cellular) to their headset.

Hide details for [<b>Intaride (</b>UK</font>])

Intaride (UK)

Bluetooth Module
Add-On

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

n/a

Ops: n/a
Sby: n/a
Chg: n/a

65€

Requires: Intaride Evo
To be used inside the Evo intercom (it must be factory fitted), allowing you to connect a Bluetooth enabled mobile telephone.

Evo
Standalone

I/C: Yes
GPS: Yes
MP3: Yes
B2B: Yes
Other: No

n/a

Ops: ?
Sby: ?
Chg: ?

275€

The unit has an optional Bluetooth module for mobile telephone. A wireless headset will shortly be available (called Liberty), but it does not use Bluetooth.

Liberty
Add-On

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

Ops: 20
Sby: ?
Chg: 1

360€

Requires: Intaride Evo
The liberty is an add-on to the Intaride Evo intercom. It gives you a wireless headset, but not using Bluetooth, but a proprietary system. However, you do get full stereo. The Liberty can also be used other manufacturer's intercoms.
Requires: Intaride Evo
The price is for 2 headsets.

Hide details for [<b>JM (</b>USA</font>])

JM (USA)

HS-BLU277-FF
Clip/Glue on

I/C: No
GPS: Yes
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

Ops: ?
Sby: ?
Chg: ?

Stereo. There is an intercom function, but it is wired. The unit is meant for Full Face Helmets. The system has not been released.

HS-BLU277-FL
Clip/Glue on

I/C: No
GPS: Yes
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

Ops: ?
Sby: ?
Chg: ?

Stereo. There is an intercom function, but it is wired. The unit is meant for Flip Open Helmets. The system has not been released.

HS-BLU277-OF
Clip/Glue on

I/C: No
GPS: Yes
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

Ops: ?
Sby: ?
Chg: ?

Stereo. There is an intercom function, but it is wired. The unit is meant for Open Face (Jet) Helmets. The system has not been released.

Hide details for [<b>Midland (</b>USA</font>])

Midland (USA)

445 BT
Add-On

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: Yes
Other: No

200

Ops: ?
Sby: ?
Chg: ?

149€

First walkie-talkie that is equipped with Bluetooth. (Product link is to CTE, their international partner).

Hide details for [<b>Motorola (</b>USA</font>])

Motorola (USA)

Headset HS830
Clip/Glue on

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

Ops: 5
Sby: 100
Chg: 2

158.99$

One of the very first, designed together with Momo Design.

Pendant HS830
Clip/Glue on

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

Ops: 5
Sby: 100
Chg: 2

138.99$

Buy at Amazon USA:
Bluetooth HS830 Helmet Headset

Hide details for [<b>Parrot (</b>France</font>])

Parrot (France)

SK4000
Clip/Glue on

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: Yes
B2B: No
Other: Yes

102

Ops: 10
Sby: 600
Chg: 3

149€

For a full review of the SK4000, click here.
Full stereo. Includes a FM RDS Radio and a wireless remote control unit for your handlebars. Connect via BT A2DP or via wired interface.

Hide details for [<b>SpyBall (</b>Italy</font>])

SpyBall (Italy)

Hello-Biker
Clip/Glue on

I/C: Yes
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

Ops: 12
Sby: 100
Chg: 1

206€

For a full review of Hello-Biker, click here.
Available 2nd Quarter 2007.
GPS compatible, but Zumo has intercom issues related to the Zumo.

Hide details for [<b>Starcom1 (</b>UK</font>])

Starcom1 (UK)

BTM-01
Add-On

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

n/a

Ops: ?
Sby: ?
Chg: ?

162$

Requires: Starcom1 Intercom
Used to connect a Bluetooth enabled mobile telephone to their intercoms systems.

Hide details for [<b>SuperTooth (</b>France</font>])

SuperTooth (France)

Moto
Clip/Glue on

I/C: Yes
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

Ops: 10
Sby: 700
Chg: 4

149€

Same as the Cellularline Interphone.

Hide details for [<b>VersoRider (</b>Belgium ?</font>])

VersoRider (Belgium ?)

???
Clip/Glue on

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

Ops: 8
Sby: ?
Chg: ?

90€

No manufacturer information found, except a few links in forums.

Hide details for [<b>Votronic (</b>Germany</font>])

Votronic (Germany)

Helmet-Basic
Clip/Glue on

I/C: Yes
GPS: Yes
MP3: No
B2B: No
Other: No

190

Ops: 20
Sby: ?
Chg: 9

350€

Rear mounted. You need two units for intercom facility, otherwise you can use it for phone/GPS only.

Premium
Standalone

I/C: No
GPS: Yes
MP3: Yes
B2B: Yes
Other: Yes

Ops: -
Sby: -
Chg: -

650€

Stereo.
To listen to the connected devices, and for intercom and phone, you'll need the Helmet-Basic device.

Solo
Standalone

I/C: No
GPS: No
MP3: Yes
B2B: Yes
Other: No

Ops: -
Sby: -
Chg: -

450€

Stereo.
To listen to the connected devices, and for intercom and phone, you'll need the Helmet-Basic device.

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Old Comments - Use comment system above

1) Calvin said on: (22/05/2007 08:59:48 GMT)

email:Calvin | website:

There is a new system in Taiwan market. It almost got everything in their system. here is their web site { Link }

2) Jon said on: (27/06/2007 07:44:36 GMT)

email: | website:

Are any of these headsets stereo? Will they play stereo music when interfaced with a Garmin Zumo?

3) Mike Werner said on: (27/06/2007 09:07:15 GMT)

email:Mike Werner | website: http://news.motorbiker.org/

Jon, most of the the clip-on don't. The standalone units probably do, but have not tested them.

4) Vlad said on: (16/07/2007 03:22:22 GMT)

email:Vlad | website: http://www.motomania-online.com.ua

Found some info and photo of VersoRider:

{ Link }

Looks fully identical to Albrecht BPA-100 Bluetooth Adapter, so I assume it is the same module.

5) Spencer said on: (28/08/2007 02:42:40 GMT)

email:Spencer | website: http://www.benchmarkhelmets.com

The Garmin Zumo series to date does not broadcast with the A2DP protocol, which supports stereo.

We carry the IMC/Camos line in the US and a Bluetooth 2.0 adapter would work great with a Nav system for streaming audio/MP3's the IMC is really the nicest piece for your money.

Cheers

6) Brandon Darbro said on: (06/09/2007 20:18:08 GMT)

email:Brandon Darbro | website:

Been trying for a couple weeks to reach Dimton now, I want to get two of their BSH-01 headset units. No reply from them to either my home or work email... and their contact phone numbers on their website are no longer good, don't exist anymore. I signed up for a Taiwan business finding service, found them, but they had the same broken phone and fax numbers for Dimton as the website.

Did anyone ever get one of these? Did they work? Does anyone know how to reach them now? Did they go out of business?

7) Mike Werner said on: (06/09/2007 20:32:01 GMT)

email:Mike Werner | website: http://motorbiker.org

I do think they've gone belly up, since I've had several emails to them with no response. Looks like a fly-by-night..

8) Brandon Darbro said on: (06/09/2007 20:41:26 GMT)

email:Brandon Darbro | website:

Nuts nuts nuts!

I liked what it promised... everything. A headset that'll do intercom, phone, and a2dp... and in stereo. It's what many of us want, what is the major roadblock to getting such a device? Sure American lawyers are fearful things, but don't sell it here except by the Internet to those willing to risk it.

Funny the Dimton website had it's front page all messed up last week, but it was fixed a couple days ago. So someone is keeping that site up. Hrmmm. Frustrating.

9) Stuart Parker said on: (12/09/2007 06:51:37 GMT)

email:Stuart Parker | website: http://ww.sparxfly.co.nz

Doimton are up and running.

I am NZ agent for them, have had evaluation units for the last 2 weeks. Check my website for User Guide and User review I am creating as I do acceptance testing.

Worth the wait- they are pretty smart units.

10) Melvin Jordan said on: (21/10/2007 17:20:21 GMT)

email:Melvin Jordan | website:

Tested pretty much everything out there and came back to the Cardo TeamSet because it's the only one allowing multi-point connection, i.e. switching between my TomTom GPS, my cell and my passenger. Also: Unlike the Interphone/BlueAnt/Cellularline unit, the Cardo mike doesn't hurt when worn inside a tight helmet and also has a built-in FM radio.

11) Pete Chestney said on: (19/11/2007 23:13:11 GMT)

email:Pete Chestney | website:

Melvin what kind of sound quality does the Cardo have? I have the BlueAnt Interphone and the music from my Zumo sounds tinnier than my first transistor radio! Also, at speeds above 35mph the volume from my cellphone is too low to hear well. I'm told I can be heard satisfactorily, however.

12) Mike Werner said on: (20/11/2007 06:47:46 GMT)

email:Mike Werner | website: http://www.motorbiker.org/

Pete,

If I remember correctly the BlueAnt is the same as the Cellularline and others, so you should have a turbo volume function. That allows you to boost the sound so that you can hear sound about 100mph! It works really fine on my CellularLine Interphone.

As for music, none of the standalone units will give you "real" music, in other words, none of them give proper sound, all will be tin sound, especially music.

To get real music, you need 2 headphone, V2 Bluetooth and a central hub (like AKE, Autocom, Starcom, etc).

13) Pete Chestney said on: (20/11/2007 15:08:26 GMT)

email:Pete Chestney | website:

Thanks, Mike. I'll check out the turbo volume.

As for music, I don't need stereo. I'm deaf in one ear, but the tinny sound is killing me. It's so bad I don't even listen to the tunes I've got on my Zumo.

I have a system from J & M that's not too bad, but it's wired and I end up looking like the back of my entertainment center.

14) Mike Werner said on: (20/11/2007 15:13:55 GMT)

email:Mike Werner | website: http://news.motorbiker.org/