[2021 Latest] B+COM Motorcycle Intercoms: SB6X, ONE, Upcoming Models, and Recommendations!

【2021最新】バイク用インカムB+COM(ビーコム)sb6x・one・次期モデルやおすすめも！

What is a Motorcycle Intercom?

Source: https://sygnhouse.jp/products/bcom/bcom_helmet/#one

A motorcycle intercom is a headset that allows you to talk to fellow riders around you. Its official name is "Intercommunication," meaning mutual communication.

Many motorcycle intercoms are designed to be fixed to the helmet, and generally use Bluetooth for wireless transmission and reception.

Because the communication method is full-duplex, unlike walkie-talkies where one person speaks while the other only receives, you can talk simultaneously without taking turns transmitting and receiving.

Normally, it's difficult to talk to other riders while riding a motorcycle, but with an intercom, you can not only converse while riding but also connect to your smartphone or music player to share music and listen to it with multiple people.

Some models can not only enable conversation and music listening but also record video. Popular motorcycle intercom brands include Japanese B+COM and Korean SENA.

Benefits of Motorcycle Intercoms

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Motorcycle intercoms have both advantages and disadvantages, but let's start by looking at the advantages.

The main advantages are:

You can communicate with fellow touring riders while riding.
You can make phone calls while riding your motorcycle.
Convenient integration with smartphones.

These are the main benefits.

You can communicate with fellow touring riders while riding.

When riding with fellow motorcyclists on a tour, it's usually difficult to converse while riding, but using an intercom allows for communication during the ride.

High-performance intercoms can connect 10 or more people simultaneously, and their communication range can extend up to 1km, enabling communication even for large group tours. This is convenient for quick contact without having to stop, for example, if the destination unexpectedly changes.

You can make phone calls while riding your motorcycle.

Intercoms can be linked with smartphones, allowing you to make phone calls while riding your motorcycle, similar to hands-free calling in a car.

If your smartphone has voice recognition, some intercoms can use this to recognize your voice through the communication and activate desired functions.

Convenient integration with smartphones.

Some intercoms can be linked to smartphones via Bluetooth.

This is very convenient as it allows you not only to use it as a phone but also to play music or listen to navigation instructions from your smartphone while riding.

Disadvantages of Motorcycle Intercoms

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Now that we've looked at the advantages of motorcycle intercoms, let's also consider their disadvantages.

The main disadvantages of motorcycle intercoms are:

It can be difficult to hear ambient sounds.
The price can be high depending on the specifications.
It may detract from the helmet's appearance.

These are some of the disadvantages.

It can be difficult to hear ambient sounds.

Using an intercom means you'll be receiving sound from it, which inevitably makes it harder to hear ambient sounds.

While some models allow you to talk to friends or listen to music, it's particularly important to be mindful of the volume when listening to music. Adjust it to a level that still allows you to hear surrounding sounds as much as possible.

The price can be high depending on the specifications.

As of October 2021, there are numerous intercoms available from both domestic and international manufacturers. However, models with high specifications such as high sound quality, high performance, and high durability tend to be more expensive.

When trying to get the same intercoms for all your touring friends, if you prioritize specs too much, the price can become a barrier, making it difficult to equip everyone.

It may detract from the helmet's appearance.

Intercoms are attached to helmets, but external types can detract from the helmet's appearance when installed.

If you want to avoid compromising the look of your helmet, choose an intercom that mounts inside the helmet, or if it's an external type, opt for the thinnest possible model.

Also, some models offer options to minimize aesthetic disruption when installed, so using those can be a good idea.

Key Points for Choosing a Motorcycle Intercom

Source: https://sygnhouse.jp/products/bcom/bcom_helmet/#one

When choosing a motorcycle intercom, the first important step is to understand the environment in which you'll be using it.

If you plan to tour with a large group using intercoms, you'll need an intercom that supports multiple users. If you want to listen to music or use your smartphone, you'll need an intercom that can link with your smartphone.

Depending on the motorcycle intercom model, the main features include:

Full-duplex communication (allows simultaneous conversation, unlike walkie-talkies where you take turns)
Listening to music
Listening to the radio
Linking with a smartphone
Video recording

So, by first determining what you want to do with the intercom, the choice of intercom will naturally become clearer.

If you want to keep costs down and only need basic full-duplex communication, products are available starting from around 5,000 yen.

Motorcycle Intercoms by Manufacturer

Motorcycle intercoms are sold by various domestic and international manufacturers. Here, we will introduce some of the main intercom manufacturers.

B+COM

Source: https://amzn.to/3NWYa1L

B+COM is a Japanese manufacturer that boasts the No. 1 market share in motorcycle intercoms in Japan.

Positioned as "the ultimate Bluetooth intercom for motorcycles, crafted to meet the real needs of Japanese riders," it features a simple design, intuitive functionality, and high durability.

One of its main models, the "SB6X," features "B+LINK" technology, which uses a mesh network for easy pairing even with helmets on, making it ideal for those who frequently pair devices.

SENA

Source: https://amzn.to/3O0HMgF

SENA is a Korean manufacturer and a popular intercom brand alongside B+COM.

SENA intercoms are generally perceived as having louder and clearer audio than B+COM, making them easier to hear. However, in terms of durability, B+COM has fewer reported malfunctions.

Depending on the model, some, like the 30K, can connect up to 16 people, and a key advantage is the ease with which communication can be started instantly between identical units.

MIDLAND

Source: https://amzn.to/3NYdPOc

MIDLAND is a long-established manufacturer founded in the USA in 1959, with its headquarters now in Italy.

They are a manufacturer specializing in communication and video equipment, producing not only motorcycle intercoms but also wearable cameras and radios.

Many of their models offer various mounting options to suit different helmets, such as adhesive mounts that are easy to attach regardless of helmet shape, and screw-fixed mounts.

Daytona

Source: https://amzn.to/41QZHMD

Daytona is a comprehensive manufacturer of motorcycle parts, handling everything from motorcycle components to apparel.

They have a history dating back to the early days of wireless motorcycle intercoms, having released a battery-powered wireless intercom around 2008 when only wired intercoms existed. Their excellent cost performance is also a key selling point.

Their products are designed with ease of use in mind for intercom beginners, such as a design that allows for accurate operation even while wearing gloves.

interphone

Source: https://amzn.to/3RTWVl1

Interphone is an intercom that originates from "Cellularline," Europe's No. 1 intercom brand, based in Italy.

It is a long-standing intercom that has been sold in Japan since around 2007. In addition to the regular F2 to F5 lines, there are the XT series which fully utilize navigation and music player functions, and the MC series which features music sharing, compatibility with other models, and voice guidance (Japanese available).

The entry-level F2 model offers approximately 8 hours of continuous talk time and 700 hours of standby time, while the higher-end F5 model provides approximately 12 hours of continuous talk time and 800 hours of standby time, meaning the higher-end models allow for longer periods of use.

LEXIN

Source: https://amzn.to/3SdxoVl

LEXIN is an American intercom manufacturer whose philosophy is to "deliver reliable products at reasonable prices."

Initially, they manufactured intercoms as an OEM for major brands, but around 2010, they began selling their own original Bluetooth-equipped intercoms. They gained high popularity for their excellent cost performance and durability.

Key features contributing to their user-friendliness include a jog dial that can be operated even with gloves on, a utility light for illuminating the front, and an easily detachable holder.

【Model-by-Model Review】What are the features of B+COM?

Source: https://amzn.to/3RUc6uH

B+COM is an intercom that is consistently highly popular, characterized by its simple design that matches any helmet, high durability, high quality, and being made in Japan.

Its position as the No. 1 motorcycle intercom in terms of market share, and its large user base, are also defining characteristics of B+COM.

Now, let's introduce the B+COM motorcycle intercom lineup, model by model.

B+COM SB6X

Source: https://amzn.to/3RQ8F8h

The B+COM SB6X is a multifunctional high-end intercom model equipped with two chips (dual-chip).

It supports up to 6 simultaneous calls and offers multi-tasking capabilities, such as the "Listen & Talk function" which allows you to talk while listening to music, thanks to its dual chips.

Since generally one chip can only connect to one device, the number of chips directly corresponds to the number of functions that can be performed simultaneously. This intercom is recommended for those who want to listen to music and talk at the same time.

In addition to the classic black and white colors, the lineup also features a rich selection of optional covers in red, blue, green, tricolor, and camouflage.

B+COM ONE

Source: https://amzn.to/47uyS22

The B+COM ONE, as its name suggests, is a single-chip model suitable for solo touring or daily commutes.

While the SB6X is a multi-tasking device that allows you to talk while listening to music, the ONE is for those who only need one function at a time, such as listening to music or making calls. It is also more affordable than the SB6X.

It also features "B+LINK," found on the SB6X, which allows for easy group calls, making it recommended for those who want to try an intercom for the first time.

B+COM SB5X

Source: https://sygnhouse.jp/products/bcom/bcom_legacy/

The SB5X is the predecessor to the SB6X, released in June 2015, and its production was discontinued with the introduction of the SB6X.

It was the first B+COM model to feature dual chips, enabling "Listen & Talk" functionality for listening to music or navigation while talking, a feature inherited by the SB6X.

B+COM SB4X

Source: https://sygnhouse.jp/products/bcom/bcom_legacy/

The SB4X was released in March 2013, making it the predecessor to the SB5X, which was released in June 2015.

This model solidified the image of "B+COM as the go-to motorcycle intercom." It significantly improved operability, boosted the range of transmittable and receivable radio waves, and enhanced durability by three times compared to previous models.

Which model is recommended to buy?

If you're buying a B+COM intercom, the SB6X is definitely recommended.

The reason for this recommendation is the convenience of its dual-chip design, which allows you to simultaneously use two functions, such as talking while listening to music, or using both navigation and a music player.

It also supports the "B+COM Mobile APP" for changing various settings and checking connection status on your smartphone (ONE is not supported as of October 2021), making it more user-friendly than the ONE.

How to Install B+COM

Source: https://sygnhouse.jp/products/bcom/bcom_helmet/one-arai_rapideneo-howto/

The general steps for installing B+COM are:

Installing the base plate and speakers
Managing the wiring
Attaching the microphone
Installing the main unit
Final check

These are the general steps.

1. Installing the base plate and speakers

Attach the "base velcro" to the helmet, then attach the "base plate."

After removing the helmet's system pads, remove the pad covers and install the speakers.

Adjust the speakers so their center aligns with your ear holes, then replace the system pads.

2. Managing the wiring

Remove the two hooks at the back of the helmet, route the wiring through the gap between the helmet shell and the interior lining, and then reattach the hooks.

3. Attaching the microphone

Attach the microphone sponge to the desired microphone position, route the wiring while avoiding the internal tabs, and then attach the system pads.

Replace the system pads and attach the "wired microphone."

4. Installing the main unit

Attach the "main unit" to the base plate, connect the wiring from the microphone and speakers to the main unit, and the installation is complete.

Perform a final check to ensure the wiring is neatly hidden and there are no connection issues.

How to Connect B+COM to Your Smartphone

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/iphone6plus-%e5%9c%b0%e4%b8%8b%e9%89%84-538898/

To connect your B+COM to your smartphone, you first need to perform a pairing registration (initial setup).

With the power OFF, press and hold the "device button" and rotate it upwards for 4 seconds.

(Even if the LED lights up blue at this point, continue the operation.)

Once the LED flashes red and blue alternately, turn on your smartphone's Bluetooth function and select B+COM. When the B+COM LED flashes blue, pairing is complete.

When will the next B+COM model, SB7X, be released?

Source: https://sygnhouse.jp/products/bcom/bcom_legacy/

(Image shows the latest model, ONE RubyRed, released in March 2021)

As of October 2021, the current model is the SB6X, and the model number increases by one with each model change, so the next model will likely be the SB7X.

When will the SB7X, presumably the next model, be released?

I searched for information online, but there doesn't seem to be any available at the moment.

Looking at the release intervals of previous models, the predecessor SB5X was released in June 2015, and the SB4X in March 2013. Historically, new models have appeared about every two years.

Since the current model, the SB6X, was released in August 2017, more than 4 years ago, it wouldn't be surprising if the SB7X were to be released at any time.