Tested: Scala Rider Q2 Bluetooth Headset

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Cardo's Scala Rider Q2 features GPS connection, Bluetooth and bike-to-bike and rider-to-passenger communications. Cardo Systems

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Scala Rider Q2 Bluetooth Headset / Suggested retail price: $219.99

Cardo Scala Rider Q2 Features:

*1,640ft bike-to-bike range
*Up to three riders can communicate at one time
*Full duplex communication allows simultaneous talking
*Audio GPS enabled
*Built-in FM radio
*Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use
*8-hour use time
*Excellent quick-release for unit removal from helmet
*Choice of voice activated or “always on” intercom
*Installation time: Five minutes
Full product info at: www.cardowireless.com

Using the Q2 in the Real World

In the interest of full disclosure, I should preface this review by noting a general dislike for intercoms on motorcycles. Why? I enjoy the solitude of riding, and I’ve always thought any kind of bike-to-bike communication outside of hand signals and nods was at odds with the joy of being out on the road, unencumbered from cell phones, radio or any other intrusions. Frankly, I was a little uncertain if I even wanted to try Cardo’s new Bluetooth intercom system. If I ended up disappointed, well, that’d just be more oil on the fire. But hell, what if I actually liked the damn thing?

And therein lies the rub, because after a 1,400-mile trip with my 12-year-old son, Charlie, I discovered the new Cardo Scala Rider Q2 system not only works great but is a fantastic asset on the road. Why the sudden change of heart? Ironically enough, without the Scale Rider, my trip with Charlie would have lost the dimension that made it singular; we got to talk.

Our trip was the result of my buying a 1991 BMW K100RS. The bike was in Phoenix, and I live west of Kansas City. Riding it home was the obvious plan, and taking Charlie along seemed a natural. He’d been itching to get in a road trip with me, and when we were offered the chance to sample the new Scala Rider Q2 I figured what the hell, maybe it would ease some of the road boredom I expected he’d experience. And, much as I love solitude, I’ll admit there are times it’d be fun to share the sights verbally as well as visually, and I figured that would be a real plus for Charlie.

Getting Ready

Setting up is easy. Fix the unit’s mount to your helmet (it will fit either a full face or ¾ open face and holds in place with a simple clamping mechanism that slips under the helmet lining), find a comfortable spot in your helmet for the unit’s speakers (on the Arai Corsair RX-7 I used, the depression in the lining for the rider’s ears provided more than enough room for the speakers, which attach to the helmet’s interior with a Velcro-like hook-and-loop backing), give the battery its required three-hour charge, slip it onto the mount, turn both units on, pair them, and that’s it, you’re talking.

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