HJC and Cardo Systems have expanded their integrated communication partnership with the Cardo HJC 4X, a step up from the entry-level HJC Spirit. The 4X brings group intercom capability and JBL audio to select HJC helmets. Like the Spirit, the 4X is designed to integrate directly into compatible HJC helmets rather than bolt on as an aftermarket unit. This keeps the helmet profile clean and the installation straightforward. Also, the IP65 waterproof rating and two-year warranty carry over from the Spirit. The HJC 4X has an MSRP of $300.
The marquee upgrade over the Spirit is its group connectivity. While the Spirit pairs only two riders at a time, the HJC 4X connects up to four riders simultaneously. The unit-to-unit range is 0.75 miles, and the group range is up to 2.2 miles in ideal conditions. The 4X uses Bluetooth 5.2 and Cardo’s Live Intercom technology, which features a self-healing connection that automatically restores the link if riders temporarily fall out of range. This is useful when groups get split during rides.
Audio is handled by 40mm JBL speakers, which come standard with the unit. Three selectable sound profiles are available through the Cardo Connect app, and Automatic Volume adjusts output based on ambient road noise. The microphone is available in hybrid and corded configurations.
Riders can also connect their own earbuds or aftermarket speakers through the unit’s 3.5mm jack port, and share audio with same-generation Cardo units. Compatible and supported Cardo units include the Packtalk Pro, Packtalk Edge, Packtalk Neo, Packtalk Custom, Freecom 4X, Freecom 2X, Spirit HD, and Spirit.
Battery life is rated at 13 hours, an improvement over the Spirit’s 10, with the same fast-charging system that delivers up to two hours of talk time after just 20 minutes on the charger. A full charge takes up to two hours. The charge-while-riding feature lets riders connect the 4X to a power bank or a motorcycle power source to extend runtime indefinitely on longer days.
The 4X also adds a built-in FM radio, which the Spirit does not offer, and includes Natural Voice Operation. A user simply speaks to initiate a call or command, no button press required.
A smartphone is needed to activate and configure the unit through the Cardo Connect app. Once that is accomplished and the system set up, the intercom and radio functions operate independently of the phone. The app provides remote control, audio profile selection, and OTA firmware updates.
Cross-brand connectivity is fully supported. The 4X pairs directly with current Sena, Midland, and UClear units using standard Bluetooth intercom pairing. Older Cardo G and Q series units must be placed in phone pairing mode before pairing begins, and Packtalk and Freecom+ units pair via standard Bluetooth. Music sharing is not supported across brands.
The Cardo HJC 4X is compatible with these HJC helmets: i71, f31, f71, f71 Carbon, i91, RPHA 31, RPHA 60, RPHA 71, RPHA 71 Carbon, RPHA 72, RPHA 72 Carbon, RPHA 72 Carbon ECE&DOT, RPHA 72 DOT, RPHA 91, and RPHA 91 Carbon.
2027 Suzuki GSX-R1000R + BTR Build Off Winner + Brian Bentley and the Ducati 916
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello and welcome again to the Motos and Friends Podcast. This episode is brought to you by Leod Escapes. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
* * * * *
Have you ever wanted to ride a real MotoGP track? Well, here’s your chance! Leod Escapes does all sorts of amazing European tours, including the incredible Munich to Mugello tour at the end of June, or you can try the Core of Catalunya or the Portimão Andalusia trips, both in October. These are incredible touring experiences with the very best that Europe has to offer, as well as riding these amazing tracks on brand new BMW S1000RRs. So for the trip of a lifetime, visit LeodEscapes.com, now!
* * * * *
In our first segment, Nic de Sena tells us all about his recent trip to Spain to ride the new 2027 Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Suzuki did a slightly different spin on this particular launch where they split the journalists into teams of 3, and had a 6-hour endurance ‘race’ to see how well everyone fared. Nic gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to the new Gixxer and for such long track sessions!
Rider Market from just outside Orlando, Florida, is the winner of the recent Royal Enfield BTR Build-Off competition in the Road Race category. Brian Koster is the Parts Director at Rider Market and he tells us briefly about the machine and parts he selected that made this retro-looking Royal Enfield stand out and take the trophy.
Our guest for this episode is Brian Bentley. A few years ago, just prior to Covid, Brian had a chance to buy a Ducati 916. He’s always been a major fan of the bike ever since it launched in the early nineties. He’d actually been looking for a 748 for a while, but when this great example came to his attention he couldn’t resist. The only snag was that it was completely disassembled. So, Brian did what any reasonable bike-fanatic would do: he loaded all the endless boxes of parts into the trunk of his SUV, headed home to Daytona Beach, and started the build. Brian recounts the story of this incredible machine and what eventually happened to it in the end.
* * * * *
Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
We use cookies and browser activity on this website
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
