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Any headset install tips for FF helmet?

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Old Feb 12, 2009 | 03:15 PM
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Default Any headset install tips for FF helmet?

Hey everyone,

I am going to be installing some headsets in two full faced helmets and was wondering if you guys had install tips? The headsets are made by J and M and have a mic that mounts in the front of the helmet. I've been told that I will have to remove a little bit of material in the front to make the mic flush with the inside of the helmet. I have one for myself and two helmets for my kids I have to do and didn't know if there were any tips for setting them up and using them? Thanks.

-lee-
 
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Old Feb 12, 2009 | 03:32 PM
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Lee,
I recall a thread on Headset stuff within the last 6 weeks that talked about microphone install on a full-face helmet...If I can find it, I'll post it. Otherwise, you might just do a Forum Search for headset full-face and see what comes up.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2009 | 03:38 PM
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I tried that before with some Chatterbox gearso the (ex) girlfriend and I could talk on a ride. Honestly, it was a painful experience.

The first pain was realizing that I scraped my ears on those damn speakers every time I took the helmet on or off. Also, there really wasn't enough spare room for the microphone, so it was always on my teeth. It's like you need to go up a size on your helmet to have enough room for this extra crap.

The second pain was realizing just how much my girlfriend had to say while we were riding. I swear, she wore down the battery in that Chatterbox in a couple of hours. That wasn't a bad thing, now that I think back about it. It got to the point where I'd reach up to my helmet and turn the damn thing off so I didn't have to listen to her anymore.

That's when I realized that a motorcycle ride is much more peaceful without an intercom system. We'd ride up to Ocala and she'd point and say "Oh, look. Horsie!" That **** got to me more than I could take when she started pointing out cows, eagles, and the occasional bear.

My advice: don't do it.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2009 | 03:40 PM
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It would help if we knew more. What brand headset?

In my case, I have Arai FF Helmets (2 different models) and the Scala Q2 Multiset.

I just slid the mounting bracket between the exterior shell and the lining by my ear and routed the earphone wires up under the helmet lining. The mic, which is on a boom (and not small BTW), curves around the inside of the helmet along the jawline and is seated up against the inside of the helmet in front of my mouth. No problems. It's close, but doesn't touch. Because the boom is "bendy", you can adjust it to keep it from touching your chin/mouth.

Some people (Jay Leno ) might find it a problem, but in my case and my riding buddies (longer chin), it's comfortable. I suppose it could be an issue if a particular helmet doesn't have much space between it and your chin/mouth.

Hope that helps.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2009 | 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by wbeem
I tried that before with some Chatterbox gearso the (ex) girlfriend and I could talk on a ride. Honestly, it was a painful experience.

The first pain was realizing that I scraped my ears on those damn speakers every time I took the helmet on or off. Also, there really wasn't enough spare room for the microphone, so it was always on my teeth. It's like you need to go up a size on your helmet to have enough room for this extra crap.

The second pain was realizing just how much my girlfriend had to say while we were riding. I swear, she wore down the battery in that Chatterbox in a couple of hours. That wasn't a bad thing, now that I think back about it. It got to the point where I'd reach up to my helmet and turn the damn thing off so I didn't have to listen to her anymore.

That's when I realized that a motorcycle ride is much more peaceful without an intercom system. We'd ride up to Ocala and she'd point and say "Oh, look. Horsie!" That **** got to me more than I could take when she started pointing out cows, eagles, and the occasional bear.

My advice: don't do it.
Funny! I suppose that would be annoying!
 
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Old Feb 12, 2009 | 03:50 PM
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Thanks guys. I traded today for an '09 ultra so I will be using J and M headsets mounted in ff helmets. I have a Shoei RF1000 and my boys have a i707 ff helmets. I know alot of people don't care for ff helmets but I ride probably 95% of the time with one and have for years. It's just a personal choice for me. I like wearing a tinted shield during the day so I don't have to wear a pair of sunglasses. My wife doesn't mind me carrying my kids with me as long as they wear the protective gear so I'm trying to start them out showing them about proper gear(they are 9 y/o). I'm mainly wanting the headsets for the intercom but also to stream music from the factory radio.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2009 | 03:51 PM
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Originally Posted by KoalaCowboy
Lee,
I recall a thread on Headset stuff within the last 6 weeks that talked about microphone install on a full-face helmet...If I can find it, I'll post it. Otherwise, you might just do a Forum Search for headset full-face and see what comes up.
I'll try to find it. I've pretty much exhausted all the intercom threads over the past year or so because I was debating on an intercom system for my RG. I must have missed that thread. I'll try to find it. Thanks again.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2009 | 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by leeinmemphis
Hey everyone,

I am going to be installing some headsets in two full faced helmets and was wondering if you guys had install tips? The headsets are made by J and M and have a mic that mounts in the front of the helmet. I've been told that I will have to remove a little bit of material in the front to make the mic flush with the inside of the helmet. I have one for myself and two helmets for my kids I have to do and didn't know if there were any tips for setting them up and using them? Thanks.

-lee-
There are a few things to remember when putting this stuff in. Lots of people are disapointed in the sound. This is sometimes related to having the speakers just a little off center of your ear canal. Think of how you cant hear your cell phone if you don't line it up just right. The speakers are the same way. Just a little off and you can't here nutt'in. Thats why they mount with velcro, so you can move them around a little. As far as the mic, I never cut out anything to have to make room. I like the foam to touch my lips so I don't have to yell to set off the VOX. The ease of installation of all depends on the helmet make, but it should not be to difficult. Hope this helps. Good luck.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2009 | 03:58 PM
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I guess there are plenty of people prefer the solitude of hearing only the wind and motor while they ride. I would hate to have someone chatting non-stop as well. BUT, I am in the camp of loving the Scala Headset. (haven't heard anything positive about the Chatterbox) Both people I ride with have it, but then again, they also know when to STFU! One of the guys I ride with went on a trip with 4 other bikers and they all had them. He said one guy wouldn't shut up, so he just turned him off. Moral is, know who your pairing up with! My guess is people like that will drive you crazy on or off a bike.

For me, it's hands down, my favorite bike gadget/accessory. I've found it very useful for being able to communicate what's going on. If we're lost, changing routes, want to stop, bitch about crazy cagers, warn about road hazards, whatever. I suppose hand signals are fine, but I have gotten very accustomed to my headset and can't imagine riding w/o it. Not to mention, it's paired with my gps and I can hear the directions vs. looking down a lot. Perhaps once I have more riding experience, I'll think differently.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2009 | 04:06 PM
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Originally Posted by DRAFT1
There are a few things to remember when putting this stuff in. Lots of people are disapointed in the sound. This is sometimes related to having the speakers just a little off center of your ear canal. Think of how you cant hear your cell phone if you don't line it up just right. The speakers are the same way. Just a little off and you can't here nutt'in. Thats why they mount with velcro, so you can move them around a little. As far as the mic, I never cut out anything to have to make room. I like the foam to touch my lips so I don't have to yell to set off the VOX. The ease of installation of all depends on the helmet make, but it should not be to difficult. Hope this helps. Good luck.
Thanks. That makes alot of sense about lining up the speakers for the ear canal. I just checked and I should have the headsets tomorrow so I can try to install mine and have it ready for when I pick up the bike on Saturday. J&M said I would have to cut a little to mount the mic but I'll just wait and see what it looks like. I'm sure it will be ok. I was just asking in advance. I may try to take a few pics and post them for people to see what a FF setup takes because I'm sure it is by far the majority of the intercom headset setups.
 
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