Bike to Bike Communications

[Wolfjack]

I'm considering the "Chatterbox X-Series" for bike to bike communications. Thanks for any feedback you might have.

[CB750F]

I have a Chatterbox GMRS X1 system. I know a lot of folks who use that system and they all say they work great. I got mine from solomotoparts.com .

[BestMaps]

My wife and I use the Chatterbox GMRS as well and are quite happy with it. We both wear full face helmets. Installation of the speakers, mic, and wires and mounting the unit was not difficult. I don't notice any weight or wind drag from it in use. It quickly unclips from the helmet when you want to leave it on the bike and grab a bite to eat and slip the radio into your pocket. There is a learning curve to make the occasional adjustment to the sensitivity of the VOX system on the fly, but you quickly get accustomed to it, and you'll find it works well at almost any speed. As the wind noise increases at higher speeds, reduce the sensitivty by reaching up and making a small twist of the dial - easily done even with gloves on. You'll also learn to trigger the VOX by making a quick blow before you speak, so the conversation ends up sounding like those you hear of fighter pilots or astronauts. I find setting the VOX sensitivity at a level that requires the blow to trigger it requires the least tending - typically I set it before the ride and never have to touch it again. I like having the bluetooth interface with my GPS, though I have little interest in using my cell phone while riding. The speakers do not provide the best sound quality for listening to music, but then I use earplugs and prefer the sound of the bike and the road anyway. In researching them I came across some comments about the batteries not lasting long, though we've never had the problem in a year of use. Just to be sure we've always run them dead before recharging so they don't develop a short memory. I use the Chatterbox even when riding solo to hear my GPS. There is also a push-to-talk button that mounts quickly with a velcro strap to the bars that my wife likes to use. By using it, she doesn't have to mess with setting the VOX level, though it does have a wire that runs to it from the unit. At first she used it a lot, but now has become comfortable with setting the VOX level just right and rarely bothers with it anymore. I'd imagine if you had a bike with really loud pipes that would trigger the VOX, it would be the better way to go. While I've not had any experience with other units, we're happy with the Chatterbox and glad to have it. - Wayne

[gt500lw]

I have been through four chatterbox's. The performance is unreliable at best. When it works it is awsome, but the units are unreliable.

[Hogrider]

We used the chatter boxes for communication in the dune buggies when out in the Mojave desert and they worked great. The secret seems to be in the VOX setting as it can be so sensitive the exhaust from hard acceleration can open the mic. Dialed in, they were beautiful.

[kslater123]

They work great!

[Doris Liu]

chatterbox is worthwhile. It's lucky for a guy to get such kind of bikes.

[redlinedave]

just use your cell phone