Motorcycle intercom / radio communication system

Last night I was pondering about what to post and thought back to my last motorcycle touring trip. The trip wasn't a failure but definitely could have been better. The problems that we ran into were not what I considered major but all the small annoyances added up to make the trip miserable. The ability to communicate amongst ourselves was one of them. Considering that 3 out of the 4 motorcycles on that tour carried communication radios and wouldn't you know it... the one that didn't exacerbated the problem for our small group.

This rider is a good friend of ours and is a frequent participant in out motorcycle tours. We had tried convincing him to obtain an intercom radio so that he could tune in on many occasions but he usually just shrugged it off. The group lead, my brother, even bought a radio system and handed to him but he just wouldn't consider using it. Perhaps he didn't like radio chatter or for other reasons that I never heard him mention. But from my perspective he could always turn the intercom off and switch it back on when the situation warrants it to stay tuned in. I know it's his prerogative but the lack of communication gave us issues at times.

I guess here is where I would like to point out some positives about radio intercom systems. First and foremost everyone stays in contact. Anyone getting separated because of traffic lights, for example, as it so often happens when we arrive in a major city, could easily give the leader a quick status and plan a meet up point if need be. Moreover, riders could notify leaders of their physical conditions: fatigue, bathroom breaks, being hot/cold and the need to take off/ put on gear. They could also communicate their need for gas stops, mechanical troubles, et cetera.

Motorcycle riding to me is total freedom so I do not wish to push anything on anyone. But if you're riding in a pack that uses radios extensively wouldn't you consider getting an intercom system? In which case I would suggest the J&M Integratr IV (this is not a misspelling), also known as the JMSR-4020. I've been using this intercom unit paired with the Motorola Talkabout 250 FRS/GMRS two-way radio (walkie-talkie) ever since I've been riding in my brother's group. I must admit I had never tried any other setups, however, I can vouch for this setup as being a very good one from experience riding with it the last several years.

A few years back, before the Integratr VI was produced, BMW had contracted J&M to design an intercom / radio system for their K1200LT motorcycle line and gave J&M all the specs for the system they wanted. After the contract ended BMW surprisingly did not impose copyright, or restrict J&M from using their technology, the result a few years later was the Integratr IV. So if you decide to try this unit out you're actually getting a piece of BMW technology.

The J&M Integratr IV features a FM stereo radio tuner, a driver-to-passenger voice operated transmit and receive (VOX) intercom, an auxiliary stereo input for an MP3 or iPod-type music devices or satellite radio units (a great feature for those long, boring stretches of highway). As the name implies the Integratr IV is able to integrate a number of accessories: cell phone, a 40-channel Citizen's Band (CB), or Family Radio Service or a General Mobile Radio Service FRS/GMRS two-way radio (this is where I connect my Motorola Walkabout 250 radio).

The cool thing about the Integratr IV is that it could either use stand alone power from 8 AAA batteries easily lasting through a whole day's ride (up to 16 hours of continuous operation), or through the use of J&M's 12V automobile type cigarette lighter adapter that plugs directly into your motorcycle's cigarette outlet for uninterrupted power. Unfortunately for me, BMW built their motorcycles with smaller diameter outlets. Therefore, to use the Integratr IV on my F650GS I had to purchase a standard 12V cigarette outlet cable and plug, and adapted that to my motorcycle's battery. It wasn't hard to do, just took a little bit of work.

The Integratr IV package comes with the intercom unit, a leather pouch and a single auxiliary cable. To complete your setup you would have to purchase everything else separately. This would probably include headset, extension cable, etc. And speaking of cables and headset installation, the setup to suit your particular configuration could get a bit complicated, hence I suggest doing thorough research or speak to J&M (or their dealer) directly before you commit to getting all the pieces since it would be a big hassle to have to return things if you bought the wrong parts.

Operationally, the J&M Integratr IV functions superbly with the Motorola Talkabout 250 two-way radio. I've tested a number of other Motorola FRS/GMRS radios that claimed to have ranges of 15 miles or more, but once installed voice communication through my helmet at freeway speed became distorted, garbled. Even though the Motorola Talkabout 250 has only a 2 mile range it functions flawlessly. Of course you're not limited to Motorola walkie-talkies and could choose from a number of different manufacturers. Furthermore, if you desire more range the Integratr IV could easily accommodate a CB radio.

The Integratr IV is very portable when using batteries and could be worn on you belt via the leather pouch. The unit has a push-to-talk (PTT) button located on top that you could activate with one hand. From my experience chances are more times than not I would need to have both hands on the handle bar so I opted for a PTT cable for ease of use when I'm maneuvering and needing to communicate. You could get one through J&M or in my case I constructed one. I mounted mine near my left thumb.

The disadvantages? The Integratr IV is not waterproof . But this could be easily remedied by placing the unit inside the tank bag or just simply covering it up with plastic to keep it from getting wet. One other thing worth mentioning, not related to the intercom, is the 8-pin upper section, right-angle hook up cord connecting the Integratr IV to my headset. This cable connector easily chafed when I placed my helmet down, resting on the cord frequently. I had to replace one and can foresee that you may have to replace this cable every so often. You could avoid the costly mistake ($40 for a new cable) by simply be aware of the connector when you place your helmet down... or just simply get a couple of spare cables.

Overall, the J&M Integratr IV is a very robust intercom system and functions reliably. What disadvantages it has is very minor when comparing to the features it offers. One additional plus is that the cost for the unit has dropped considerably since I bought mine. They run about $120 now considering I bought mine when it was around $300.

Our riding friend could argue about many reasons not to use an intercom system but he sure can't argue that intercom / radios are too expensive to afford.

J&M Integratr IV portable motorcycle audio system manual

BMW F650GS fork seals

Roughly two weeks ago my BMW F650GS' fork seals broke while on the the Arizona trip. At that time the right side fork tube didn't look like it was leaking dampening fluid too badly but I was a bit concerned nevertheless since I have not experienced anything similar before and didn't know if broken fork seals could be a major problem or not. When I discovered the leak we had covered about 150 miles out and I was worried that we may have to turn back. Good thing I was riding with an experienced group of people (my brother included), and they reassured me that it wasn't that major and I could probably make the last 850 miles (the rest of the trip).

I was a bit leary still but figured it was only the right fork tube, "If anything I still have the left side intact." Plus the fluid that was leaking out was on the right side and not directly over the left side where my front disc brake was. Sure enough after a bit of fluid loss and 1000 miles later, my F650GS got me home just fine. Lesson learned.

Now it's time to fix it. I had pondered about doing the work myself so I looked up the procedure in the manual on the CD ROM that my brother had bought when he owned this motorcycle. BMW has a very good maintenance and repair manual that shows the process in great detail and description.









It looked like there were a couple of special tools that I might need to get to perform this fix in addition to getting the new seals. I was also thinking about replacing both fork seals since one failed the other was bound to follow.

I talked it over with my brother but he suggested that I waited while he asked the guys at Brown Motor Works in Pomona, the local BMW motorcycle dealership, regarding repair price. As it turned out, the cost for repair is around $250 for both fork tubes, not too bad. So it now looks like I'll be going to the dealer to have it done.

Oh, well... maybe next time.

Sale at Motorcycle Superstore

Since one of my goggles got pretty scratched up last August in Mammoth I was browsing Motorcycle Superstore for a replacement. When I last looked their "Biketober" was on so they had a bunch of stuff on sale. When I browsed this time it looks like their sale is still on. I found a couple of very affordable goggle models. And since I'm looking for both a clear lens and one with a tint, the Smith Fuel Enduro motorcycle goggle is good candidate. The Fuel Enduro goggle currently runs $19.99, pretty affordable.



My other selection is the Smith Fuel Sweat-X tinted motorcycle goggle. This goggle should be good when I'm riding off road in the tree line. These run $29.99. Still pretty good.



Not counting shipping, $50 for two goggles! That's not bad.

Motorcycle Superstore

Arizona, there and back again

I've been back from my motorcycle tour to Arizona for several days now but still find it hard to put things into words to write this post. It was definitely a difficult journey, one that ran into difficulty from the start. I feel like Bilbo Baggins, grateful for the experience of a difficult adventure but not sure if I would want to go through a journey like this again.

I'm weary enough that I don't want to get into all the details except to mention our bad luck, that my brother got ticketed not even a half hour into the ride while trying to chase down his friend when the guy strayed off, or my motorcycle's front fork leaked oil because of a broken seal. We fought the traffic, the semis, the weather, the desert wind, the fatigue. Sad thing was even when we arrived at our campsite we found it full and couldn't camp. So we tried checking into the nearest motel and found not just that one but all the motels were booked (believe it or not)! So we slept on the sidewalk at a rest area... then there were the personality conflicts. The usual stuff? I don't know. It reminds me more of Tolkien's Fellowship of the Ring, their difficulty trying to reach their destination.

It felt like all we did were ride our motorcycles. It didn't feel enjoyable but more like survival... I don't think I've ever experienced anything like this before.

After the trip my brother confess to me that this may be the last long trip he would schedule for a while (he's been scheduling and riding long motorcycle tours such as this for the past 5 years). He wanted to take a break from it all and spend time with his wife and 3 children.

I can't help but get philosophical after a journey such as this last one either. Things sometimes happen for a reason. Maybe a break is what the road is telling us. We're burning out. We'll see what happens.

In the meantime, I'll just repair my motorcycle and stick to the commute.

Arizona here we come!

That time is here. All the preparations, all the packing, the excitement... it all boils down to today. as I look over my motorcycle for the last time before heading off towards the east to Arizona. All troubles are left behind, only the open road ahead.

Sometimes these rides reminds me of the old West. Where the cowboy mounts his horse and ride off... the freedom, the independence, the adventure, the individualism.

"V"... Peace! See you on the open road!

Arizona: Two days until launch

Our motorcycle route is now finalized. A little bit of change in plans on the first day. Instead of camping at Laughlin at the end of the day, we'll be in a hotel... I guess there will be casino action for those of us feeling lucky. It'll be fun! For the rest of the way it's still motorcycling and camping as planned.

Day 1:

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Day 2:

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Day 3:

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Day 4 (and home):

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Discount motorcyle riding gear

If you were to ask me how the riding condition would be a week ago I would have said nice... I would even dare say warm. But the moment the calendar turned October the weather seems to be taking a turn and got colder in California. I think this motorcycle tour from California to Arizona will be mostly cool to cold. Better get my heavy gear out.

I finished the preliminary checkups on both my BMW F650GS and ST motorcycles and now just need to change the oil for the GS. Man, it's going to be close. I'll have to fit the oil change into my schedule tomorrow. In the meantime I've gone back to packing my riding gear.

While I was surfing the internet for some additional cold weather motorcycle riding gear (since most of my stuff are old or borrowed from my mountain bike stash), I came across Motorcycle Superstore's "Biketober Special". Looks like Motorcycle Superstore has marked down a bunch of their stuff. Some of their Honda touring jackets, for example, are marked down by 80%! And some of Firstgear's up to 71%... and they even offer free 1-3 day shipping for orders over $75! Pretty good if anyone is interested.





Motorcycle Superstore

Touratech Zega motorcycle touring cases

As I continue with preparations for the Arizona motorcycle trip this morning (seems like it never ends) I discovered that one my Touratech Zega cases was pretty dented in. As I have reported in an earlier post in September, I had some minor wipe outs during last tour in the Mammoth Lakes area (see the post Laminar Lip motorcycle windscreen spoiler) that is still coming back to haunt me.

I usually perform a close inspection of my F650GS motorcycle after every trip but some how the dent on the inside of the right case escaped me. The case walls appeared to be straight enough but when the case is mounted onto the frame the ABS plastic "spacers" on the inside felt a bit loose. It wasn't a major dent but just enough to make me feel uncomfortable about mounting the case. I sure didn't want it to inadvertently fall off.

Before I had owned these cases everyone who has them said that these motorcycle cases are really resilient, that they take the dents and could forcibly be banged back onto shape. So I put the Touratech Zega case to the test. After removing the fasteners I took a rubber mallet and went to work on it. After two or three minutes of banging I would check fit it on the mounting frame. I repeated banging and fit checking and 15 minutes later... what do you know... the case fit pretty snugly back on the mounting frame, be it not perfectly like when it was new but pretty good! (Unfortunately during the excitement I forgot to photograph the dent before the fix and could only show the after pictures)





So what some of the other adventure motorcycle riders said is true. Had this case been of plastic construction those crashes I had could easily have broken the mount or the case or even both.

Now I hope I had discovered all the issues. Sure don't want problems while I'm on this thousand mile motorcycle ride.

BatteryMINDer Plus, motorcycle battery charger/maintainer

This is the last weekend before the Arizona motorcycle trip so I'm busying myself with motorcycle maintenance. I've been riding my BMW F650GS so it was a fairly quick routine check. My BMW F650ST on the other hand has been on a battery tender for the past 3 months.

Fortunately, not too long ago I got a very good battery charger. This charger, however, is very different than the one I owned before. This one not only charges but maintain and conditions the battery while my F650ST was in storage. It is manufactured by VDC Electronics Inc. and is called the BatteryMINDer Plus.



The charger package comes with 2 additional cables for you to adapt to most types of batteries and is very easy to use. Just plug it in and it charges your battery until full then switches over to a "maintenance" mode and removes sulfate by dissolving it from your battery automatically. Sulfate build up is a major cause of early battery failure and the BatteryMINDer Plus gets rid of the stuff by using a wide range of high frequency pulses. This in turn extends the life of your battery.

In comparison with my previous battery charger, the BatteryMINDer Plus not only removes sulfate but does not overcharge and prevents boil-out (water loss) so I didn't have to hassle with the constant checking and refilling my battery with water while my motorcycle was in storage. I even tried using it to recover a weak battery and it worked pretty good.

This charger makes my servicing the F650ST a little quicker since I didn't have to open up another panel on the motorcycle to get to the battery to check the water level.

Torque or gas mileage which should it be?

I have to admit one of the things that attracted me to motorcycles was the cool-breeze-in-your-face fun... Well, maybe more that just that... it's also the twisting-the-throttle-I'm-outa-here-power fun also! But there's a third kind of thrill I get when I hop on my BMW F650GS motorcycle... it's the gas mileage fun!

What's that you ask? It's my own little bragging fun when somebody in an SUV filling up next to me asked, "How does that thing do on gas mileage?"

"60-75 miles to a gallon... depending on how I ride," I usually answered.

Funny how the conversion tend to come to an abrupt end between us. You could see the look of amazement in their eyes. But it's true. My F650GS motorcycle could actually perform the feat, sometimes even better... depending configuration, condition and throttle control.

Truth is my BMW F650GS' setup was not originally configured as such to start. It was only through a slight modification, the changing of the motorcycle's rear sprocket from the original factory 47 teeth to a smaller 43 teeth sprocket. That's it! Admittedly I lost a bit of acceleration/torque but the 4 teeth difference together with the efficient fuel mapping from the on-board computer produce wonders for gas mileage.

On freeways and highways 75 mpg is the norm when I'm in a "clean" configuration. Loaded up, my BMW F650GS motorcycle still managed 65-70 mpg! At extreme loads the acceleration is not quite as good but my gas mileage doesn't dropped below 60 mpg provided that I ride at 65 mph (or less).

Even though I have had the F650GS for a while sometimes the gas performance still surprised me like the first time I covered the stretch from Mammoth Lakes to Fresno, California. Be it that the bike was assisted in an ever slight incline, it made 165 miles using just 1.7 gallons. That's 97 mpg! For me it's a great way to tour! Got to love those numbers. The BMW F650GS motorcycle definitely becomes a very economical touring machine with the 43 teeth sprocket.

So the decision is... should you go for torque or gas mileage?

More motorcycles on the roads: sign of the times?

I read in a couple of places that the numbers of motorcycles, hence motorcyclists, are on the rise in America. Gas getting expensive? Perhaps. Sometimes I can't help reflecting on our country's well being.

The reason for bringing this up is because my family came from a another part of the world, a place that was very well known in Southeast Asia where there was a war on 30 years ago when there was still a Republic of Vietnam. Southeast Asia is almost forgotten these days amidst the conflicts in the Middle East. But that's not the real reason for my writing this post...

When I was growing up there I remember being taken to school by our family chauffeur via motorcycle. The scene is hard to imagine these days. In my mind's eye I could still see this sea of motorcycles, bicycles and rickshaws intertwined to get to their destinations from the rear seat of our 1967 Honda S65 motorcycle. Vietnam was a poor country then but now it's very different. I've recently seen pictures of SUVs, sports cars, etc., in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). There are still motorcycles and mopeds around but the communist government is trying to change all that (rickshaws are completely gone). I guess it's part of their progress.



At the moment I have no desire to revisit the place of my origin (although I have a lot of relatives there), but if I do I would love to bring my BMW F650GS motorcycle to tour the central coast from Phan Rang to Nha Trang.

Meanwhile, for us here in America there seems to be change coming also but it seems a reversal. Could Vietnam be heading towards automobiles and excess as we are contracting because of our economy, moving towards conservation and more motorcycles? Or is it because we crave freedom? I hope it's the latter.