The technical hurdle that has prevented wireless Bluetooth headsets on an integrated audio system involves something called "Profiles". Bluetooth is simply a two-way digital data stream between two devices. This stream can be used for audio, but limitations in the amount of data that can be passed has caused limits in how the audio is handled. The first profiles - HSP (Headset Profile) and HFP (Hands-Free Profile) were designed to pass low-fidelity mono audio in two directions. This is perfect for a phone call, where stereo sound and broad frequency response aren't needed.

As Bluetooth chipsets came out with bigger data streams, a couple of new profiles - A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) and AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) allowed decent fidelity, and stereo sound - but no microphone. These profiles are great for listening to an iPod or other music source, but if a phone call comes in then the headset has to "switch gears" back to HSP for the duration of the phone call. Fine for phone, but not adequate for an intercom or CB where the transition time between profiles would be a problem, not to mention the signaling needs to tell the system that you want to talk to your passenger.

Several companies have promised, over the last few years, to have "full wireless headsets" for built-in audio systems. Not one of those promises has been kept - except by J&M. J&M realized that the only way to get a truly functional wireless headset is to have a profile that allows stereo wide-fidelity music - like A2DP - but also allows the mic to be live - like HSP. However, both of these have to happen at the same time. Since no profile existed with those capabilities, J&M built up a Bluetooth test lab, hired some very savvy software engineers - and wrote their OWN profile!

All J&M headsets now shipping come with all the standard Bluetooth protocols mentioned above, plus one unique one - the JMAHP (J&M Motorcycle Advanced Headset Profile). The JMAHP profile allows a J&M Bluetooth headset to connect wirelessly to the new J&M "Dongle 3", which can be plugged into various bike systems using adapter harnesses. This gives you a truly wireless headset - whatever works with your wired headset, will work in exactly the same way with your wireless. If you have a J&M or Kennedy Technology Group interface for GPS, radar, cell phone, etc. - it'll work wirelessly. If you have a CB or FRS interface - it'll work wirelessly. You can purchase just one interface for the rider, and leave the passenger wired as usual, or you can get two interfaces and run both rider and passenger wirelessly.

The J&M wireless headset won't add any additional capabilities, though. If you don't have a cell phone or GPS interface on your Gold Wing, you still won't have one - the headset can't connect to your bike and to any other device at the same time. It will do exactly what your wired headset will do, and nothing more.

The "Dongle 3" has its own battery pack (up to 36-hours use per charge) and must be recharged periodically, just like the helmet. Keeping the dongle self-contained eliminates problems with electrical noise, and makes it simpler to adapt the dongle to a wider variety of applications. Since the dongle just plugs into an adapter harness, it is also ideal for people who have more than one motorcycle - just install a harness on each bike, and move the dongle to the bike you're riding at any given time.

Operationally, the system has similarities and differences as compared to a wired headset. The sound quality is very good - I can't hear a difference on my Gold Wing, using the J&M headset for my Nolan N102 helmet. I sometimes use the helmet's speakers, but usually use a set of S-Plug earplug speakers plugged into the headset, and the sound is excellent either way. Volume is excellent, the Bluetooth headset is as loud or louder than the wired. Of course I must turn on the dongle and the headset before each ride, and shut them off after to save battery life - but it didn't take long to get used to that. Of course the biggest benefit is that I can hop off the bike to pay for gas, or get something out of the trunk, and not have to worry about a cable!

The biggest negative of going wireless involves the slight delay inherent in Bluetooth audio - something that anyone who has used a Bluetooth cell phone headset has experienced. You don't notice anything on music or CB, but with the bike's intercom this delay causes a rather strange "echo" effect, where you hear your own voice in your earphones delayed a fraction of a second behind what you're actually saying. It took me a few days to condition myself to ignore what I'm hearing when I talk, and to just say what I want to say. J&M has cut down on this delay considerably since I tested the first prototypes almost a year ago, and if they are able to improve it further those changes can be loaded into any existing headset & dongle through a software update.

There is one rather controversial issue regarding the J&M Bluetooth products - J&M has mandated a no refund policy on all Bluetooth items. The products (excluding the battery) carry a 2-year limited warranty, including free software updates, but all J&M Bluetooth sales are final. Please read J&M's statement on this subject before purchasing.