Imagine a wireless communication system that would enable a rider and pillion passenger to talk clearly and freely (even when travelling at speeds in excess of 100 mph where legal) or allow the rider to pick up mobile phone calls on the move. The result is a new BMW product featuring the latest Bluetooth technology that makes hands-free mobile communication a reality.

BMW Motorrad’s first Wireless Communication System (WCS-1) is in dealer showrooms now and is a revolutionary motorcycle intercom specifically designed for use with the new System 5 helmet. Consisting of two earpiece speakers; electronic component technology; rechargeable batteries and a noise suppression microphone, the new unit is designed to fit perfectly into the helmet without any discomfort for the wearer. Only a small multi-function button to operate the ‘on’, ‘off’ and volume controls is attached on the outside of the helmet; everything else is integrated into the design of the new System 5.

High technology? Yes. Conventional? Certainly not. A microphone is incorporated neatly into the forehead section of the System 5 helmet to ensure that background and wind noise interference are efficiently suppressed through a microphone array and Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The innovative Bluetooth (short-distance radio transmission) technology also enables most mobile phones to be ‘paired’ with the System 5 helmet to enable true hands-free communication while riding.

BMW Motorrad UK’s Retail Performance Manager, Conrad Parker, said: “BMW’s new Wireless Communication System is definitely the way forward for audio communication technology. The quality of sound is exemplary, and as a completely wire-free product, riders can simply get on and off the motorcycle without the hassle of needing to re-connect. Soon, all motorcycle manufacturers will be trying to produce this kind of technology, but BMW Motorrad is there first.”

The new BMW WCS-1 retrofit kit includes:

wireless voice communication between two helmets for rider and passenger with a range of up to ten metres
wireless communication between two helmets, plus one helmet and a mobile telephone with Bluetooth capability (the system does not support all telephone models, please refer to www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk for a full list)
electronic components and rechargeable NiMh battery pack (operating time up to nine hours) installed in the neck section of the helmet
power pack for charging the batteries (100-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 6 W)
mounting and installation hardware
three-button operation (film-type keypad) on the left side of the helmet
two speakers
two high-grade, array microphones
two microphone covers

BMW’s WCS-1 retrofit kit for the System 5 helmet is available at all BMW dealerships now, priced at £240.

A factory-fitted WCS-1 System 5 helmet in titanium silver is also available at all BMW dealerships priced at £525. An on-board junction box for the connection of further Bluetooth audio capabilities – such as iPod, MP3 player and GPS navigation – will be launched later in the year.