Intercom Guide by Sena

A LITTLE GUIDE TO COMMUNICATION ON THE MOTORCYCLE

Dietmar

09.04.2025

Photos: SENA

The days are getting longer, the asphalt is getting warmer and we want to get back out on the road. Often
at the beginning of the season, there is also the question of whether it is not time for a reasonable communication system
is. Whether you just follow the announcements of the navigation device, have to keep a whole group together,
want to hear the right soundtrack to the road trip and yes, if you absolutely have to, also for
the boss should be reachable, all this is possible with modern communication systems.
The only question is which device best suits your own requirements. It goes without saying that SENA
has a few valuable tips ready.

 

 

JOHANN ZARCO, MOTOGP RACER In the LCR HONDA TEAM ON THE SUBJECT OF INTERCOM

"The most important thing – on the road as well as on the track – is to stay in control. A phone in your hand or headphones are the best way to put yourself in danger - and get a hefty fine. Fortunately, intercoms are allowed as long as they are attached to the helmet and can be used in hands-free mode."

With a SENA intercom, you can stay connected without losing sight of the road: calls, music, GPS, conversations with your group... all without taking your hands off the handlebars. Because the priority is to remain master of your motorcycle and the road."

TO GET STARTED: THE 3 BASIC SENA TIPS FOR SAFE AND CONNECTED DRIVING

1. A good intercom system is first and foremost an approved intercom system with
Voice control and hands-free mode, i.e. one that keeps our attention on the road,
distracts us as little as possible.

2. Please do not exaggerate the volume, no matter how good the sound quality is. Anyone who has a
St. Martin's horn or other important signals puts himself and others in danger.
3. Don't talk too much. An intercom is handy to point out dangers, the route
or to pass on useful information. Discussed about the last MotoGP race
better with a currywurst at the meeting.

AND WHAT TYPE OF COMMUNICATION ARE YOU?
 
When choosing a communication system, there are a lot of questions that you should answer yourself. Let's start very simply:

Solo or duo use?

- Are you riding alone and want to listen to your playlists, follow the GPS or make a call? Then a solo intercom system (single pack at SENA) is just right for you.
- Do you often travel with a pillion? That's why SENA offers the dual packages. This is cheaper to buy and you can talk and listen to music together on the go.

With good friends or with the whole regulars' table?

- For up to 4 motorcycles, normal Bluetooth pairing is sufficient. What we offer
for example, intercom systems such as the SENA 10S or SENA SF4. They have a range of at least 1.2 km, with the order of pairing dictating the order of the riders in the group.
- If there are more than 4 motorcycles, mesh comes into play. Thus, the Spider, 50S, 50R or the brand new 60S models allow up to 24 motorcyclists to be connected in private mode and a range of up to 8 km for some models. In free mode, the number of users is almost unlimited.

Want unlimited reach and cross-brand compatibility?

If you want to experience what is technically feasible, you should try SENA Wave. This technology uses the cellular network and removes the range limitations of Bluetooth and Mesh. As long as there is a network
you can talk to your group or a person equipped with simple headphones on the other side of the world. Everything is controlled via an app!

Wave works with Bluetooth systems from all manufacturers via smartphone, except when all participants ride with a SENA model. Then you control everything directly via the system on the helmet. And if you do get into a dead zone, Wave automatically switches to mesh to ensure continuous communication.

Concert hall instead of tin can?

If you answer this question with a resounding yes and definitely want to talk without disturbing background noise, SENA recommends the 50C, 50S, 50R and 60S models. All of which are equipped with Harman Kardon speakers and microphones. The sound is clear, powerful and free of noise, even at high speeds.

With the SENA 60S, the technology goes even further: Artificial intelligence optimizes noise cancellation and voice control so that communication remains fluid while driving.

"The first time I used SENA 60S on the motorcycle was to call my dad, unbelievable, he thought I was in my living room!" - Adrien van Beveren, rally raid driver Honda HRC

For bad weather or continuous operation?

Best for both! You don't want to limit yourself, do you? Waterproofing is a key element for motorcycle travelers: some models, such as the SENA SF4, offer the usual protection against splashing water, but long-distance riders are better off opting for an IPX7-certified system. For example, for the SENA 60S, which can withstand 30 minutes in one meter of water and really has no problem with downpours.
 
Battery life also plays a major role for many riders. For day trips, a model like the SENA 5S with 8 hours of talk time is sufficient, while long-distance travelers will be happy about the 17 hours of talk time of the SENA 60S, especially if a charging option is missing.
 
But it's not just tourists who need long-lasting batteries, but also racers like MotoGP star Johann Zarco: "At LCR Honda, we now use the SENA 60S for our track days. There's nothing better to take care of drivers for a whole day without worrying about range."

Which operating concept should it be?
 
In any case, the intercom should be intuitive and easy to use, even with gloves, of course. With SENA, you can choose between button operation (e.g. on the SENA 50R) and rotary knob operation (e.g. on the SENA Spider ST1). The rotary knob is becoming more and more popular with its fluid navigation. But the buttons still have their justification, especially under difficult conditions.
 
The third way to operate a SENA intercom is voice control: your hands remain on the handlebars and your attention remains on the road. The SENA 60S, for example, allows for this hands-free control of functions and even access to Google or Siri with your voice. Another tip for selection: Pay attention to compatibility with existing devices such as smartphones, GPS devices and headphones.

With or without a camera?

There are intercoms that take the range of communication options to the extreme by integrating a camera directly into their design. Like the SENA 50C, which is equipped with a 4K Ultra HD camera. Ideal for capturing experiences easily and safely on video without burdening the helmet with an additional accessory.

Intercom + Camera = Intercam, so to speak.

How much should the fun cost?

- Prices for a solo package range from under €100 (SENA 5R Lite) to €399 (SENA 60S).

- For the dual packages, the price range ranges from less than 200 € (SENA 5R Lite Duo) to 749 € (SENA
60S Duo).

Tip: Investing in a dual package is cheaper than buying two separate solo intercoms.

Should I take this one now, or the other?

Not sure which intercom is best? The telephone support of
SENA is available from Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 0800 6200890 or via the
Contact form www.sena.com/de/support/ticket/ available.