J&M has about the best selection for HD's. They offer helmets with built in headsets and headset kits that fit other helmets. They also sell Bluthooth products.

 

Scala owner and fan. Started with the Q2's and now have upgraded to the newer G4's - mainly because of the better range and the "stereo" speakers. They have great range if you're using them for bike to bike (not the mile like they say...but markedly better than the Q2's), and they are easy to install (Arai ff & 3/4, KJC ff, Schuberth C3 modular. Excellent battery life (all day). Rain-resistent.

The G4's have been more stable than the q2's in my experience. We used the Q2's for about 1-1/2 years and probably used them on about 10k miles worth of riding. I got the G4's last May and probably have about 5k worth of use on them. The G4 is easier to operate with gloves on (buttons easier to find) and I've had almost zero issues with them staying synced. When I'm not riding with my riding buddy or other people who have Scalas...I wear mine when I want to use my Zumo...that way I can hear the directions. I also have my iPhone synched through the Zumo so I can hear/use the phone through my headset. I rarely use the phone because of the safety factor, but have on occasion.

I have no reservations about recommending the Scala G4. The Q2 was a nice unit as well, but more finicky and not always a consistent performer as far as staying synced. Other Q2 issue we ran into pretty consistently was when I wanted to sync up with a 3rd biker (brother and his wife and a couple of friends have them as well). It was always a PITA and didn't often work...although it could have been "user error".

One bit of advice...it's a good idea to keep the manual or at least copy of the important pages of the manual on your bike. That way, if something goes wrong...you can troubleshoot then and there.

 

Did you try switching off the voice activated feature (VOX)? You have to push the button when you want to start talking, but it may be worth the trouble.

 

There's a $125 headset the dealerships sell around here, that work GREAT for half-shell helmets, they come with the speakers and microphone in a unit that slips over the ears.... but they might not work well with a FF.

The standard set that comes with a bike (like the ULTRA) isn't very good. most folks (I know) ditched it for the J&M. One friend did get the $125 unit (I don't know the PN) and is very happy with it.

 

Is it safe to have someone talking in your ear ,,cant it wait till you stop? Just asking why headsets are needed?

 

Is it safe to talk in your car or when doing anything else in fact?

There are many times that my Mrs knows the way to where we are going and I do not. We have to rely on hand pats etc, which are sometimes missed and many times we miss a turn. It would be far safer to be able to talk. Or if she sees a hazard that I don't. Plus it will make the ride that much more enjoyable to be able to share together as it happens and talk at times.

 

That makes cents to me .My wife doesnt ride but in the cage my wife also knows the way more than I do...Do I see a trend here? Thanks man.

 

[QUOTE=mountainpharm;7948693]The wife and I got a set of Cardo Scala Q2s last year and we LOVE them -- they worked great on our 1000-mile ride up to the Amish country last year. She wore a 3/4 with face shield and I wore a modular FF. Speakers are very comfortable once you get them placed. The only complaint I have about the Cardos is the wind can activate the intercom at interstate speeds. We tried all the tricks, from replacing the windscreen to putting tape over one side of the mic. We were able to make it better, but not completely stop it. Still, that small annoyance was well worth the wife having her own tunes via iPod, as well as having our cell phones connected in case of emergency. The intercom communication is clear and the controls are easy to manipulate even with gloves. Battery life is great as well.


Double dog ditto...

 

Before our next trip (hopefully in March and on a new Road Glide Ultra) we're going to disable the VOX.

Thanks again to Monstead for steering us to the Cardos -- she was very helpful with her recommendations when we were shopping around!

 

Thanks for all of the comments, do the ones mentioned have the capibility to tie into the system on the bike? Wondering because of the Weather Band and CB on the Bike.