Sena has unveiled its new flagship motorcycle intercom, the 60S. The fresh model comes with several features that surpass those of the previous top-tier 50S, which is still available. The 60S is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, offers better battery life, implements AI algorithms, has a more robust Mesh 3.0 intercom and regains the IP7X waterproof rating that some other Sena models have lost. It is also one of the first models to use Sena’s new Wave Intercom system, enabling communication across unrestricted distances ― at least if you are within cellular service.

Kicking off the improvements, the second-generation Harman Kardon speakers retain their standard 40 mm diameter but are 1 mm thicker. This, plus firmware improvements, enables 30 percent more volume. Installing firmware updates is easier than ever, now possible over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks instead of only on Wi-Fi. The 60S is also smaller across every dimension, and 40g (1.4oz) lighter than the 50S.

Battery life is also much longer now, up to 16 hours from 11 on Mesh and 22 hours on Bluetooth instead of 12. Charging is faster too, requiring just 1.5 hours instead of 2.5 for the 50S. Only 20 minutes of charging will gain back 3.5 hours of Mesh intercom, compared to two hours with the 50S. 

In addition, a small flashlight is now built-in, useful for helping you find your essential items in the dark hands free. In turn, Sena’s “Dynamic Motion LED” is a light bar on the side of the communicator, customizable to put on a pretty light show, but also useful for seeing what mode it is in, how high your volume is set, and other information. That is, as long as you’re not wearing it, which you will be most of the time. You can also turn it off to extend battery life.

The Sena 60S introduces Mesh 3.0, which significantly improves audio clarity, connection stability, and power consumption compared to Mesh 2.0. Unfortunately, the two Mesh systems are incompatible, so to connect with legacy devices still using Mesh 2.0, you will need to manually switch the 60S to that mode using the app. Starting in January 2025, firmware updates will be available to upgrade older devices to Mesh 3.0, but that doesn’t actually solve the incompatibility problem. It only makes it less prevalent. 

AI is the buzzword that everyone seems to apply to everything these days whether it deserves it or not, and Sena is no exception. While previous Sena communicators offered noise-reduction capabilities, the 60S offers “Artificial Intelligence Noise Reduction,” which has nothing to do with large language models or generative artificial intelligence like ChatGPT. However, Sena states the technology is AI based resulting in a more superior ambient noise suppression and echo cancellation for clear voice transmission than earlier models.

Perhaps not entirely off base is the new “AI-powered Intuitive Speech Interface” to control various functions using their natural speech patterns. It is customizable and compatible with nine languages, one more than the 50S, and can also adapt to various accents enabling users to manage calls, GPS navigation, or private groups by voice.

Cardo has typically included both a stick-on microphone for the chin bar of full-face helmets and a boom mic for modular or open-face helmets, enabling you to choose which mic works best for you. The Sena 60S now goes one step further by including two complete helmet mounting kits, including speakers. This is perfect if you have both a full-face and a modular helmet since you can equip each helmet with mounting kits and switch the communicator to whichever helmet you use. 

Clamp-on and adhesive mounts are included, though the adhesive mount is rather large so there may not be enough flat space on the side of some helmets to use it effectively. The communicator attaches to the base magnetically, with no clips or other moving parts that could break. Sena even includes a base plate to cover the mount’s USB-C port when the communicator isn’t attached to keep the elements out. Eight interchangeable colored faceplates, four for the body and four for the jog dial, enable you to customize the look of the 60S to suit your tastes.

Wave Intercom

One new feature for the 60S that will also be rolled out to both future and legacy models is Sena’s new Wave Intercom, allowing riders to communicate with each other no matter how far apart they are. The Wave Intercom app, soon to be available for iOS and Android, is essentially a voice-over IP application using cellular data networks to connect riders too far away for a direct connection. The Sena 60S offers its highest-quality audio and communication clarity this way, with buttons on the headset able to control the app without touching your phone. Older models, like the 50S, will gain Wave compatibility through a firmware update as early as January 2025. Other communicator brands will also be able to use Wave Intercom. 

Communications are handled through the app rather than the device itself, so any device can be used. And we welcome the recent trend of Sena and Cardo finally starting to play nicely with each other. It lets riders choose the communicator that best suits their needs and not be forced to buy whatever their friends use. You can even use earbuds to chat while off the motorcycle, or even with friends and family who don’t ride.

Like Mesh networks, you can connect with your friends from a pre-defined list, but without the usual distance restrictions. This can be handy for chatting on your way to meet up for a group ride. Wave Intercom also offers a geo-based group intercom feature, enabling you to connect to other random users within a 2 km radius. Some riders enjoy meeting random local riders who fall into their Mesh chat, while others prefer to keep their conversations private. Wave Intercom lets you choose whichever you prefer.

The app also uses geolocation to display your group members’ position on a map in real time. If a member of your group gets separated, this makes it easy for everyone to regroup. Text and image sharing are also available, though perhaps best used while not riding. An SOS button immediately alerts the rest of the group that the rider who activated it is in trouble and shares their location. Unlike the SOS button on many popular satellite communicators, only your group gets the alert, not emergency services. Perhaps a different name than SOS would make this limited functionality more clear though.

This all sounds great, but Wave Intercom’s Achilles heel is its reliance on cellular data. If you are already riding with your group, communication will automatically switch from Wave to Mesh to keep you connected if you lose cell service. But many great areas to ride, especially for adventure riders, have no cellular coverage, disabling Wave’s other functionality. Riders in cities and suburbs can make great use of Wave Intercom, but adventure riders may find its usefulness significantly more limited in the areas we like to ride. 

Fortunately, traditional Mesh and Bluetooth connections remain available, significantly improving their capabilities in the 60S. If you were already considering buying a Sena 50S, the 60S is well worth considering, especially if you have two helmets. Available for pre-order now, with delivery starting in early December, the Sena 60S costs $399 at Revzilla, while the 50S now costs $287.20. Considering that a second 50S mounting kit costs $129, you will actually save money buying the 60S and getting all of its new features, too. While Wave Intercom may not be so useful in the middle of nowhere, the other improvements still make the Sena 60S a good buy, and Wave will work fine once you return to civilization.

Author: Justin Hughes

Justin has been an automotive and motorcycle journalist for the past 10 years. After learning to ride on a series of Suzuki GSs, he took up touring on a Honda Silverwing and PC800 before turning his attention to off-road adventures. His racing experience is mainly with cars, although he did do a track day once on a KLR650. He has traveled with his cat, Lister, to 44 states in his “moto-glamping” camper van, Smokey Da Van, with his V-Strom 650 in tow.