Best Rider to Rider Bluetooth Communications

 

Beat The Heat Tour 2023 at Lizard Head Pass, Colorado

Group rides can be a lot of fun but when a group is large it can be helpful to have communication with at least one other rider to help ensure the group is doing well and staying together.  Although, for me the primary season I started using a Bluetooth communication set up was for music and in extreme cases the ability to make a call or receive a call while still moving, the ability to have up to date information about my group when I am leading is also important.

My first Bluetooth device was a Sena 20S I purchased in January 2016 and reviewed a three months later.  That Sena was a good system.  I used it up until the spring of 2023, I even removed the Sena from my helmet and took it with me to Italy when I rented a BMW (and helmet) and rode in the Alps for a week.

In the Spring of 2023 my wife's Sena 10S was not working well and battery life had degraded greatly.  The 20S had served me well, but it time for a pair of new Bluetooth headsets.  Of course all the research showed me the top two brands were Sena and Cardo.  There are pros and cons with both brands and their different models.  After a good amount of research and some input from friends I decided on switching to the Cardo Packtalk.  Now over a year later what do I think?

Arai Nicky Hayden and Cardo Packtalk

 

Here are some of the notable differences that I like:

     1) Cardo is Waterproof - Sena 20S water resistant (On various trips the Sena got wet and kept working, but I always took it off if the rain was going to hard or for a long time).

     2) The Cardo is slimmer so it does not stick out from the helmet as much as the Sena.

I love the slim Cardo Packtalk.

     3) Cardo mesh system connects easily with other Cardo's and with a little work it connects with Sena systems. 

     4) The JBL speakers that come with the Packtalk are great!  When using the Sena I would plug in headbuds to the Sena and use them because even with my full face helmet the music was difficult to hear.  (I understand Sena has upgrade and now has much better speakers.)

     5) Taking the Packtalk off the helmet and replacing it is very easy.

 

Of course there are other difference but the five above are the ones that standout to me. 

The controls are very easy to use even with a riding gloves.  The sound quality is great!  The Cardo Packtalk has voice activation for Siri so I can talk to Siri without using any of the controls.  This feature is really nice to skip a song, have a text read, compose a text, make a call...

Sleek and yet easy to control and use.

 

So after riding over 23,000 miles with the Cardo as my communication system I have no regrets.  The battery life has been great and the system has worked flawlessly.

If you need a high quality Bluetooth communication system I highly recommend the Cardo Packtalk.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Tail bag Review

Motorcycle Luggage

Extended motorcycle trips are a lot of fun and I look forward to those trips.  The challenge with trips lasting several days is packing what is needed and/or wanted for the trip.  Storage/luggage space can be a concern for all but a few touring bikes.

Awesome gear for every rider!

For my June trip to the CMA National Rally in Hatfield, Arkansas and  the Moto Oz Beat the Heat tour to Colorado I knew I would need some additional luggage. The Seahorse side cases are narrow (6.2 inches - interior) and I had a lot of camping and hiking gear as well as my food to transport.

Being a budget minded rider I wanted to get the biggest "bang for the buck" I could.  I opted for the Viking Bags Economy Line Bag system.  The bag is a combination of leather and Cordura.  The stitching looked good and held up to tight packing and rough handling.

Both photos from www.vikingbags.com

The main bag's dimensions are 19X17.5X8 and the roll bag is 14X9.  The mounting straps for the bags are sturdy and work to make a good tight fit.  A rain cover, adjustable universal mounting system and backpack straps are included.

Photo from Vikingbags.com

The big zippered top opening allows for easy access which makes packing larger items convenient.  It held up to being stuffed tightly, the seams did not appear stressed.  The front pouch, with quick release strap, held smaller items for quick access.

Nice fit on the VStrom.

The D-hooks worked efficiently with the mounting straps or bungee cords to secure the bag on the bike and still allow for easy access to what is in the bag.

While on my trips I never had to use the rain cover so I decide to test the cover.  The video below shows the rain cover works great.  (Please excuse the amateur videoing)

I found the Viking Bag highly functional, well made and versatile.  If you are needing some quality motorcycle luggage I would recommend Viking Bags.  The Economy Line offers big bang for the bucks!

 

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* I have personally ordered from and/or visited this business and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!

# Based on reviews, word of mouth and discussion with others I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

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Luggage for the Ninja

Quality motorcycle luggage is important for multi-day trips.  Soft motorcycle luggage is never quite as "water-proof" or durable as hard luggage, but often time is more economical and convenient.

This spring I was planning out the trip to Florida that my son and I would take.  This would be the first time he would be riding his own motorcycle, a Ninja 250.  I knew he needed some luggage for the trip, but I new there is not a huge selection for the Ninja 250.

While at the Maxim Honda (Allen, TX) Open House I spoke with a representative from Cycle Case who was showing a new line of Hi-Viz luggage.  After checking it out I bought some for my son's bike.

The color of the bags will catch the cagers' attention

Installation was easy.  The adjustable  (hook and loop) seat strap connecting the two saddlebags was easy to customize to the appropriate length for the Ninja.  The trunk fastened to the saddlebags using quick release type fasteners.  We ended up using some bungee cords to secure the truck so we could move the trunk back and not crowd the rider.

Rain cover looks good, wish it was also "Hi-Viz"

The saddle bags are equipped with an attached "waterproof" rain cover conveniently located in a zippable small pocket on the bottom edge closest to the bike.  The convenience is nice, but the covering does not cover the side closest to the bike and does not have a draw string to tighten the cover securely on the saddlebag, instead it has an elastic strap sewn into the opening of the cover.  We found this to be a big problem.  Water eventually soaked through that side during a long period of riding in the rain.  The cover had a tendency to blow off after a period of time.  At one point the left side cover came off and was chewed up by the chain and sprocket.

Rain cover storage on each saddlebag

The attached straps for the trunk are neatly tucked away at each corner on the bottom.  The rain cover for the truck is stored inside the trunk, but does not have a designated storage area.  The trunk's rain cover worked fine.  It was easy to place on the trunk and secured with the elastic band sewn inside, although the cover needed to be pulled tight and tucked under the back side of the trunk.

Truck straps tuck into pockets on each corner, loops for alternative securing are provided

The bags are well made and a good value for the price.  The visibility is top-notched.  The mounting and securing is easy and convenient.  If you don't ride much in the rain these are great economical bags.

The rain covers are a big negative to the bags.  First off, I don't understand why you cover hi-viz bags with black at a time when visibility is even more important - in the rain!  Second, the lack of options to tighten and secure the cover is a great oversight.

I think the company has a good product, but needs to make some changes to make it an above average product.

I hate wet feet when riding

This is my second post concerning riding boots (first post).  I have found that if my toes are cold or my feet are uncomfortable riding becomes less enjoyable so quality footwear is important for comfort as well as safety/protection.

A few months ago I acquired a pair of Icon Accelerant Waterproof boots from Riders Discount.

Great soles on the Accelerant Waterproof boots

The boots are made with an anti-slip rubber compound soles that grip very well in all weather conditions.  Leather and nylon uppers give the boot a nice look, a sturdy feel, and great durability.  There is a "shin deflection strap" that makes the boots fit snug and keeps the laces from flapping around.  The shin deflection strap has an aluminum lock buckle that works smoothly.

The boots fit snug.  If you wear a size 9 and are use to them being a little loose you will not find that the case with these boots.  If you were wanting to be able to wear some thick socks during the cold weather you may need to purchase one size bigger than usual.  The boots felt great as soon as I put them on.  I did not need any "break-in" time. They are very light when compared to other boots.  Icon claims they are the lightest boots Icon makes.  I believe them.

Photo from the Icon Riders Discount

I wore the boots in the snow during one of the rare occasions it snows here in North Texas.  My feet never got wet.  When riding in the rain the feet stayed dry.  The boots have lived up to their claim of being waterproof.

What stands out the most to me is the comfort.  I have worn the boots for over 12 hours a day during my trip to and from Orlando.  At the end of the day I wasn't just rushing to take the boots off.  The boots support the feet and ankles very well.  The cushion is not enough to play 3 hours of basketball, but it is enough for a day of riding and site seeing.  These boots are as good for riding as they are for walking.

If you are needing a good waterproof boot checkout the Icon Accelerant Waterproof boot.  I think you will find them a great buy.

Shuttle Launch Postponed!

At the first of February I posted that my brother-in-law, Jeff, was going to ride to Florida to see the March 18th shuttle launch.  Well, all this global warming made NASA postpone the March 18th launch till April.  The decision was prompted by unusual cold weather - wait, I thought it was global warming.  It is disappointing, but we just have to make the best of it.

My wife and son already have flights booked and the in-laws are anticipating our visit. Jeff and I discussed the situation and since he already has the days off we will still make the trip (unless really bad weather or something major changes our plans).

This will be a great chance for me to test two recently acquired items:  Icon Accelerant Waterproof Motorcycle Boots and AFX FX-3 Karbon Beanie Half Helmet.

The preliminary impressions on both have been good, but a 2,500+ road trip will allow ample usage for me to make a full evaluation.  I will be able to compare the Icon boots with my Harley Davidson FXRG-2 waterproof boots.

Both items came from Riders Discount.  This was my first experience with RD.  The shipment arrived in a timely manner and well packed.

More info on both items and other reviews will come from the trip to Florida.  We plan on staying off the Interstate highways as much as possible and I am sure we will eat in some local restaurants so, there should be plenty to review.

Top Motorcycle Riding Boots

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends over-the-ankle leather boots when riding motorcycles. A good pair of boots is a worthy investment.

I have owned two different pairs of boots. The first were the Side-Zip Highway Boots ($80-$90) by River Road. They were comfortable and durable. The side zipper was very convenient and aided in keeping a snug fit. Once I had tied my laces with the exact amount of tightness that I wanted I never had to mess with them again. The zipper let me put my boots on or remove them comfortably and without disrupting the laces.

The sole was a durable slip-resistant rubber and had another year or so worth of wear when I replaced them after 3+ years of use. I wore them all year in all four seasons. The only reason I replaced them was that one of the zippers broke.

The boots were water-resistant, but not waterproof. I used waterproof boot covers when I had to ride in the rain. Otherwise they were great boots.

I replaced the River Road boots with the Harley Davidson FXRG-2 boots ($125-$180) with Gore-Tex. These boots cost about twice as much as the River Road boots, but I no longer needed to wear boot covers during the rain. In the summer the Gore-Tex fabric allows the feet to breath and yet are totally waterproof (I have ridden is some hard rain and walked through ankle high water).

The soles are slip-resistant, but do not seem quite as durable as the River Road. The boots lace up and the laces must be loosened to remove the boots. The boots fit great and are very comfortable. I can wear the boots all day, even when I spend a great deal of time walking and not just riding.


Would I buy either pair of boots again? Yes. If I had to pick one it would be the FXRG-2 boots. I really like that the Gore-Tex fabric is breathable and waterproof. As far a style and looks both boots are great. So, if you don’t ride in the rain you can save some money if you buy the River Road boots.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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