[Big Kahuna]

Thanks. I saw that link when I did a search a few days ago but no one mentions specific models that they're using or how they can accomodate a passenger. I was looking at satellite radios for a Christmas gift, but now I htink I'm going to ask for the chatterbox instead. I'm waiting until more portables come out in the satelite tuner department as they only have one option right now and it's hella expensive. However, that is another thread that I've yet to start!

http://www.streetbikereview.com/sbr_reviews/sbr_reviews_hjc_msplus.shtml

 

[Big Kahuna]

But ALOT of reading!!

Yeah, basically it's the best unit for the price and ease of use. It does take a bit to get used to the technique of raising your voice loud enough to trigger the mic. I set my vox adjustment on 3 and rarely have any troubles with it setting of the mic when I don't want it to.

If you're riding two up, you can switch to intercom mode and talk privately with each other. Or, you can both talk to other bikes if you're using one of the FRS channels.

 

[Big Kahuna]

I'm sold on getting a chatterbox. I believe the FRS-X2 is the model for me. Retail is 279.99 but I've seen seen around the net for slightly less than 200.00. I'm going to ask my local store what they can do with their price and then figure out who to make the order from. I will recommend the HJC-FRS and the FRS-X2 to my step-dad. I'm sure with me getting the X2, he/they will too.

Just so you know, the accessories for the FRS-X2 model are twice the price of the Plus model. One of my buddies had and X2 and after spending much money on accessories never got it to work as well as our cheaper Plust models. He ending up getting rid of the X2 and buying a Plus.

He's hardware problems may have been just his unit, but nothing changes the fact that the accessories are twice the price.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Hmm... is the clearness an issue with the noise reducing units? I know the headsets are about $45 for 'em but I liked the idea of more channels and an input for my cell phone. The casing also says it's waterproof for the X2.

Yeah, it is a clearness issue, at least for my friend. It just never sounded right no matter how much money he put into the noise canceling wires and headsets.

Two channels work well for us. We sometimes get others on the line but it only last for a few minutes and then we are out of range. I'm not big on talking on the cell while riding so that was not an issue for me either. More channels only works if you ride with others who have the same radio. Otherwise they are just wasted. :2cents:

I have the same battery for almost five years now and it still holds enough charge for a day's ride even while listening to music along the way.

 

[Big Kahuna]

The two channels aren't a problem at all. The biggest problem is the general poor quality of the chatterboxes. I have four of them, and at any given time at least 2 of them are broken. The most common problem I have with them are broken potentiometers. Just this last weekend we lost 2 units over the course of 3 days. One lost a battery, the other started screeching like an angry monkey. I suppose it could have been a battery issue too. Of course, BK's was fine the whole trip. :smash:

Wasn't the screeching problem fixed when the unit was moved away from the HID headlight transformer box which was mounted near the unit and the tank? We never found out if it was a problem with the unit or the charger.