There are some vocal opponents to motorcycle communication systems, and they tend to shout “radiation,” “distraction” and “crash safety” louder than anything else. Here’s what you need to know about these three concerns, and whether or not they should be concerning you.
Radiation
When I hear the term “radiation,” I usually imagine the Chernobyl meltdown inside my helmet. Yikes. The truth is, however, that Bluetooth devices operate at a much lower power than mobile phones. So, if you don’t mind answering a cell phone now and then, a Bluetooth comm really shouldn’t bother you.
Some people freak out because Bluetooth runs in the microwave frequency. But again, it’s not like you’re strapping a microwave oven to your head and hoping for the best. The power output is so low that the radiation is non-ionizing. As in, it won’t damage your cells. Or give you cancer. Or cook your brain. So don’t worry.
Distraction
Motorcycles are small, fast and finicky single-track vehicles. So, they demand plenty of rider focus. The question is, are communication systems distracting?
There’s no doubt that talking while riding hinders concentration. But, if the alternative is turning your head to shout things at your passenger, a comm system is probably the lesser of two evils. Even more so, giving directions over a voice-activated intercom is safer than using hand signals.
Distraction also depends on what you’re talking about. Having a lecture-length conversation on the human urinary system is probably dangerous. Telling your passenger that you need to pee, however, won’t do any harm.
People also worry that listening to music will drown out important road noises. But I would say that this isn’t always true. Cranking your Katy Perry louder than a police siren is definitely stupid. And potentially embarrassing. However, some good judgment and low volume can eliminate the risk.
And if your Bluetooth connectivity drops, or you need to plug something in, just make sure to pull over before fiddling with it.
So, are motorcycle communications distracting? If you’re sensible about it – not really.
Crash Safety
A lot of people wonder if communication systems alter the safety rating of a helmet. The short answer is, no. Schuberth’s neck rolls, when installed properly, mimic the shape and density of the original roll. So there should be no change in the helmet’s safety performance.
Headsets, which stick onto the outside of a helmet, do not appreciably affect the safety quality either. If you were to impact on that side, the device would be the first thing to break off. So, it won’t have a significant impact on crash dynamics.