Riding with kids can be chaos — fun chaos, but still chaos — and that’s exactly why we’ve kept the Sena intercom system bolted to our helmets for the past few months. What started as a way to help Jax and Bonnie feel more confident on the farm has turned into one of the most valuable pieces of tech we’ve tested. Being able to talk to the kids in real time, guide them through obstacles, or just listen to their running commentary has completely changed the way we ride as a family.
We’ve also been using the system in our adventure lids for magazine shoots, walk-in scouting missions, and general trail comms, and the takeaway has been the same: this setup just works. No fuss, no fiddling, and no “Dad, I can’t hear you!” through a crackly speaker. After months of dust, drops, and proper real-world use, here’s how the Sena system has held up.
WE LIKED
HANDS FREE The biggest win is still the real-time, hands-free communication. There’s no button to press and no delay, which makes riding with young kids dramatically easier and safer.
GROUP CHATS The three-rider setup works flawlessly, letting everyone talk naturally, and the audio quality has stayed clear the whole time.
BATTERY LIFE The battery performance is also outstanding. Even with full-day rides, farm work, or long adventure loops, the external battery lasts longer than any intercom we’ve used.
TOUGH The units themselves have proven extremely tough too, no broken buttons, no damaged mounts, and no dropout issues despite being stuffed into bags, dropped, or knocked around by kids.
BUTTONS The controls remain easy to find and use with gloves on, and pairing or reconnecting is still quick and painless.
WE DIDN’T LIKE
WIRING The only ongoing downside is the wiring. With the battery being external, hiding it neatly can be tricky, especially in smaller helmets. The cables running between the speakers, mic, battery, and main unit take a bit of fiddling to organise cleanly. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does mean installation takes more effort than an all-in-one unit.
VERDICT
The Sena system continues to be one of the best intercom setups we’ve used, especially for riding with kids. The long battery life, clear communication, tough construction, and hands-free group chat make it a standout for families, adventure riders, and anyone who wants seamless communication on the bike. We’ll keep testing over the coming months and report back with what’s worn in, what’s worn out, and how the system holds up long term.
RRP: Mesh Single $395.95 | Mesh Twin $692.95 | BT Single $329.95 | BT Twin $576.95
Where to buy: Ficeda Accessories, ficeda.com.au
