Dutchblog

The hub of my motorcycle communications system is the German built Baehr Ultima XL.

It is linked by a custom Baehr cable to the factory fitted BMW stereo radio/CD player/MP3 (iPod) connection.

This enables full integration to the on-board sound systems which can be controlled from both the handlebar & fairing mounted audio controls.

Additionally, the iPod can be individually controlled via cabled remote located in the tank-bag map pocket while the iPod itself is secured safely inside the tank-bag.

Principal features of the Baehr Ultima XL include:

• Permanent installation in motorcycle
• Watertight aluminium housing
• Watertight plug-in connection
• Clear audibility up to 120mph/200km/h
• Automatic wind noise compensation
• Automatic voice activation
• Automatic microphone sensitivity adjustment
• Intelligent stereo audio input
• Music signal amplification
• Automatic music volume adjustment
• Automatic music volume suppression for intercom
• Automatic music/intercom suppression for radio
• Automatic sound mixing (“sing-along”)
• 4 x stereo universal interface
• Adjustable signal priority
• Individually adjustable audio level parameters
• Completely hands-free operation

Full details of Baehr products & technical explanations may be found in English language here.

Neither my pillion or I have conventional speakers within our BMW System 5 helmets.

Instead we each have custom moulded earphones from Ultimate Ear, the 3.5mm stereo plug of which are plugged into a custom made harness from Baehr in Finland before we plug the helmets directly into waterproof panel mounted sockets on the bike itself.

The result is hi-fi quality sound delivered directly into the ear canal while extraneous wind, road & traffic noise are virtually eliminated by the custom moulded rubber body of the earphones.

Also built into our helmets are Baehr boom microphones enabling clear speech whether the helmet visor chin bar is raised or lowered.

I am also able to effortlessly make & receive telephone calls whilst on the move courtesy of a Motorola Razr V3i paired with the Garmin Zumo 550 via Bluetooth. The phone simply stays in my bike jacket and automatically pairs with the Zumo as I get on the bike.

There is zero interference from any source and with the automatic volume adjustment compensating from any increase in ambient noise associated with increases in road speed etc this surely is the Ultimate motorcycle communications system.

In conclusion I believe I have completed a totally integrated communication & entertainment system discretely & efficiently installed within the bike whist maintaining total control of the bike, the sound systems and rider to pillion communication.

Sincere thanks to everyone at Baehr in Pirmasens, Germany, and their distributors in Finland & the Netherlands for supplying the entire ensemble.