Sena have introduced a new Bluetooth intercom aimed at riders who mainly want to speak to a pillion passenger or one riding partner.
The new Sena Vortex keeps offers two-way communication rather than the large group-chat capability offered by more expensive Mesh systems. The launch list price is £139 for a single unit and £269 for a dual pack.
A dedicated Quick Pair button is designed to make it simple to connect two Vortex units. One press begins the pairing process, avoiding the long presses and button combinations that can make intercoms frustrating to set up.
Once connected, rider and pillion can talk directly, or two riders on separate bikes can communicate over a claimed range of up to 1200 metres.
A focus on simplicity continues with five separate buttons, which Sena say are easy to distinguish while wearing gloves.
Battery life is one of the headline figures with Sena claiming up to 27 hours of talk time from a full charge, which takes around two hours. They claim a 20-minute fast charge is enough to power another two-and-a-half hours of conversation.
The main unit attaches to the helmet using a magnetic mount and can be removed for charging on a compatible Qi wireless pad.
Settings and software updates are handled through the Sena Motorcycles app, so there’s no need to plug the Vortex into a computer.
Sena have also tried to keep the unit discreet. A stacked battery design helps it sit close to the helmet shell, with the Vortex measuring 18mm thick and weighing a claimed 37g.
Interchangeable silver, matt black or white faceplates allow riders to match the unit to their helmet.
Sound comes through 40mm H-D speakers and Sena’s Advanced Noise Control technology works through the microphone to reduce the wind and background noise transmitted during conversations.
There’s also an FM radio and Bluetooth 5.1, plus access to Sena’s Wave Intercom system. Wave uses a mobile data connection to provide effectively unlimited range and can connect riders using other brands of intercom, though everyone involved will need suitable phone signal and the Wave app.
With an IPX7 water-resistance rating, the Vortex is designed to cope with wet rides and it is also covered by Sena’s limited lifetime warranty.
The Sena Vortex is available soon, priced at £139 for a single pack and £269 for a dual pack.