Seeking help with intercom choices

[jpannier]

Just purchased my 2006 K1200LT four weeks ago. Now, I'm searching for an intercom/communications system for it. So far my research has led me to believe that the Beahr system for the K1200LT or the BMW OEM system is probably the top of the line. But, I have also been seeing these systems that are entirely wireless as well using Bluetooth. As a matter of fact I think BMW even has that option in a special helmet. Personally, I would rather have the freedom of a wireless system. But, they appear to be rather new on the market and I've even read issues with the BMW helmets. Can anyone offer me any information, comments, recommendations, advice, etc. on either the Beahr or BMW system or any Bluetooth systems that they are aware of?

[cfell]

www.intaride.com I have the RP1.. saved enough for a couple vacations and it works great. You can also get their "new" model.. supposed to be competitive with the Baehr... but you can spend as much as you want..

[BLBantz]

I know nothing about the Bluetooth systems or other wireless systems, but I can attest that the Baehr intercom works very well and you and your passenger, the stereo, etc. will all be happy. Expensive? Yes. But not more than the BMW system with installation. (The Baehr is plug and play)

A system that does not work well is just an annoyance and frustrating for all.

[hschisler]

Hi Jay,

I'm glad you called earlier today; it was nice talking with you and I'll just remind you that I'm available to meet you to show you my Baehr installation most days during lunch, after work, or on a weekend with a little advance notice. As I mentioned, I live east of Lancaster -- 30 minutes to your burg -- and I work at Hamilton & Main in Whitehall (east side of Columbus).

I'll also reiterate that there are TONS of threads on this topic, in the Intercom forum; also, you'll see that a lot of people buy Product A, remove it then buy Product B, throw it away/give it away then install Product C. Better to go with "C" -- whatever that is, for you -- the first time around, I think.

I'll be watching this thread, as I'm curious, too, if there is a complete Bluetooth solution out there. Check with Raffy (userid RaffyK) on this site; he can tell you about Baehr's new Bluetooth cable and other possibilities.

[grahamw]

At the moment BMW's bluetooth set up is (WCS-1) is only available to fit in BMW system 5 helmets which are not available in the States. The means to integrate other audio inputs such as music, GPS directions, radar warnings etc will not be available until the spring of 2007. By this time others such as Schuberth, J&M etc may have announced their offerings.

Take up Howards offer to look at his system and see if you need all the inputs and controls. If you do not need all the inputs there are cheaper Baehr units. Autocom parts 1321 or 1326 will tap into the speaker wires and provide you with a 3.5 mm stereo jack to plug into your choosen unit. Baehr may also sell you the plug and play lead.

Baehr supplies everything you need where as Autocom requires you to pick everything and the price soon mounts up.

Good luck

[mwnahas]

www.intaride.com I have the RP1.. saved enough for a couple vacations and it works great. You can also get their "new" model.. supposed to be competitive with the Baehr... but you can spend as much as you want..

That EVO looks like my Christmas present. :)

[cfell]

Yup, Michael, I thought of upgrading, too... but I think I'm gonna save the$$$ for a seat mod... ;(

[dglenn1]

... I would rather have the freedom of a wireless system.Congrats on the new LT!! I have the Baehr as well as the others. For what it is worth, I haven't found the cable to the helmet to be any major inconvenience. I've got about 8K mile with it but you could also say I've never ridden without it ;). Enjoy the bike.

[jpannier]

I met with Howard this evening and that really did help me alot. I'm really (and have been) leaning toward the Beahr system and maybe Howard's help may have clinched it. But, I still want to spend a little time researching wireless technology for a bit. Maybe there's nothing there, but what the heck. I'm not in any real hurry.

[hschisler]

I met with Howard this evening and that really did help me alot. I'm really (and have been) leaning toward the Beahr system and maybe Howard's help may have clinched it. But, I still want to spend a little time researching wireless technology for a bit. Maybe there's nothing there, but what the heck. I'm not in any real hurry.Jay, it was a pleasure meeting you today and I was happy to show you my Baehr installation. It's not as fancy-schmancy as some (cell phone and FRS/GMRS radio in the tank bag, with no shelf or other mounts) but it gets the job done. When I can figure out which mounting products to use I'll be installing them and changing the run of some of the cabling.

Be sure to research this site's Intercom and Helmet forums for Bluetooth threads. They are out there, and there are a few people here who have it knowledge in this area.

Side Comment #1: To all www.bmwlt.com (http://www.bmwlt.com/) members: Is there a better last name for a forum member than "Pannier"? That is just too cool, I think. Unless your name was "Luxury" or "Touring"... or your initials are "BMW". :)

Side Comment #2: Raffy (and others) are going to have to cut me a commission check for the Baehr, extra cables, Jpegs, Mick-o-Pegs, Motolights, adjustable passenger boards, windshield, and Hella lights I showed Jay today. As I showed these other upgrades to Jay I kept thinking "Uh... just how much have I spent on all this?" :rolleyes:

[meese]

Never add up the total costs Howard. Just keep riding, and looking for that next must-have farkle. :D