Timeless Together: Motorcycles + Music

Motorcycles and music just go together. Look at the program of events for big motorcycle and car rallies like Sturgis or Daytona – and you'll see that music is a quitessential part of the experience. When it comes to our sountrack for riding, we could debate all day about whether we prefer Pete Seger to Eric Clapton or Bonnie Tyler to Linda Branigan or Purple Haze to Fire on the Mountain.

One thing we can all agree on – music-friendly motorcycle gear is a must-have.

Many intercom systems, for example, have robust platforms for music lovers. The Cardo Scala Rider Q3 is a bike-to-bike intercom for as many as four bikers (toggling). It’s got a range of 1,100 yards in full duplex. You and your passenger can enjoy the same stereo music via A2DP (stereo Bluetooth) from your MP3 player or iPod® or from your smartphone. Or, you can connect with a non-Bluetooth audio player using an MP3 cord. You can plug in your own speakers on the 3.5 mm jack. Alternatively, you can listen to the built-in FM radio using either one of six programmable station presets or the smart auto-scan feature.

AGC technology lets you adjust your speaker volume to suit your speed and the ambient noise. The control buttons are large and designed for intuitive ease of use. And, the included interchangeable boom and corded microphones fit almost any helmet.

You can use the Scala Rider as an intercom too. The Click-to-Link ® feature gives you spontaneous intercom with no need for pairing and VOX activation lets you make phone and intercom calls will keeping both hands on the handlebars.

The Cardo Scala Rider is certified waterproof and dustproof to the IP67 standard.

Other listening devices are designed with music foremost in mind. The Senas SMH 10 water-resistant helmet includes a Bluetooth 3.0 stereo headset with long-range Bluetooth intercom as well. The headset works with Bluetooth audio devices like MP3 players. You can use AVRCP to control music playback: play, pause, track forward, and track back. The Jog Dial makes for easy operation. You can attach a 3.5 mm audio cable.

The sound quality is crystal-clear and you can control loudness with an integrated audio booster. You can control the volume of each audio source, so your music can be louder or softer than your conversation or GPS responses.

You can also come into the Eagle Leather store to see first-hand how these devices can make your ride more enjoyable. Okay, we’ll bite. Post your favorite rider-music band and your favorite tune to hear while riding on the Eagle Leather Facebook page and we’ll tabulate the results.