Music in your helmet?

[V4ME]

As for me - I'm right into pipe music. though I prefer Vtwins - I even enjoy the music from inline 4's and 6's - you could call me multi-tasted musically.
I even sing and make up songs to the joyful sound my pipe makes - (Thanks Scorpion Pipes). (You can't easily do that in a car - people tend to look strangely at you).

[Antony N]

have an i=pod and have read lots of stuff on here about how/what others use too.

Its quite common to see other bikers with i-pods/players; The problem i find is getting the bastard ear plugs to fit snug so i can here over my bloody exhaust

I use "Koss Sparkplugs" harvey norman sell them for $60, they are really good as they are like a earpplug so help cut out some of the noise (i have aftermarket pipes on my VTR so it is a bit loud) and you can have the volume lower hense saving power and less recharge times on your player ! I can hear everything around me fine it is just a bit quieter than normal !

[DUCATI*HARD]

I enjoy riding with music,it just seems to make the ride more enjoyable,blast your favourite songs and your away.Its just like when your in a car or at work,or at a nightclub,music makes for a pleasent ride,I never get distracted as i am always focused,ride hard or ride home.

[Idubbs]

Has anyone had "Earmold" custom-made earplugs/ speakers made for themselves? I am tempted, bar the price (~$200)....... looks to be a good combo of earplugs to cut out wind noise, plus stereo ear speakers that can be used at lower volume. I presume from their website that the custom molding is necessary for perfect fit, as well as assuring flush fitting to the ear and therefore helmet friendly

[redeye40]

Hey Idubbs,yeah I have had pair of earmolds done,they're a custom mould of yor ear and then have a tube for the sound pushed through them,they're bloody comfortable(as you'd expect)and the sound quality is pretty good too,also if not play'n music they make a bloody good ear plug,BUT as you say expensive.
Helmet friendly and drama free

[Juud]

On the longer rides I enjoy music as well, it's relaxing and gets me in an even better mood. Singing out loud without complaints that I can't sing, priceless!!

I use Sony earphones/plugs, great sound and perfect fit (the rubber caps come in 3 different sizes), no hassle when you put your helmet on.

[YLWDUC]

Hearing be damned, it's distracting!
I tried it once and found I was zoning out to the music and not really paying enough attention to what was going on around me. Ran wide on a corner because I'd lost my concentration and decided not to do it again.
Might work for others; not me.

I reckon! Music isn't bad because it blocks out traffic noise (stinky steel overcoat drivers) but it changes your attitude. I've tried the IPod a few times and some songs are good, into the groove kind of songs......

Then you're explaining to Mr Plod why you're doing 40 over the limit, oops.

[Chrislost]

i find music helps reduce the noise of sirens as your doing a quick trip home its alright till you stop for gas though!

[Toaster]

Everyone to their own... but I guess its like cage drivers though... yet another distraction chipping away at the amount of focus you have on what is important - safe riding/driving. When I was in the job, too many times I heard the line, "I was away with the fairies".... and THAT is the excuse?

I found I went way too quick when listening to music, especially 'angry' music - so probably not the best idea.

[mstriumph]

prefer not ---- prefer to stay in the moment and tend to 'drift off' when i'm listening to music

[Chrislost]

[QUOTE=I found I went way too quick when listening to music, especially 'angry' music - so probably not the best idea.[/QUOTE]

i found the same thing, but i was still focused on everything around my little world... i think...

[unhingedlizard]

Singing out loud without complaints that I can't sing, priceless!!

The only thing is to be aware when you are town sitting at the trafic lights that people crossing infront of you can actually hear you.

[The Lone Rider]

There is plain simple statistics. Music, cell phones, and even other people in/on the vehicle reduce ones ablity to drive, although of course to different degrees.

[Juud]

The only thing is to be aware when you are town sitting at the trafic lights that people crossing infront of you can actually hear you.

That would be funny! Thank god I only sing on the longer trips (on the motorway), I discovered it keeps me more alert when getting weary as well. I must be cracking up!

[Idubbs]

Hey Idubbs,yeah I have had pair of earmolds done,they're a custom mould of yor ear and then have a tube for the sound pushed through them,they're bloody comfortable(as you'd expect)and the sound quality is pretty good too,also if not play'n music they make a bloody good ear plug,BUT as you say expensive.
Helmet friendly and drama free

Just an update on Earmold plugs. I had mine custom fitted by Plugz for Lugz?? from Rotorua. They did a great job, though you have to watch that they compensate for the fact that big ears like mine get squashed flat in a firm fitting helmet. They will mold the ear plug flush with the outside of your ear, but because they do this outside of your helmet (duhh!?..), you may need to pin your ears flat before they smooth off the excess silicone.

As for the comfort and fit?... no complaints, except that I have to get used to wearing ear plugs, period. I tend to get 'plug-fatigue', and a recent S.I bike tour gave me a chance to get used to them. I am having to alternate having them in and out between gas stops.

Sound from the stereo wires fitted in the plugs are acceptable, but not startling because the wires go to a transducer, then there is a small air tube that terminate into the ear plug. They lack a bit of musical detail, but I admit the sound becomes acceptable amongst the wind noise (albeit muffled wind noise)