Wireless Bluetooth Headsets

[davidr]

Scala Rider and Interphone are two that are readily available. Both cost about 170 Euros and offer fuss-free wireless connectivity to either your phone or your GPS (or if you're a Zumo owner, you phone and your GPS together through your Zumo)

The main differences are that the Scala has two speakers that go in your helmet and a built in FM radio. The Interphone has only speaker and no radio but has the great advantage of doubling as a wireless bike to bike intercom for a range up to 500 metres (presuming your riding buddy also has the same unit)

Both fit readily onto most helmets via a clamp which fastens onto the inside of the shell.

Scala Marketing is slightly better as if you buy what's known as a 'TeamSet' you get 2 scalas in one box (albeit without an FM radio) for about 250 Euros. For this you can talk wirelessly up to about 10 metres (so well suited to a rider and passenger) or use your phone/GPS

I have a Scala-FM (i.e the one with the radio fitted) and it fits pretty readily to my Arai RX7

[archangel007]

Hi David,

Does that mean the Q2 is true stereo?
Does it also mean that I can play my music throught the Zumo in stereo as well?

Cheers,
Tricky

[davidr]

As far as I'm aware the Q2 is not true stereo for bluetooth, it's simply a mono sound with two speakers, with a cable from the zumo with headphones would in fact give better quality sound.

HTH,

David

[archangel007]

Hi David,

Knowing how you know Garmin so well, I was wondering if you could shed some light on which GPS would be better suited for me.

It must be able to (preferably) adhere to the folloiwng criteria:
1. Must be motorcycle friendly
2. Must be dustproof, water proof and shockproof
3. Must be expandable with the latest maps of Europe, USA and eleswhere, and this must include topo's as well
5. Would like bluetooth capability
6. Must be able to play tunes
7. External memory
8. Must be able yto route and track off-road
9. Preferably cell-phone compatable
10. Easy to use interface

So far I have narrowed down the selection to the following, and I would love your comments on all:
1. Garmin Zumo 660
2. Garmin Zumo 550
3. Tom Tom Rider
4. Garmin 620
5. Garmin 276/278

Cheers,
Tricky

[davidr]

Hi there,

I haven't got time to provide a comprehensive answer right now as I'm on a trip but here are some thoughts:

1. Garmin Zumo 660
Quite a good unit which does all of what you want, quite a few minor niggles with it and route sharing is not as friendly as with the Zumo 400-500 series thanks to Garmin using a different sized SD card slot, why on earth they did this is not clear.

2. Garmin Zumo 550
IMO, a secondhand 550 of 500 with a large SD card would be about the best value solution for what you are looking for (also don't forget about the SP2820 it's a very nice unit of you can find one 2nd hand)

3. Tom Tom Rider
Not as good as Garmin for routes so I wouldn't bother

4. Garmin 620
Looks like quite a promising unit for the future but if memory serves, the recalculate route can't be switched off at this time. Until Garmin update the software, that alone would prevent me trying it.

5. Garmin 276/278
Great units if you like lots of geeky non-intuitive features, I really like these units as they are great for recording and renavigating tracks without needing a pc. For most motorcyclists a Zumo or a 2820 would be better though.

HTH,

David