Ever since I was a kid, I've always been fascinated with electronics; any kind of gadget or gizmo, I had to have it. I've also always been fascinated with motorcycles. Why not fuse two passions together, right? With so many technologically advanced concepts out there today it seems there's a never-ending supply of gadgets to play with. Bluetooth headsets have recently piqued my interest; especially when they allow you to wirelessly connect to stereo music, intercom, and your cell phone all at once. At the V-Twin Expo, I encountered the IMC Camos BTS-300 Bluetooth headset ($229.95) and I wanted to get one for an in-depth evaluation. I knew that I would need the right helmet to install such device and the Shoei Multitec ($495.99) crept up to the top of the list.
Distributed exclusively in the U.S. by Benchmark Helmets in Newport Beach, California, the IMC Camos BTS-300 headset with Bluetooth capabilities features two channels that allow you the option of listening to your MP3 or for taking that important call you've so impatiently been waiting for on one channel, and on the other channel you can have a clear conversation with your wife/girlfriend on the back of your bike (if she's fitted with a BTS-200 or BTS-300), or with your riding buddy on the bike next to you (as long as he/she has the BTS-300). The battery life lasts approximately eight hours and the module's been tucked into a waterproof shell to prevent damage from the elements. It mounts to the outside of the helmet's shell, and on the inside, the wiring that connects the speakers/microphone to the unit can be tucked under the helmet's lining.
Shoei's Multitec Helmet is a lightweight modular helmet that features a fiberglass Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) shell that's been designed to minimize drag and wind noise. This is ideal for installing a headset and listening to tunes or having a convo with your passenger or riding buddy. The Multitec's flip-up chin bar and face shield also makes rest stops ideal for quick fuel transactions, or for taking a quick swig off of that favorite beverage stored in your saddlebag. The Multitec's been fitted with adjustable upper and lower vents that open to keep you cool on hot days, exhausting air out of the neck outlet vent, but easily close for when temperatures start to drop. The Multitec comes with a chin curtain to reduce wind entering the helmet even more.
We contacted Shoei Helmets and two Multitec helmets were promptly sent out to test all of the functions of the IMC Camos Bluetooth headsets.
 We grabbed two of the Multitec...  We grabbed two of the Multitec helmets, one in Light Silver and one in Matte Black (available in a variety of colors). The Multitec ranges from XXS (20 1/8 to 20 1/2 inches) to XXL (24 3/4- to 25 1/8 inches), and with the Quick Release Base Plate system, you can switch from a clear to a tinted shield in seconds. The Multitec also features removable cheek pads, which was ideal for the installation of the BTS-300 internal components. |  The chinbar and face shield...  The chinbar and face shield maneuver upward/downward with the push of the red button (arrow). This function is great for fuel transactions, or for taking a drink without having to remove the helmet. |  Here are the contents of the...  Here are the contents of the BTS-300. Included are: the module in a waterproof case with mounting bracket and 3M double-sided tape, two microphones (one for full face helmets, one for half, and in this case modular helmets), AC charger, speakers, and extra Velcro to mount the speakers if necessary. |
 The Bluetooth Adapter (BTA)...  The Bluetooth Adapter (BTA) ($69.95) is necessary for wirelessly pairing your MP3 to the BTS-300. It replaces the wired connection between the non-Bluetooth audio devices (iPod) and two-way radio systems to your helmet. It includes a charger and RX/TX cable that mounts to your two-way radio or MP3 device. |  First the speakers, boom mic,...  First the speakers, boom mic, and headset connector were installed. The left side cheek pad of the Multitec was temporarily taken off. Then the right side speaker was routed through the top of the helmet's liner, which doesn't remove, but it fit through one of the slits at the top and it was then attached to the right side cheek pad. The boom microphone was routed underneath the left side cheek pad and and the headset connecter wire was also redirected to connect to the module. The left cheek pad was then reattached. |  |
 Here's the finished product...  Here's the finished product of the new IMC Camos BTS-300 installed on the Shoei Light Silver Multitec in both the up and down positions. |  Once it was all dialed in,...  Once it was all dialed in, I plugged my iPod into the BTA and paired it and my cell phone to channel one of the BTS-300. I repeated the same steps for my wife's helmet. Then I set my headset as the master and paired it to my wife's in the slave mode for intercom use. |  The intercom system's mounting...  The intercom system's mounting bracket was installed with the provided strip of 3M double-sided tape on the left side of the helmet. Once it was attached, the module slid off and on (up and down) very easily (double arrow). It felt plenty secure when it was clipped in place. Then the headset connector (arrow) was plugged in and installation was complete. |
How it fared:
After both helmets were set up, we hit the road with our iPods turned on. The speakers are very thin (I didn't even know they were there) and they sounded better than my ear buds. The intercom is voice activated so I started speaking to my wife and after a slight delay (about two-three seconds) the microphone picked up my voice and the music cut out in both helmets and we were able to hear each other pretty clearly, even on the freeway. When we were done talking the music kicked back in after about two-three seconds of silence. Before we left, I asked a buddy to call me after about 20 minutes into the ride. The call came through with a lot of static, which I think was caused by him using the speaker function of his cell phone because he too was driving. He called from a landline a little later and while the call came through much clearer through my speakers, he still had trouble hearing me; however, I was still on the freeway. I exited the freeway and he said he could hear me much better, and vice versa. The system works better the slower you're traveling because of the reduced wind noise. My only gripe would be to relocate the Reset button, as I tended to accidentally push it while adjusting the volume when riding. Overall, the IMC Camos BTS-300 proved to be a very cool headset. It works well, and is definitely worth checking out.
As for Shoei's Multitec, it's probably one of the best modular helmets I've strapped onto my noggin thus far. It's comfortable, it's lightweight, my neck doesn't fatigue on long rides, the vents work well, and I'm definitely digging the tinted shield. I feel like a spaceman!