I did a search and found a few comments out there on products used to communicate between bikes.  The comments also helped me with my web searching.  I'd appreciate any feedback that folks have on these or other products out there.

Chatterbox HJC-FRS : the entry level chatterbox unit is a self-contained FRS gizmo that hooks on to the outside of your helmet (~$150 U.S.)

Nady HTCS-3 : this wiring getup provides a microphone and earphone but requires that you add your own VOX-capable FRS radio which goes in your pocket or tankbag (~$60 U.S.)

All of 'em are so expensive...    I was thinking about just getting a remote mic/ear for a CB...  But, the problem is how to switch it on.

I use a MotoComm MC-551 helmet headset and PTT system (approx $50).  Works good.  I use it with a Cobra HH38 WXST handheld CB radio (approx $90).  I went with CB over FRS since my friends use CB.  Wind noise is an issue on transmit even with a full face helmet unless you can get behind a windshield and out of the wind.  I think that VOX may be more hassle with the wind noise than its worth.  PTT is simple and works.  I do find that I enjoy the bike to bike communication experience.

I was looking at this. its only a rider to passenger system but it looks pretty good.
$95 isn't that bad

http://www.radarbusters.com/products/accessories/motorcyles/pmc-3.asp

My two sons and I have the HJC-FRS. 

They work fine if you can get accustomed to yelling into the mic.
The wind noise makes it necessary to turn the VOX sensitivity down, then you have to talk very loud to get the circuit to switch on.  There is a lot of noise transmitted but they work well enough for short conversations.

The  mic and ear speakers attach to the inside of the helmet with velcro.  It's a bit of a hassle to get everything positioned correctly.  If you have a tight fitting helmet you may have problems keeping everything in place while putting on/removing the helmet.

In spite of those problems, it is much more fun to be able to communicate with each other.

Overall, it's not a perfect system but it works.

If you call Chatterbox you may be able to find a refurbished system for a reduced price.  That's what my son did and we got three complete systems, including the extra cords and headsets for a passenger, for a nicely reduced price.

i vote for hand signals!

i've even tried an expensive throat mic...if you're just cruising around town, it's fine but if you're going at any significant speed, all you hear is the wind noise or you reall have to scream.

My bf and I have the Chatterboxes, and we find that what works best for us is using the button one pushes to talk rather than the voice-activated chattering.

But two things have to occur for successful communication:
1. Ya' need to remember to recharge them  , and
2. Ya' hafta turn the darned thing on!*

*My bf SAYS he turns it off cuz it's too noisy in his ears, but he doesn't mean the wind! 

Quote from: pandy on March 21, 2006, 08:21:52 AM*My bf SAYS he turns it off cuz it's too noisy in his ears, but he doesn't mean the wind! 

Work on your signal to noise ratio, then!

Quote from: MarkusN on March 21, 2006, 08:24:08 AM
Work on your signal to noise ratio, then!

 

Quote from: pandy on March 21, 2006, 08:21:52 AM
My bf and I have the Chatterboxes, and we find that what works best for us is using the button one pushes to talk rather than the voice-activated chattering.

Hey Pandy.... is it the base model you've got (HJC-FRS)?  And how does that push-to-talk work?  Do you have to press a button on the unit (i.e. reach up and touch the side of your head) ?

Quote from: daneilah on March 21, 2006, 04:35:26 PM
Hey Pandy.... is it the base model you've got (HJC-FRS)?  And how does that push-to-talk work?  Do you have to press a button on the unit (i.e. reach up and touch the side of your head) ?

daneilah:

I'll check the model when I get home. There *is* a button on the side of the unit to push, but these units also came with a button that you mount on the handlebars. The cord plugs in about 6 inches from the button, and then again into the helmet unit. I run the wire up my right arm under my jacket. I mount the button on my throttle so that I can reach it with the thumb on my right hand. It takes a bit of experimenting and practice to find the right spot so that you can push the button to point out the morons on the road.... without becoming one of them! 

I have some cheap GMRS/FRS 7 mile radios from Walmart $20. for two.. They have VOX and came with headsets, 12V and 120V plugs and work great! They even have weather band to check the forcast For the price you cant beat em... like stated above you need to turn the sensitivity down and talk a bit louder but I have used them for a year now and I love it.. you can also clip them on your jacket or bars and use the button to talk instead of VOX.  I think they are Audiovox, not sure of the model 

They also work nice when riding in groups, lots of my friends use the GMRS FRS as well.. put em on the same chanel and you can go miles ahead and still talk 

Quote from: daneilah on March 21, 2006, 04:35:26 PM
Hey Pandy.... is it the base model you've got (HJC-FRS)?  And how does that push-to-talk work?  Do you have to press a button on the unit (i.e. reach up and touch the side of your head) ?

Ours are the FRS-X2's.

Thanks for the comments everyone.

The research coontinues!       I'll keep you posted.