Bluetooth motorcycle helmets are appearing more frequently in the UK. You may well have noticed them yourself. Have you ever stopped to think about what they do and how they came about?

These devices are essentially about solving a problem that has existed for many years. While many motorbike riders feel that the great appeal in riding is being able to get out and hit the road, some point out that is can be a very individual pursuit.

Although you can ride in convoy, or have a passenger on the back of the bike, communication tends to be limited. One reason why it is so difficult to hold any sort of conversation is because of the noise levels involved.

As you ride your bike, you have the obvious noise from the engine itself. Unlike in a car, you are closer to the engine and hence also close to the source of a loud roar.

To many, this is part of the fun in owning a motorbike. It's also clear that it doesn't much help when it comes to having a conversation.

Then you have to consider the amount of background noise caused by travelling along a road at speed. As you cut through the air, you can hear it rushing by.

If you have the misfortune to be out on a day when it's raining or windy, then you'll also have to deal with the additional problems that such weather conditions cause.

Looking at the situation as a whole, some decided that a solution was required. Bluetooth helmets and headsets have proved to be the key part of that solution.

They allow riders to talk to each other and their passengers, thanks to the fact that bluetooth technology enables wireless communications over small distances.

When used with compatible mobile phones, they can even talk to people all over the world. This can be done safely, in a hands free manner.

Sometimes technology can help us to overcome difficulties - it certainly has done for motorbike owners.