Mixing leading edge technology with motorcycle owners may not seem like an obvious combination. After all, what could Harley Davidson enthusiasts want with new gadgets?

The answer lies in the way in which new technologies are helping bike riders to communicate. The difficulties involved in communicating from the back of a motorbike will be clear to anyone who has had the experience.

Unlike in a car, motorcycle riders find themselves positioned very close to the exposed engines. Those engines generate a large amount of noise, particularly in the case of high specification bikes.

Once you factor in the additional noise provided by driving at some speed along the open road, not to mention the weather, it's clear that motorcycles don't provide the ideal conditions for talking.

Indeed, many struggle to communicate with passengers and other riders, let alone trying to talk to friends and family located hundreds of miles away.

Bluetooth helmets are increasingly providing solutions to this rather noisy problem. These new helmets basically consist of a headset that has two elements.

The first is a set of headphones and the second is an attached microphone.

By using multiple versions of these devices, those using motorcycles are able to communicate with others over a fairly short range. This is ideal for talking to passengers, or for when riding in convoys.

The technology really comes into its own when used with a bluetooth compatible mobile phone.

Bluetooth is a form of wireless communications. When used with a headset, it allows the rider to have a hands free communication.

They can talk to friends, family, or even work colleagues. Since there are no geographical limitations, other than requiring a mobile phone signal, the technology is helping to connect people all over the world.

It's clear that technology is proving useful for motorcycle owners.