How to stay connected when motorcycling

An extended motorcycle trip can be the adventure of a lifetime, but how do you stay in touch with your travelling companions, or with family and friends back home, when you’re out on the road? Here are some communications options to consider for your next epic trek.

For many riders, a modern mobile phone is all the comms technology they need on a long-distance trip.

Offering voice and video calls, GPS navigation, music, games and the choice of thousands of other applications in a pocket-sized package, the smartphone is almost as essential a tool for the travelling motorcyclist as a helmet and jacket.

Taking your own phone and buying SIM cards in different countries is a simple and flexible way to stay connected while travelling. Prepaid SIM cards are usually quite cheap, can be recharged easily and mean you’re not always looking for WiFi to access the internet. In many countries, the mobile network provides greater coverage and reliability than the traditional landline system, even in remote areas.

Being connected to a mobile network means you can dial emergency services quickly if the need arises. With a phone, you can also use apps such as WhatsApp and Messenger to make internet-based voice and video calls pretty much anywhere there’s a mobile or WiFi signal.

Top tip: invest in a rugged phone or a robust waterproof phone cover if you’re planning to use it on the bike for navigation, and carry a power bank to keep the phone charged when mains power isn’t available.

Unless you’re travelling in remote places for decent periods of time, a satellite phone is overkill. On the plus side, a satellite phone will work in areas where a mobile phone won’t, as long as it can ’see’ the satellite (so they won’t work indoors). They offer reliable comms pretty much anywhere, especially in isolated or disaster-stricken areas.

However, satellite phones are expensive to purchase and operate, they’re generally bigger and bulkier than mobile phones, and they don’t offer the variety of features and apps of your typical smartphone. A satellite phone could be a useful emergency back-up if your overland adventure includes an extended journey through the middle of nowhere, but otherwise it’s probably unnecessary.

PLBs are an effective and relatively inexpensive safety device for motorcyclists who like to venture off the beaten track. When activated in an emergency, PLBs send a continuous distress signal with GPS coordinates via satellite to search and rescue services for as long as the battery lasts – which can be up to a couple of weeks. Some PLBs can also send and receive messages or send out regular updates on your location.

Importantly for riders, modern PLBs are lightweight, waterproof and compact enough to be easily carried in a jacket pocket. They range in cost from about $250-$600, but some models also require an ongoing subscription to access all services, so factor that into your choice.

Handheld two-way radios aren’t much use for the solo rider, but they are a handy tool for keeping a group together and in touch, particularly in remote areas or off-road terrain. Modern two-ways tend to use UHF (Ultra High Frequency) systems, which give less range than VHF (Very High Frequency) systems, but have a wider frequency spectrum and are less susceptible to interference.

Both UHF and VHF radios work best when there is little in the way – like mountains, trees or buildings – between the sender and receiver.

With an accessory headset or hand mic, a two-way radio can be used with a bike helmet – some even have Bluetooth connectivity. If you are planning to travel in a group, it makes sense to buy the same brand and type of radio to ensure compatibility.

Just check the regulations for your destination before you go as there may be local laws prohibiting the use of certain radio comms for civilians and foreigners.

Helmet-mounted intercom systems have come a long way in the past 20 years. Even basic systems allow the user to talk to a pillion or riding partner, make and receive phone calls, and listen to music with full Bluetooth connectivity.

As the tech has improved and the popularity of these systems has grown, many helmet manufacturers market lids designed to take speakers or a specific intercom unit. Intercom maker Sena now offers branded helmets with the intercom gubbins neatly integrated into the shell.

Premium intercoms use mesh-type transmission systems that connect quickly with other units and enables hands-free conversations within groups as large as 20 riders, so they are a great way to stay in touch on the road. Even when riding solo, an intercom can help you while away the hours with music, a podcast or an audiobook from your Bluetooth phone while relating turn-by-turn directions from your GPS.

Intercoms can be had very cheaply (around $30) from sites like AliExpress and Temu, but be aware that sound quality from the speakers and mic can be less than stellar on budget models. Higher-spec brands like Sena or Cardo have units starting from about $100.

With the explosion of cheap, reliable smartphones, internet cafes seem to be something of a dying breed. However, they are still out there and could be a useful fallback option if your phone is on the blink and the hotel doesn’t have WiFi.

Internet cafes are usually inexpensive and give access to emails, social media and other online platforms. As with any form of public internet access – like free WiFi provided by a business, library or city organisation – the biggest concern is security. These systems are hackable and you never know who might be snooping on your private data. When connecting to any form of public internet, always use a VPN to cover your tracks and shield your data.