TVS SmartXonnect S10X & S20X review

Accessories are becoming the second battleground for two-wheeler manufacturers offering riders a complete single-point solution for all their motorcycle ancillaries. It also saves the customer from the seedy aftermarket where reliability and after-sales are a figment of the imagination, the only other alternative for discerning customers was the harrows of trying to import products from international brands. Neither has been a long-term solution. Now, though, that has changed drastically and Indian brands are offering products that meet the global standard at more than affordable prices. The one thing that has been missing up until now has been a reliable comms system for helmets. Now though TVS motor has made a first move into the space with two cool comms systems that bring quality sound and communications with the added reliability of an OEM.

SmartXonnect S10X

The entry spec offering is the SmartXonnect S10X which is priced at Rs 8,499. Considering that this is the entry spec it is still loaded with most of the features riders would look for in a built-in helmet comms system. This includes app connectivity, audio weave technology and Ride Lynk with inbuilt support for Google and Siri assistants making it much easier to complete small functions on the phone without having to stop and get off the motorcycle.

One of the first things that caught my eye on the product was the fact that TVS have used audio hardware from JBL that comes in the form of two speakers that fit inside the lining of your helmet. The box comes with everything one would need to install the comms systems, this includes the mounting units, speakers, a microphone, an Allen key and all wiring you’d need. Riders can choose between sticking the units onto the helmet and bolting it on. I usually don’t recommend bolting anything onto the shell of the helmet that might compromise the structural integrity but the flexibility of choice is appreciated.

Installation of comms is easy enough, and it’s designed to fit be a universal fit for most helmets. The outboard comms systems are IP67 certified which means riding in the rain is no problem at all. The sound from the JBL speakers --especially for music --- is rich as one has come to expect from JBL, and the noise cancellation is the perfect balance of insulation and ambient sound, enough for you to hear outside sounds but not be dangerously insulated from the outside world. Another thing that really stands out is the clarity of the in-built microphone which not only cancels the ambient noise but transmits almost seamlessly with very few drops. Physical buttons are minimal with only three buttons that are placed intuitively enough to use on the go.

The S10X is limited to being connected between two devices with a 1km connectivity radius. Which is a thoughtful addition especially if you want to communicate with a pillion. Considering that this is a brand-new product there are very few shortcomings to mention, one thing I would change is the volume and style of the ringtone which doesn’t really match the product.

SmartXonnect S20X

The more premium version of the S10X is the S20X that’s about Rs 2,500 more than the S10X and gets the entire range of features that you would get on the S10X except one, the Rider Grid. This is a mesh-based intercom system that allows multiple riders to join, this includes S10X users who can join but can’t host the mesh themselves. Of course, the S20X also allows connectivity between comms systems from other brands. When you consider that even entry-level products from international brands are almost twice the price of the S20X, it makes a lot of sense.