Talk the ride, albeit safely

Every motorcyclist who's ridden in a pack knows the pains it takes to communicate with other riders in the gang. For instance, articulate hand signals of a biker during drives with his fellow riders may often lead to confusion.

The answer to the problem comes from StarCom1, Cardo and Kenwood among others, who have launched a universal motorcycle communication system that consists of a receiver and a transmitter unit or radio that can be fitted on the bike or the rider can choose to strap it on. This radio unit connects to a headset that is fitted on to the helmet.

The communication system allows the bike rider to freely talk to his pillion-rider, listen to music from any portable music system and even take calls from his mobile phone wirelessly. And the best part is the rider can easily communicate with fellow riders (who need to have the system on their helmets) over the push-to-talk mode.

Most systems come with dual battery options -- a standard battery pack, or the radio unit can be connected to the bike's battery for power. So, make sure you haven't drained out the power source while going on a long drive.