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Six Reasons You Need Bluetooth Communications In Your Motorcycle Helmet

We discuss the benefits of having Bluetooth functionality in your helmet, kits for equipping a helmet with Bluetooth, new helmets with built-in Bluetooth, and how things generally work.
Six Reasons You Need Bluetooth Communications In Your Motorcycle Helmet

In this article, we discuss the many benefits you'll enjoy on a motorcycle when you're riding with a helmet equipped for Bluetooth communications. After listening to customer feedback and using Bluetooth-equipped helmets ourselves, we can confidently say that once you've experienced it, there's no going back!

In addition to noting why you'll want one, we'll tell you how it's possible to add a fully-functioning setup to your existing helmet with a Bluetooth communication kit for less than you think. And if you're in the market for a new helmet, we'll show you some new ones with all necessary Bluetooth equipment integrated cleanly and neatly inside.

While we've listed six main points, you'll come to realize there really are countless reasons to hook yourself up!

How Helmet Bluetooth Is Set Up

Whether Bluetooth is added on or built-in, the features work the same way. First, a receiver/transmitter known as a "headset" with large buttons for fingertip control is positioned on the left outer side of the helmet - allowing your right throttle hand to remain on the throttle.

This headset will pair up and tune in to any "handset" device (your smartphone, another device, MP3 player, etc.) with Bluetooth capability. For the purposes of keeping things simple in this article, we'll refer to all receivers as headsets - and we'll refer to any handset source device that broadcasts to them as a phone.

If you prefer keeping both hands on the handlebars instead of reaching up on the left side of your helmet to change settings, we've got remote control devices designed to be mounted directly on the handlebars. Or, choose from wrist-mounted and clip-on remotes. Note that remote controls do not replace the headset piece on the helmet, they simply serve as auxiliary pieces that transmit button commands.

Bluetooth Retrofit Kits

Helmets With Retrofitted Bluetooth Kits
Shown are some helmets with retrofitted Bluetooth kits. The receiver/transmitter (known as the "headpiece") is mounted on the left side of the helmet to allow fingertip operation without removing your right hand from the throttle.

With a retrofit kit, wires connected to the headset run underneath the helmet edge, where they're plugged into other wires for audio components inside the helmet. Depending on the setup you select, you may have flat speakers that stick onto the inner helmet surface - or you may have earphone pieces. Standard small microphones are typically mounted near the mouth area with an adhesive pad or other fastener. Some kits may integrate microphone and speakers into a headset piece worn on the head in traditional fashion.

Common Microphone & Speaker Designed For Mounting Inside Helmets
Shown here are the most common microphone & speaker configurations designed for mounting inside your helmet.

Helmets With Built-In Bluetooth

On integrated helmets, wires from the headset run through the outer helmet shell instead of wrapping underneath the edge. Typically, built-in speakers and a microphone are located discreetly out of sight underneath interior padding. However, accessing these individual components is easy should you need to replace or upgrade any of them later on.

Helmet With Built-In Bluetooth In Detail
This diagram of helmet features shows typical placement of microphone and speakers integrated into the interior.

Six Reasons Why You Need Bluetooth In Your Helmet (Trust Us, You Do)

Modern smartphones are designed to operate virtually all functions and apps via voice command. This means when you've paired a phone to your helmet system, you can do a whole lot of things hands-free just by speaking to the phone through your helmet microphone.

As a general rule, standard Bluetooth setups may require you to switch between audio sources with the touch of a button, and only allow one source to be heard at a time. Notably, more advanced setups will offer "multitasking" that makes it possible to listen to two audio sources at once - permitting a conversation via the intercom function while music or other info is streamed. Look for the multitasking feature for added convenience.

Have A Conversation With Your Passenger Or Other Riders

When you and your passenger are wearing fully enclosed helmets, a normal conversation is impossible. But if you both have Bluetooth, simply pair up and use the intercom function to speak and hear each other clearly - without confusion!

The intercom function also allows a group discussion between other riders who have Bluetooth - up to a mile away depending on their communication system. And if you're helping a friend learn how to ride, easy back-and-forth conversations make coaching them in real time much safer and easier.

Stream Music or Any Audio From Your Phone To Your Helmet

If you've got a smartphone, anything you queue up on it can be transmitted to your helmet to enjoy. This, of course, includes tunes stored on your phone - but you can also enjoy listening to YouTube videos or audio from any app or website that your phone can access.

When you and a passenger both have Bluetooth hookups, you can use the intercom ability to share audio from a single source handset (yours) with your passenger's helmet. As your headset receives from your phone, it will simultaneously transmit to the other headset. So go ahead, enjoy listening to the same thing together.

Get Navigation Instructions Spoken To You

When you're in unfamiliar territory, digging out your phone to look at a NAV screen is cumbersome, time-consuming, and can even put your safety at risk.

Since modern smartphones already include navigation apps and are designed to work with other ones you may choose, it's easy to use your existing phone to transmit voice instructions to your helmet as you go.

Make or Receive A Phone Call

Naturally, this goes without saying that voice-command phone operation is simple and easy with Bluetooth in your helmet. You can decide when a call is important enough to answer, and you can remain in the loop as much as you choose.

Receive and Send Text, Email, or Other Messages

If you set audible alerts when texts, emails, or messages from other apps come in, you'll hear the notifications. Since most modern smartphones are capable of reading messages to you aloud and taking dictation, communicating in real time is easy.

Listen To The Radio

Most Bluetooth helmets are equipped with the ability to receive FM stereo signals. So if you feel like listening to talk radio, a game, or a favorite DJ, you can do so without using a smartphone app to do it - a factor that reduces data minutes used and extends the life of your phone battery. Some may even be equipped for CB radio exchanges.

Bluetooth Kits For Retrofitting An Old Helmet

Sena 10U Communication Cheek Pad System
The Sena 10U Communication Cheek Pad System.

For something different, we'll start with the Sena 10U Communication Cheek Pad System containing two universal fit cheek pads that replace the existing ones in your helmet. They contain a built-in Bluetooth antenna, microphone, speakers, and battery - so there's no wiring or headset outside the helmet to deal with. Along the bottom of the left cheek pad are easy-to-reach control buttons.

SHAD BC03 Hands Free Communication Kit
The SHAD BC03 Hands Free Communication Kit.

Those looking for good value should consider the Sena 3S Bluetooth Headset & Intercom which offers excellent standby/talk time and intercom operation of up to 220 yards. However, it does not feature voice command, FM radio, or the ability to intercom with more than one person. The SHAD BC03 Hands Free Communication Kit does feature voice answering of phone calls, but intercom range is limited to one rider very close by.

Sena Expand Long-Range Bluetooth Intercom / Stereo System
The Sena Expand Long-Range Bluetooth Intercom & Stereo System is actually a headphone that can be used away from your helmet.

Sena's Expand Long-Range Bluetooth Intercom & Stereo System is value-priced and adds a half-mile reception range plus intercom ability with up to 4 companions. Most notably, all components are integrated into a single headphone piece, allowing it to be worn and used inside or away from your helmet.

Sena 30K Intercom Communication System
The Sena 30K Intercom Communication System.

Moving up to more advanced capabilities, the Sena 10S Long Range Bluetooth Headset & Intercom Communication System is a fully loaded system that has the ability to intercom with other riders up to a mile away. This system adds the ability to have a conversation with others while you hear music, directions, etc. The Sena 30K Intercom Communication System adds the ability to intercom with many more riders, and it extends the reception range up to 1.2 miles. Similarly, the Cardo Scala Rider SmartH Communication System is a full-feature helmet kit that has an operating range of 2.2 miles.

Cardo Scala Rider SmartH Communication System
Cardo Scala Rider SmartH Communication System.

New Helmets With Integrated Bluetooth

When it comes to full-face protection, we've got Sena's line of Momentum fiberglass Bluetooth helmets. For best value, check out the entry-level Momentum Lite Bluetooth Full Face Helmet which features FM radio, a 1 mile range, a 4-person intercom (other helmets must be Sena Bluetooth also), and has the ability to work with a remote control. It does not offer multitasking. Moving up, Sena's Momentum Standard Bluetooth Full Face Helmet (make your selection from the Product Options drop-down) adds the ability to multitask along with an 8-person intercom that communicates with other non-Sena helmets.

Sena Momentum Series Bluetooth Helmets
The Sena Momentum series Bluetooth helmets offer staggered levels of features.

For the ultimate experience, the Momentum Intelligent Noise-Control Dual Bluetooth Full Face Helmet (again, make your choice from the drop-down in Product Options) adds Sena's advanced "Noise Control" software. This helmet truly boosts safety and comfort by improving your hearing while riding. More specifically, the constant drone of low-frequency wind and engine noises are electronically cancelled out. This allows higher-frequency sounds such as conversations, car horns, and emergency signals to be heard much more clearly.

Sena Cavalry Bluetooth Half Shell Helmet With Bluetooth Communication
The Sena Cavalry Bluetooth Half Shell Helmet with Bluetooth Communication.

If a half-shell helmet fits your around-town cruising style better, check out the Sena fiberglass Cavalry Bluetooth Half Shell Helmet with Bluetooth Communication. It includes a 4-person intercom feature (with non-Sena brand helmets), .5 mile range, FM radio, remote control compatibility, and Sena's advanced noise control to eliminate wind noise interference.

Remote Controls

Sena Handlebar Remote / 4 Button Remote For Bluetooth
If you prefer a handlebar mounting location for your controls, check out the Sena Handlebar remote (left) and 4 Button Remote For Bluetooth (right).

If you'd prefer not to use the buttons on your helmet, we've got remote control devices that secure to your wrist, handlebars, or anywhere. As we mentioned earlier, remote controls do not replace the headset on the side of the helmet, they serve as auxiliary pieces which pair up and transmit simple button commands.

For handlebar mounting, there's the Sena Handlebar Remote and 4 Button Remote For Bluetooth. The Sena Wristband Remote is worn like a watch, and their compact Remote For Bluetooth is designed to be clipped on almost anywhere.

Bluetooth Remote Controls
We've also got Bluetooth remote controls that can be worn on the wrist (left) or clipped on to anything (right).

In our motorcycle Communication section, we've also got individual components such as microphone covers, speakers, earbuds, protective covers, mounting accessories/brackets, clamp kits, and cables of all kinds. Take a look through, and you're sure to find something useful. And if you have any questions, we'll be happy to answer your calls seven days a week!

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