Previously agreed gestures and hand signs have been the medium for communication for years, facilitating safer, more efficient journeys.
Pointing to the tank, for example, is often a way to indicate that the rider wants to stop at the next petrol station, explained Andre Vallese from the Institute for Two-Wheeled Safety in Essen, Germany.
But while gestures may be a tried-and-tested method, communication does not necessarily have to be silent between motorcyclists.
Electronic aids make it easier for riders to communicate between one another. However, "before you buy a motorcycle communication system, some questions should first be clarified," advised Michael Lenzen of the German Association of Motorcyclists.
The installation options for your helmet need to be considered, while the amount of money you are willing to invest is always a factor.
"Manufacturers offer different Bluetooth headsets," said Vallese, with some not only allowing communication between group members, but also navigation or pairing with smartphones.
The expert also points to mesh networks, which makes the connection between the group members more stable than with traditional methods.
Some helmet manufacturers cooperate with headsets producers, such as Shoei and Schuberth, who worked together with Sena, while an integrated system for Schuberth helmets from Cardo is also available.
The price of regular headsets ranges from €100 to €500 (from RM462 to RM2,311).
If you only want to talk to the passenger, simple systems with a short range are enough, according to Lenzen.
Generally, call ranges go from a few hundred metres to up to 2km — which is ideal for larger groups.
In addition, the maximum number of call participants must be considered, with German automotive magazine Auto Bild saying that from two to 16 participants is possible with certain systems.
The varying systems would function differently, for instance, with certain headsets controlled by buttons on the helmet.
"Some devices are difficult to operate with thick gloves. It only helps to try it out before you buy it," said Lenzen.
For Vallese, the handling is the be-all and end-all. The operation of the headset should be as simple as possible and not distracting while riding, otherwise it may become dangerous to use.
"Operation while driving may be practical and attractive, but both hands belong to the handlebars in order to react quickly to dangerous situations," said Lenzen, agreeing with Vallese's concerns.
Lenzen gives a personal advice to riders looking to add a new system to their travels: "I like listening to music when riding a motorcycle to limit communication to only necessary messages."
"I want to enjoy the ride and keep the distractions at a minimum."
