Communication Ideas
Cb Radio Systems for STAR Chapter 304 – Fayetteville, GA
We all know there are different kinds of riders. There are types that prefer to get on their bikes and ride, having absolutely NO contact with anyone else for any reason. Then there are those of us that prefer ,for whatever reason, to be able to have conversations with the people we’re riding with for safety and for conversation as well as being able to stay in contact with people not on the road with us. This article is in NO way saying that in order to ride with us you need to purchase a cb, and is intended for reference only in the event you would like to put a system on your bike!!
All systems/options below can be purchased from
www.sierra-mc.comWhile they do not extend a discount to group purchasing or anything the like, they are certainly the cheapest company to buy from. Also they seem to be the friendliest as well. When ordering, tell them what other systems or headsets you may have or plan to add to your bike, that way they can help you decide if there are any special adapters or plugs you’ll need.
SYSTEM 1
The Ultimate System is from
J&M Corporation. They specialize in a high end communications package specifically for motorcycles. This is the holy grail of radio/music/intercom systems for the motorcycle world. We have a couple of members with systems from J&M and are very happy with their systems! For those that enjoy listening to music as well as having the ability to have cb communications, I have to say, the J&M sound quality cannot be beat! However, as the old saying goes, “If you wanna play, you gotta pay!“ The J&M system is the best, although it is the most expensive. If you have the extra dough to spend and decide to go with this system, my recommendation is as follows…JMCB2003-DU for Dual RiderJMCB2003-SL for Solo RiderThis is an all in one CB and Intercom that is a very clean looking install. There is also a music device input built in for your iPod, MP3 or satellite radio which I recommend Ram-Mounts to attach the music source. With this system you will be required to buy the J&M Headsets for your helmet. No other Headsets will work with this system! These Headsets can be pricey, but are well worth it. My recommendation is either their mid grade or highest quality product line, both sound awesome. I wouldn’t waste the money on the low end Headsets. You’ve already spent the money on this high end system, going with the low end headsets to save a few bucks at this point would defeat the purpose. Because there are so many options for this system, below is the link to their site to do the research for exactly what you want your ideal system to do.
www.jmcorp.comSYSTEM 2
This system is the way that I went. It is a cheaper costing system than the J&M, also comes with headsets and a built in cell phone interface, but it isn’t as “compact” of a system.
This system is terribly simple and straight forward. No knobs, no controls, “no nothing”. It has a connection for a separate CB radio with a separate push-to-talk button that is handlebar mounted, it has a music input, and it has a cell phone input, that I might add works well at even highway speeds. Most people can’t tell when they call that I am even on my bike, even with a ¾ open face helmet with the shield down. The system also includes the intercom as standard. Yet another feature of this system that is comes with headsets for the helmet. Enough to completely setup two helmets right out of the box. Included are 2 sets of speakers and 4 microphones. Two of the mics are for traditional non-flip-front full face helmets where the mics just Velcro in to the front; and the other two mics are designed to be used with flip-front/open face helmets. A little ingenuity and they could even work with half/brain bucket helmets as well. Additional half helmet style kits are available. These headsets do not attach to the helmet in anyway. You slip them onto your head, but under your helmet’s straps. This way you don’t have to wear the headset with microphone if you don’t want to.
This system does not come with a CB. You have to add that. The best one I’ve found is the
Midland Radio 75-822 package. (Also available at Wal-Mart.) This is a terribly small unit with the option to use bike power or battery power. However, I still would run the radio off of rechargeable NiMH batteries though. The Grounding system of the bike does not like the load of the CB and the intercom at the same time and also causes some serious engine noises both incoming and outgoing. The NiMH batteries don’t use a whole lot of power and can easily last all day and then some. The other thing that will be needed to mount this radio is a bracket. The best mounting system we’ve found for this radio is the Ram Belt Clip Mount. Anything else you’d want to mount to your bars such as IPod, Mp3, Drink Holder, etc can also be purchased from www.cyclegadgets.com.I use an external license plate antenna with a 3 foot antenna. You can use a shorter 2 ft. antenna, but your range will be cut down. The unit comes with a short rubber antenna that can be used in an emergency, but the range is cut down so low with that antenna, yelling to the bike next to you might have a better range than using the cb sometimes! J
Just to restate that we aren't pushing anyone to get a Cb for their bike. Some people enjoy them, others don't. The purpose in creating this page was due to so many people asking questions about which one is better. Whatever system you decide to go with, if any, drop us a line, and we'll be glad to help with any issues you might come up with!