Motorcycle Helmet Communication: How Bluetooth Intercoms Work

A motorcycle helmet communication system puts a small Bluetooth headset in your helmet so you can take calls, hear GPS directions, play music and talk to other riders without taking your hands off the bars. Here's how these systems work and what to look for, whether you buy a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet or add a headset to the helmet you have.

What a helmet headset does

• Phone calls: answer, reject and make calls hands-free.
• GPS directions: hear turn-by-turn directions from your phone's map app.
• Music: play, pause and skip tracks.
• Voice assistant: use your phone's assistant for calls, texts and directions.
• Rider-to-rider intercom: talk directly with another rider's helmet, no phone needed.

How it works

A helmet headset has three parts: a control unit with the battery and Bluetooth radio, mounted on the outside of the helmet; two thin speakers that sit in the ear pockets inside the helmet; and a microphone in front of your mouth, usually with a wind-resistant cover.

Phone pairing works like any Bluetooth headset: pair it once with your phone, and calls, directions and music come through the speakers. Intercom pairs two headsets directly, so riders can talk to each other within range, even with no phone signal. Intercom range is quoted in open, line-of-sight conditions; hills, buildings and traffic shorten it.

Built-in vs add-on headsets

• Helmets with Bluetooth included: the helmet comes with a headset made to fit it, so there's no guesswork. Some have Bluetooth built into the shell; others include the headset in the box with a mount.
• Add-on headsets: clamp or stick a headset onto the helmet you already own. Check that the speakers fit your helmet's ear pockets and that the mic reaches your mouth. See motorcycle Bluetooth headsets.

What to look for

• Intercom if you ride with a partner or a group.
• Battery life: enough talk time for a full riding day, plus standby time between rides.
• Waterproofing for rain and wet weather.
• Controls you can use with gloves on, such as one large multi-function button.
• A noise-canceling microphone so people can hear you at speed.
• Speaker sound quality for music and clear calls.

GDM Bluetooth headsets

• GDM HyperSonic: Bluetooth 5.0 with an intercom for two riders at up to 100 meters, HiFi stereo speakers, noise cancellation, FM radio and voice assistant access. Up to 12 hours of music and talk time, 120 hours of standby, and waterproof for all weather.
• GDM SuperSonic: Bluetooth 5.0 for calls, music and GPS, with up to 12 hours of music and talk time, 120 hours of standby and a waterproof design.

Both use single-button control for calls, music and GPS. You'll also find replacement speakers and mics and mounting brackets if you move a headset to a new helmet.

Helmets with Bluetooth included

GDM Bluetooth helmets come with a headset in full face, modular, dual sport, open face and retro styles, including the DEMON HyperSonic and the BEAST Bluetooth. For more picks, read best Bluetooth motorcycle helmets for communication, or shop all Bluetooth motorcycle helmets.

Tips for clear sound

• Position the speakers right over your ears; even a small gap makes them much quieter.
• Keep the mic close to your mouth, with its windscreen cover on.
• Charge before every ride; cold weather drains batteries faster.
• Keep the volume at a level where you can still hear traffic around you.

FAQ

Can two riders talk to each other with a Bluetooth headset?

Yes, if both headsets support intercom. The GDM HyperSonic connects two riders at up to 100 meters.

Do I need my phone for intercom?

No. Intercom connects the headsets directly. You need your phone only for calls, GPS and music.

Can I add Bluetooth to my current helmet?

Yes. An add-on headset like the GDM HyperSonic or SuperSonic mounts to most helmets with ear pockets for the speakers.

How long does the battery last?

GDM headsets give you up to 12 hours of music and talk time on a charge, with 100 to 120 hours of standby depending on the model.