Here is an interesting fact: Volkswagen Group owns almost half of the exotic brands in the automotive industry. Some of the most popular brands they own are Porsche, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Audi, and Ducati. Let’s switch over to Ducati a bit, shall we?
There were some speculations about the sale of Ducati that rose due to a 19,4 billion dollar loan. This huge loan amount was used to fight the emissions crisis. The rumors arose due to insiders claiming that the brand’s sale would help return the loan amount in a short amount of time.
Some fans were very concerned about this, as selling Ducati could mean big uncertainty for the brand. Thankfully, Volkswagen has confirmed that the Ducati brand will remain in its portfolio.
Some compromises have to be made, though. The group has issued a plan aiming to reduce fixed cost amount by 5% and reduce the costs of materials by 7% by 2023.
Nevertheless, it seems that Ducati will stay safe in Volkswagen’s hands for years to come, which is some good news!
Check out more news from the motorcycle world in our News section!
FreedConn creates budget-friendly Bluetooth headsets that are fairly decent for the low investment you have to make. But, does being affordable equal being good? Find out in our quick and honest FreedConn TCOM-SC Bluetooth headset review!
In our review, we will break down the main features and benefits of this headset, regarding its design, sound quality, Bluetooth capabilities, durability, price, and additional features. Overall, it is a decent Bluetooth headset for basic users, and certainly not for every user.
Keep on reading to find out more!
FreedConn TCOM-SC Bluetooth Headset Review – Features
Here is a quick overview of the main features of the FreedConn TCOM-SC Bluetooth headset:
Without further ado, let’s dive into our FreedConn TCOM-SC Bluetooth headset review!
Design & Installation
This video details the installation process of the TCOM-SC Bluetooth headset!
Right out of the box, we can see that this is a fully plastic Bluetooth headset, albeit very sturdy nevertheless. It has two buttons, a power button, and a jog dial.
The power button is used to power on and off the device and activate different pairing modes. On the other hand, the jog wheel is used to increase and decrease volume and for switching music and radio stations. The button in the middle of the jog wheel serves to answer and reject calls and toggle the FM radio functionality.
It is relatively simple to install the FreedConn TCOM-SC headset to your helmet. Keep in mind that it is designed for the right-hand side of the helmet, which may be tedious to some. In such a case, you will need to often get your hand off the throttle, which can be dangerous.
To install the TCOM-SC on your helmet, you can either use the plastic clips or the sticky plate mount. With our test sample, we used the plastic clip, which is fairly easy to set up.
Note: Make sure to check for cracks on the plastic mount from time to time. It is obviously cheaply made!
We wouldn’t recommend installing the headset with the sticky plate mount, especially if you are living in a rainy region.
Bluetooth Pairing
This video shows how to pair the TCOM-SC headset with a mobile phone.
This Bluetooth headset is enabled by Bluetooth 3.0 technology and allows you to connect to your smartphone or a GPS device. Once you pair the headset with the device of your choice, you get access to features such as listening to music, answering and rejecting calls, and getting GPS instructions.
One complaint with the Bluetooth connectivity we have is when someone else calls you when you are in an existing call. The device tends toautomatically switch to the pending call, which can sometimes get very tedious.
When it comes to connecting to other headsets, check out the video below on how to do it properly.
In the next section, we will go more in-depth on how the intercom functionality works.
Connection Range
Let’s talk more about the intercom range and more specifications of this functionality. First of all, the maximum range between riders is 800 meters (0,5 miles). It goes without saying that the connection will be less stable if you are riding in a bustling city with lots of traffic and buildings, which are interference. Other ambiance like this are hills and wooded areas.
You can connect three FreedConn devices to the intercom at maximum. We didn’t test the connection with other headset brands, but we’ve heard it’s possiblewith some, with mixed results.
Even though you can connect to three headsets, only 2 people can talk in the intercomsimultaneously, which is a bummer. Whenever you are listening to music and intercom triggers, the music will pause until you disconnect from the intercom.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of speakers and the microphone featured on the TCOM-SC is fairly decent when you consider the package’s price. Speakers are relatively good for what they are and offer suitable volume options when the ambiance is quiet enough.
One major issue with the speakers is that one may just decide to randomly stop working. Thankfully, this hasn’t happened to our headset yet, but we’ve seen many users complaining about that, which will void the 1-year warranty.
The microphone is good at picking up clear audio, thanks to the advanced noise cancellation implementation.
But, once you hit speeds higher than 80 km/h (50 mph), the audio quality will significantly decrease. You will feel that the speaker audio isn’t rich enough to break through the wind noise or engine noise. The microphone will struggle to pick up clear sound from you.
Still, this issue will plague users who have louder exhausts and prefer to ride faster than the average.
Voice Control
For those looking for a Bluetooth headset with robust voice command capabilities, we will say that the TCOM-SC Bluetooth headset will disappoint you. Like many other budget Bluetooth headsets, it doesn’t feature dedicated voice support like Sena and Cardo devices do.
Along with the lack of a dedicated voice command system, this Bluetooth headset does another step backward. It also doesn’t provide support for Google Assistant or Siri activation when you pair with your smartphone.
It’s a shame, as the hands-free operation is quite important with Bluetooth headsets. Especially when you don’t need to take off your main hand, which is placed on the motorcycle’s throttle.
Additional Features
Here are some features of the FreedConn TCOM-SC Bluetooth headset worth a mention:
Audio Multitasking
FreedConn TCOM-SC Bluetooth headset provides you with the ability to simultaneously answer phone calls and listen to music via your phone or FM radio. It’s a nice feature to have, although it comes with a downside.
The major downside is that you cannot listen to music and be in a Bluetooth intercom group simultaneously. Keep in mind that you will get an audio warning when you are prompted to join the intercom group.
Built-In FM Radio
Want to listen to your favorite radio stations when on the go? You don’t even need to connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, as this headset features a built-in FM radio component.
Water Resistant or Waterproof?
We tested the TCOM-SC in rainy conditions, and it worked regardless of riding in the rain for 5 hours. This Bluetooth headset features an IP66 waterproof (more like water resistance) rating to thank for that.
What does this rating mean? First of all, it indicates maximum dust resistance, so you can rest at ease even if dust gets inside the ports of the headset.
The other aspect of the IP66 rating regards the water resistance. It indicates excellent durability in rain and snow conditions. There is one testing phase that this Bluetooth motorcycle helmet headset didn’t pass, and that is the water submersion test.
Battery Life
Considering the price of this motorcycle helmet communication system, we were really surprised by its battery life. The FreedConn TCOM-SC provides 8 hours of talking time, which can also translate to other activities like listening to music from your phone or using the FM radio. Also, the headset can withstand 120 hours of standby time.
When the battery gets empty, you can charge it from zero to hero in 2 and a half hours with a USB cable!
Overall, the battery life is decent, considering how the build quality of the Bluetooth headset itself.
Price
Well, now that we’ve gone through the main benefits and disadvantages of this Bluetooth headset, how much will it cost you? Considering the sacrifices made on the sound quality, the lack of any voice command support, and the intercom limitations – the price is relatively modest.
Right now, the FreedConn T-COM SC will cost you $56,99/€47,04/£43,08.
If you are interested in buying yourself, check out the current prices on the buttons below!
So, at the end of our FreedConn TCOM-SC Bluetooth headset review, would we recommend it? Well, yes and no, and that depends on what type of user you are.
To summarize it, we would gladly recommend this Bluetooth headset to those looking for something basic with no robust capabilities. Say that you are riding with one buddy and are looking for a decent, albeit flawed, communication device. In such a case, go for it.
But, if you are looking for a headset with exceptional sound quality, robust voice control capabilities, and intercom support for larger groups, then this headset certainly won’t be the best fit for you.
Still, for what it is and for its price tag right now, FreedConn T-COM SC is an overall decent Bluetooth headset that served as a foundation for future upgrades issued by FreedConn.
Lexin entered the competitive market of Bluetooth headsets for motorcycle helmets in 2010. They have some quality products in their portfolio that are known for their accessible pricing and features. Does their LX-FT4 Bluetooth headset follow this trend? Check out our Lexin LX-FT4 Bluetooth headset review to find out!
Lexin LX-FT4 Bluetooth Headset Review – Features
Here is a quick overview of the main features of the Lexin LX-FT4 Bluetooth headset:
Bluetooth 4.0 technology
LED lights
The battery life of 15 hours with a charge time of 2,5 hours
IP67 waterproof
Intercom range of 1,2 miles (2 kilometers)
Connection support for up to 3 more Bluetooth headsets
The design and build quality of the Lexin LX-FT4 Bluetooth headset is surprisingly good, considering its price. Right from the get-go, we can see that the unit itself has only three buttons – “A” and “B” buttons and a jog dial.
Now, from a user experience perspective, this is a double-sided blade. Different combinations of buttons provide different actions that include Bluetooth device pairing, intercom connection, and more. Someone could get lost in these different combinations, so here is a picture down below to explain each button’s functions.
You can find a boom and button microphone in the package. Which one you will use wholly depends on the type of your helmet. Also, you will get a speaker (along with Velcro speaker pads!), a charging cable, and the rest are the instruments for mounting the headset on your helmet.
Check out the video below to see how to install the LX-FT4 headset on your helmet!
Bluetooth Pairing
Since the Lexin LX-FT4 Bluetooth headset is powered by Bluetooth 4.0 technology, it allows pairing with all Bluetooth-enabled devices. So, when you pair this motorcycle Bluetooth headset with another device, you get access to functionalities such as:
Listening to music
Calling your contacts
GPS navigation
The pairing process with other devices is quite simple. Make sure that the Lexin FT4 unit is turned off. Then, press and hold the A button for 3 seconds until the LED light begins flashing blue and red. Search for the “LX-FT4” device on your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings. To signalize the completion of the Bluetooth pairing process, the LED will blink in blue color.
Here is an in-depth look on pairing LX-FT4 headset in an intercom group!
What about Bluetooth headset pairing? We tried pairing this headset with Sena 30K, and it worked as expected. You can pair this Bluetooth headset up to three other headsets, regardless of brand.
The Bluetooth headset pairing mode is triggered with the hold of the B button for 2 seconds until the blue and red LEDs start flashing. Then, you repeat the same process with the other headset. Now, the LX-FT4 headset will indicate successful pairing with the blink of the blue LED light. If you want to disconnect from the formed intercom group, just press the jog dial.
The pairing process with Bluetooth devices (smartphones, GPS devices, etc.) and other Bluetooth headset brands has been designed to be user-friendly. We must say that Lexin LX-FT4 succeeds on that front!
Connection Range
The advertised range of the Bluetooth intercom system is 1,2 miles (around 2 kilometers). We just want to warn you right ahead, this number doesn’t take a stable intercom communication range into account.
If you want a stable intercom connection, the more realistic range is 0,62 miles (1 kilometer). This range applies to both FT4 Bluetooth headsets and other brands.
One thing that will keep the intercom connection even more stable is to be in a clear line of sight. That preferable scenario includes a straight road with low traffic and an excellent signal.
If a rider gets out or range, there may be static, and the intercom may disconnect. There is a reconnect feature that will reconnect the riders to the intercom every 8 seconds.
Overall, it’s a bit of a shame that Lexin didn’t put the effective range in the official specifications. It would probably detract some buyers from even considering this headset. Nevertheless, the 1 km range is still good, especially for a tight-knitted group or for passengers on your motorbike.
Sound Quality
After a few test rides, we can say that the sound quality, both in speakers and microphone, leaves something to desire.
The speakers emphasize treble, and there is almost no bass to provide extra richness to the sound. Also, there is no advanced noise cancellation technology to be found on these speakers. If you ride over 70 mph (113 km/h), the sound quality will decrease dramatically.
When you compare these speakers to the JBL speakers on the Cardo devices, the difference is noticeable. But if you compare it to speakers in headsets like Sena 20S or 30K, the difference isn’t so large.
The microphone sound pickup is a bit flawed, especially if you are a loud speaker. It goes like this, the louder you speak in the microphone, the sound pickup will be more distorted, especially if there is wind noise around.
Voice Control
To say it outright: Lexin LX-FT4 does not feature a voice command system. Although it does feature a voice announcer that will notify you about the happenings on the headset. Basically, the male voice announcer will inform you when you have connected to the intercom, when someone has left the group, or when your battery is low.
At least you can use smartphone voice commands to operate GPS instructions or change the music on your smartphone. All you have to do is pair the headset with the desired smartphone that features voice assistant capability.
Additional Features
Here are some features of the Lexin LX-FT4 Bluetooth headset worth a mention:
Built-in FM Radio
The Lexin LX-FT4 Bluetooth headset features a built-in FM radio that you can trigger with the “A” button press. You can also save your favorite radio stations with a tap on the jog dial.
LED Lights
A nice feature that is more than just aesthetics is the LED lights. There are three types of LED lights: red, blue, and purple. Other than obviously serving as an aesthetic factor, they will also provide visual information on connection and pairing status, as well as battery status. All in all, this implementation is awesome!
Water Resistant or Waterproof?
Lexin LX-FT4 follows the standards set by most other Bluetooth headsets and comes with an IP67 waterproof rating. It’s also dust and ice-resistant. Hence, you can also use it for snowmobile rides, as advertised.
We tested the headset at 4 degrees Celsius during a rainy afternoon. Needless to say, there weren’t any unpleasant surprises. The headset withstood an hour and a half of rain with no problems with its hardware or software.
Note: The specified lowest temperature that this headset can resist is -3 Fahrenheit (or -19 degrees Celsius). Sadly, we haven’t tested the headset in these circumstances to give you an objective outlook on that fact’s validity.
Also, Lexin has implemented rubber plugs to protect the AUX and Micro USB ports.
So, when it comes to resistance and durability, the LX-FT4 is a force to be reckoned with!
Battery Life
Well, the FT4 is also quite a winner when it comes to battery life. It sports a Li-Ion battery that can withstand 15 hours of use on a single charge. Also, the battery will last for a bit over a week on standby.
If the battery gets below 20%, you will get an audio warning that will suggest you charge the battery soon. To charge the battery, just plug a Micro USB cable in the appropriate port. You can charge this headset to the max battery in only 2 and a half hours!
Note: You can use this headset and charge it simultaneously. We recommend a quality portable charger for maximum effect.
During our testing, we were surprised to see that we could listen to music, proceed phone calls, and talk to riding partners in a session that lasted 10 hours. We didn’t even get an audio warning for a low battery!
Price
With a full circle package of features, just how much will the Lexin LX-FT4 cost?
Surprisingly, it is one of the most affordable Bluetooth headsets that you can find on the market right now. It comes at almost half the price you would pay for a Cardo or Sena device. These devices are obviously more advanced in some aspects but do not necessarily justify their price tags.
Right now, the price for the single pack of Lexin LX-FT4 Bluetooth headset is $135,99/€112,34/£102,34.
On the buttons below, you can check the current prices for the FT4 Bluetooth headset!
Now that we are at the end of our Lexin LX-FT4 Bluetooth headset review, would we recommend it?
This is a very affordable and durable Bluetooth headset that will fit the needs of most motorcycle riders. It’s able to connect to your smartphone so that you can get a whole suite of features in hands-free mode. Its battery life is absolutely nuts, and the intercom functionality works well when you’re in a suitable range.
The biggest flaws with this headset are found in the slightly lackluster quality of speakers and microphone. Also, the effective intercom range isn’t the same as advertised. Regarding user-friendliness, you will need to invest a bit of time to get used to different button combinations.
Still, when we consider the affordable price of the LX-FT4 headset in comparison to more expensive headsets, we can say that it is a quite well-made Bluetooth headset. If you can get over no dedicated voice control and slightly lower sound quality, you’re in for a treat. Check out our Bluetooth headset review section to find which one suits your style the best!
Husqvarna dominated the EICMA last year with the introduction of the 901 concept – its first foray in the adventure motorcycle market. Last December, the concept was greenlit for production, but there were no updates on the concept’s progress after that.
Thankfully, the concept is still alive and well! Pierer Mobility, the parent company of Husqvarna, stated that they would continue on their plan to introduce the Norden 901. The model popped up in a few investor presentations this year, notably in August and November.
Yesterday, a German publication released some spy shots of the concept bike in action! When we consider these photos, we can see that Husqvarna is staying true to the shown concept, with a couple of changes.
The first notable change is the engine, which is changed to the 889cc parallel-twin engine. It’s most likely the same one you can see in the KTM 890 adventure.
The other set of changes is related to wheel size. Now, the wheels are sized 21 and 18 inches, respectively.
What about the release of the Norden 901? Well, the German publication states that the bike won’t release before the end of 2021. Of course, it’s better to wait than get an unfinished product, so kudos to Husqvarna for trying so hard.
Check out more news from the motorcycle world in our News section!
In a slightly controversial but reasonable move, Kawasaki is recalling all of their 2021 Ninja ZX-14R motorcycles. Why is that so? Well, apparently 84 of these motorcycles that were built between August 3 and September 23 have a missing brake component.
The component in question is missing from the front brake master cylinder. This can cause inconsistent force in the brakes and a reduction in braking power for the front wheel. All that is due to potential issues with the hydraulic fluid flow.
This issue could result in a fatal accident, so kudos to Kawasaki for realizing this issue, even though quality assurance is present for a good reason – making sure all components are in place before releasing the actual bikes on the market!
Thankfully, there are no accident reports due to this issue for now, so it seems that Kawasaki will get it done swiftly. Still, if you are an owner of this bike, make sure to contact your local Kawasaki dealer to check if your bike is affected too. You can never be too safe, after all!
Check out more news from the motorcycle world in our News section!
Honda and Royal Enfield are fierce competitors on the Indian market, constantly trying to outplay each other. Hence, the recently released Honda H’ness CB350 was designed as a direct hit to the increasing sales of Royal Enfield Meteor 350 bikes in India. Of course, this market is no stranger to low-displacement bikes, and Honda seems to be pulling another ace from its sleeve.
The ace in this context is a cafe racer variant of their H’ness CB350 bike. This move makes sense as Honda made a record amount of 1000 sales in 20 days. Some rumors tell that along with the cafe racer variant, a scrambler is in the works too! That makes two aces, doesn’t it?
Some sources state that the scrambler variant will release in summer 2021 in Japan, after the Japanese release of the official 350 bike.
Of course, these are just rumors for now, and it’s totally up to Honda to stay true to them or not. If they do that, Honda H’ness CB350 may finally end their battle with the Meteor 350, with an obvious winner.
Check out more news from the motorcycle world in our News section!
Many people avoid cheap Bluetooth headsets. Whether it’s prejudice or ignorance, we won’t know for sure. Still, there is a bit of logic in avoiding a cheap Bluetooth headset when you have premium-quality ones like Cardo and Sena.
But, what if we told you that this affordable Bluetooth headset may be one of the best on the market, one that can stand tall with the industry giants? You would probably be surprised at that, as we were when we got our hands on the Fodsports M1S Bluetooth headset.
Find out why it’s such a surprise in our Fodsports M1S Pro Bluetooth comm system review!
Fodsports M1S Pro Bluetooth Comm System Review – Features
Here is a quick overview of the main features of the Fodsports M1S Pro Bluetooth communication system:
Bluetooth 4.1 with two-channel support
Waterproof and dustproof
900 mAh battery with 3 hours of charge time
Group intercom support of 8 riders
2 km (1,24 miles) maximum range
Integrated CSR chip that provides noise cancellation
Right from the get-go, we can see that this Bluetooth headset for motorcycle helmets features a tactile design. It certainly features larger buttons than most other Bluetooth headsets on the market, with buttons that serve purposes such as:
Adjusting the volume
Pairing with a Bluetooth-enabled device
Starting the group intercom
Setting up this Bluetooth communicator on your motorcycle helmet is simple. Use the clips that come with the packaging and set them up on the lower right part of your motorcycle helmet. Then, attach the Bluetooth headset to the clip, and you’re good to go. Afterward, use Velcro and Eva rubber to connect the microphone and the speakers inside the helmet padding.
One thing to note is that you will get a hard mic and a soft mic in the packaging. Use the soft mic for a full-face helmet and the hard mic for an open face helmet.
The bottom line is, the Fodsports M1S Pro Bluetooth headset is very easy to set-up, as it comes with easy-to-understand instructions.
Bluetooth Pairing
This video shows how to pair multiple M1S devices!
As this Bluetooth headset is powered by Bluetooth 4.1 technology, it features two channels. That means that you can pair it with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously to enable functions such as:
Listening to music
Using GPS navigation
Enabling group intercom
One great thing about the Fodsports M1S Pro is that it is highly compatible with other Bluetooth headset brands. Some people may find the pairing procedure with other Bluetooth headsets confusing. It’s important to do this procedure in sequential order.
Another handy feature is toggling between intercom and phone functions via the press on the intercom button.
Connection Range
The intercom functionality of this Bluetooth headset supports a group of 8 riders maximum. When you get into the intercom room, the maximum range will be 2 kilometers (1,24 miles). Of course, this maximum range works when there are no obstructions between the members of the group. An effective range between two motorcycles is around 500 meters (0,3 miles).
One handy feature of this intercom is the integrated self-healing technology. It will automatically reconnect a rider who leaves the intercom group for less than 5 minutes. If the rider is out of the group for more than 5 minutes, he can press the intercom button to return.
Sound Quality
Considering its price, this Bluetooth headset is very strong when it comes to its sound quality. It features 40mm speakers with a nice bass that provide high-definition sound rarely found on Bluetooth headsets in this price range.
Of course, keep in mind that the speaker sound quality will falter when you are riding on a windy day. That will depend on the quality of your helmet and how it handles wind noise. The rule of thumb is that the sound quality will be top-notch when riding below 50 miles per hour (80 km/h).
Also, the headset features a CSR chip that provides advanced noise cancellation technology for the microphone. So, when you are in the intercom session, your voice will be heard clearly due to the cancellation of wind and engine noise and similar sounds.
Voice Control
While it doesn’t provide an integrated voice control functionality, you can achieve it by pairing this Bluetooth headset with your smartphone. That means that you can utilize voice assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant via the Bluetooth headset’s microphone.
The microphone is of high quality, so you certainly won’t need to yell at it to register your voice commands.
So, with voice control, you can get hands-free operation on functions such as:
Answering and rejecting calls
Turning on the intercom
Streaming music
Providing GPS commands
Water Resistant or Waterproof?
Most motorcycle riders will find themselves riding in heavy rain. Hence, having a type of water-proofing or high water resistance is essential to a durable and worthwhile Bluetooth headset for a motorcycle helmet.
We are pleasantly surprised to see that Fodsports M1S Pro is both waterproof and dustproof. Basically, you can use it in any kind of weather without being afraid of it breaking down on you. Bonus positive points for that!
Battery Life
The M1S Pro really kicks it out of the park when it comes to battery life. First of all, it features a 900 mAh battery that stands above the most Bluetooth headsets in the competition.
The full battery charge provides:
12 hours of intercom time
20 hours of phone talk time
300 hours of standby
When the battery gets low, the headset will issue an audio warning to prepare you.
After you discharge the battery, you can charge it on the go if you have a portable charger. It will take 3 hours to charge the battery of the M1S Pro fully. Keep in mind that you can use all the headset functions when it’s charging, which is a great plus.
Price
Well, the Fodsports M1S Pro is one of the most affordable motorcycle Bluetooth headsets that you can find on the market. Along with tons of useful features, its pricing is really generous, even for a dual pack variant.
You can currently find it on Amazon at select prices:
Single Pack – $85,99/€70,83/£63,83
Dual Pack – $159,99/€131,78/£118,76
Check the availability and prices for the Fodsports M1S Pro Bluetooth headsets on the buttons below!
Now that we are at the end of our Fodsports M1S Pro Bluetooth comm system review, would we actually recommend it?
This intercom is a true breath of fresh air in the Bluetooth headset market. It comes at a hugely affordable price, yet comes with some of the best features you can find in a Bluetooth headset.
First of all, it provides fantastic sound quality that can rival Cardo’s JBL speakers but still are not on the same level. The intercom connection range is the real star here, with 2 kilometers of max range and 500 meters of range between motorcycles. Even if someone breaks the connection, they will be seamlessly reconnected.
Also, the headset is highly compatible with other Bluetooth headset brands, which is a handy feature.
The only downside that we can mention is how easily the speaker sound quality can falter when the wind noise comes in. Because of that, make sure to provide an appropriate environment for the speakers.
All in all, this is undoubtedly one of the best affordable Bluetooth headsets that stand tall with the industry leaders like Sena and Cardo.
Looking for more Bluetooth headsets? Make sure to pay a visit to our Bluetooth headset reviews section!
A new, upgraded 2021 Ducati Monster has been revealed! This upgrade aims to provide the fierce power of the Monster at a much lower weight.
It sports a 937cc Testaretta V-twin engine that produces 111 horsepower and 69 lb-ft of torque. Even though it has a more powerful engine than the previous Monster incarnations, its dry weight is only 366 lbs (166 kg)! Its agility is on a Monster level, thanks to the implementation of the aluminum front frame present on Panigale.
Other juicy new features include:
Full-color TFT display
Traction control
Launch control
Wheelie control
ABS
Quick shifter with a lighter and more manageable clutch
Three riding modes
When it comes to suspension and braking on the new Ducati Monster, we are not short on surprises. The suspension is powered by the 43mm USD fork and a rear mono-shock.
On the other hand, the pleasure of stopping power goes to the piston caliper 320mm disc on the front wheel and piston 245mm disc on the back wheel.
This new iteration of the Ducati Monster will come in Standard and “+” editions. The “+” edition adds minor visual updates, such as a small front fairing and a seat cover.
What about the prices, though? Well, the standard edition costs $11,895 (€9,812/£8,880) and the “+” edition costs $12,195 (€10,060/£9,105).
Check out more news from the motorcycle world in our News section!
The 2021 variant of the BMW R18 is an epic cruiser bike, with a large 1,800cc boxer twin engine that produces a tremendous torque amount. BMW knows the advantages of this bike to heart and plans to release a few variations of this bike. The spotlight today is on the fully-faired variant of the R18.
Some sources found out about BMW’s new trademarks that suggest that the mentioned variant will have a Transcontinental tagline. Well, the naming fits the full fairing and luggage space, which would make for a killer touring motorcycle.
Also, there have been numerous leaks of the fairing added to R18, similar to ones found on Harley-Davidson bikes. Still, BMW always has surprises for us.
Other than the mentioned features, the R18 bike won’t change dramatically, with the engine and chassis staying the same. The bike will have more weight, that’s for sure. Nevertheless, it will certainly be an epic bike to hit the highway with.
Check out more news from the motorcycle world in our News section!
Cardo is one of the biggest players in the Bluetooth headset market, mainly due to its partnership with JBL. Due to this fruitful partnership, Cardo headsets feature the best sound quality, and it’s no different with the Freecom 4 Plus.
Our Cardo Freecom 4 Plus Bluetooth headset review will quickly go through its main features, focusing on the benefits you may get with it. At the end of our review, you will see if it is worth your money or not?
Let’s start with our review now, shall we?
Cardo Freecom 4 Plus Bluetooth Headset Review – Features
Here is a quick overview of the main features of the Cardo Freecom 4 Plus Bluetooth headset:
Without further ado, let’s delve deeper into the main features of the Freecom 4 Plus!
Design & Installation
This video shows how to install the Cardo Freecom 4 Plus on any type of helmet!
Cardo Freecom 4 Plus is designed explicitly for full-face and modular helmets. If you want to install this Bluetooth communication device on an open face helmet, you will need to buy a specialized open face helmet kit.
Right out of the box, you can see the device itself, with three buttons and a speed dial dominating the design. These tactile features enable functionalities such as:
Toggling between smartphone music and built-in FM radio
Music sharing to other Bluetooth headsets
Answering phone calls
Creating and connecting to the intercom
Adjusting volume and changing tunes or radio stations
Along with the motorcycle Bluetooth communication unit itself, you will also get a cradle, JBL speakers, and microphones (boom mic for modular and open face helmets and corded mic for full-face helmets) that you can install in the helmet. You will install the cradle on the helmet exterior, where you can attach the Bluetooth headset easily. It’s simple to detach it if you need to charge it or store it elsewhere.
For microphone and speaker installation, there are six Velcro patches included in the box.
Bluetooth Pairing
This video shows how to pair Cardo Freecom 4 Plus to a smartphone or GPS device!
Bluetooth 4.1. compatibility features two channels, which means that you can connect the Freecom 4 Plus with two devices simultaneously. For example, you can pair this Bluetooth headset with a smartphone and a GPS device simultaneously.
Note: Cardo Freecom 4 Plus supports both Android and iOS devices.
To connect the Freecom 4 Plus headset to a smartphone, you will need to download the Cardo App, either from Google Play or App Store. Then, just hold down the button with the call icon for five seconds. After the lights blink red and blue, this is the prompt that the headset is in pairing mode.
When you are paired with your smartphone, you can utilize GPS navigation, mainly via voice commands, but more on that later. Along with that, smartphone pairing enables you to make and receive calls, as well as end them.
This video shows how to pair Freecom 4 Plus with three other Bluetooth headsets!
The Freecom 4 Plus allows you to connect to four riders simultaneously. You can have all the participants in the same call or make private calls with individual members. Be mindful of how many Bluetooth channels you are using. If you are utilizing both of them, you might not be able to get incoming calls from your paired smartphone.
Connecting to non-Cardo devices is effortless, but you should also be mindful of available Bluetooth channels, as Freecom 4 Plus is visible as a smartphone. So, if a non-Cardo device has only one Bluetooth channel, it should stay reserved for the Freecom 4 Plus.
Connection Range
When you connect to the intercom, the maximum attainable range between riders is up to 0,75 miles (1,2 kilometers). Of course, this is an idealistic number, which will honestly be realistic if you are riding on an empty highway. Disturbances like hills, heavy traffic, trees, and buildings will impact the Bluetooth signal negatively.
In cases where there are many disturbances, the range will be quite low, being around 500 meters. Nevertheless, when the intercom connection is stable, it won’t lag behind, so you can expect real-time conversations, which is a huge breather!
Now that we are talking about the intercom functionality, there is a slight issue that doesn’t seem to be resolved fully. The intercom connection between Cardo devices sometimes just randomly shuts down. While it is effortless to reconnect with a push of the Intercom button or a voice command, this can prove to be a hindrance in the long run.
Sound Quality
Here we are at the highlight of the Cardo Freecom 4 Plus. The partnership with JBL has really paid off, and the 40mm JBL speakers do wonders when it comes to immersive sound quality. They offer stereo sound quality that is really top of the line for the motorcycle Bluetooth headset market. Audiophiles will especially enjoy using this Bluetooth headset.
The listening experience won’t lose its quality even if you ride above 65 miles per hour (above 105 km/h). We can thank the noise cancellation feature for that, as wind, engine noise, and traffic noise get filtered out quite well with the thick JBL speakers.
Voice Control
“Hey, Cardo!” That’s all you have to say to trigger the robust selection of voice commands that the Cardo Freecom 4 Plus provides. One thing to note is that voice commands are compatible with Siri and Google Assistant, so you can effortlessly control your smartphone’s functions, like the GPS navigation and music player.
The secret is in the Always On! voice recognition system. As its name suggests, you can always use it with a trigger keyword. It features 24 commands that allow you to:
Answer incoming calls
Make calls
Control volume
Start and control smartphone music
Activate the intercom
Control the FM radio
Check battery
The great thing with this voice control system is that it actually registers your commands quite well. You won’t need to constantly repeat yourself to turn on the music player on your smartphone. That goes for any other command you desire to use.
Additional Features
Here are some features of the Cardo Freecom 4 Plus Bluetooth headset worth a mention:
Music Sharing
This is one handy feature that you can utilize to share your favorite tunes or radio station with your intercom partner. Just press and hold the Intercom button, and the headset will stream your music to other participants in the intercom group.
Built-In FM Radio
This video shows how to easily launch the built-in FM radio with Freecom 4 Plus!
As with most motorcycle Bluetooth headsets, the Cardo Freecom 4 Plus comes with a built-in radio. You can tune in to your favorite radio stations, whether you are up for listening to some new tunes or getting up to date on the happenings in the given day.
Water Resistant or Waterproof?
Like all Cardo Bluetooth devices before it, the Freecom 4 Plus features the IP67 waterproof rating. Along with the waterproofing qualities, this Bluetooth headset is dust-proof.
Well, these two durability qualities make for a device safe to use during heavy rain or high winds. Both mentioned weather conditions feature lots of water and dust, and it’s good to know that Cardo was mindful of that for all of us cross country motorcycle trip enthusiasts out there.
Battery Life
The battery life of this Bluetooth headset is surprisingly strong. It offers one week of standby mode and 13 hours of talk time. When you need to charge it, it will charge in four hours.
Note: You can charge this Bluetooth headset on the go if you have a portable power bank. It features MicroUSB ports that you can utilize on the go.
Price
We know that Cardo Freecom 4 Plus is a feature-packed Bluetooth headset that is highly resistant to elements. How does that translate in the pricing? Well, a single pack is in the range of $250/€210/£188, which stands together with the headsets like Sena 30K.
Now that we are at the end of our Cardo Freecom 4 Plus Bluetooth headset review, would we actually recommend it?
It’s undoubtedly a decent Bluetooth headset with fantastic sound quality. Honestly, no one rivals Cardo on this front.
But, in the long term? This may not be the best headset. You see, many newer headsets are transferring to Dynamic Mesh technology that offers a higher range and is a fundamental improvement over Bluetooth intercom connections. We are mainly looking at stability and connection count over here.
Cardo Freecom 4 Plus is the best pick if you are an audiophile with a riding partner who would enjoy the music sharing capability. Due to its high price, we simply cannot recommend it to everyone, especially those looking for a Bluetooth headset with advanced intercom functionality.
