Another 2 wheeler...

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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited July 2008
    steveinaz wrote: »
    Umm, ok. Those of you saying ear plugs would make it so you can't hear, therefore making them unsafe? Am I catching that right?

    You have obviously never ridden a motorcycle for any length of time. Anything above 35mph, the wind blast prevents you from hearing anything. Now, on a sportbike, if you get fully behind the windscreen, you can hear your motor purring away--but not much else. I have a full-face hemlet, even with that on, I have ear-piercing wind blast in the helmet at highway speeds. Ear plugs are fine...you ride with your eyes, not your ears. That's why there's 2 round reflective thingies on your handle bars.

    I have been riding Harley's for 10 years and don't wear ear plugs, nor do I find it hard to hear while I'm riding. Highway riding is a different story, and you don't hear much with the motor & wind factor, but then again, the bulk of motorcycle accidents don't happen there. Those are the ones you probably won't walk away from. Riding in Downtown Milwaukee on a bike with ear plugs kind of makes you a fuggin' idiot just asking to get waxed.

    You use your eyes AND ears.

    If you're someone who has an issue with potential hearing loss because of being on a bike -- you probably shouldn't be on one in the first place.
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited July 2008
    Demiurge wrote: »
    If you're someone who has an issue with potential hearing loss because of being on a bike -- you probably shouldn't be on one in the first place.
    This being an audio forum, I think that would be an issue for most of us. I take care of by wearing earplugs. Riding in downtown? What's that for, a parade? I ride on highways and country roads, not busy city streets, so I don't have to worry about that.
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited July 2008
    Sami wrote: »
    This being an audio forum, I think that would be an issue for most of us. I take care of by wearing earplugs. Riding in downtown? What's that for, a parade? I ride on highways and country roads, not busy city streets, so I don't have to worry about that.

    You mean the audio forum where folks, including myself, have systems that can pump out more dBs than our ears can handle? It's safe to say most of us have probably done far more damage to our ears with our A/V systems than any of us have on a motorcycle.

    Like I said, if hearing loss is an issue in riding a bike there are a myriad of other reasons potentially far more harmful to your health that should keep you off of them.

    I ride downtown and on country roads, where speed usually doesn't exceed 45-50 MPH. Highway speed is around 70 MPH, quite a difference.
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited July 2008
    Demiurge wrote: »
    I ride downtown and on country roads, where speed usually doesn't exceed 45-50 MPH. Highway speed is around 70 MPH, quite a difference.

    Bingo. When I rode I used ear plugs if I knew I'd ride on a highway at 65+ for some period of time. If only on country roads/city I didn't wear them.
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  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited July 2008
    I think something that would be much safer would be a set of Peltors. They actually protect your hearing, but on the other hand let you hear what is going on around you also. I use something like this in Iraq and at the range...

    http://www.gundogsonline.com/shop-by-price/gifts-under-100-dollars/peltor-tactical-6-hearing-protection.html
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited July 2008
    Demiurge wrote: »
    You mean the audio forum where folks, including myself, have systems that can pump out more dBs than our ears can handle? It's safe to say most of us have probably done far more damage to our ears with our A/V systems than any of us have on a motorcycle.

    Not all listen their systems at ear piercing levels. The bike on the other hand, you're looking at 100dB+ on highway cruising speeds (and what's more dangerous is you don't even realize it).
    Demiurge wrote: »
    Like I said, if hearing loss is an issue in riding a bike there are a myriad of other reasons potentially far more harmful to your health that should keep you off of them.

    That's very illogical thinking.
    Demiurge wrote: »
    I ride downtown and on country roads, where speed usually doesn't exceed 45-50 MPH.

    Plus you drive a Harley, it's not designed for high speeds. Even on highways the HD drivers usually cruise at 50mph.
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited July 2008
    MikeC78 wrote: »
    I think something that would be much safer would be a set of Peltors. They actually protect your hearing, but on the other hand let you hear what is going on around you also. I use something like this in Iraq and at the range...

    http://www.gundogsonline.com/shop-by-price/gifts-under-100-dollars/peltor-tactical-6-hearing-protection.html

    ROTFLMAO

    I actually use Peltors when I hunt, but them being safer than earplugs? How in the heck you put on your helmet with those things on?
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited July 2008
    Ricardo wrote: »
    Bingo. When I rode I used ear plugs if I knew I'd ride on a highway at 65+ for some period of time. If only on country roads/city I didn't wear them.

    Actually country roads are here where people get their bikes up to speed. No intersections, no cops, very little traffic and plenty of straightaways that can support 160mph+.
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  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited July 2008
    Ok, it was just a suggestion... I feel my life is more important than my ears, I guess to each their own.

    BTW, I wear those exact Peltors with a full kevlar helmet. They are made to use with helmets and there are also different styles too.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,536
    edited July 2008
    Hey, to each his own--I'll use what has been successful for me. I don't personally use hearing protection under my helmet, but I probably should. I've never "engaged" my ears for riding my motorcycle, as stated earlier, what is it you plan on hearing at 65mph and a loud exhaust? But hey--do what you want. I stand by my opinion that hearing protection DOES NOT make mototrcycle riding unsafe.
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  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited July 2008
    Sami wrote: »
    ROTFLMAO

    I actually use Peltors when I hunt, but them being safer than earplugs? How in the heck you put on your helmet with those things on?


    Yep, they are much safer than regular ear plugs in my case. I can hear everything at an amplified level, and then when I have to lay some hate, they cut out the gunfire, anything over a certain db. If I get hit by an IED, they protect my ears, when there is gun fire they protect my ears, when people are talking or just being aware of my surroundings, everything is amplified.

    I would figure that being on a motorcycle would be of the same benefit, hearing your surroundings and muffeling the the ear damaging sound. I guess you don't like that benefit of hearing what goes on around you??
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited July 2008
    MikeC78 wrote: »
    BTW, I wear those exact Peltors with a full kevlar helmet. They are made to use with helmets and there are also different styles too.
    You have a link to one that fits under a full Snell approved motorcycle helmet? Your helmet would have to be modified to support those and I don't think there are any as MC helmets need to be a very tight fit to be safe.
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  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited July 2008
    Nope, they fit just fine under my helmet. It's just a thin wire with some plastic covering, it's nothing obstructive. Go to a gun or outdoor store and try a pair on with your helmet.

    BTW, yes they will need some clearance on the sides, my helmet has ear provisions.
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited July 2008
    MikeC78 wrote: »
    Yep, they are much safer than regular ear plugs in my case.

    In your case but I'd rather wear a helmet. What would you want to hear anyways, the wind screeching? Do you wear those Peltors under your helmet when you ride your bike?
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited July 2008
    MikeC78 wrote: »
    Nope, they fit just fine under my helmet. It's just a thin wire with some plastic covering, it's nothing obstructive. Go to a gun or outdoor store and try a pair on with your helmet.

    These under this helmet?

    10622.jpgShoei-Multitech-Black-Helmet_1173978564.jpg;jsessionid=0D1D0D2E11BCCECEF57DBE4D5D96232A
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  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited July 2008
    Sami,

    I have NO idea how they fit under that specific helmet, and wouldn't think they would work that great with a fully enclosed one either. Like I said, you'd have to go TRY THEM ON.

    NO, I don't ride a Harley sporting a M249B over here in Iraq, I ride in a fully up-armored suburban.
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited July 2008
    Sami wrote: »
    That's very illogical thinking.

    Motorcycles are already dangerous.

    Putting yourself at a greater risk of death/serious injury by wearing ear plugs as opposed to some potential hearing loss not wearing them and having greater awareness seems to be the illogical point of view. ;)
    steveinaz wrote: »
    Hey, to each his own--I'll use what has been successful for me. I don't personally use hearing protection under my helmet, but I probably should. I've never "engaged" my ears for riding my motorcycle, as stated earlier, what is it you plan on hearing at 65mph and a loud exhaust? But hey--do want you want. I stand by my opinion that hearing protection DOES NOT make mototrcycle riding unsafe.

    I personally don't know many people who ride for enjoyment on the freeway, but as you said, to each his own. I have acknowledged it's a lot different, and I don't see a huge problem with it, even though I wouldn't do it.

    In the end your eyes can only see what's in front of you and to your left and right. Your ears let you know what's going on all around you, and even on a Harley I can hear a car honk it's horn or any number of other things I need to be aware of, such as emergency vehicles at intersections.
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited July 2008
    MikeC78 wrote: »
    I have NO idea how they fit under that specific helmet, and wouldn't think they would work that great with a fully enclosed one either. Like I said, you'd have to go TRY THEM ON.

    Mike, the point was, in order to wear those you'd have to ditch your helmet, which makes riding much more hazardous than wearing a full helmet plus earplugs.
    MikeC78 wrote: »
    NO, I don't ride a Harley sporting a M249B over here in Iraq, I ride in a fully up-armored suburban.

    I didn't think so, but didn't want to assume. Do you ride bikes at all? Don't get me wrong, those electronic Peltors are great, I've used them for over 10 years but they also have their disadvantages (one major being unable to correctly identify direction). I wish we'd had them when I was in military though, instead I used double protection there (plugs + mufflers).
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  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited July 2008
    Sami wrote: »
    Actually country roads are here where people get their bikes up to speed. No intersections, no cops, very little traffic and plenty of straightaways that can support 160mph+.

    You're worried about protecting your ears when you're riding 160mph?

    I'm sure they'll be real happy you wore your plugs when they scrape those off the pavement.

    I hate highway riding on a motorcycle and avoid it whenever possible. Most of my time is spent at 40-50mph through back country roads, where wind noise has never been an issue, and I can certainly hear everything around me without a problem, and would FEEL impaired if I couldn't.
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited July 2008
    Demiurge wrote: »
    Motorcycles are already dangerous.

    Putting yourself at a greater risk of death/serious injury by wearing ear plugs as opposed to some potential hearing loss not wearing them and having greater awareness seems to be the illogical point of view. ;)

    Earplugs do not put you at any greater risk. If you can't hear what you need to hear with plugs on, your hearing is already damaged and whether to use protection or not is less of an issue.
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  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited July 2008
    Sami wrote: »
    Mike, the point was, in order to wear those you'd have to ditch your helmet, which makes riding much more hazardous than wearing a full helmet plus earplugs.



    I didn't think so, but didn't want to assume. Do you ride bikes at all? Don't get me wrong, those electronic Peltors are great, I've used them for over 10 years but they also have their disadvantages (one major being unable to correctly identify direction). I wish we'd had them when I was in military though, instead I used double protection there (plugs + mufflers).


    Sami,

    I really don't know why you asked??:confused: You obviously already had an answer before you asked. No, I don't ride bikes. I was just bringing up a suggestion in which you obviously just threw down the ****.
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited July 2008
    Sami wrote: »
    Earplugs do not put you at any greater risk. If you can't hear what you need to hear with plugs on, your hearing is already damaged and whether to use protection or not is less of an issue.

    Blank-Picard_Facepalm.jpg
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited July 2008
    bobman1235 wrote: »
    You're worried about protecting your ears when you're riding 160mph?

    No, I'm not worried as I wear protection. On country roads, what is there to hear anyways? You have one lane going one way and another going the opposite way, and two mirrors to see if someone is behind you.
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  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited July 2008
    bobman1235 wrote: »
    You're worried about protecting your ears when you're riding 160mph?

    I'm sure they'll be real happy you wore your plugs when they scrape those off the pavement.

    I hate highway riding on a motorcycle and avoid it whenever possible. Most of my time is spent at 40-50mph through back country roads, where wind noise has never been an issue, and I can certainly hear everything around me without a problem, and would FEEL impaired if I couldn't.

    That was my main point. WTF are you doing on a bike if hearing loss is some big issue?

    It boggles the mind.
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  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited July 2008
    Lmfao!!!
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited July 2008
    MikeC78 wrote: »
    Sami,

    I really don't know why you asked??:confused: You obviously already had an answer before you asked. No, I don't ride bikes. I was just bringing up a suggestion in which you obviously just threw down the ****.

    It should have been obvious if you ride bikes too, helmets and mufflers don't go together. Which one is safer, being able to "hear" or wearing a helmet? Sorry if it came across the wrong way though.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,536
    edited July 2008
    What, deaf people can't have a motorcycle?...:D:D
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited July 2008
    Is Chuck going to buy a damn motorcycle or not :confused::confused::confused:
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

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  • exalted512
    exalted512 Posts: 10,735
    edited July 2008
    i never thought my helmet was all that loud, even at 120. i have a rf 1000
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,771
    edited July 2008
    I've been street riding for 28 years, ever since I got a license. Started riding dirtbikes at 6, ten years before that.

    If you're just a poser riding around town at 35 to 40 mph, a few miles at a time, you probably don't need hearing protection.

    I usually go out for at least 100 miles at a shot, and thats usually two hours at 60 to 90+ average mph. I feel hearing protection is mandatory. At these speeds you can't hear what's going on around you anyways. At low speeds, I have no trouble hearing what's going on, even with earplugs, it's not like they completely block your hearing, they only attenuate it a bit.

    It has nothing to do with what kind of helmet you have, mine's a Shoei RF-1000, very nice helmet, still loud though.
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