Riding with an MP3 player going - distracting? [Archive]

DarkLord

8th June 2008, 21:15

Hi all,

I was out riding today with some friends with my MP3 player going through my custom earplugs, which is nice to be able to do but I noticed that I didn't seem to be concentrating as well on the road and the ride while listening. Sometimes I just wouldn't be as aware of things that happened in front of/around me and I couldn't really hear my engine revs so I didn't really know what my engine was doing without looking at the tach, which would mean of course that I took my eyes off the road.

Eventually I just turned it off and rode without it. I am curious as to how many others out there have had a similar problem with this sort of thing? I had an accident back in May that resulted in my bike being written off, I had music blaring in my earplugs at the time, there were many contributing factors to that accident but I realise now that my music going probably made things worse as I was that bit less aware of my surroundings.

Do you think that this is a real problem for bikers, and they shouldn't use earplugs with earphones in them, or am I just a n00b? I've only been riding since December last year so I'm thinking the latter is probably the case :) but I just thought I'd ask anyway.

Cheers and ride safe all,

JG84.

Ragingrob

8th June 2008, 21:19

James Deuce

8th June 2008, 21:21

Yes.

If the earphones are noise canceling ones then you probably aren't damaging your hearing. If not you're having to overwhelm 90dB (quiet helmet) to 98dB (noisy helmet) of sound pressure to be able to hear the music.

In terms of "distraction" very loud noise can remove the ability to concentrate entirely, and cause spatial disorientation and nausea as a result of inner ear disruption.

Hearing is part of the toolkit needed to remain aware of your surroundings. I wear earplugs that reduce the volume but maintain most of the frequency range you;d use without them.

Your choice though, and there's nothing "safe" about motorcycling so take whatever risks you feel happy with.

James Deuce

8th June 2008, 21:24

I listen to music but not with earplugs, I have speakers attached to the inside of my helmet. Means that I can hear a lot of the road noise too and the music isn't distracting. Although I never have the music "blaring". Rode a few times with ear plugs in for music and didn't like the feeling of only being able to hear the music at all.

You won't be able to hear a word any of your female grandchildren say. Not necessarily a bad thing, but if you ever develop a taste for Baroque classical music.... no, scratch that, by the time you might want to think about it you'll be deaf as a post.

AT 100km/hr the average helmet noise is in the mid-90dB range.

You are adding to that significantly to be able to hear music in a recognisable form.

Ragingrob

8th June 2008, 21:33

You won't be able to hear a word any of your female grandchildren say. Not necessarily a bad thing, but if you ever develop a taste for Baroque classical music.... no, scratch that, by the time you might want to think about it you'll be deaf as a post.

AT 100km/hr the average helmet noise is in the mid-90dB range.

You are adding to that significantly to be able to hear music in a recognisable form.

Hmmm well the speakers sit exactly where my ears are. I have a volume lock on my ipod so that I never turn it up too loud. I am able to listen to the same volume music with earplugs when not riding and it is a comfortable volume, so I assume that it can't be too too loud.

DarkLord

8th June 2008, 21:37

I see what you guys are saying about the volume, perhaps I just have had it up too loud. They are ear protecting earplugs as they are custom moulded and fit right into my ear canal, so once they are up loud (especially if I've got a high quality MP3 going, with some heavy music like Metallica or something) you can't hear ANYTHING.

Pity I didn't realise that before I came off on my last bike. Oh well, you live and learn I guess.

alanzs

8th June 2008, 21:52

Hi all,

I was out riding today with some friends with my MP3 player going through my custom earplugs, which is nice to be able to do but I noticed that I didn't seem to be concentrating as well on the road and the ride while listening.

You said it, it's distracting. On long, boring rides, it can help the time pass, but when you really need to pay attention, you may not want the distraction.

I always wear earplugs when I ride, as I value my hearing and I have been riding a long time.

But, to each their own. Have fun and be safe! :calm:

James Deuce

8th June 2008, 21:53

Hmmm well the speakers sit exactly where my ears are. I have a volume lock on my ipod so that I never turn it up too loud. I am able to listen to the same volume music with earplugs when not riding and it is a comfortable volume, so I assume that it can't be too too loud.

It is too loud. More than 90dB for more than 30 minutes and you are suffering temporary hearing loss.

The only in ear headphones I'd recommend are active noise canceling ones and they aren't cheap. The helmet speakers really aren't a good idea.

With hearing you don't know what you've lost until it is gone and you often don't know your hearing is damaged until you start struggling to understand people talking in an environment with lots of background noise.

I know you're young and you probably don't think that it can happen to you, but it will. Every helmet on the market is noisy enough inside the helmet to damage your hearing if you don't use hearing protection.

I've played in bands for years. My hearing is stuffed. I've ridden bikes for years. My hearing is stuffed. If you don't use hearing protection yours will be stuffed too, and once it's gone you can't get it back without prosthetic help.

Daffyd

8th June 2008, 21:57

I don't like the idea, just too distracting. But then, I'm easily distracted. :shit:

rainman

8th June 2008, 22:18

...you often don't know your hearing is damaged until you start struggling to understand people talking in an environment with lots of background noise.

Oops. :buggerd:

I'm functionally deaf in an environment with lots of background noise. The lips move, but I can't hear what they say, and all that. But I thought that was just life after 40.

I've tried the MP3 player thing but found I had to make it too loud to be able to hear anything but the basic structure of the music, so usually don't. I have a relatively noisy helmet.

Usarka

8th June 2008, 22:45

With hearing you don't know what you've lost until it is gone and you often don't know your hearing is damaged until you start struggling to understand people talking in an environment with lots of background noise.

I know you're young and you probably don't think that it can happen to you, but it will. Every helmet on the market is noisy enough inside the helmet to damage your hearing if you don't use hearing protection.

I've played in bands for years. My hearing is stuffed. I've ridden bikes for years. My hearing is stuffed. If you don't use hearing protection yours will be stuffed too, and once it's gone you can't get it back without prosthetic help.

Listen to the man.....

it is a pain in the arse at the pub not being able to talk with people because you cant hear what the fuck they are saying. It also severely limits you're ability to score a one night root - chicks like to talk to a guy before banging them.

besides, if you are a guy you can only concentrate on ONE thing at time...... is it going to be your riding or the cool tune on your iPod?

DarkLord

8th June 2008, 22:47

besides, if you are a guy you can only concentrate on ONE thing at time...... is it going to be your riding or the cool tune on your iPod?

:laugh:

Well said, dude.

MaxB

8th June 2008, 22:58

FWIW I never ride lsitening to music. Too much into what I am doing.

I wear earplugs but can still hear horns, police sirens etc.

martybabe

8th June 2008, 23:02

xwhatsit

9th June 2008, 04:02

In terms of "distraction" very loud noise can remove the ability to concentrate entirely, and cause spatial disorientation and nausea as a result of inner ear disruption.
Quite right. Precisely why I do use noise cancelling earphones (canalphones), not only does it quieten the helmet noise for my ear's sake, but it also lets me concentrate on riding much better. That's with iPod playing or not; although Bird and Trane do tend to relax me and encourage me to corner smoother and with better technique.

Forest

9th June 2008, 06:51

I wear ear-plugs.

I don't listen to music. Certain songs get my heart-pumping and I find it screws with my judgement.

Fudmucker

9th June 2008, 07:14

Disable any of your senses and you are less able to ride defensively.

I prefer being alone and quiet inside my helmet.
I ride with earplugs to save what is left of my hearing - (Sixties-Seventies-Eighties rock music) and to reduce the tiring effect of wind noise. :rolleyes:

I also have speakers inside my helmet so that lovely girl in the Zumo GPS can tell me where to turn now and again.
I leave the MP3's for when I'm chilling in camp and I don't want the boss to bug me when I'm riding, so the cell phone isn't linked either.

That way I can think while I ride...

:cool:

RC1

9th June 2008, 07:54

i prefer listening to two brothers at 8000rpm :Punk:

CookMySock

9th June 2008, 07:58

I have always had quality sound systems in cars, and now I have tinnitus. You won't like tinnitus. I have to be very careful with what I do now, or else I hear bass drums and subwoofers all night in my sleep. Quite un-funny.

I listen to a wide range of music, but trip/chill/ambient/sci would be rather dangerous to listen to on a bike. I find it spectacular and beautiful, but rather intoxicating - ok'ish in a cage, unwise on a bike. Some rock or popular music with a damn good foot-tap to it would be fine I think.

DB

jonbuoy

9th June 2008, 08:00

Oops. :buggerd:

I'm functionally deaf in an environment with lots of background noise. The lips move, but I can't hear what they say, and all that. But I thought that was just life after 40.

I've tried the MP3 player thing but found I had to make it too loud to be able to hear anything but the basic structure of the music, so usually don't. I have a relatively noisy helmet.

Yeah mate I'm the same, can't handle noisey pubs- its just a roar. You won't see any moto gp riders with MP3's going.

jrandom

9th June 2008, 08:18

it is a pain in the arse at the pub not being able to talk with people because you cant hear what the fuck they are saying. It also severely limits you're ability to score a one night root...

Hardly a loss. I've never met anyone at a noisy bar who was worth talking to.

madbikeboy

9th June 2008, 08:48

Hardly a loss. I've never met anyone at a noisy bar who was worth talking to.

Ditto, drunken slappers aren't on my list of to do's that's for sure. Don't you have to boil slappers first these days to get rid of the diseases?

Okay, two issues, hearing loss, and sensory overload.

Hearing loss has been covered here - but my 2 cents worth, I used to professionally install on the sound off circuit here in NZ, I had about 150 trophies in my cupboard, so I guess I wasn't completely crap at it. I was into Sound Quality - but all my mates who were into SPL, who had all the hot chicks turning up, well, most of them are hearing impaired.

Life as a hearing impaired person sucks, you are isolated at parties, you can't follow conversations, you just smile and nod. That chick who's intently watching your mouth as you talk in a nightclub isn't impressed at you, she's got hearing damage as well - it's not just a guy thing, thanks to inner ear headphones.

Sensory overload.
Now, as a beginner, you probably think that you've got it all under control, and you're at that stage where you don't think so much about the mechanical element, and you're building enough confidence that you're not having to pay that much attention...

Right?

Okay, so this is the reason why so many noobs get nailed on the road. A bike is different from a car, mainly because of consequence. If you do something stupid in a car because you're not mentally engaged, you take the car to the panel beaters, and hey preso, fixed.

Bikes are different. For reasons that should be obvious.

Don't ride with music, you need all your senses functioning properly if you want to survive. If you have a burning desire to be roadkill, then use the iPod, ride like an idiot, have a few drinks beforehand, and let your emotions rule your judgement. :crybaby:

FruitLooPs

9th June 2008, 09:13

I use waterproof headphones which block out most wind and road noise, similar to ear plugs, when the mp3 is not on. Because they let in very little outside noise I'm able to keep the volume comfortably low. I don't find gentle background music at all distracting, well no more so than the radio playing quietly in the car.

Interesting comment about using engine noise or failing that a tacho as an indication for when to change gear, Ive heard this before and the need for a gear indicator so you know what gear your in. Is this a common thing ? :scratch:

I'm the same, very background or not on at all. phone plays the music at 20% volume and with sound cancelling phones its fine. Sometimes I just use them without music to kill the wind noise etc. helps heaps, just like plugs at the track so you can concentrate. :niceone:

Common sense on where and when to use them though, do it at ya own risk I guess. No way i'd have 'blaring' music in my ears any time anymore though.

Last year right before the greymouth street races I got rolling drunk and vaguely recall being in those stupid drum and bass clubs. For the next 2 days straight it seemed my hearing was clipped badly past about 12khz. Music wasn't the same, speaking to people was a mission (first time @ hotel in greymouth I said 'what was that?' when lady at counter was talking to me, she repeated second time i couldnt hear i just smiled and nodded). Sounded murky or underwater

I was 21 at the time, and it buggered off after the weekend finally. When I woke up 2nd morning and it was the same I was quite worried. Scared the crap out of me though, never letting that happen again. Never was into loud music either. <_<

jrandom

9th June 2008, 09:18

I wouldn't want to road-ride on the pushy without phat beats, but I agree with the posters regarding ear damage and distraction on the road when motorcycling.

Heck, wind noise from a mere 40kph on the pushy makes loud music on the headphones inaudible - I've learned not to turn it up and deafen myself; listening to music is for climbing and cruising.

To be perfectly honest, once I get Betty back with her TBR exhaust on, I can't imagine wanting to distract myself from that beautiful growl with MP3s.

:love:

Swoop

9th June 2008, 09:37

slimjim

9th June 2008, 09:42

sound's of a bike is pretty enough,

James Deuce

9th June 2008, 09:50

In NZ the health and safety nazi's harp on about hearing protection and its importance. The number one area of focus.

It is interesting that OSHA, in 'Merica, that their primary focus is eye protection, and hearing protection is secondary.
The logic is that if an accident occurs, you can put a false eyeball in to "look the part" but it will never provide sight.
Hearing loss can be alleviated by hearing aids. Co-workers have very small units that fit entirely within the ear and have changed their life. "Being able to actually hear my grandkids" is a common statement.

If riding on long straight roads, then "maybe" and a weak maybe at best...
Anything more involved (even commuting), no way. The only thing in the ears are plugs or the radar detector earphone.

Bear in mind that the US have used ear protection for the noisier jobs in combat since the Vietnam war. The majority of the chaps now in their late 40s/early 50s and older in NZ had their hearing absolutely muntered while doing their CMT by small arms fire, artillery and riding around in vehicles from SWB Land Rovers to UH-1Hs. These people are over represented, along with railway workers and MoW gangers in the damaged hearing stats.
The US probably have more eye injuries and we almost definitely have worse hearing damage stats, from farmers with unmuffled chainsaws through to those damn kids sticking their heads in front of house speaker bins at concerts and dance parties.

Morcs

9th June 2008, 10:16

I ride like a lunatic with my MP3 player on.

but then again I listen to happy hardcore...

avgas

9th June 2008, 10:22

Well um, yes you are a noob and i would wait for my skills to get up to scratch before trying any distraction.
I actually find that music focuses me. So when i listen to MP3 on the bike i am a better rider. Without music or some form of excitement i become 'complacent' and dont pay enough attention.
In saying that i do not use noise canceling headphones so i can still hear everything around me.

Ragingrob

9th June 2008, 10:33

I find that I can tune out from the music and listen to every road noise without even noticing the music when I need to, and relaxing and listening to the music a bit more when those long straights appear. Around town sometimes I forget music is even playing until I stop at some lights and then I'm like sweet that's a cool song while I wait a few minutes for the lights to change.

Jim2 - I don't see how the music can be so amazingly loud if I can put my helmet on and listen to music at the same volume without riding, still being able to talk to people and not being completely blown away by the sound.

Just like fruitloops said, walking into a night club is 100x worse, you can not even nearly have a conversation with the person beside you.

Blossom

9th June 2008, 11:10

ok... so heres some not so useless info from a woman who was born with total hearing loss in 1 ear and now losing it in the other. I hang with audiologists...a lot of them over the years and heres some of the stuff they keep yelling at me.
1. Not all hearing loss can be fixed with a hearing aid. (mine cant btw)
2. If your ipod is EVER turned up over half way for more than 30mins...it can damage your hearing permanately, not saying it will, but it can. (I was told an ipod reaches 93db after the half way mark, and yes I know it doesnt seem that loud. But it is)
3. A loss of 5 to 10% hearing by age 40 is within the normal range.

I know this thread is about riding and listening so forgive the safety info about hearing loss but today I am having safety police issues as I have just had to quit my volenteer job as a sound tech as I can no longer hear the lead singers... grr... yeah the 80's were hard on a lot of us. Too many bands, too many way too loud bars.

On the other side of the coin, the man rides with my mp3 player on whilst riding, but only when he is cruising in the country side, not round town, not when hes tired and makes sure he can still hear the outside sounds. Oh and he's been riding for 20yrs or so. So yeah buyer beware.

tbone

9th June 2008, 11:43

Tried it a couple times with ear phones and found it annoying with taking my helmet on and off, but it also was really distracting.

I found whenever I had the music going, my riding changed and I'd ride to the music (sort of like going wherever you're looking I suppose). Get some hardcore music going, I'd be going a little too fast!

Now, I don't worry about it - I've been on a couple massive rides (in excess of 10 hours) and never missed the music. I'm still a newbie and find I've got enough to concentrate on without having music in my ears!

Total difference when I drove a car though - always needed music going, even if it was only a 15 minute drive, had to fiddle around with the stereo.

martybabe

9th June 2008, 14:12

Bear in mind that the US have used ear protection for the noisier jobs in combat since the Vietnam war. The majority of the chaps now in their late 40s/early 50s and older in NZ had their hearing absolutely muntered while doing their CMT by small arms fire, artillery and riding around in vehicles from SWB Land Rovers to UH-1Hs. These people are over represented, along with railway workers and Mow gangers in the damaged hearing stats.
The US probably have more eye injuries and we almost definitely have worse hearing damage stats, from farmers with unmuffled chainsaws through to those damn kids sticking their heads in front of house speaker bins at concerts and dance parties.

I spent a while as an ejector of wayward yoof at various dance venues across Brit land and ear plugs were optional as defence against the unbelievably loud (music). Quite often I would remove youngsters under the influence that chose to (dance) in close proximity to the house size speakers. Although, this was often met with resentment when I explained my reasons, you could literally say my safety warnings fell on deaf ears, I still felt the need to try and save at least a portion of their hearing for future years. At full chat these speakers would blow out a cigarette lighter within 2.5 metres and reconfigure your internal organs through the vibration.

As has been said before, your hearing once gone is gone. If your having to have it painfully loud to overcome external noise you should re-asses and soon. :blink:

fireball

9th June 2008, 14:42

i have found for me while riding i need the music going as with out music i get distracted..

music helps me to focus on what im doing instead of thinking about other things like "what am i going to have for dinner" or "whats that over there......"

i dont have the music too loud just loud enogh to hear a beat.

alanzs

9th June 2008, 17:08

The only thing in the ears are plugs or the radar detector earphone.

I have a screamer on my Valentine 1 that is sooooo loud, you can hear it no matter what speed you're ripping at... Saved me more times than I can remember. Scares people when it goes off... :gob:

Here's a link: http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=RADSCR

Swoop

9th June 2008, 20:19

I have a screamer on my Valentine 1 that is sooooo loud, you can hear it no matter what speed you're ripping at... Saved me more times than I can remember.
I have to remember to lower the volume right down for when it comes out of the car and onto the bike...
One earphone is quite enough!

johns.swifty

9th June 2008, 20:34

I have been riding for only a couple of years to work and back on the Auckland Motorway. Me personally when I am in trafffic I actually don't hear the music because of the consentration. But I love it when there is no traffic as it gives me something to do so I don't get board. I use my mobile phone, which does not have the max volume that iPods have. (But you can always turn them down)

I think some times I am distracted by the music but that is because I allow it. You could say the same thing about advertising on busses or the good looking chick in the lane next to you.

Motorway and town around traffic you don't have as much road noise as when you are on the open road. The open road is where you might need to ask yourself "Music OR Hearing"

mstriumph

9th June 2008, 20:38

yes
distracting

------- wouldn't want to be doing what we blame the cagers for - ie not concentrating on the job in hand ...... :shutup:

NordieBoy

9th June 2008, 20:49

Some rock or popular music with a damn good foot-tap to it would be fine I think.

Not whilst out on the adventure bike for a pootle in the hills it isn't :D

I prefer some Mike Oldfield, Richard Gilewitz, James Wilkinson, Marcus Turner, Flanders and Swan type stuff for adventuring and not making you speed up.

NordieBoy

9th June 2008, 20:53

2. If your ipod is EVER turned up over half way for more than 30mins...it can damage your hearing permanately, not saying it will, but it can. (I was told an ipod reaches 93db after the half way mark, and yes I know it doesnt seem that loud. But it is)

Totally depends on your earphones.

My in-ear noise cancelling 'phones (as good as foam earplugs when turned off) only need half volume whereas my in-helmet speakers cranked up to full arn't as loud.

wickle

9th June 2008, 21:56

I don't like the idea, just too distracting. But then, I'm easily distracted. :shit:
Same, also why dont have cellphone earpiece ( which boss's what me to get) who wants the phone going just as lay into a nice set of corners, could be abit distracking!

DarkLord

9th June 2008, 22:58

Same, also why dont have cellphone earpiece ( which boss's what me to get) who wants the phone going just as lay into a nice set of corners, could be abit distracking!

I can just imagine some of the conversations you might have -

"Hi, this is such and such..."

"Oh hi there, how can I help....oooh wait one second, TWISTIES!..... Whoa, feel that power!........ Stupid cage drivers......sorry about that, now what can I do for you?"

:D

HungusMaximist

10th June 2008, 09:10

As a avid concert/gig goer and playing in a band, my precious hearing is the most important thing to me and I couldn't bear not protecting my ears.

As for riding, I wear ear canal headphones while I ride on the open road with a little bit of music pumping in the background. My helmet is rubbish in helmet noise so I have to wear em or I go deaf after a while.

But on the topic of 'distraction', I usually have my earphones at 20-30% volume and find it very soothing.

Winston001

10th June 2008, 12:44

Pardon?? I wish you lot would speak up instead of mumbling away like that.......

sels1

10th June 2008, 13:04

Never listened to music while riding....dont like to detract from being engaged in the experience. And the safety aspect as well.
Started wearing earplugs as a change of bike gave me more wind noise around the helmet - dont need them in 50kph areas.

If I get bored, I sing.....:p

swbarnett

10th June 2008, 17:08

My wife and I used to have speakers in my helmet back in the 80s. I never found it to be a distraction, It didn't block the ambient noise and it added something to the whole experience.

As for ear damage - we never really thought about it. I don't like loud music on the whole so played it as background mostly. Also, back then iPods didn't exist. The best you could get on the player I used was one side of a 90minute tape so the music never lasted more than 45minutes at a time.

When I finally get around to upgrading from the GN (just waiting for the missus to stop being a full time student and start earning some real money, only a few months to go...) I plan to have music again. This thread has given me food for thought. I'm thinking of getting a pair of those custom made in-ear phones. They should help with the noise issue generally if what I've read here is accurate.

pete376403

11th June 2008, 00:18

FruitLooPs

11th June 2008, 06:32

I plan to have music again. This thread has given me food for thought. I'm thinking of getting a pair of those custom made in-ear phones. They should help with the noise issue generally if what I've read here is accurate.

Custom ones would be good no doubt, but pricey!
Be sure to test regular canalphones like these, ~ $35-50 and cancelled external sound very well for me. I use my phone on ~20% volume and can hear songs in full detail lyrics not just beats etc. Normally come with 3x diff size ear pads for different size ear canals, just remember they're closer to the wee hairs inside so dont go pumping the volume or you'll easily damage ya hearing. They're tricky to keep in your ear when donning a helmet at first, but you can do it if you're careful (practice helps!). Mine also have a neckring around them so when i take the helmet off they come out and just fall around my neck.

I had speakers velro'd into my shoei before this and they sounded tinny as hell, and on fully volume i still couldnt discern any meaningful sound bar background beats over wind noise and apparent distance to ear.

97937

NordieBoy

11th June 2008, 08:54

I got some Sennheiser cx300 copies off TM for about $10 and they work very well in the helmet.

swbarnett

11th June 2008, 12:10

Custom ones would be good no doubt, but pricey!
Be sure to test regular canalphones like these, ~ $35-50 and cancelled external sound very well for me.
Thanks, I'll check them out.

I had speakers velro'd into my shoei before this and they sounded tinny as hell, and on fully volume i still couldnt discern any meaningful sound bar background beats over wind noise and apparent distance to ear.
Interesting, I must've been low on wind noise. I rode a CB750 Integra (the full fairing model) and got minimal wind noise. I once had MJ quite clear at low volume doing 170.

xwhatsit

11th June 2008, 12:29

It also has a socket in the processor where I can plug in the MP3 player and I have the choice of music alone or music/ambient noise mix.
Holy shit! That's so completely... cyborg! :D

Now you need a robot eye -- with a VGA socket around the back of your head. Plug in your sound, plug in your video -- shut out the rest of world :eek:

Amazing.

NordieBoy

11th June 2008, 12:47

Plug in your sound, plug in your video

Video recorder :D

xwhatsit

11th June 2008, 14:49

Video recorder :D
I saw a fillum on that. Robin Williams, playing straight. Feckin' dark.

Anyway, Pete's from Upper Hutt, all you would see in the video feed would be *Tits*, *Arse*, *Commodore*, *Falcon*, *Beer*

NordieBoy

11th June 2008, 15:50

Anyway, Pete's from Upper Hutt, all you would see in the video feed would be *Tits*, *Arse*, *Commodore*, *Falcon*, *Beer*

You say that like it's a bad thing.

007XX

11th June 2008, 15:55

I generally have music playing while on long trips. But I do not have the fitted earplugs, just slimline headphones from Transonic. I never have the music so loud I can't hear my Vtwin engine, but it just takes some of the boredom away from long distances travelling.

And before anyone yelps about me being bored, it sometimes can happen when you've been in the saddle for 4 consecutive hours and you respect the speed limit.

YellowDog

11th June 2008, 16:17

Personal Opinion Only:

Listening to music or talking on the phone is a huge distraction from riding.

Such distractions would make me an unsafe rider, which is why I don't do them.

swbarnett

11th June 2008, 16:59

Personal Opinion Only:
Respect that.

Listening to music or talking on the phone is a huge distraction from riding.

Such distractions would make me an unsafe rider, which is why I don't do them.
Would you say that these things are more distracting to you than talking to a passenger in a car while driving (assuming that you do actually drive a car from time to time) ?

YellowDog

12th June 2008, 17:13

pete376403

12th June 2008, 20:07

I saw a fillum on that. Robin Williams, playing straight. Feckin' dark.

Anyway, Pete's from Upper Hutt, all you would see in the video feed would be *Tits*, *Arse*, *Commodore*, *Falcon*, *Beer*

Scratch the Commodore/Falcon bit, the rest looks about right.

Also the bionic eye thing is in the works - it's pretty low res so far, but the (previously) blind people who have them say its pretty good. Same principle as the cochlear implant - processor provides electrical stimulation to the nerve and the brain interprets it as sound (or image)

Actually gives me an advantage - I cannot damage my hearing through loud noise - the bits of the ear that get damaged have been completely bypassed.
But prior to the implant - life with bad to almost no hearing was fucking miserable and something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. It makes me so mad when people blast away at their hearing, knowing as I do that it's so fragile.

swbarnett

13th June 2008, 01:00

Yes I do drive a car and when talking to passengers I have on occasion missed a junction.

The worst feeling is when you arrive at a place and have no recolection as to how you got there. I don't think that idle chit chat or gentle music is much of a distraction. I do however believe that piloting any kind of motor vehicle requires total concentration and potential distractions such as serious converations or loud music should be avoided.
I think this may be the crux of the matter. Not everybody is distracted in the same way. I've conducted deep, meaningful conversations about life, the universe and everything with my wife in the passenger seat (she's a soon-to-be PhD with a Masters in Nuclear Physics) and still given the road the full attention it deserves (evidenced by the fact that a potential accident or two was only a near miss, or less, due to me being aware of what was going on around me and acting accordingly).

If every driver requires "total concentration" to drive a car then no-one would ever be able to fly a fighter or a jumbo jet.

YellowDog

13th June 2008, 14:40

Yes buddy, it could just be me. I do get distracted my deep conversations. Music on the rodio is not much of an issue however I do tend to drive a great deal faster to loud heavy metal music.

FruitLooPs

13th June 2008, 16:08

I think this may be the crux of the matter. Not everybody is distracted in the same way. I've conducted deep, meaningful conversations about life, the universe and everything with my wife in the passenger seat (she's a soon-to-be PhD with a Masters in Nuclear Physics) and still given the road the full attention it deserves (evidenced by the fact that a potential accident or two was only a near miss, or less, due to me being aware of what was going on around me and acting accordingly).

If every driver requires "total concentration" to drive a car then no-one would ever be able to fly a fighter or a jumbo jet.

This is very subjective IMO, I for instance can multitask pretty well but not as well as some. Then again my dad is completely and literally unable to process things at more than one at a time. His concentration goes entirely on the task at hand, nothing else.

He can concentrate on driving, or watching the rugby etc but if you talk or try and attain his attention during any tv program its nigh impossible until you stand in the way, mute or turn it off. Even if he wasn't really taking in much of it he cant casually see whats on and talk to someone.

Like wise he cannot negotiate a corner, change gear in a manual car and initate the indicator. One a time sure, but if he isn't onto it he will go around the corner and groan out the other side in the wrong gear because he couldnt indicate use the clutch change gear and go around at once.

Sorta sad to see, he for instance wouldn't be safe with music and highway riding. The chance of being switched off is far too great. Still my dad tho :third:

motorbyclist

16th July 2008, 01:19

if you need music playing you need a proper sounding bike. if you reckon you don't need to be able to hear screeching tyres and/or car horns frankly you shouldn't be in traffic with my rego acc levy.

v4 engine with gear driven cams is a good soundtrack for my riding

sunday morning i narrowly avoided being rear ended by hearing them skidding up behind me (mirrors=hopeless)

many a developing mechanical issue can be heard before it becomes a major mechanical headache (or accident)

doesn't the road code say that legally a car stereo cannot be so loud as to drown out the engine noise? (not that you can hear many car engines anymore)

always pisses me off seeing cars with big loud pipes they can't hear due to the ridiculous bass rattling from under their boot.

You said it, it's distracting. On long, boring rides, it can help the time pass, but when you really need to pay attention, you may not want the distraction.

there is such a thing? you're riding the wrong roads on the wrong bike mate:bleh:

With hearing you don't know what you've lost until it is gone and you often don't know your hearing is damaged until you start struggling to understand people talking in an environment with lots of background noise.

+1

i'm 19 and it really sucks not being able to hear exactly what people are saying in bars or even crowded rooms, restaurants, cafeteria's, workplace etc etc. going out on the town is basically a lost cause. largely did my hearing in with an excessively loud pipe 116db+ on the dirtbike (which i still have). get pissed off going "wot" all the time and often resign to just nodding and agreeing.

NordieBoy

16th July 2008, 07:53

doesn't the road code say that legally a car stereo cannot be so loud as to drown out the engine noise? (not that you can hear many car engines anymore)

That stuffs the DR then.
Wind noise drowns out the engine noise.
Stuffs most motorbikes really.

Big Dave

16th July 2008, 09:40

if you need music playing you need a proper sounding bike. .

How would you know.

motorbyclist

16th July 2008, 13:43

That stuffs the DR then.
Wind noise drowns out the engine noise.
Stuffs most motorbikes really.

then get a louder pipe:D

How would you know.

well if you feel the need to drown it out with music. it mustn't sounds that good now, can it?

(just poking fun here mate)

Big Dave

16th July 2008, 13:46

(just poking fun here mate)

ditto, mr 400s

motorbyclist

16th July 2008, 13:55

ditto, mr 400s

still beats most 600s and litrebikes through the twisties;)

NordieBoy

16th July 2008, 18:21

then get a louder pipe:D

It was a SuperTrapp IDS race core with 13 discs on a 560cc single :D

motorbyclist

17th July 2008, 03:06

then whaddaya doin with an MP3 player?!:drool:

(edit:; wait, how many discs? sounds like 13 too many - straight thru all the way:D)

NordieBoy

17th July 2008, 08:11

then whaddaya doin with an MP3 player?!:drool:

(edit:; wait, how many discs? sounds like 13 too many - straight thru all the way:D)

My current bike/helmet combo is a lot quieter and the MP3 player is great when playing in the hills at 30kph.

I started with 23 discs and then straight through and then thought "hey, let's do this properly" and worked out that 6 discs was the same surface area as the stock pipe and added 2 discs every time I went for a ride. I'd even stop halfway through a ride and add/remove some discs to test. 70-100kph 4th gear roll-ons got much better at 14 discs and dropped back when I went back to 12 so tried 13 and it was sweet.

10 discs was best for the DR650.