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The Air Rider Guide To Motorcycle Audio

We feature several different communication products at Air Rider, and people frequently have questions about what works best and where.  In an effort to answer some of the most frequent questions we are approached with on the topic of Motorcycle Communications and Motorcycle Electronics, we have put together this FAQ.

What's the current Model? 

The Helmet Comm 4 is our current Motorcycle Headset model.  We still make 5 pin to 6 pin mini connectors for our original Helmet Comm 3 motorcycle headsets, and you can find them here.  However, our new Helmet Comm 4's as well as the later models of the Helmet Comm 3 use a new standard 4 pin Quick disconnect to a 5 pin din connector, which you can find here.

What sets the Air Rider Motorcycle Headset apart from its competitors?

We get this question over the phone, at rallies and via email.  The difference with any brand name versus it's generic counter-part is generally quality, and is the same in this case.  Your purchase of a Helmet Comm 4 yields you exquisite clarity in your headset and the smallest electret microphone available. (Around 40% of the size of a dime)  Passenger to passenger communication is unbelievably clear.  Listening to music through your headset never sounded so good.  This is not a low quality headset which garbles the sound of your voice and distorts your classic rock as your ride into the open headset.  This is the motorcycle headset you get your money's worth from.  Some of it's additional features include:

Internal Helmet Mounting 
Open Face Helmet Installation 
Full Face Helmet Installation
Flip Front Helmet Installation
Half Helmet Installation 
Miniature Microphone & Boom
High Fidelity Speakers 
Quick Disconnect Plug 
Universal 5 Pin Din Connector Plug 
Accessories Included 

This headset works with most helmets, and as noted above works with Internal Helmet Mounts, Open, Flip, Full, and Half helmet installations.  

Who installs the headset?

We're more than happy to install the headset for you ourselves, at a Rally or by mailing in your helmet directly to Air Rider headquarters.  We've found however, that a large number of customers have no trouble installing our headsets themselves.  Read the instructions here: Page 1   Page 2   Page 3

So what if your motorcycle doesn't feature a place to plug them in?  That's where Air Rider's next invention comes in handy.

Click here to return to the Table of Contents.

The Comm Center is a central audio management unit designed to give communications ability to motorcycles without it. 

Just how many audio connections does it offer and what are they for?

1. CB Radio

2. Push-To-Talk-Switch

3. Headset 1

4. Headset 2

5. Radar / GPS or a Cell phone interface

6. CD Player / Walkman

The description on our website lists the Comm Center as the following:

Handhelds (Mounting kit choices available for each: Lexon Handle Bar Mount Kit / Stainless Steel Handle Bar Mount Kit.)
 

• Cobra 38 WXST
  
  
  
  Compatibility: All Bikes
  
  Our most affordable hand-held CB Radio.  We offer a standard Push-To-Talk switch, a Velcro mount Push-To-Talk switch, and a patch cord for this product. We also offer a Lexon Handle Bar Mount Kit for as well as a Stainless Steel Handle Bar Mount Kit.

• Cobra 75 Direct To Headset
  
  
  
  Compatibility: All Bikes
  
  This Cobra 75 WXST has been modified to allow you to plug a standard 5pin headset into it, and comes with our handlebar mount push-to-talk. This CB can be mounted conveniently on the handlebar or fairing pocket to allow for easy access to its controls. Simple plug-in allows for easy removal from the bike when not in use. A standard CB antenna will be required for the radio.
  
  
   

• Complete Kit For Bike 2 Bike Communication
  
  
  
  Compatibility: All Bikes
  
  The HC-1-HH kit has everything you need for bike-to-bike communication. Simply install the Air Rider HC-1 headset into your helmet (installs in any type helmet, installation instructions included in kit, ½ helmets will require ear pods shown in this catalog). Mount the CB’s handlebar mount on the handlebar and attach the CB to it. Now all you need to do is connect the supplied cabling and you are ready to ride with the comfort of communication with others.
  
  

  Click here to return to the Table of Contents.

   

  Mounted CB Radios

  • Voyager XII CB CC-VG1200
    
    
    
    Compatibility: Voyager 1200
    
    Air Rider has made a CB radio available for your Voyager 1200 that will completely interface with your onboard intercom and AM/FM radio. The CC-VG1200 radio comes mounted on a drop in panel.  The CC-VG1200 radio comes as a complete plug in system. The only connections you need to make to you bike is the power and ground wire. This radio comes with both the driver and passenger push-to-talk for CB communication. Your AM/FM radio and intercom will work as normal. The only requirement is that your bike already has the headset connections on it. (ie. you plug in your headsets and can listen to the AM/FM Cassette and bike intercom) If you do not have the intercom working on your VG-1200 you may need to purchase the interface cable separately. This cable is available through Air Rider for only $39.00
    
    Click Here For Installation Instructions.

   

  • New CB GL-1500 Radio
    
    Compatibility: Honda Goldwing 1500
    
    
    
    New Drop In Radio Kit for your Gl-1500. Its fully integrateable into your bike's onboard system. The Kit includes:
    
    Radio
    Drivers Push-To-Talk
    Passengers Push-To-Talk
    HardCover mount in bike color
    harnesses
    Complete Instructions
    All necessary hardware
    Two year warranty
    Headsets and antennas available separately
    
    
     

  • CC-GL1200 CB Radio
    
    Compatibility: Honda Goldwing 1200
    
    
    
    Now you can purchase a CB radio for your GL-1200 that will completely interface with your onboard intercom and AM/FM radio. The CC-GL1200 radio comes mounted on a new stock GL-1200 panel. The CC-GL1200 radio comes as a complete plug in system. The only connections you need to make to you bike is the power and ground wire. This radio comes with both the driver and passenger push-to-talk for CB communication. Your AM/FM and intercom will work as normal. The only requirement is that your bike already has the headset connections on it. (ie. you plug in your headsets and can listen to the AM/FM Cassette and bike intercom) If you do not have the intercom working on your GL-1200 you may wont to consider our CC-1575. This radio has the intercom built in and will interface with your AM/FM radio. Stock GL-1200 CB antenna brackets and CB antennas also available for just $99.00
    
    
     
  • Model CC-1500 40 Channel C.B. Transceiver with PTT Switch
    
    
    
    Compatibility: All Bikes
    
    This Model is a CB Transceiver Only
    
    SPECIAL FEATURES
    * 40 Channel C.B. Transceiver
    * LED Display for easy reading
    * Squelch Control
    * No Fairing needed for installation
    * Can be used with all standard 5 Pin Din Helmet Systems
    * Small Size - 4-1/2" x 1-1/4" x 8"
    * Adaptable to Snowmobiles and ATVs
    * Quick Disconnect Power Cord and PTT Cable
    
    Click Here for more information on the 40 Channel C.B. Transceiver with PTT Switch.
    
    
     
  • Model CC-1550 40 Channel C.B. Transceiver with Stereo Override Relay
    
    
    
    Compatibility: All Bikes
    
    This model is a CB Transceiver with Stereo Interface.
    
    SPECIAL FEATURES
    * 40 Channel C.B. Transceiver includes stereo override
    * LED Display for easy reading
    * Squelch Control
    * No Fairing needed for installation
    * Can be used with all standard 5 Pin Din Helmet Systems
    * Small Size - 4-1/2" x 1-1/4" x 8"
    * Adaptable to Snowmobiles and ATVs
    * Stereo Override
    * Quick Disconnect Power Cord and PTT Cable
    Click Here for more information on the Model CC-1550 40 Channel C.B. Transceiver with PTT Switch.

   

  • Model CC-1570 40 Channel C.B. with Passenger to Driver Intercom
    
    
    
    Compatibility: All Bikes
    
    This model is a CB Transceiver, passenger to driver intercom All-In-One.
    
    SPECIAL FEATURES
    * 40 Channel C.B. Transceiver, includes intercom
    * LED Display for easy reading
    * Squelch Control
    * No Fairing needed for installation
    * Can be used with all standard 5 Pin Din Helmet Systems
    * Small Size - 4-1/2" x 1-1/4" x 8"
    * Adaptable to Snowmobiles and ATVs
    * Quick Disconnect Power Cord and PTT Cable
    Click Here for more information on the Model CC-1570 40 Channel C.B. Transceiver with PTT Switch.
    
     

  • Model CC-1575 40 Channel C.B. with Intercom and Stereo Override Relay
    
    
    
    Compatibility: All Bikes
    
    The best value in motorcycle communications. C.B. Transceiver, Passenger to Driver Intercom and Stereo Interface all in one compact unit.
    
    SPECIAL FEATURES
    * 40 Channel C.B. Transceiver includes Intercom and stereo override
    * LED Display for easy reading
    * Squelch Control
    * No Fairing needed for installation
    * Can be used with all standard 5 Pin Din Helmet Systems
    * Small Size - 4-1/2" x 1-1/4" x 8"
    * Adaptable to Snowmobiles and ATVs
    * Quick Disconnect Power Cord and PTT Cable
    * Optional Driver to Passenger Intercom
    * Optional Built-in Stereo Interface Relay
    Click Here for more information on the Model CC-1575 40 Channel C.B. Transceiver with PTT Switch.

     

  Universal CB Kit For GL1100s, and More!
  
  

  Compatibility: Built with the Honda Goldwing 1100 series in mind, but will work on other bikes.

  Its fully integrateable into your bike's onboard system. The Kit includes:

  • Radio
     
  • Drivers Push-To-Talk
     
  • Passengers Push-To-Talk
     
  • HardCover mount in bike color
     
  • harnesses
     
  • Complete Instructions
     
  • All necessary hardware
     
  • Two year warranty
     
  • Headsets and antennas available separately

  Click here to return to the Table of Contents.

   

  CB Radio Accessories

  • Add-A-Radio Interface
    
    
    
    Compatibility: All Bikes
    
    The Air Rider Add-A-Radio Interface allows you to add a hand-held CB radio, GMRS radio, FRS radio, or ham radio to your motorcycle and be fully integrated into your bike's onboard intercom and radio system. This unit is designed to work on motorcycles that already have headset hookups for their AM/FM radios and intercom systems. If you want to add a radio to your bike that has nothing on it now, you will want to look at our patch cables.
    
     

  • Lexon CB Handle Bar Mount Kit
    
    
    
    For use with all handheld CB Radios.
     

  • Stainless Steel Handlebar Mount Kit For CB
    
    
    
    For use with all handheld CB Radios.

  Click here to return to the Table of Contents.

   

  Motorcycle Cellphone Interface

  • Cell Phone Interface Only
  • Cell Phone Interface With One Input
  • Cell Phone Interface With Two Inputs

  

  Air Rider offers 3 different versions of the motorcycle cellphone interface, with a varying amount of inputs available  The first option is simply the interface only, while the second and third options offer one and two inputs for Radar and GPS.

  All three versions of the Cell Phone Interface come with everything you need to connect your cell phone to your standard 5pin helmet headset. Connects to most cell phones using the standard 2.5mm stereo audio
  connector (adaptors available for all other phones). The Cell Phone Interface units with additional inputs will work with all radar detector and GPS units equipped with a standard 2.5mm mono jack. When you receive a call you will need to switch the “STT� (switch-to-talk, supplied in the kit) mounted on your handlebar, this will cut you off from the radio, CB and intercom, then you will answer the phone as you normally would. You are now one with the caller; your passenger cannot hear you or the caller. At any time during the call you can switch the “STT� and speak with your passenger, this will not disconnect the call, just switch the “STT� again and you will be back with caller. When the call is finished just switch the “STT� again and you are back to normal riding mode. If you have purchased a unit with one or two additional inputs, such as a radar detector input, you will hear the audio from that device only in your right ear, the left ear will be unchanged. This will happen in the normal riding mode as well as during a phone call. Do you Need an adaptor for your cellphone? Click Here!

  Click here to return to the Table of Contents.

   

  Motorcycle Radar / GPS

  • Radar & GPS
    
    
    
    The Radar/GPS Interface comes as a dual unit that will take input from both the radar detector and the GPS. The Radar/GPS Interface simply plugs in line with your standard 5pin headset and bike plug, connect to a 12vdc power source, and plug the 2.5mm mono jack into your Radar Detector and GPS. When you get a signal from your radar detector or GPS the right ear speaker will mute and the signal from either unit will play in that ear. When the signal stops the speaker will return to normal.
    
     
  • Radar Or GPS
    
    
    
    Simply plug the small 3�X2�X1� interface between your standard 5pin headset and the bike plug, attach to 12vdc power, and plug the 2.5mm mono cable into your radar detector. Works with all radar detectors with a 2.5mm audio output socket. When you get a signal from your radar detector the right ear speaker will mute and the signal from the detector will play in that ear. When the signal stops the speaker will return to normal.

  Click here to return to the Table of Contents.

   

  Motorcycle Stereo Equipment

  • Power Amp - 3.5 mm version
    
    
    
    Air Rider uses the latest in audio technology to make this very powerful amplifier as small as possible. This small amplifier will raise the incoming audio by 20 hdb while at the same time not changing the volume or characteristics of your motorcycle's onboard radio or CB. Units are also available without the standard 5pin din connectors for those who just want to amplify a Walkman type radio to a standard radio headset.
    
     

  • Audio Amp with CB Interrupt
    
    
    
    This interface is designed to be used in conjunction with a 5 pin headset connected to a hand held CB with a patch cable. Simply plug this interface in line between your headset and patch cable. Connect to a 12vdc power source, and plug the 3.5mm stereo connector into any audio device. Music will be amplified and played directly
    into your headset. When a CB transmission is made or received the music will cut out until the transmission ends.
    
     

  Motorcycle Cables

  Cables for motorcycle equipment come in every shape and configuration imaginable these days.  While we could write a book on the number of motorcycle cables available, instead we'll focus on the ones our customers find most useful.

  • HC4 / HC3 Dynamic 6pin curly cord
    
    
    
    The lower cord replacement for the HC-4 has the standard 5pin Din connector on one end and the 6pin mini din connector on the other end.
     

  • Direct To Handlebar mount CB Patch Cable
    
    
    
    Patch cable for Midland 75-820 & 75-785, and for The Maxon HCB-10C. It also fits the Cobra 38WXST.   You will need to select a Push-To-Talk button to go with this patch cable.  We have 2 for you to select from. Handle Bar Mount Ptt or Velcro Strap Push To Talk Switch.
     

  • Passenger Volume Control
    
    
    
    The Air Rider Volume Control simply plugs in line with your standard 5pin Din headset. A strong nylon and Velcro strap makes it easy to attach to your bike. Great
    for the passenger that likes things at a lower volume than the driver.
    
    NOTE: This volume control will only decrease the volume set at the master control such as the radio, it is not an amplifier, and will not make the volume greater
    than the volume set at the master control.
    
     

  • Passenger Velcro Strap PTT 6'
    
    

    The velcro strap PTT is most often used in conjunction with the CB patch cable which you can find in this catalog. The Nylon and Velcro strap will firmly attach the PTT to your handlebar grip or any other location on your bike you wish to attach to. The button itself is 100% waterproof. This PTT comes with either a 12" or 6' cable depending on your needs. On the end of the cable is a standard 2.5 mono audio plug.

    Find the 12" here.
    
     

  • Universal Y Adapter
    
    
    
    The Universal Y Adapter is a splitter most commonly used for side-car applications. 
    
     

  • Passenger 1500/1800 CB Push To Talk
    
    
    
    Our CB push-to-talk is 100% waterproof and comes with
    a nylon and velcro strap for easy attachment to your bike.
    Simply plug into your stock Honda connector and you
    are ready to go (instructions included with PTT).
    
     

  • Switch To Talk Switch
    
    
    
    The Air Rider "STT" (switch-to-talk) is a simple waterproof on-off toggle switch mounted on our own handlebar mount. The 6-foot wire ends with a standard 2.5mm mono audio connector. This "STT" is most commonly used with our Cell Phone Interface (and is supplied in the skit with the interface) but can be used for other applications.
     

  • Headset Direct To Stereo
    
    
    
    The name says it all!
    
     

  • Quick Disconnect HC3 Cord Flathead Connector
    
    
    
    The lower cord replacement for the HC-3 has the standard 5pin Din connector on one end and the flat 4pin QD (quick disconnect) connector on the other end.
    
     

  • 1500 Battery Box
    
    
    
    Battery Box for the Helmet Comm 3.
    
     

  • Driver's PTT for 1500 Series CB's
    
    
    
    Drivers Push to talk/Intercom switch for 1500 Series CB's
    
     

  • Passenger's PTT for 1500 Series CB's
    
    
    
    Passenger push to talk/Intercom switch for 1500 Series CB's
    
     

  • Handle Bar Mount Ptt 6' Cable
    
    
    
    Mount PTT to your 1" or 7/8"" handlebar between the grip and switch cluster. The button will stay firmly attached to the handlebar and be positioned right next to your left thumb so you will never have to let go of the handlebar to depress. The button itself is 100% waterproof. This PTT comes with either a 12" or 6' cable depending on your needs. On the end of the cable is a standard 2.5mm mono audio plug.
     

  Click here to return to the Table of Contents.

   

  Motorcycle Compatibility

  Each product listed above has a compatibility listing with the product information provided.  However,  things like the Helmet Comm 4, all handheld CBs, the Power amp, the Add-A-Radio, and Radar / GPS were never bike dependant in the first place.  Several of our radios can be used universally while we've also tailor made radios for the GL1200, GL1500, and Voyager.  If you have questions about a particular product, look for a compatibility statement in the product information.  If you still aren't sure, feel free to email us or give us a call. Contact Us here.

  Click here to return to the Table of Contents.

   

  Motorcycle Audio Msg Board Q&A

  Each of the following questions were taken from the Air Rider Message Board and might answer questions you already have.  Feel free to visit the board and participate, by clicking here. 
  Questions in Blue.  Answers in Red.

  • I'm looking for a bike to bike communication unit for my wife and I.  We both have open face 1/2 helmets.  I would like to get a unit that can clip on your belt or put inside your jacket pocket.  Can someone help me out on this?
     

  • We have a good quality headset with all the cable hookups and push-to-talk to connect to a Maxxon HCB10C hand held CB. You will need two of them, one for you and one for your wife. This is the cheapest way out for you using Air Rider stuff. If you have any GMRS radios it will also plug into most of them as well, we supply the CB with the kit.
    
     

  • I have an 03 HD Heritage. I am planning a cross country ride and would like to use a system to listen to music and even use my cell phone. I'm also interested in the intercom and bike to bike comm's. I don't understand how the system is installed, if it's compatible with my bike and how it would work long term. Does it hide somewhere? How do you plug in and out regularly? is it hidden under the seat? If so, do I have to unscrew/rescrew the seat each time I connect/disconnect?
     

  • Our Comm. Center system would work great for you, however, if you will not be needing the intercom portion of the unit (no passenger ever) then the Comm. Center would be over kill. Big overkill. I would suggest in this case that you get a handlebar mount CB like the Cobra 38 WX ST with a headset and push-to-talk hookup. Then you can add the “Audio amp with cb interruptâ€� that we make and that will allow you to add music that will mute when sending or receiving a transmission. This would be easily removable when not needed. If you do need the intercom then the Comm. Center would be the best thing to get. As far as mounting it or hiding it, that is rally up to you, as you know your bike better then us
    
     

  • Do you guys make anything that will integrate my cell phone and GPS and possibly a ham radio HT into the FLHTCUI's audio system?
     

  • We make an interface with both radar and or GPS inputs as well as the cell phone, just not in the 7pin. The difference is that the 7pin Harley uses a condenser mic. unlike the 5pin that uses a resistor mic. Radar and GPS interfaces do not use the mic. so we can and will make that device for you Harley guys by special order. The device has both inputs.
    
     

  • I have a 1999 Valkyrie Interstate. When using the factory intercom I need to turn up the volume so high (app 20) to hear the passenger, when I do that the head set picks up engine and road noise in the drivers head set. Any suggestions ?
     

  • The first question we would ask would be what headset are you using? Sometimes a noise filter near the source of the problem noise can help. If it is windnoise causing the driver to not hear, sometimes the mic has become turned around or the passenger is not close enough to the mic.
    
     

  • I have a 03 1800 GL and would like to know how difficult to install the honda cb. I also would like to get a helmet with head set, and be able to hook up cell phone.
     

  • Installing a Honda CB isn't something we can help you with. Helmets are easy, we carry Nolans, and we make a great headset that will fit in almost any helmet. Our headsets are $199 (per helmet),come complete w/ curly cord, and we have a cell phone interface that goes in line (5 pin) that will go w/ any 5 pin headset. The cost of the cellphone interphace. is $129. You can see all these products on the website or call CS for details.
    
     

  • Does the gel pad sits on top of the seat, and stay securely in place while riding? I'm considering one because the FLSTSpringer I have has the traditional fringe seat that compliments the saddlebags and can't find a OME that offers a replacement.
     

  • Yes it does sit on top, no straps. The pad will not move at all when you sit on it.
    
     

  • I have a Nomad but use a Voyager trunk. I am trying to find a suitable am/fm antenna with mount. I've seen the air rider voyager anntenna kit, wondered if the terminal on this item is going to be a universal radio terminator because I will only use it for radio? Is it coax? Have seen fire stiks which seem to be well made, any opinions are welcome!
     

  • Our Voyager antenna has the standard stereo plug on it, single prong, 1/2" or so w/ knurls to plg it in. The bracket is made just like the stock Kawasaki am/fm support,so I'm sure it would work for you. Yes, the cable is co-ax.
    
     

  • I have the Air Rider gel seats. They recently got wet and had to take the seat apart to dry out. Can't remember which part goes where. Could someone let me know the sequence each piece goes in and which side goes up toward the rider?
     

  • I think you are talking about a gel pad, I hope you are. If so you can look at our Internet page and it will show you the way to put it back. Take the cover and put the rubber (non skid) side down, put the gel in the bag next, then put the foam on top of the gel. You will be sitting on the black Lycra side of the pad and the rubber side down. I hope this helps.
    
     

  • As you may already know, BMW uses a 6 pin headset connection instead of the standard 5 pin. I wonder if Air Rider could build a headset/ cable for the BMW with its comm system? As of now, the only place you can buy parts is BMW themselves. The BMW cords last about a year and die. I think J&M actually makes them, but they won't fix them. I would dearly love to have 2 Nolan n41 helmets with air rider headsets in them, but they just won't work.
     

  • The BMW K1200LT has used three different radios since it came out. Air Rider has always had a 6pin cable for the BMW. Will it work? Well, sometimes yes and sometimes no, depending on the radio. We have had great luck with the newer bikes and radios and our customers that have them love them.
    
     

  • 1994 Honda 1500: Recently began this squeal. Don't know of anything which has changed. Will no do this while holding antenna stinger! Help
     

  • Sounds like a bad ground on your antenna OR you need to have your SWR checked.
    
     

  • I want to be able to use the CB and an FRS radio with the Cycle Com. Do you think this is possible and if yes how would it be done.
     

  • Both work great with the Comm Center
    
     

  • Are there special instructions on installng a Comm3 into an Arrow flip face helmet? Will this also work along with drivers J&M headset? We ride a 97 Honda GoldWing
     

  • There are no special instructions for installing the helmet comm in the Arrow flip face. Since the mic boom is mounted to the speaker everything is internal so you don't have to deal with the mic mounting to the outside of the helmet. If you get in a jam installing give us a call. The headset will work with the J&M unit. thanks

  
  
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  Contact Us:

  There are many possible ways to contact us at Air Rider.

  eMail Customer Service

  Telephone Numbers

  Air Rider's Telephone : 1-800-251-6040 Ext 12, 1-888-232-9253, or 1888-23cycle
  
  Air Rider's Local Telephone : 1-423-238-5388 Ext 12

  Air Rider's Fax : 423-238-6063

  Shipping:
  Air Rider
  5722 Main St.
  Ooltewah TN 37363
  
  Billing:
  Air Rider
  Po Box 743
  Ooltewah TN 37363

  If you've seen anything in this FAQ that you feel might be incorrect, if you have something to add or comment upon, or a question not covered in this set of information, please feel free to contact us at support@airrider.com.  We value your input and work hard to go the extra mile for our customers.

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