Thoughts on music and riding...

[Waihou Thumper]

Gidday all.
Riding solo can be a bugger! :Playnice:
Sure it is nice to view the surroundings, take in the scenery and chew that bit of flesh in the inside of the mouth as we ride....

What about the music angle? Do we listen to Itunes, do we load up the Ipod before a ride, plug it into the headphones and crank it up?

What about the concentration aspect, the safety etc? :whocares:

Any thoughts out there guys?

Me. personally, that is really the only time I get to listen to the 8000 songs I have on my Ipod..lol, and the bonus is the battery does last for the days ride too!
It isn't anti-social either as it is just me. I do turn it off for the petrol, the cafes just so I can talk to the people. It always pissed me off when I saw people with speakers in thir ears and I was trying to talk to them and not having the decency to take out the ear-phones...GGrrrrr! :Oi:Turn it off!!

Be good to hear from all.....
Have a great loud weekend!! :clap:

[keithbuckby]

I often thought about plugging in the headphones instead of the earplugs:headbang:

[Waihou Thumper]

I often thought about plugging in the headphones instead of the earplugs:headbang:

I love it!! Doesn't make you ride faster, doesn't make you unsafe, so what's the difference? ear plugs, or music? I know which I would prefer....

I do a lot of miles out there and on a 10 hour ride, having some sounds makes it sooooo enjoyable!

Mind you, depends on whether you want music or self-help documentaries or learn a language...lol :rockon:

[slofox]

There's no option for those like myself who just don't want to listen to music on the bike. I listen to the song of the engine, the wail of the wind over the screen, the twang of my sphincter as I overshoot yet another corner........

[BOGAR]

I have a pair of headphones in the helmet and have a wireless system to the bike were I can listen to music, my Navman giving occasional instructions and now also my radar detector. It is all low enough not to deafen me even on al long ride and I can still easily hear the bike and other vehicles. I went for a good bike helmet that was quiet as well. Saves me singing to my self were I would certainly crash.:whistle:

[Waihou Thumper]

There's no option for those like myself who just don't want to listen to music on the bike. I listen to the song of the engine, the wail of the wind over the screen, the twang of my sphincter as I overshoot yet another corner........

I can never remember the songs playing at the time as I overshoot those corners...:calm:
I guess whoever scrapes me up can listen in on those headphones and see that Bruce Springsteen was to blame or the chorus of Bat out of Hell.....lol:Oops:

[Waihou Thumper]

I have a pair of headphones in the helmet and have a wireless system to the bike were I can listen to music, my Navman giving occasional instructions and now also my radar detector. It is all low enough not to deafen me even on al long ride and I can still easily hear the bike and other vehicles. I went for a good bike helmet that was quiet as well. Saves me singing to my self were I would certainly crash.:whistle:



I am a bit deaf anyway, the volume is probably a bit high but I can feel the vibrations of the bike, the gears and watch the Tacho with the revs...
I sort of know how my ride is performing out there...I hope? :crazy:

[Okey Dokey]

I didn't vote because no option seemed quite right. I don't feel like a soundtrack when I am riding.

Except I do sing to myself a bit. Neil Young's Look Out For My Love is a current favourite.

[Duke girl]

I guess theres nothing wrong with listening to music while your riding as long as you have it at such a level where you can not only hear your music but also hear whats going on around you. It sure does take the boredom out of long trips and theres nothing like headbanging to the beat of a good song while riding the Highways as it makes the trip more enjoyable.

[portokiwi]

Long rides I like to have music.... but around town I dont. :crazy: Bad enough people think we are crazy bikers. Last thing we need is me trying to sing on my bike in town:whistle:

[Tony W]

I HATE music in the car. I have never contemplated music on the bike.
To me this is abhorrent.

Riding in itself is a symphony. Music is annoying .
To me, an i-pod is something my kids have.

Music is to be played on a full system in the lounge at HOME. 46 widescreen optional for DVDs !

Music on the bike is the wind and the mechanical sounds.:sunny:
My helmet visor is the widescreen on the world.

Stick the i-pod ! (and your GPS too.):2guns:

[banditrider]

I've tried walkman's etc in the past but always found that you had to have them turned up as loud as possible so I've avoided them and stuck to ear-plugs to get rid of the wind noise. I've now got an ipod and some in-ear earphones which completely cancel the wind noise and mean that the music does not have to be up loud. Still to try it on a decent ride but think it might be quite nice on a long trip when riding by myself. Can hardly hear the bike anyway...

[Waihou Thumper]

I HATE music in the car. I have never contemplated music on the bike.
To me this is abhorrent.

Riding in itself is a symphony. Music is annoying .
To me, an i-pod is something my kids have.

Music is to be played on a full system in the lounge at HOME. 46 widescreen optional for DVDs !

Music on the bike is the wind and the mechanical sounds.:sunny:
My helmet visor is the widescreen on the world.

Stick the i-pod ! (and your GPS too.):2guns:

:Oi:

Chill out brother....I know you are entitled to your opinions too, that is the reason for this forum, but no need to be so angry and bitter about it...Sheesh! :Playnice:

[Hitcher]

The rorty thrum of a TBR-enhanced FJR1300 is music enough for me while riding. Diana Krall can wait until I get home.

[Padmei]

Born to run, freebird, cortez the killer...yep I'm a classic rocker thru & thru & now have my two loves together with my MP3 player & earphones (I can even partake in my third love while riding, looking at breasts - but that is really dangerous:laugh:)

Tried a couple of quiet helmets on to cancel out wind noise but found them really hot & suffocating. So I have the ipod at a set level when I get on my bike & if I cant hear it then I wait until the wind goes.

[James Deuce]

Never ceases to amaze me that people think that putting headphones instead of earplugs in the ear will help save their hearing. A "quiet" helmet with no earplugs at 100km/hr is already into the "OSH will kill your factory foreman if you don't wear ear protectors" level.

If you spend $400 on decent noise canceling earbuds then fine. If not, forget it. When your hearing is rooted, that's it, nothing can fix it.

[warewolf]

I found tunes useful when doing long boring miles in Aussie. NZ is too twisty; I need/want to concentrate on the ride much more here.

But the hearing damage is a real issue.

I like music in the car, because otherwise it is wasted time.

[DUCATI*HARD]

RIDING SUX WITHOUT MUSIC:2thumbsup

[Waihou Thumper]

I found tunes useful when doing long boring miles in Aussie. NZ is too twisty; I need/want to concentrate on the ride much more here.

But the hearing damage is a real issue.

I like music in the car, because otherwise it is wasted time.

:Oi:What was that? Pardon?
I say, go for it then right?

[blossomsowner]

sometimes use an mp3 player...........volume set at a level so gentle highway cruising the music is quite loud but once winding things up the music can't be heard much at all.............
would be keen on trying better earphones to see the difference.

[Waihou Thumper]

sometimes use an mp3 player...........volume set at a level so gentle highway cruising the music is quite loud but once winding things up the music can't be heard much at all.............
would be keen on trying better earphones to see the difference.



:banana:The thing is, the best ones were a fortune. I also had to get phones that stayed in the ears and I was recommended these Etymotic isolator ear phones and these are great! :headbang:

[KoroJ]

I've used an MP3 for the last 2-3 years and recently tried using earplugs but hated it.

Sometimes I find myself tapping and bobbing to the music, other times I don't even notice it's on....much the same as a car. The in ear noise reducing earphones are much better though and I have it set at a comfortable normal volume setting so if the pace gets up and I can't hear it, so be it. I don't want to damage my hearing.

[NordieBoy]

If you spend $400 on decent noise canceling earbuds then fine. If not, forget it. When your hearing is rooted, that's it, nothing can fix it.

I spent $20 on some in-ear Sennheiser copies and they are almost as good as my foam ear-plugs at blocking out noise.

Some Enya or James Wilkinson whilst tootling through the trails can be great.

[pampa]

Anything above 80Db is damaging your hearing ... wind + engine is already above that ...

it's also true that once damaged hearing cannot be fixed ...

I don't think riding here is dangerous, traffic wise, road wise is very dangerous cause most of the time there is not should and there is either a cliff, or a ditch. That said music doesn't distract me when riding have more problems with scenary anyway :eek5:

[Badger8]

The only time i ever really feel the desire for music is when i'm sitting on the motorway / SH1 heading straight for home at the end of a long day in the saddle. Just something to break the monotony of noise at steady revs and wind-noise in the drag to get home as straight and soon as possible. But in those odd occasions i just sing (or scream, as the case may be) to myself, and before i know it, i'm home :yes:
Wouldnt really want it for most of the roads i ride, i reckon it'd mess with my concentration. But that's just me, i get too into music when i listen to it, would end up grabbing the front brake to the beat and not realise it or something! :laugh:

[warewolf]

:Oi:What was that? Pardon?
I say, go for it then right?Uh, no, you'll only make it worse. You may be taking the piss but ppl might get the wrong impression.

I'm not convinced extensive riding time is the main cause of damage to my hearing, but it has to have contributed. Basically I didn't consider using earplugs until after my hearing was a problem. My hearing is about 20% down on normal and it's enough that at pubs/restaurants I can only talk with ppl next to or directly opposite me - that's if they face me while they talk, and it's not too noisy. It's a big PITA.

[young1]

I have never tried it. Why?
1) I am worried about the effect on my hearing. I tried my IPOD once under my ear muffs on my ride on lawn mower, it was fantastic! However when I turned the mower off I realised how loud the music had been.

2) I am not the best rider in the world so do not want anything else to break my concentration.

3) And with music I wouldn't be able to hear that awesome popping sound that comes out of the exhaust when I downshift (and please no one tell me that that is an expensive noise!)

[NordieBoy]

I wouldn't be able to hear that awesome popping sound that comes out of the exhaust when I downshift (and please no one tell me that that is an expensive noise!)

Is it your exhaust or the knuckles on your clutch hand?

Arthritis can be expensive.

[Highlander]

I got some of the "Wired" ear plugs from Plugz 4 Lugz ( http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=8783 ) and they are fantastic.
I have my iPod turned down quite low and can still hear it clear. My bike is reasonably quiet, and it is quite normal to hear the bike infront / behind me if riding in town (open road I strech out my following disatance and cant ussually hear them).
A couple of times during trips the iPod battery has gone flat I have just had the Plugs as ear plugs, and they are better than the foam roll up jobbies just for blocking wind noise.

I was a bit cautious about spending the money, but the Plugz 4 Lugz are great, no regrets.

I voted for the "Gotta be cool" option, but not sure about the rest of the statement.

[fireball]

music when riding is important for me, it helps me concentrate with an over active mind like mine anything that catches my eye would land me in a ditch, music helps with the focusing on what i need to as the crazy part of my brain is already working on something else.

[Waihou Thumper]

Uh, no, you'll only make it worse. You may be taking the piss but ppl might get the wrong impression.

I'm not convinced extensive riding time is the main cause of damage to my hearing, but it has to have contributed. Basically I didn't consider using earplugs until after my hearing was a problem. My hearing is about 20% down on normal and it's enough that at pubs/restaurants I can only talk with ppl next to or directly opposite me - that's if they face me while they talk, and it's not too noisy. It's a big PITA.

I am in the same boat as you. I have the same symptoms too but I don't know how I lost my hearing over the years. It might be the times that standing next to a hammering fire engine pumping water at fires over the years......The years in the Navy and the Fire Service before OSH and hearing protection....
I feel for you too......IT is a PITA, yes....but I guess we have to live with it now and in future there might be a need for some extra help...:2thumbsup

[Dean]

hi there, just wanted to know what music you guys listen to whilst riding.some kbers listen to rock ,heavy metal.i like a bit of rave music because it gets me amped when riding in the twisties(even though ive only got a gn250 youd be suprised what it can do witha full wrist)and i listen to ACDC and KISS:Punk:.any way what do you fellow kbers listen to whilst riding. (hopefully im not the only won who listens to rave)

[mashman]

A V-Twin clearing her throw...

[NighthawkNZ]

what music do you listen to whilst riding


hi there, just wanted to know what music you guys listen to whilst riding.some kbers listen to rock ,heavy metal.i like a bit of rave music because it gets me amped when riding in the twisties(even though ive only got a gn250 youd be suprised what it can do witha full wrist)and i listen to ACDC and KISS:Punk:.any way what do you fellow kbers listen to whilst riding. (hopefully im not the only won who listens to rave)


My exhaust... and that v-twin rumble


A V-Twin clearing her throw...

Precisely

[Dean]

A V-Twin clearing her throw...

huh??????? oh yea I LOVE VTWIN SOUNDS THAT PURR GIVES ME A MEAN BUZZ

[Blackshear]

Mostly drum and bass, really.
Some older Pendulum, some hardhouse, some old electronic shit like Prodigy. Love that Action Radar song.

But all rather rarely, have to turn it up loud to be able to hear with shitty earbud phones.

[Dean]

Mostly drum and bass, really.
Some older Pendulum, some hardhouse, some old Electronic shit like Prodigy. Love that Action Radar song.

But all rather rarely, have to trn it up load to be able to hear with shitty earbud phones.

HEY DUDE BLACKSHEAR you are the man!!!! pendulam blood sugar rules!and prodigy

[MsKABC]

A V-Twin clearing her throw...


My exhaust... and that v-twin rumble



Precisely

:yes: Although my v-twin rumble is probably not as impressive as theirs :laugh: (But pretty damn impressive for a 400 ;))

I prefer to reserve what little hearing is left over for the environment around me.

[Dean]

:sunny:you got a good point there mskabc

[mashman]

Love that Action Radar song.


Off for a listen right now... TUUUUUUUUNE!!!



My exhaust... and that v-twin rumble


Funny that...

[mashman]

:yes: Although my v-twin rumble is probably not as impressive as theirs :laugh: (But pretty damn impressive for a 400 ;))

I prefer to reserve what little hearing is left over for the environment around me.

My mates 250 is good enough with the Two-Bros can on... am sure yours is lervely too

[MentalFacility]

got around 700 songs in my phone that are set to random. From transe to power metal, from rap to classical music.

[Dean]

got around 700 songs in my phone that are set to random. From transe to power metal, from rap to classical music.

i dont really like rap music but i like power metal , atleast you get a variation on music

[Dean]

i dont know if many of you may like it but this gets me amped in the twisties. the song is by pendulum called "blood sugar" its worth listening to.

[NighthawkNZ]

:yes: Although my v-twin rumble is probably not as impressive as theirs :laugh: (But pretty damn impressive for a 400 ;))

I prefer to reserve what little hearing is left over for the environment around me.

the better half's vtr 250 has a very nice purring sound when she blasts by... ;):scooter:

[Blackshear]

HEY DUDE BLACKSHEAR you are the man!!!! pendulam blood sugar rules!and prodigy
Ha ha, cheers dude.

Off for a listen right now... TUUUUUUUUNE!!!

Anything with a bit of oomph behind the vocal gets the blood going.

[Blackshear]

i dont know if many of you may like it but this gets me amped in the twisties. the song is by pendulum called "blood sugar" its worth listening to.

Should give yourself a listen to Painkiller and Slam.

[Dean]

Should give yourself a listen to Painkiller and Slam.

yea i like slam have you seen the vid to it its bloody hilarious with the guy dancing.hmmm it seems my forum is in another forum dam!!

[Blackshear]

yea i like slam have you seen the vid to it its bloody hilarious with the guy dancing.hmmm it seems my forum is in another forum dam!!

Ha ha yeah man, looks like he's really getting into it, too!
Wasn't a bad chick boogying for a sec there either.

[Dean]

Ha ha yeah man, looks like he's really getting into it, too!
Wasn't a bad chick boogying for a sec there either.

:niceone:yea bro you got good taste in music thats for sure bro.

[Badger8]

Just got myself some good canal-phones without protrusion out from the ear, so gonna try them out in a minute when i go for a ride. Will see how i go :yes:

[snowman]

I used to use the old fashioned ear buds and the always used to fall out and it was a mission to get the helmet on without them falling out.

Just got the newer smaller ear buds and they work a treat.

Has anyone tried the noise cancelling ones? Not sure if they will be that effective if the mic in the ear bud is squashed up all the padding?

As for listening to Pendulum while going for a hoon, MEAN. Usually adds 20 to 150kmh on to my pace. :eek:

[wbks]

Music while driving is good, and I usually have a song in my head when I'm riding. But it's proven that music with lyrics lower your focus, because you're subconciously trying to hear what they're saying.

[Hitcher]

But it's proven that music with lyrics lower your focus, because you're subconciously trying to hear what they're saying.

Just make up your own instead. I can see Deidre now Lorraine has gone.

[NZsarge]

I've now got an ipod and some in-ear earphones which completely cancel the wind noise and mean that the music does not have to be up loud. Still to try it on a decent ride but think it might be quite nice on a long trip when riding by myself. Can hardly hear the bike anyway...
Have you tried them out yet?

Diana Krall can wait until I get home.

Excellent choice in music.

[nico]

I got some of the "Wired" ear plugs from Plugz 4 Lugz ( http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=8783 ) and they are fantastic.
I have my iPod turned down quite low and can still hear it clear. My bike is reasonably quiet, and it is quite normal to hear the bike infront / behind me if riding in town (open road I strech out my following disatance and cant ussually hear them).
A couple of times during trips the iPod battery has gone flat I have just had the Plugs as ear plugs, and they are better than the foam roll up jobbies just for blocking wind noise.

I was a bit cautious about spending the money, but the Plugz 4 Lugz are great, no regrets.

I voted for the "Gotta be cool" option, but not sure about the rest of the statement.

what kinda price were these?? could be a good long term investment

[banditrider]

Have you tried them out yet?


Not on a decent length ride and I still occasionally have issues with them staying in - my whisper kit makes it just that little bit trickier to keep them in as the helmet goes on. Will show ya them sometime...