Better Audio for Motorcyclists: Bridging the Noise and Communication Gap
Motorcycle communication systems have made significant strides thanks to brands like Cardo and Sena, which have brought reliable intercom and audio capabilities to riders. However, existing solutions still fall short when it comes to meeting the complex audio needs of motorcyclists, especially in noisy, urban environments. Riders need robust noise suppression, the ability to hear crucial environmental sounds, and more seamless communication features. Here, we explore what’s missing from current motorcycle audio tech and what innovations could transform the riding experience.
The Noise Suppression Challenge
Wind, engine rumble, and city noise make it challenging for riders to hear music, navigation cues, or each other. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), as seen in wireless earbuds like the AirPods Pro, has become a popular workaround, but there are limitations. For example, ANC often dampens all external noise indiscriminately, which can block essential sounds like sirens, horns, or approaching vehicles. A “smart transparency” feature that selectively lets through these critical sounds while muting others would be a game-changer.
In an ideal solution, motorcycle audio systems could incorporate AI-driven sound recognition, allowing them to identify and prioritize specific sounds. This would enable riders to safely enjoy their music or intercom while staying alert to their surroundings.
Better Communication at Stop Lights
One of the biggest communication hurdles for motorcyclists is talking to friends at stoplights, where noise levels are still high, and where it’s common that not all riders are wearing an intercom.. A system that could amplify human voices while continuing to filter out ambient noise would make quick conversations with fellow riders much easier. Advances in beamforming microphones and voice recognition technology could allow audio systems to focus on nearby voices while continuing to filter out wind and engine noise, making it easier to communicate without shouting.
Staying Connected On and Off-Grid
Despite the appeal of wireless earbuds, motorcycle intercoms still have a significant advantage: they work off-grid. Mesh networking from systems like Cardo and Sena’s intercoms provide reliable communication even in areas without cell coverage, which is essential for group rides in rural or mountainous areas. Until mesh networking becomes a standard feature on everyday mobile devices or earbuds, the dedicated intercom will remain the go-to for off-grid riders.
To remain relevant in the face of a fast improving mobile devices and earbuds,, intercom manufacturers like Cardo and Sena could look into pocket based mesh networking devices that integrate with with mobile devices. We’d also love to see features that make it easier and hands free to switch between group chats, individual riders, and communication apps on your phone that aren’t necessarily related to the ride.
Smart Controls and Hands-Free Functionality
Current motorcycle audio solutions often lack intuitive controls. Riders need hands-free ways to manage music, navigation, the intercom, and outside calls, along with options to quickly switch between individual and group communications. A rider should find it easy to pause music, join the group playlist or listen to their own, take calls privately or have side-channel discussions off of the main group chat, all without affecting their group chat or disturbing others. A combination of voice controls and a physical button could make this easy. Voice-activated AI assistants like ChatGPT could be another excellent addition, allowing riders to ask questions, get weather updates, or receive navigation assistance without disrupting their intercom channel. These will be especially useful when they’re able to reach into applications to take deeper actions.
Improvements in hands-free interfaces and voice-command accuracy would greatly enhance the rider experience. For example, a rider could switch back and forth between music, chat, and an AI assistant without the need to fumble around with small buttons or issue complicated commands, creating a more seamless and safer experience.
Looking Ahead: Future-Proofing Motorcycle Audio
As technology advances, the motorcycle audio industry will need to keep pace with new audio and communication technologies. Smarter noise cancellation, selective transparency, and better voice amplification (or amplification of other desirable environmental sounds) could transform the riding experience. Additionally, developments in mesh networking, hands-free control, and voice assistant integration will be crucial as riders seek more seamless, safer ways to communicate on the road.