What Motorcycle Intercom Systems are and How to Choose the Right One

It may seem funny, however motorcycle intercoms are not enough popular electronic products amongst riders. Even though they are very useful for maintaining fluid communication when traveling with a companion. In addition, they comply with current safety regulations and their use is completely legal. So, let’s have a look at what they are actually and what may offer.

 

What are motorcycle intercoms?

Motorcycle intercoms are electronic communication devices that allow the rider and his passenger to speak comfortably while riding.

Specifically, motorcycle intercom systems are made up of the following elements:

• Two speakers: These serve to amplify the sound sent by the other party.
• Microphones: These are used to send the sound of the voice emitted by the rider to the passenger and vice versa.
• Bluetooth signal senders & receivers: These are to wirelessly link both microphones and speakers.
• Volume controllers to manage the intensity of the sound.

Motorcycle intercoms must be installed inside the helmet as specified by the manufacturer. Most of them are designed for full face helmets, that is, they also cover the chin, although there are some variants for jet helmets.

These intercoms are sold in pairs. One set of Bluetooth microphone, speaker and receiver is installed in the rider’s helmet and the other in that of the passenger. Generally, they work with batteries, although there are also those that are powered by a rechargeable lithium battery.

 

What are the motorcycle intercoms used for?

The purpose of these electronic devices is to allow the rider and passenger to maintain fluid and secure communication while riding. By using an intercom, each can hear the other one without difficulty and unnecessary risks are prevented, such as having to turn the head to speak or move to get closer to the rider. It is also a good thing that the passenger can alert the driver of possible risks on the road that have gone unnoticed for him/her.

In addition, motorcycle intercoms can be used as hands-free devices to talk on the phone, even if it is not their main purpose. To do this, they must allow pairing with a smartphone. They can also be used to listen to directions from the phone’s GPS navigator.

 

Are motorcycle intercoms legal?

The answer is yes, although it is a subject that until not too many years ago, generated considerable controversy. Specifically, the Traffic Code in force in Spain specifies the prohibition of using mobile telephony devices and similar devices while driving or riding, with the exception that their use through hands-free systems. And, of course, motorcycle intercoms meet this requirement.

Of course, you have to be careful with the model you choose. The legislation makes an exception for those hands-free devices that use in-ear speakers, that is, headphones. They also cannot connect using cables.

 

So how do you choose a motorcycle intercom?

While choosing a motorcycle helmet intercom to make sure it is safe and complies with current regulations, review the following aspects:

• It is installed inside the helmet and remains completely hidden.
• Allows communication between the rider and passenger without using cables. Those who use them are prohibited. Optionally, it can serve as a hands-free.
• It has a speaker and microphone, but not in-ear headphones.