Tag Archives: Helmet

Cops issuing incorrect helmet fines?

Just days after we published an article in which Queensland Police waived an erroneous fine for a “void” helmet sticker, a second similar incorrect infringement has surfaced.

And it seems one of the chiefs of the Road Policing Command is so out of touch with the Australian and Queensland Road Rules and Standards he even thinks European-approved helmets can’t be sold legally in Queensland stores.

The lack of police knowledge about helmet rules has alarmed the new Australian Motorcycle Council chairman, Guy Stanford. 

He has called on Police Minister Mark Ryan and Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll to ensure officers are correctly educated about the rules before more riders are erroneously fined.

And Queensland is not the only state where police are getting the rules and standards wrong. Click here for more details.

Incorrect fine

Void helmet Ian Joice
Ian with his “void” sticker

In the first instance of an incorrect helmet fine, a rider had an external sticker showing “VOID” from sun exposure and an internal certification label affected by wear and sweat

Neither the Australian Road Rules nor the Australian Standards make any reference to an age limit for motorcycle helmets.

Police admitted their error and said it was an “isolated incident” and “the officer has been given guidance regarding the matter”.

However, that is not the case and police are issuing incorrect fines because they apparently don’t know the relevant road rules and helmet standards.

Second fineIncorrect helmet fine Robbie Graham

In the second incident, Robbie Graham copped a fine for a non-compliant helmet even though it had a proper Australian compliance sticker on the outside although the interior label had disappeared with normal wear and tear.

Guy says riders only need one form of certification “mark” on their helmet, either the external sticker or internal label, not both.

He says there is no reference in the road rules nor standard to helmets being non-compliant because of the wear and tear to the certification sticker or label.

The Queensland Department of Transport also notes that “either” a sticker or label is all that is legally required.

Fight against incorrect fine

Robbie has vowed to fight the $400/three-demerit-point fine and has written to the Police Commissioner and Department.

We also contacted Police HQ to ask why this has occurred, how they would ensure proper education of their officers and whether they would waive the incorrect fine.

Their insufficient reply did not answer any of our questions.

Instead, police referred us to the officer in charge and said “personal correspondence has been provided to the relevant party regarding this matter”.

That “personal correspondence” consisted of a phone message left for Robbie by an officer from the Organised Crime Gangs Maxima Road Policing Unit.

The message suggested Robbie had “two options — you can pay the fine or go to court”.

We contacted the phone number supplied and spoke with the Officer in Charge of the unit, Sgt Cameron Wilson.

The Sgt agrees that riders only need either the sticker or label as stated on the Department of Transport website and admitted by police in waiving Ian’s fine.

However, he says if the helmet only has the sticker, it needs to have all the information that is on the internal label as well as a date of manufacture.

Guy Stanford - Mobile phone while riding - darrk visor helmets tinted visor youtube withdrawn void incorrect
Guy Stanford

Guy points out that there has never been any external sticker with all that information and the date of manufacture is superfluous because there is expiry date requirement for helmets.

Not only was his interpretation of the rules askew, but he didn’t even know that European-approved helmets could legally be sold in shops.

We asked Police HQ what training police received on helmet rules.

They replied: “Although there is no specific formal training package regarding motor cycle helmets, all officers are trained in statutory interpretation to enable them to enforce the law.”

Guy says the term “trained in statutory interpretation” sounds like something the Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland would say.

“Perhaps this Sergeant needs to take advice from a hookah-smoking caterpillar before he goes crimson with rage and demands “Off with his head!” before going off to play croquet using flamingos for sticks,” he says.

“We really are in some childish alternate reality with this stuff.”

Court optionQueensland police

While police continue to incorrectly issue helmet fines, riders are left with the two options of paying a fine for an offence they did not commit or waste the court’s time and their time with the expense of a court hearing.

“They shouldn’t be issuing incorrect fines to people in the first place,” Robbie says.

“This doesn’t show ethics or integrity. It’s just wrong.

“You have to stand up for everyone else not just yourself.”

We contacted the Police Minister who has now asked the police to investigate the matter.

The Police Commissioner has been asked for comment, but is busy with bushfires this weekend and may not reply until next week.

We will follow the progress of Robbie’s fine challenge.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Aerodynamic ARK bluetooth intercom for AGV

AGV is the latest helmet manufacturer to partner with leading Bluetooth company Sena to develop a special aerodynamic ARK intercom for their helmets.

So far, the ARK intercom is only compatible with the AX9 Adventure range, K5-S Sports range and Sport Modular Touring.

The AGV ARK intercom costs $399, but you have to also buy a helmet-specific base at $29.95. However, for a limited time, riders can save money by buying the compatible helmets and SRK in “combo deals”. 

Sena’s ARK intercom is a sleeker and more aerodynamic unit than their usual intercoms.

Instead of the handy “jog dial” rotating knob common to most Sena intercoms, it has buttons.

These may not be as easy to use as the jog dial, but there is also a handlebar remote available at $149.

Sena ARK bluetooth intercom for AGV helmets
Handlebar remote

ARK features

Australian distributors Link International say the ARK unit features 30 minutes of “quick charging” which equals four hours of intercom use. 

It is compatible with the Sena SF Utility App which allows users to configure device settings and accessing quick guides and the Sena RideConnected App that allows intercom with a virtually limitless number of riders over an extensive range, so long as they are connected to a mobile network.

Other Sena features are: voice prompts for functions; FM radio; microphone noise control to reduce wind and background noise; music sharing with another intercom; multi-way conference intercom. 

It also has audio overlay which allows phone calls, GPS instructions and intercom conversations to be heard over audio from the radio, music or GPS app instructions in the background with reduced volume.Sena ARK bluetooth intercom for AGV helmets

Specifications 

  • 10 hours of talking time 
  • Three-way conference phone call with intercom participant. 
  • Microphone mute option 
  • Smart Volume 
  • Audio Boost 
  • Voice activated phone answering and intercom start. 
  • HD quality crystal clear and natural sound. 
  • Bluetooth Audio Recording 
  • SENA firmware upgradeable 
  • Water resistant 
  • Bluetooth 4.1 supporting profiles: Headset Profile, Hands-Free Profile (HFP), Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), and Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP). 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Victory in void helmet sticker fine

Police have waived a Bribie Island rider’s $400/3point infringement for having a void helmet sticker in a test case that proves riders can legally remove the external sticker.

Ian Joice, 63, says he was pulled over by police on Bowen Rd, Glass House Mountains, on 12 August 2019 at 11.38am.

He says the officer noted the external sticker had the word VOID across it from age and sun damage while the internal label was faded due to wear.

Helmet fine void sticker
Internal label

A week later he received an infringement notice in the post for “fail to wear helmet”.

So he contacted Motorbike Writer after reading our article which advised riders that is legal to remove the external sticker.

Click there to read our full article.

We contacted Queensland Police to ask why an erroneous fine was issued and how many other similar fines had been issued.

They replied:

The infringement in this matter will be withdrawn. This is an isolated incident and the officer has been given guidance regarding the matter.

Ian was greatly relieved when we passed on the news of his fine waiver.

“I have been very distressed with this situation and am greatly relieved that the notice has been withdrawn,” he says.

“I have had some black days since the notice arrived.”

Australian Motorcycle Council helmet law expert Guy Stanford says he believes police are not aware of the rules and standards that apply to helmets.

Guy Stanford - Mobile phone while riding - darrk visor helmets tinted visor youtube withdrawn void
Guy Stanford

“This is a good result from a commonsense complaint,” he says. 

“The facts were clear, the rider had been issued a fine for an offence he did not commit.

“This sort of fraud reflects badly on all police.”

Void sticker

Guy says the external sticker on a motorcycle helmet is only an indication of compliance and not a legal requirement.

In fact, the Australian Road Rules and standards do not even mention an external sticker.

They only say the helmet has to be “permanently and legibly marked”.

“So long as the mark of certification appears somewhere on the helmet that’s all you need, which means the label inside,” Guy says.

AS/NZS 1698 external stickers show VOID due to fading in the sun or if they have been removed.Helmet fine void sticker

“This is only a manufacturer’s device to recommend to riders when they should update their helmet,” Guy says.

“It has nothing to do with any legal requirement and is not mentioned in the Australian Road Rules. There is no expiry date on motorcycle helmets.”

Ian says he didn’t realise his helmet was so old and has now spent the $400 he would have spent on paying the fine to buy a new helmet.

  • We suggest you keep a copy of this article and/or our previous article to show police if you are ever threatened with a similar erroneous fine.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Aldi claims safest motorcycle gear yet

Aldi claims this year’s annual motorcycle gear sale will feature their safest gear yet with their $189 leather jacket being the most popular buy.

The sale is usually held in the first couple of Saturdays of August, but has been delayed this year until 31 August 2019, starting at 8.30am.

“Every year we work to improve the range to make it even better than the last,” an Aldi spokesperson says.

“This year is no exception, with considerable time devoted to product development, sourcing and testing to ensure our products are of the highest quality and exceptionally priced.”

In past year, sale items have been selected with the help of Neuroscience Research Australia’s Dr Liz de Rome.

Liz, a rider since 1969, also helped develop MotoCAP, motorcycle clothing ratings system. So far, MotoCAP has not tested any Aldi products.Aldi annual sale - Riders urged to support motorcycle dealers claims

Safety claims

However, Aldi claims they have been “testing relevant motorcycle clothing products to European Standards for several years in order to obtain independent certification”.

“This year, we have worked closely with our supply partners to create products that are both safe and stylish – all without compromising on quality,” their spokesperson says.

“All Torque motorcycle clothing has been certified to the European Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (2016/425).

“We anticipate the leather jacket will be popular among customers as it is exceptional value for money.”

Their 2019 catalogue of motorcycle gear on sale this year will be available on their website next week.

Aldi says the Torque leather jacket features APT-TECH protection technology at the elbows and shoulders, is compliant to Level 2 European Standard EN 13595 and has impact protectors in the back, shoulder and elbow that are compliant to EN 1621.

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Leather Jacket – $189

Their Torque motorcycle boots ($99.99) have strengthened heels, hi-vis reflective ankle strips and meet requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment standard EN 13634.

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Boots – $99.99

The Torque motorcycle denim jeans ($79.99) have reinforcement lining made of “high-tenacity aramid fibre at critical areas of seat, hips & knees”. They are compliant to EN 17092-4:2019 for “A” classification garments and feature EN 1621 knee protectors.

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Denim Jeans – $79.99

They have a choice of two Torque gloves, both costing $34.99.

Their goat leather pair have carbon fibre protectors for the knuckles and fingers, rubber padding in “critical areas” and are EN 13594 level 1 compliant.

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Carbon Knuckle Leather Gloves – $34.99 (2)

However, their padded gloves do not have an EN certification. Instead, they have 3D foam rubber protection at the knuckles, fingers and thumbs with 3M Thinsulate padding

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Padded Leather Gloves – $34.99

As usual, there is also a range of other motorcycle goods for sale including balaclavas, thermals, bike covers and helmets.

Plus, there’s our perennial favourite – $9.99 Aldi motorcycle socks!

New this year are three types of $19.99 locks and chains to secure your bike and/or luggage.

aldi motorcycle sale theft stolen locks
Locks – $19.99

There is also a range of $39.99 tail and tank bags.

Riders urged to support dealers

However, riders have been urged by the Australian Motorcycle Dealers Association to support their local motorcycle dealer who {“deserves rider loyalty in tough times“.

They point out that motorcycle retailers offer a lot more product choice and all-year round availability.

Supporters of the Aldi sale say it promotes the wearing of good quality gear by making it affordable to more riders. 

In our coverage of the annual Aldi sale, as well as MotoCAP’s testing of products, we find readers claim Aldi products are good quality and value.

We have also tested Aldi gear and find it is up to par, including the Bluetooth unit that is still working just fine after three years.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Next gen BikeHUD nears completion

After almost four years of development, British tech company BikeSystems is finally about to release their next gen BikeHUD head-up display for motorcycle helmets.

It will feature a peripheral screen (called a “monocle”) that can display speed, satnav directions, a rearview camera and eventually bike information such as fuel, revs, etc.

Unlike some other HUD helmet devices, it does not include a Bluetooth intercom, but that may be added in later development.

BikeSystems has kicked off a Indiegogo crowd-funding campaign to raise $A69,579. They have so far raised more than $2000 so far.

Supporters of this campaign can expect deliveries to start in December 2019.

Prices start from £349 (about $A620) and there are various bundle discounts available saving up to 40%.

Founder Dave Vout says the next gen BikeHUD device will be available from March 2020 through their website.

They are also looking to set up a worldwide dealer network.

Next gen BikeHUD Next gen BikeHUD nears completion

The next gen BikeHUD weighs just 90g and comes with a tiny 8mm screen about the size of your little finger.

The multi-adjustable arm allows the rider to set the screen just under your left or right eye, so the image appears around 2m to one side of the bike’s front wheel.

“It’s close enough for your forward vision to see with the blink of an eye but won’t cause distraction,” Dave says.

“In fact, its positioning is almost exactly where car HUDs are located and in line with industry automotive recommendations.”

Speed is colour coded and the focus is set at infinity so you don’t go cross-eyed.

The screen/monocle fits to the helmet via a plate inside the lining using the helmet’s mounting studs.

The battery and receiver fit to the outer shell via self-adhesive Velcro-type tape.

(Our understanding is that NSW and Victorian police still believe external fittings render a helmet illegal, but NSW have been ordered not to fine riders until the issue is officially resolved.)

The rearview camera is fitted the back of your bike via a license-plate bracket. It provides a continuous live feed via an ultra-low latency wireless connection.

“That means you always know what’s happening behind you regardless of where your helmet is pointing,” Dave says.

There are no buttons to press, no helmet tapping and no spoken instructions required.

It simply shows all the information in a constant feed.

Price

BikeHUD “core” is the basic model with rearview and speed information and no need to connect to another device. It will cost £349 (about $A620).

“Smartphone-style batteries mean there is no installation to worry about and the whole thing just works,” Dave says.

From March you will also be able to link the device to your phone using the free BikeHUD app to get GPS navigation information.

“We intend also to add specialised Apps in future for racing/ track days and Dakar-style off-road competitions,” Dave says.

“We’ve already had basic talks with the MotoGP software sub-contractors.”

Next July, they will add the ability to link to your bike.

“For information such as engine revs, gear, indicators, oil pressure, ignition and fuel warnings we have a plug-in to the diagnostic port in an OBDII format,” Dave says.

“Precisely what we can display very much depends on the year, make and model of the bike.”

They are finalising battery size and power management, but expect both the monocle and camera to last 8–12 hours.

Dave says it should fit 90% of all helmets, including full, flip, jet, cruiser, pudding and most adventure or off-road helmets.

It comes with a two-year warranty.Next gen BikeHUD nears completion

Long time coming

In 2011, the company developed their prototype and launched launched the world’s first motorbike HUD system, BikeHUD in 2013.

Dave says the first model was “an early-adopter product” with limited technology and was only available from January 2014 to March 2015.

“The original unit was a chance for us to get the concept out there,” Dave says.’

“Over the next few years we received a huge amount of feedback from customers right across the world.

“There were three main suggestions that kept cropping up. Firstly, the monocle (screen) needed to be smaller. Secondly, the system needed a rear-view camera. And finally, it needed to be really simple to use.”

All features have been included in this next gen device.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Suzuki offer Katana-themed Arai helmet

Suzuki Australia must have over-estimated demand for its new Katana as they are now selling the themed Arai helmet that was included with advanced orders.

All customers who ordered the new Katana online before the delivery date of 8 September 2019 also received a Katana-themed Arai QV-Pro helmet, valued at $995, with their bike delivery.

They say about 60 Katanas were sold before the first delivery of about 90.

We are not sure how many of these limited-edition Katana themed helmets are available through the Suzuki dealer network, but it seems they fell short of their demand in orders for the bike.

Click here for our full Katana review and watch and listen to the bike in action in this video.

Katana Arai helmet specsSuzuki KATANA Arai helmet

  • Price: $995
  • Based on Arai QV-Pro helmet
  • Hand crafted in Japan and inspected five times by an Arai engineer
  • PB-CLC outer shell in multiple sizes
  • Optimised Free Flow System ventilation
  • Variable Axis System visor
  • PinLock insert includedKATANA Arai helmet
  • Shield latch visor lock system
  • Antimicrobial liner material
  • Replaceable, washable interior
  • 5mm “Peel Away” ear cups, cheek pads and temple pad
  • Speaker pockets
  • Breath guard and chin curtain included
  • Emergency Release SystemSuzuki KATANA Arai helmet
  • Double D ring closure
  • ECE 22.05 approved
  • Penetration tested
  • Available sizes: small, medium and large.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

EJEAS Bluetooth helmet intercom review

If you’re sick of fiddling with the fiddly screws to mount your Bluetooth intercom, this budget EJEAS Quick20 is worth considering with its excellent audio quality.

It is Chinese made (as most Bluetooth units probably are!) and costs just $A185 each ($US129, €113,103) through their EJEAS website.

Quick clasp

EJEAS Quick20
Slimline unit

This unit is as slim as the top-of-the-line Sena 30K which is good for reducing drag and wind noise.

It features a fast-attaching bulldog-clip-type clasp attachment, so there is no need for fiddling with small allen keys and tiny screws that you can drop and lose.

EJEAS Quick20
Clasp attachment

The clasp simply grips the side of your helmet. There is also a stick-on pad and velcro attachment, if you prefer or your helmet doesn’t have access.

I thought the clip-on clasp might shake loose, but it hasn’t moved after prolonged riding in high winds and on bumpy roads.

However, the control unit doesn’t lock into the clasp firmly and while it won’t shake loose, you can bump it off when taking off your helmet, so be careful.

Bluetooth

As for the quality of the Bluetooth 4.2, it’s excellent.

It will only link up with one other EJEAS unit and won’t connect to other Bluetooth brands I have, but it does work very well between the two units.

It pairs quickly to your phone, GPS or another EJEAS intercom with handy audio prompts and always re-pairs when you turn the units on.

In fact, if you go out of range, it will revert to music or FM if you’ve been listening to them and will automatically reconnect once back in range.

They claim range up to 1200m, but it starts getting crackly about 800mm and you need line-of-sight connection.

Deploying the antenna improves reception a little as well as improving weak FM signals.

EJEAS Quick20
Use the antenna

Controls

The button arrangement is similar to the Sena units with a rotating knob and central “multi-function button” (MFB) that is easy to access even with thick winter gloves.

However, the raised motorcycle icon which is the on/off and intercom button can be difficult to find with thick gloves.

There is a separate FM button on the back and a “RST” reset button on the top that quickly turns off the unit.

Not sure why you need the RST button as you can turn the unit off and on using the motorcycle icon button by holding it for two seconds. Perhaps that’s a second you can save!

EJEAS Quick20

I also found that holding the MFB button two seconds only ever switched the unit on at the second attempt.

The rotating button handles both volume adjustment and radio station selection or skipping/replaying music tracks. To toggle between functions you have to hit the MFB again which makes it a little confusing.

Selecting FM stations is also difficult as there is no audio prompt to tell you the station you have selected.

Audio

The thick and large diameter speakers provide excellent audio quality with nice bass and plenty of volume.

But that makes them quite bulky, so they may not fit in some helmets.

They are a snug fit in my Harley-Davidson Vintage Stripe helmet which has deep ear recesses.

However, there are soft foam covers you can fit to the speakers to improve comfort against your ears.

It also comes with a choice of boom microphone for open-face helmets and bud mic for full-face.

Despite the loud wind noise in this helmet, the microphones effectively dampen background noise even at highway speeds.

Switching between music and intercom or phone calls is easy with a touch of a button.

But there is a delay of several seconds during which time you might think it’s not working and hit the button again.

After a while, you learn to have some patience and trust it will work.

Messy wires

One thing I don’t like is the messy speaker and mic wires.

Also, the plug is big and hangs low, getting caught on the collar of some of my jackets as I turn my head.

Even though this is made in China, the instructions are well written in easy-to-understand English. But the print is way too small for me to see even while wearing my reading glasses!

Conclusion

If you want high-quality audio and only need two-way intercom, the EJEAS Quick20 is well worth the money.

EJEAS Quick20 bluetooth intercomEJEAS Quick20

  • Bluetooth: 4.2
  • IP Rating: 65
  • Talk range: 1200m
  • Bluetooth Protocol: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP & HSP
  • Frequency Range: 2402MHz ~ 2480MHz
  • Battery Capacity: 530mAh
  • Standby Time: 300 hours
  • Talking Time: 8 hours
  • Charging Time: approx. 1 hour
  • Operating Voltage: 3.7V
  • Charger Requirements: DC5V/500mA
  • Working Temperature: -10~40℃

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Nolan deal to include active noise cancelling

Nolan helmets may soon have active noise-cancelling systems after signing a deal with Norwegian tech startup DAAL.

DAAL issued a media release saying their innovation would “give motorcyclists the chance to ride their bikes at highway speeds without the discomfort of tiring and potentially damaging wind noise”.

They say wind noise in a helmet can exceed 110dB that can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) over time. Click here for more information.

“This system also enables the rider to listen to music or talk to fellow riders in a quieter environment than today,” they say.DAAL Active noise-cancelling system for helmets

“By use of so-called active noise cancellation (ANC), the DAAL team has developed a technology that significantly reduces wind noise for the rider, without interfering with important traffic sounds like sirens and horns.

“For us, it is all about providing riders the freedom to get out there and enjoy the ride, without worrying about their hearing.”

Active noise cancelling

DAAL Active noise-cancelling system for helmets
Speakers, microphone and battery pack.

Sena was the first to introduce a helmet with an integrated electronic noise-cancelling intercom system.

However, DAAL founder and CEO Dag Axel Aarset says their system is different to other active noise-cancelling systems.

“Unlike generic noise cancellation headphones, our system is developed specifically to perform in the harsh and demanding noise environment inside a motorcycle helmet – and actually performs well for wind noise,” he says.

I have tried several active noise-cancelling earphones and agree that they can’t cope with loud wind buffeting. 

Active noise-cancelling systems generate a reverse sound wave of the background noise and play it through the speakers to cancel out the unwanted, harmful noise.

It requires a microphone next to your ear as well as speakers. There is also a power pack in the back of the helmet. However, they say their system weighs the same as other intercoms.

Daal Nolan noise cancelling helmet
DAAL tech being tested in a Nolan helmet

Tested and verified

Their prototype has been tested and verified for speeds up to 140km/h. The product is expected to be available in the market in 2020.

While the system is separate to an intercom, we imagine Nolan will integrate it with their N-Com Bluetooth intercom.

DAAL marketing manager David Schecroun says they “cannot go into the specifics of the project goals at this point”.

“We want our system to be compatible with both helmets and communication systems in the future,” he says.

Daal Nolan noise cancelling helmet
DAAL tech in testing

“The collaboration between DAAL and Nolan is a joint effort to make our technology as effective as possible within the constraints of the Nolan helmet, but we can and intend to work with other helmet manufacturers to make sure our technology can fit into more than one line of helmets. 

“Our long-term goal is to reach as many helmets as possible, probably through an aftermarket solution that may include some sort of communication features. 

“Today our focus is on the mutual benefits of collaborating with innovative first movers such as Nolan, where we can offer a competitive edge before ANC becomes the norm for motorcyclists, while at the same time we can see a clearer way towards the total market.”

They aim to launch their product globally in mid-2020.

DAAL was established in 2016 in Trondheim, the technology capital of Norway.

Italian helmet maker the Nolan Group was recently bought by French motorcycle company 2Ride Holding, makers of Shark helmets, Bering and Segura motorcycle clothing and Bagster bike luggage.

Damaging noise

Meanwhile, if you have issues with ringing in the ears after a long ride, we suggest you wear earplugs to reduce harmful wind noise

Alpine MotoSafe earplugs make riders safer sound
BUY Alpine MotoSafe earplugs now in our online shop

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Sean +Mesh Bluetooth adaptor review

Sena +Mesh review by Jim Hulme 

The Sena +Mesh Adaptor is designed to seamlessly and easily link riders into a group conversation without broken links. We sent rider Jim Hulme out to test the $259 unit on the road with his riding partners. Here’s his review:

Out of the box

The +Mesh adaptor click-locks into either a rubber-strap-connected base or a surface-mount adhesive base. The adaptor containing the electronics and screw-on antenna easily separates from the base with the press of a button.

For my test, the rubber strap base could not be used on my BMW handlebars as there is no available handlebar real estate.

So I tested it in my jacket front pocket, inside my top box and finally on the pillion grab handles.

While mounted on the grab handles, it was easy to reach and activate the mesh intercom because Sena has provided it with a nice big button on the front of the unit.

The waterproof rubber-sealed USB port for charging can be difficult to access.

Setup and range

The +Mesh adaptor is easily paired with your Sena headset, then it automatically connects each time.

The 30K in the test was used to create a mesh group and the +Mesh client (Sena SRL integrated into the Shoei Neotec II helmet) was added to the group. During use, the main button could be used to leave and return to the mesh group as required.

The +Mesh adaptor is claimed to have 800m range in an uninterrupted straight line.

My experience with measured stops and voice quality checks verified this is accurate.

Connections

Sena claims it works with both Bluetooth4.1 and Bluetooth3.0 models, however, the audio quality is best with Bluetooth 4.1 models.

The +Mesh Adaptor takes up one of your bluetooth intercom spaces. If your headset is capable of connecting with three other headsets for four-way intercom, the +Mesh will take up one of those three spaces, leaving two spaces remaining for bluetooth intercom connections.

At least 2 mesh devices are required to be in a Mesh Intercom.

My use of two Sena SRL models provided almost flawless performance, but connections between the SRL and a Sena 30K were frustrating.

The biggest problem with the SRL is that it is not possible to use while charging. It also has an “irreplaceable rechargeable battery”, so when the battery ages, you have to buy a new SRL.

However, the 30K can connect to others in either “bluetooth intercom” mode which requires pairing, or mesh intercom which doesn’t require pairing.

Link and sound qualitySena +Mesh links unlimited Sena intercoms

Once the mesh link is established, increased distance and lack of “line of sight” due to curves and hills etc have a dramatic effect.

While the sound level can be still good, speech is unintelligible.

In most cases, this will recover as the link path improves, but can sometimes remain poor. This is a problem I experienced in other Sena devices such as the 30K.

To fix it, try disconnecting/reconnecting the link or turning it off and on again.

I also experienced intermittent, short, loud “screaming” sounds which my 30K partner could not hear.

I thought it was caused by the +Mesh adaptor, but later testing between two 30K units in a mesh connection resulted in some similar noise, but less often.

Following the adaptor test, we changed to two 30K units and tried them in normal paired connection and mesh connection.

In normal paired connection, there were significant sound quality issues, failure of the link after separation, and this didn’t recover without a reboot. There was no apparent increase in the range.

Then we changed to mesh connection and while the sound quality was not always perfect, the overall communication satisfaction was better.

As the two units recovered from the lost link connectivity, they seamlessly reconnected to the mesh. As reported with the +Mesh adaptor, the occasional loud screeching noises were still happening but not so often as when using the adaptor.

Conclusion

I think the +Mesh adaptor provides a better functional experience when connecting dissimilar units.

They also improved range and sound quality over a mesh of more than two units as they enhance the network signal strength.

The combined cost of the adaptor and your existing communication unit is significant so unless you really needed to use it to participate in a group of mesh users, you are probably better off just buying a 30K instead.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Where to hang your motorcycle helmet

When you park your motorcycle at your local cafe or service station and don’t want to carry your helmet, you are faced with a wide choice of locations to hang your helmet on your bike.

But which is the safest?

The answer may depend on your motorcycle.

There is only one place you should NOT put your helmet and that is on the ground.

Ants or other bugs could crawl in and create some havoc several kilometres down the road when they suddenly start to bite or get in your eyes or ears!

So which is the safest and best place to store your helmet on your motorbike?

Panniers and top box

Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited hang
Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited has a huge top box that stores two full-sized helmets

The best place to secure your helmet is in big, lockable panniers or a top box if you are lucky enough to have them.

These keep your helmet in the shade, away from the elements and away from prying, thieving eyes.

It also cannot be damaged by someone bumping into or even knocking over your bike.

Helmet lockHang helmet

If your bike has a helmet lock, they are quite secure.

Unfortunately, some modern bikes don’t seem to have them.

There are also some problems with hanging it here.

First, a thief can easily cut the strap and take your helmet. Yes, it destroys the helmet but thieves could just be using your helmet to steal your bike and make their getaway!

On some, your helmet may also be able to rock back and forth in the wind which could scratch its nicely painted surface, or worse, your visor.

Also, people squeezing past your parked bike might scratch your helmet or visor.

Your helmet is also exposed to the elements.

And because it is either upside down or on its side, you could come back to a helmet filled with rain, dust or even someone’s litter or cigarette butt!

SeatHang helmet

This is perhaps the easiest and most common method of temporarily storing a helmet on a bike.

Depending on the seat this can be safe or very precarious.

A passerby’s knock or even strong wind could send it tumbling and a drop from that height could write off the helmet.

It’s also very noticeable and easy for someone to steal.

Your helmet is also open to the elements, although by being the right way up, at least it won’t collect rain like it does when on a helmet lock. Just remember to close the visor!

If you do store it on the seat, the most secure way so it won’t roll off is to have the visor facing the side with the sidestand.

Tank

Like the seat, it depends on the bike and is open to the same problems of security.

Hang it on the handlebars

The quickest and easiest place to hang a helmet is on the handlebars.

This can be secure, especially if you can get it over bar-end mirrors to stop it slipping off.

However, this can still be a precarious position where the helmet can easily fall if the bike is bumped.

It could also compresses the interior foam liner if you hang it with the helmet facing down. Compressing the liner can make your helmet fit more loosely and decreases its ability to protect your head in a crash.

However, it may be ok if your helmet allows you to rest it on the chin bar as in the photo above.

You can buy special helmet hooks or use a carabiner to hang it off the bars via the Double-D clasp (if it has one).

Helmet Hook How to protect and clean your visor hang
Helmet hook

But again, you have the problem of the helmet filing with rain and dust and being stolen.

If you do hang your helmet on the bars, make sure it’s the right bar as this is safer than the left bar which slopes down when the bike is on its sidestand.

FootpegsHang helmet

The same goes for hanging your helmet on the footpegs.

It may seem more “secure” because it is not in plain sight, but I saw a pedestrian walk past a bike and accidentally kick the helmet because it wasn’t easy to see.

The helmet, rolled about 50m down the road. A write-off!

If you do hang it off the footpegs, make sure it’s on the right side, opposite the side stand, as they can slide off the down side because of the bike’s lean.

Cables and alarms

If you choose to hang or store your helmet on your bike, it may pay to secure it with a wire locking cable.

Some are made of tough titanium and some even have alarms if moved.

Check out this robust helmet lock!

Andras and Thomas Torkos wth DSD Motoring Helmet lock

Strap

If your bike doesn’t have a secure place for storage, you can always carry your helmet in the bag it came in or buy one of these convenient EZ-GO shoulder straps.

EZ-GO helmet strap hang
EZ-GO helmet strap
  • Where do you store your helmet? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com