Nolan N85 helmet refresh, new N86, NCOM BT3+ Communicator
Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 9:41 amIn my years of avoidance of bike-to-bike communication, I have always been curious about the technology. I love technology, sometimes just for the sake of technology.
The process began when I bought a new Nolan N86 helmet a few days ago. While admiring my new N86, I realized the new Nolan helmet internals fit inside my old N85 since they share part sizes even though they are remodeled with cool red fabric, and I like red. So I bought another set of N86 internals, a new shield to replace the scratched up one on the N85, two new hi-viz yellow Pinlock inserts (one for the new helmet). Now I basically have 2 new helmets, except for the bug guts still on the N85, and only did it for the low price of $110. This is great, since the cost of a new helmet plus all of that stuff, is usually another $200
As I looked at the barren N86 awaiting internal liners, I decided that money was still burning a hole in my pocket, and bought the NCOM BT3+ to see what you guys were yammering about. Apparently, Nolan decided to join the rest of the crowd with the "+" designation to allow connection with other brands. This managed to cost about $100 more to get one with the +, and I'm beginning to think the + only stands for extra money. It was nearly impossible to find a vendor who carried the specific model where it appeared to be from a reputable dealer. There are several different names for the device, I don't speak Italian, and even Google couldn't decipher variations including BT3, B3, bluetooth 3, bluetooth3, ebox, e-box, ncom, n-com, plus, +, etc. without providing a number of extraneous links to things that ranged from the regular BT3, a totally different item altogether, or it was out of stock. I eventually settled on motorcycle superstore, since they are reputable, and I quit caring to research if the problem could be solved with just a firmware update after the other hassles.
Another interesting tidbit: Nolan made one shell size for the N85/86 to keep prices down. If I really wanted, I could buy the small helmet size internals, another communicator, and give either helmet to my girlfriend once I wear out the new internals. I hope this flexibility makes up for the hassle of finding the communicator.
There are surely benefits / risks to hearing "weeee" or "damn that guy" for 25 minutes straight running the track.. err... Snake. At this point, I'm starting to recall all the reasons I avoided this in the first place, but we will wait and see. Now if I can just throw money at extra mods to keep up with Boxer engine torque on the wimpy VFR. New Q3s with tread should help.
The process began when I bought a new Nolan N86 helmet a few days ago. While admiring my new N86, I realized the new Nolan helmet internals fit inside my old N85 since they share part sizes even though they are remodeled with cool red fabric, and I like red. So I bought another set of N86 internals, a new shield to replace the scratched up one on the N85, two new hi-viz yellow Pinlock inserts (one for the new helmet). Now I basically have 2 new helmets, except for the bug guts still on the N85, and only did it for the low price of $110. This is great, since the cost of a new helmet plus all of that stuff, is usually another $200
As I looked at the barren N86 awaiting internal liners, I decided that money was still burning a hole in my pocket, and bought the NCOM BT3+ to see what you guys were yammering about. Apparently, Nolan decided to join the rest of the crowd with the "+" designation to allow connection with other brands. This managed to cost about $100 more to get one with the +, and I'm beginning to think the + only stands for extra money. It was nearly impossible to find a vendor who carried the specific model where it appeared to be from a reputable dealer. There are several different names for the device, I don't speak Italian, and even Google couldn't decipher variations including BT3, B3, bluetooth 3, bluetooth3, ebox, e-box, ncom, n-com, plus, +, etc. without providing a number of extraneous links to things that ranged from the regular BT3, a totally different item altogether, or it was out of stock. I eventually settled on motorcycle superstore, since they are reputable, and I quit caring to research if the problem could be solved with just a firmware update after the other hassles.
Another interesting tidbit: Nolan made one shell size for the N85/86 to keep prices down. If I really wanted, I could buy the small helmet size internals, another communicator, and give either helmet to my girlfriend once I wear out the new internals. I hope this flexibility makes up for the hassle of finding the communicator.
There are surely benefits / risks to hearing "weeee" or "damn that guy" for 25 minutes straight running the track.. err... Snake. At this point, I'm starting to recall all the reasons I avoided this in the first place, but we will wait and see. Now if I can just throw money at extra mods to keep up with Boxer engine torque on the wimpy VFR. New Q3s with tread should help.
