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John and Melinda’sfirst system—AM-FM-CB with a handmic and fairingspeakers.J&M tech Jim Vertz links a dongle with a headset.Bluetooth enabling of the motorcycle’s audiosystem. A dongle is also available for theJMCB2003—J&M’s add-on CB/weather radiowith aux input.Bluetooth Or Wired? First Things FirstJohn advises us that the most importantthing when deciding how to configure yourWing’s audio system is to determine whatthings you’ll add to the basic package.To facilitateadding components to the GL1800’saudio system, J&M offers their CFRG-GL18integration terminal.This device provides integrationfor cell phones, radar detectors, andGPS units. Adding those additional units tothe CFRG is accomplished with an appropriateJ&M adapter cable. Having accomplishedthe system configuration, one must nowdecide whether to listen and transmit wirelesslyor use the traditional headset cords—either way will work.Going BlueSo having configured our audio systemwith the added components and integratedthem using the CFRG, let’s say we’ve nowdecided to go wireless. What’s involved? TheAn improved earlysystem, with a boommic and intercom.helmet must connect wirelessly to the audiosystem, and vice versa.The first thing we need is the dongle toBluetooth-enable the audio system. Thatwould be J&M’s Custom Dongle with JMAHPBluetooth Software Profile (JBLU-DNG03).This item mounts in the right fairing pocketfor theft protection. It’s powered by a lithiumion battery with about 30 hours continuousrun time, so that means using the included ACcharger while on a road trip. Why batterypowered? To eliminate the whine and otherinterference from outside electrical devicesand ground loops. Shielding would work, butFCC regulations demand that these devicesaccept all interference—go figure.Next, we’ll need to determine how wewant to connect to the cell phone—there arethree options. If using a Bluetooth enabledGPS like the Zumo in conjunction with theCFRG, we can pair our cell phone directly tothe GPS. Otherwise, the CFRG gives two additionaloptions. Plug the CFRG directly into thecell phone. Or, if the phone has no headsetjack, install J&M’s Bluetooth® Cell PhoneAdapter for J&M CFRG Modules (CFRG-BT01).This allows the cell phone to interfacewirelessly with the CFRG integration module.Finally, we need to decide on a Bluetoothhelmet headset. As usual, J&M offers units forinstallation in full face, flip style, and 3/4 stylehelmets of your choice. They also offer inhouseinstallation in new Arai Profile helmets,Arai XD3 helmets (more on this helmet in aminute), and Nolan N103 flip-style helmets.As seen in the photos, the Nolan unit issomewhat different and more integrated intothe helmet’s design thanks to custom partsmade to J&M’s specs that replace the lowertrim piece. All of these helmet headsets arebattery powered with a run time of around15 hours. Again, a full charge before beginninga day’s ride is highly recommended. Co-riderscan plug a coiled cord into either the Wing’sstandard passenger audio outlet or a port inthe rider’s Bluetooth helmet. Or, they couldenjoy complete cordless freedom with thepurchase and installation of another dongle toBluetooth-enable the rear seat audio feed.How Well Does It All Work?Let’s consider the new Arai XD3 helmetfirst.This helmet looks more like an off-roadinghelmet than a street helmet, but don’t letthe looks fool you. Even when used on anaked street bike, the XD3 is the quietest helmetI’ve ever worn. Other benefits include abuilt on sun visor and Arai’s famously comfyinterior. When using the corded version andriding behind John on the passenger seat of aGL1800, the stereo music had outstandingfidelity with not a hint of wind noise up toaround 65 miles per hour. Above that speed,minor wind noise could be heard, but it barelyaffected the music or intercom quality. Italso didn’t activate the auto mute function.Later, while riding in the pilot’s position, Istood on the pegs at 75 miles per hour to getmy head directly in the wind stream. Again,March 2009 61