Update

Well, I've been using it for a few weeks and I'm happy with the outcome. Once I'd got the speakers in the right place, they didn't move about and sound great; much better and louder than before. I'd recommend the mod to anyone.

The Resolution (VOID YOUR WARRANTY!)

I'd decided to rip out the speakers and fit "better" ones. An old pair of headphones should do the trick.

This is a shot of one of original speakers in its pouch.

Pop it open...

De-solder the connector to re-use...

You could probably fit the new speakers in the original case (speakers look the same size). I chose not to, thinking the enclosure has an effect on sound quality.

Fit the connector to the new speaker (you may need to glue too) and re-assemble...

The new speakers are slightly bigger overall, but stay in place and don't snag your ears.

With both speakers in place, I powered up and tried the same tracks; IT ROCKS! A million times better and some half good bass!

Haven't had chance to ride with it yet. Watch this space for an update.

The Effect

So I get a call from GAS saying my helmet's in, I go collect. I examine it and try the fit. I notice they've (Viper) made a few changes since my one (labelled Nov 08 vs Nov 09):

• The colour of the lining is now light grey, before is was dark grey, and I preferred it (I might swap it).
• The fastening is now the ratchet type, before it was the mini seat-belt type. This is better.
• The cushioning on the straps is baggy and doesn't look as good or function as well (a minor niggle).
• The speakers have been redesigned and now look bigger (hopefully they'll sound even better) and sit in velcro pouches. If they're not positioned just right they catch you ears when pulling the helmet on, pulling them off the velcro and forcing you to fish around to put them back again.

I got home, set the speakers in place so they wouldn't snag and paired my phone. WHAT CRAP! The new speakers are awful, just as bad as the ones in the Veemax; no bass whatsoever! What an improvement!?

I did a couple of commutes listening to podcasts (mostly voice only) and only started to lose words at higher speeds (I have a naked bike and it was gusty). I couldn't bare to try music...

The Cause

I came off my motorbike on ice, scraping my helmet along the road in the process. A replacement was required but, while about to place an order at my friendly neighbourhood bike shop (GAS), I was shown an alternative; this Veemax model (I think) was slightly more expensive (£200 vs £150) but still has all the same features like flip-front, flip-down sun visor, QR ratchet fastening and of course Bluetooth. Build quality looked a little better and it was lighter too (about 1600g IRC).

I took my Viper back the next day to see if I could get it to pair with the Veemax (rider to pillion). I couldn't, but I'm sure it was just a case of RTFM! It paired with my iPhone with no problem and I proceeded to test the sound - it was awful! No bottom end at all! No bass :-(

Decision made. I ordered a direct replacement for my Viper RS-V121 (Bluetooth 2), matt black, medium (there's another story) and I commented that the Veemax sound isn't as good as my old Viper. "That's odd?" says the woman behind the counter, "most people say they like the sound".  I can't understand why.