Mid-Season Review: Riding with Cardo – Real-World Group Communication on Tour

After four guided tours this year, I’ve had the chance to put Cardo communication units through their paces—both for myself and for every rider in the group. With the fifth tour about to kick off, it’s the perfect time for a mid-season review on how these units have performed, what the riders thought, and why I now consider group comms a must-have for any guided motorcycle tour.

Why Cardo? Real Feedback from the Road

I made Cardo units available to all my riders this year, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what stood out:

1. Safety First—And It’s a Game ChangerThe biggest benefit, hands down, is safety. Being able to warn each other about obstacles, traffic, or hazards in real time is a huge step up from hand signals or hoping everyone sees what’s ahead. Riders in the back can get alerts about debris, cars, or sudden stops, and if someone needs to pull over (like the infamous “bee in the helmet” incident), the whole group knows instantly. Even simple things like calling for a comfort break or letting the guide know you’re tired become effortless. For new riders especially, having that extra layer of communication builds confidence and keeps everyone together.

2. The Group Experience—Riding Together, Not Just in a LineThe Cardo units have completely changed the group dynamic. Instead of only chatting at fuel stops or lunch, we’re sharing the ride as it happens—pointing out waterfalls, joking about the scenery, or swapping stories that the road brings to mind. It’s a real-time group experience, and it helps everyone bond faster. Sure, sometimes the chatter gets lively, but you can always turn down the volume if you want a little peace. Most riders said it made the tour feel more connected and memorable.

3. The Fun Factor—Banter, Jokes, and Shared SmilesHonestly, some of the best moments on tour have come from the banter over the comms. There’s always a joke, a bit of friendly teasing, or a shared laugh that makes the miles fly by. Even riders who were skeptical at first ended up loving the fun and camaraderie that comes with being able to talk on the move. It’s not just about logistics—it’s about making the ride more enjoyable for everyone.

Tech Notes & Room for Improvement

A few practical notes for anyone thinking about using Cardo (or any comms) on tour:

• Mixing Brands: Cardo units can connect to Sena units, but the experience isn’t as smooth—especially with older models. For the best quality, it’s worth having everyone on the same system.

• Group Management: The Cardo app makes it easy to set up groups, but there’s a limit (currently 15 riders), and you can’t remove old units from a group without starting over. It’s a minor hassle, but something to be aware of if you run lots of tours.

• Wind Noise: Modular helmets can sometimes cause wind noise if the mic is exposed, but with everyone’s helmet closed, the noise cancellation works well. It would be great if the app let you see who’s transmitting, to help troubleshoot any issues.

Watch the Video on the mid-season experience with Cardo

The Verdict—Would I Ride Without It?

After this season’s experience, I honestly can’t imagine running a group tour without comms. Every rider who tried it said the same: it’s a game changer for safety, group spirit, and fun. If you’re on the fence about trying a communication system for your next group ride, I can only recommend giving it a go—whatever brand you choose, having everyone connected makes a world of difference.

Got questions or want to share your own experience? Drop a comment below. Thanks for reading, and as always—ride safe and stay awesome!