[Brian]

Here's the next cool thing for all "connected" scooter riders; a helmet with attached Bluetooth-enabled headset.

A version of the headset for retrofit to other helmets should also be available soon.

See a write-up and video demos here: http://www.slashphone.com/11/897.html

The demo is nice, but the scooter isn't a Burgman. Oh well, it's still a cool video with a surprise (to me, anyway) ending.

 

[JD]

I saw this is one of my motorcycle magazines last month. I love the concept, but don't like the helmet. I may purchase the headset when it is available for other helmets. But do I really want to use my cell phone while riding, especially after trash talking cell phone users on a previous thread?

 

[Randy]

It the same all story of manufactures doing something because they can not because there is any need

 

[Rubble]

Let's see if we can make motorcycle riders pay as little attention to the road as the cell phone using cagers we love to complain about. Just because a person has two hands on the bars does not mean they are aware of the traffic around them. In my mind it is just a very, very bad idea.

edited to add an 'is'

 

[burg650]

There is already bluetooth headset on the market that are small that goes under the helmet, I have been using one from last summer. What we need is a bluetooth headset that will work with two way radios.

 

[Brian]

What we need is a bluetooth headset that will work with two way radios.

It's not Bluetooth, but in my previous occupation we had a similar device; a small (hearing aid sized) wireless receiver that would fit in one ear, coupled to a wired mic near our throat (which would even work under clothing). The mic went into a VOX (Voice Operated Switch) box that connected to our radios -- several different radio models would work with the setup, so we could choose the best combination of size/range/frequency for our needs.

They're pretty pricey, but it's nice not having wires dangling from your head all the time.

The main problem is that, unlike cell phones, two-way radios aren't (usually) full duplex. They're either half duplex or simplex; you either need a push-to-talk switch or a VOX. That all adds complexity.

As far as using phones or radios while riding; I think the safety issue depends a lot on the rider. I don't have a cell phone now, but I may get one. I don't chat on the phone, using it only to make plans to meet people, call for information, access needed services, etc. It would be the same if I were riding.

I think it would be handy, but there is a potential for abuse. On the other hand, can all those who ride with a passenger tell me that they always ride in total silence, ignoring their passenger whenever the bike is in motion so they can give 100% concentration to their riding? I don't think so. Safety is an attitude as much as anything else; a cellphone -- like a two-way radio, music system, passenger, etc. -- is just one more POTENTIAL distraction that needs to be handled responsibly.

 

[burg650]

What you are talking about is a throat mike which works well to block out wind noise while doing 75mph but as you said they still have to be plugged into a radio which you can have in your pocket but still have a wire running from under your helmet or from you neck to the radio.