As passionate riders ourselves, we know that staying connected on the road is about much more than convenience. It can also improve safety, coordination, and the overall riding experience.
For those who prefer riding with an open face helmet, choosing a motorcycle intercom for open face helmet comes with unique considerations.
In this guide, we'll walk through the most important factors to help you find the best motorcycle intercom for an open-face helmet.
8 factors to consider for the best motorcycle intercom for open face helmet
Not all intercoms work well with open-face helmets. To help you make the right choice, here are eight key factors to consider.
1. Mesh or Bluetooth intercoms
Modern motorcycle intercoms typically use either Bluetooth or Mesh technology.
Bluetooth works well for solo riders, rider-to-passenger communication, or small groups.
Mesh systems, meanwhile, provide a more stable connection for larger groups and can automatically reconnect riders who temporarily move out of range.
If you usually ride alone or with one other rider, Bluetooth is often sufficient. For group rides with multiple participants, Mesh generally offers a more reliable experience. For instance, Moman CP-X is a mesh motorcycle intercom designed for 24-rider group rides.
2. Compatibility between speakers and the helmet
Fitment mainly comes down to two things: speaker placement and mounting options.
Most modern helmets include speaker recesses, but their size varies between brands and models. Larger speakers often provide better sound quality but may not fit every helmet.
For mounting the control unit, manufacturers usually provide either:
- Clamp mounts that slide between the shell and the interior liner
- Adhesive mounts that stick directly to the helmet shell
To fit different helmets, Moman motorcycle intercom kits are equipped with two kinds of back clips (stick style + insert style) for the mount.
If your helmet has a wide edge or external controls that interfere with a clamp, an adhesive mount may be the better option.
3. Compatibility between the microphone and the helmet
Open-face helmets require a boom microphone because there is no chin bar to support a wired microphone.
A wired mic is a fixed-cable mic that hides inside a full-face helmet's chin bar. In contrast, a boom mic extends on a flexible arm, ideal for open-face helmets.
Before purchasing a motorcycle intercom for open-face helmet, make sure it includes a boom mic or supports one as an accessory. Universal motorcycle intercoms like the Moman’s come with two types of microphones for different helmets, a boom microphone and a wired microphone.
4. Communication range
Advertised communication distances are usually measured under ideal conditions. In real-world riding environments, factors such as buildings, trees, hills, and traffic can reduce effective range.
For most riders, maintaining a stable connection with nearby riding partners is more important than achieving the maximum theoretical distance. Modern Bluetooth and Mesh motorcycle intercoms generally provide reliable communication during normal group riding situations.
It's also worth noting that carbon-fiber helmets can slightly reduce signal performance compared to fiberglass or polycarbonate shells.
5. Waterproof performance
Weather resistance is an important consideration for any motorcycle accessory.
If you frequently ride in rain or unpredictable conditions, choose an intercom with a clearly stated waterproof rating rather than one that offers limited information about weather protection, such as an IPX6 rating.
6. Battery life
Most modern intercoms offer enough battery capacity for a full day of riding. Since smartphones often drain faster than intercom units, it's also worth considering how you'll keep your phone charged during longer trips.
7. FM radio
Some motorcycle intercoms include built-in FM radio functionality. While many riders now prefer streaming music through their smartphones, FM radio can still be useful in areas with poor mobile coverage or for riders who enjoy local broadcasts.
8. Music sharing
Certain motorcycle intercoms allow one rider to stream music to other connected users. This feature can make long rides more enjoyable and lets multiple riders listen to the same playlist without requiring separate music sources.
How to install a motorcycle intercom on an open-face helmet
The next steps show how to install a motorcycle intercom in open-face helmet to ensure audio quality and comfort.
👉 1. Inspect the helmet
Before installation, examine the interior of your helmet carefully. Identify where your ears naturally sit and look for speaker recesses or suitable mounting locations.
👉 2. Remove interior padding
Take out the cheek pads and any removable interior lining sections to expose the installation area for the speakers and wiring.
👉 3. Install the speakers
Place the speakers in the designated speaker pockets if your helmet includes them. If not, use the supplied hook-and-loop adhesive pads to position the speakers directly beside your ears.
When installing, make sure the speakers sit comfortably and do not create pressure points.
👉 4. Attach the intercom mount
For clamp mounts, slide the bracket between the helmet shell and interior liner, then tighten it securely.
For helmets that do not accommodate clamps, attach the adhesive mount to the outside of the helmet according to the manufacturer's instructions.
👉 5. Install the boom microphone
Attach the boom arm to the designated mounting point and position the microphone approximately 1–2 cm from the corner of your mouth.
Route the microphone cable toward the main unit and connect it according to the installation guide.
👉 6. Hide the cables
Carefully route all wiring beneath the helmet liner and padding. Concealing the cables improves comfort, protects the wiring, and creates a cleaner installation.
👉 7. Reinstall the padding
Once all components are installed and connected, replace the cheek pads and interior liner, ensuring that nothing is pinched or misplaced.
👉 8. Attach the main unit and test
Slide the intercom module onto its mount and power it on. Test the speakers, microphone, Bluetooth connection, and any additional features before heading out on the road.
Conclusion
Open-face helmets have unique requirements for motorcycle communication, but a well-designed motorcycle intercom for open-face helmet can meet these needs and significantly enhance the riding experience.
The best open-face helmet intercom depends on your riding style, communication needs, and budget. And with the right setup, you'll enjoy clearer conversations, more convenient navigation, and a safer, more connected ride wherever the road takes you.
