Yeah, Bluetooth helmets,

My helmet was getting a bit crabby so i was looking around for a replacement and discovered "built-in" bluetooth. I have just ordered a Viper RS-V121 flip top with built-in mic and twin speakers, comes out much less than buying seperatley, should have it in four or five days so I'll test it well with sat-nav, phone and music and post the result.

That'd be helpful, Cal. 

Glad you could turn this thread back in the right direction.  Hopefully your review thread won't get bashed, as well. 


Haven't bought the Kiwi unit, yet.  Mother's Day, and all.  I'll post a review thread also, if yours is well received. 

Yes, I am interested in the integral idea because as you probably gathered I am less than 100% delighted with the Scala-rider that was supplied with my Tom-Tom, I found a larger range than I expected given that not that many manufacturers make a flip-front helmet anyway. There were several and prices started in the 90's (GBP) up to around 200. The one Iwent for was 125 which for a flip-front with inner sun visor and integrated blue-tooth and latest safety standard seemed pretty good. my only complaint is none of them did one in Blue so i have settled for "silver" - we shall see.

OOH, you're getting THAT helmet. 

That's a nice helmet. 
The Nolan, right?  I almost got that one.



It's gonna be interesting to see your opinions on the flip-front mechanism.  Supposedly, they improved the design to be safer upon impact.  If so, that's gonna be pretty useful to you.  Can actually drink from a soda or talk to somebody or vacate an invading hornet. 
And, that internal sun visor gadget is t!ts!  Wish I had one in my Sparx.  Once you've worn it for a while, come back and let us know how often you use it.  I'm wondering if I like it because I like gadgets, or if it's actually worth the cost.  The weight surely isn't an issue, since it's only a few grams. 



What was wrong with the Scala-Rider, besides being so expensive? 

I've been a convert to flip-fronts for quite a while, this new one will be my third. 

The Scala-rider is pretty good for listening but I have had a lot of problems with my end of the conversation not being clear,  like I said earlier I would normally stop rather than get into conversation on the move. A mate who is an official of the Suzuki Owner Club (1250 Bandtit G.T.) has the same tom-Tom Rider 2 as me and a Scala-Rider and is very happy with his, I think my problems may be somethingmore related to the helmet but hopefully I will know for sure in a day or two.
This is the kiddie.....but not the dealer I have used (mine was less cash) I have put this one in because it prices in several currencies.
http://bikergear.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=1486

Maybe it's that "motorcycle radiation" causing interference...
https://secure25.securewebsession.com/motorcyclecancer.com/shielding.asp

Whoooops, - - - is that something else I should be worrying about? I'm old enough to remember a time when cigarettes were good for you (calmed the nerves!) so i won't be getting frantic just yet. 

Are there any similar bluetooth setups that are DOT/SNELL approved for the US?

Well the Viper helmet arrived, it works very well with my basic nokia phone and also the TomTom SatNav. The helmet is a good quality and excellent fit. I had some problems setting it up with the SatNav but a quick phone call to the helpline and they e-mailed me two pages of instructions that were missing from the package and an e-mail from the managing director of the importer with advice and giving me a toll-free phone number for further advice.
It seems that compatibility is much better with Garmin, so if you bought the Helmet first, go Garmin but i already have TomTom. I can't (yet) set it up to use sat and phone together which I can do with Scala-Rider and I have had some advice which I have yet to try. In reality I'm not too bothered as I normally used the Scala for one or the other so I'll probably do likewise with this but my all-round impression is good piece of kit and good back-up service.
All in all I recon the helmet is worth the dosh even without the electronic gismo and the Oxford helmet bag and three Oxford comfeys (neck tubes) that were thrown in. 

So, when I had my unintended conversation with  yesterday. He told me that it was indeed illegal here in Osceola county Florida. I was like why are they selling them at all of our motorcycle dealerships and they are Dot/ Snell? His reply they sell the tiny crotch rockets too but can't ride those on the road. So, I'm debating if I want to get this one when I get the extra dough! http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/17571/ITEM/Element-Fastrack-Bluetooth-Solid-Helmet.aspx?SiteID=CSE_Nextag_038&WT.mc_ID=80005&zmam=88421133&zmas=1&zmac=4&zmap=17571

BTW the officer said he'd never ticket anyone for it because he does the same thing himself!

Mary

Still haven't bought the equipment, after all of that hooplah.  Waiting to count it as a birthday present.

But, I DO have Katana forks!  I can ride again!  All sign-posts beware!

Quote from: Toogoofy317 on May 15, 2009, 08:17:19 PM
So, when I had my unintended conversation with  yesterday. He told me that it was indeed illegal here in Osceola county Florida. I was like why are they selling them at all of our motorcycle dealerships and they are Dot/ Snell? His reply they sell the tiny crotch rockets too but can't ride those on the road. So, I'm debating if I want to get this one when I get the extra dough! http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/17571/ITEM/Element-Fastrack-Bluetooth-Solid-Helmet.aspx?SiteID=CSE_Nextag_038&WT.mc_ID=80005&zmam=88421133&zmas=1&zmac=4&zmap=17571

BTW the officer said he'd never ticket anyone for it because he does the same thing himself!

Mary

Mary... if you are referring to the helmets that have built-in bluetooth equipment, I'm pretty sure it's legal as long as it's DOT approved.

Nope I specifically asked him that! Because, I was seriously looking at the helmet I linked to earlier. That helmet looks great style wise etc. Would like to try one on to make sure it fits my bean head right.

The conversation came up because he just happened to see the chord coming out to my shuffle. One time I don't wear my jacket I get nailed! Buuut, he wouldn't have seen the T-shirt When I have my jacket there is only about an inch or so of wire visible.

It is odd however that it says on a website that speakers built into a helmet are legal! And the way my helmet it set up is just as if it were "built" in being they are permanently affixed.

I just don't understand why in a car people can: talk on the cell, drink,smoke,eat,read,check e-mail,text and the 5,000 other things people try to do in the car but it seems to be okay. But, on a bike ear plugs which are for safetly : i.e preventing hearing loss and fatigue are even illegal according to the LEO!

Mary

Seems to me like this should be standard equipment:
http://classic.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=16855

Just goes to show you that the modern-day traffic law is a cunningly designed as a source of revenue. 





Oh, how I miss Europe with that "no speed limit" sign. 

If I can ever afford a GPS that will def be an app I'd get! But, alas I'm a poor girl! Actually, I think a Gps is the only gadget I don't have LOL! My b-day is coming up on the 12th maybe I'll get lucky!

Mary

He told you wrong, Mary.  13 years on the road speaking, and I write policy for a living now, so I'm passingly familiar with this one   The IPod == illegal, the helmet installed one == legal.

Florida State Statute 316.304  Wearing of headsets.--

(1)  No person shall operate a vehicle while wearing a headset, headphone, or other listening device, other than a hearing aid or instrument for the improvement of defective human hearing.

(2)  This section does not apply to:

...

(c)  Any person operating a motorcycle who is using a headset that is installed in a helmet and worn so as to prevent the speakers from making direct contact with the user's ears so that the user can hear surrounding sounds.

Good to know. That's what I thought. It will still be awhile on that helmet but in time. If it fits right it will be the next helmet!

Mary

Quote from: Toogoofy317 on May 15, 2009, 08:17:19 PM
So, when I had my unintended conversation with  yesterday. He told me that it was indeed illegal here in Osceola county Florida. I was like why are they selling them at all of our motorcycle dealerships and they are Dot/ Snell? His reply they sell the tiny crotch rockets too but can't ride those on the road. So, I'm debating if I want to get this one when I get the extra dough! http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/17571/ITEM/Element-Fastrack-Bluetooth-Solid-Helmet.aspx?SiteID=CSE_Nextag_038&WT.mc_ID=80005&zmam=88421133&zmas=1&zmac=4&zmap=17571

BTW the officer said he'd never ticket anyone for it because he does the same thing himself!

Mary

I was looking at those at the dealer the other day. They fit nice, but there's only one speaker (left ear) inside it.

Is that the same helmet they call the NOLAN 103 here in the states?  I can't find Viper anywhere other than the UK...

Not 100% sure but I don't think so but it is rather similar.