Guide to Shoei intercoms | which is the best motorbike intercom?
This guide will give you an overview of the best wireless communication systems for motorcyclists and help you find the right intercom for your needs. In addition, we will deepen into some frequently asked questions regarding wireless communication devices for motorcyclists.
What are the differences between Motorcycle-to-Motorcycle, Rider-to-Passenger, Group Conference and Mesh intercoms?
Moto-Moto
Bike-to-bike intercoms allow communication between two motorcyclists who are on separate motorbikes. This type of intercom is ideal for couples or friends who are travelling together and wish to stay in touch while on the road.
Typically, motorcycle-to-bike intercoms use Bluetooth technology to establish a connection between the two devices. The range of these intercoms can vary greatly, with some models capable of maintaining stable communication up to 1.6 km away.
Pilot-Passenger
Rider-to-passenger intercoms are designed to facilitate communication between the rider and passenger on the same motorbike. These devices allow rider and passenger to speak freely and clearly while riding, eliminating the need to shout or signal.
Some models of rider-to-passenger intercoms also offer additional functions, such as music control and the ability to answer phone calls.
Group Conference or Mesh
Both refer to communication between several motorcyclists, but the main difference between Mesh and Group Conference Intercoms concerns the technology used to establish and maintain the connection between the devices.
Group conferencing allows several motorcyclists to communicate simultaneously via a centralised connection. Typically, this function is based on Bluetooth technology. However, the range and stability of the Bluetooth connection can be limited, especially when it comes to connecting a large number of devices.
Mesh technology, on the other hand, is a more advanced and flexible alternative for group communication. It allows devices to connect dynamically, forming an interconnected network. Each device acts as a node that can receive, transmit and forward information to other devices in the network. In this way, communication can be maintained even if one device loses connection.
How to choose the right intercom based on your needs
the right intercom for your vehicle depends on various factors, including your communication needs, budget and the additional functions you want. Here are some tips to help you choose the right intercom for you:
• Evaluate your needs: If you often travel with a passenger, a rider-to-passenger intercom may be the best choice. If, on the other hand, you are part of a group of motorcyclists, an intercom with a group conference function will allow you to communicate easily with all group members.
• Consider the range: The range of the intercom is an important factor, especially if you plan to communicate with other motorcyclists at a distance. Make sure you choose a model with a range that suits your needs.
• Additional functions: Some intercoms offer extra functions, such as music control, GPS navigation and phone integration. Evaluate which functions are most important to you and look for a model that includes them.
• Helmet compatibility: Make sure the intercom is compatible with your helmet. Some models are specifically designed to work with certain types of helmets, while others are universal and can be adapted to a wide range of helmets.
• Price: Motorcycle intercoms are available in different price ranges, from budget to high-end models. Determine your budget and look for an intercom that offers the desired features at an affordable price.
Intercoms for Shoei helmets
Shoei is a Japanese company with a long history in the world of motorcycling. Founded in 1959, it established itself as a manufacturer of high-quality helmets and, over the years, has expanded its offering to include intercoms in cooperation with Sena. The Shoei helmet intercom range is characterised by high-end devices with advanced functionality and sophisticated design.
Best intercom devices for Shoei helmets
To help you choose the most suitable device for your needs, we have selected the best Sena intercoms available for Shoei helmets:
Intercom Sena Srl Mesh
This device represents the next generation of helmet intercom, the SRL-MESH, which promises to offer a number of premium features for an enhanced audio experience while riding a motorbike. This device is specifically designed to be installed inside the SHOEI Neotec 2, SHOEI GT-Air 2 and SHOEI J-Cruise 2 helmets.
The SRL-MESH has a range of features such as Mesh Intercom, 4-way Bluetooth® Intercom, Digital Assistant access and Advanced Noise Control™.
The device supports voice commands in eight different languages, and users can use voice commands to answer calls, start a Group Mesh session, and take advantage of their smartphone functions, including GPS navigation, music playback, and voice dialling.
In addition, the Sena Motorcycles app offers a number of features, including the ability to visually configure device settings and manage channel settings for Open Mesh remotely.
Intercom Sena Srl Ext
The SRL-EXT is a high-quality intercom specifically designed for the SHOEI NXR2 helmet and intended to be mounted on the outside of the helmet. It offers both Mesh Intercom™ technology and traditional 4-way Bluetooth Intercom, allowing connection with Sena or Sena-powered devices.
The device includes premium features such as access to the Digital Assistant and Advanced Noise Control™. With Open Mesh mode, users can connect to a virtually unlimited number of other riders within an 8 km radius, while Group Mesh mode supports private groups of up to 24 participants.
SRL-EXT is compatible with Google Assistant and Apple's Siri, allowing access to a wide range of smartphone functions via voice commands.
Shoei Srl 2 Sena Rider Link
The SRL 2 intercom was designed specifically for the Shoei Neotec 2, GT Air 2 and J Cruise 2 helmets in collaboration between Sena and SHOEI. It features a low-profile design, undetectable from outside the helmet, and simple 3-button control. The system connects to the smartphone to listen to music, receive GPS directions, make phone calls and provides up to 10 hours of talk time.
With a dual Bluetooth chip, the SRL2 allows you to communicate with up to 7 other pilots up to 1.6 km in open terrain. With Audio Multitasking™, you can listen to music and talk to other pilots via intercom, with a design that automatically adjusts the music volume during conversations.
SRL2 offers functions such as group Intercom, voice commands and compatibility with non-Sena Bluetooth communication systems thanks to Universal Intercom™.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have explored Shoei intercoms and the best devices available on the market. We hope that this information will help you find the right intercom for your needs and enable you to communicate easily with your fellow motorbike riders.
Remember that choosing the best intercom depends on your personal needs; therefore, consider factors such as audio quality, communication range, battery life and helmet compatibility when choosing the ideal device.
Extras | Frequently asked questions about Sena intercoms
Sena devices are among the most popular motorbike intercoms among motorcyclists. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding the use of Sena intercoms:
How to switch on Sena intercoms?
To switch on a Sena intercom, simply press and hold the power button (usually identified with a power symbol) for a couple of seconds until you hear a beep and see an LED flash. The device is now switched on and ready for use.
How to pair Sena SF2?
To pair a Sena SF2 intercom with another device, follow these steps:
• Switch on the Sena SF2 by pressing the power button as described above.
• Press the phone button on the SF2 for three seconds until the LED starts flashing red and blue.
• Activate pairing mode on the other device (e.g. another intercom, mobile phone or GPS). Consult the device's manual for specific instructions.
• Select 'Sena SF2' in the list of available devices on the other device's screen and wait for the devices to connect. Once connected, the LED on the Sena SF2 will flash blue.
How to configure the Sena intercom?
Setting up a Sena intercom is a simple and intuitive process. First, you need to pair the device with your phone or GPS, following the instructions provided in the user manual. Next, download the Sena Smartphone App (available for iOS and Android) to your smartphone. Through the app, you can customise the intercom settings, update the firmware, configure intercom groups and much more.
How to connect Sena SRL2 to the mobile phone?
To connect a Sena SRL 2 intercom to your mobile phone, follow these steps:
• Make sure your mobile phone has Bluetooth enabled and is in discovery mode.
• Switch on the Sena SRL2 and press the phone button for five seconds until the LED starts flashing red and blue.
• On your mobile phone, search for available Bluetooth devices and select 'Sena SRL2' from the list. It may be necessary to enter a PIN code (usually 0000) to complete the connection.
Once connected, the LED on the Sena SRL2 will flash blue and the device will be ready for use with the mobile phone._
