Earplugs

[Bugg77]

Well I started riding with earplugs this week and it makes such a difference! It's not like I doubted you guys/gals who already wear them, I just wasn't ready to take the plunge.

After I started wearing the earplugs I suddenly got visions of myself as the little kid in the huge snowsuit that mom put on me. I know this will sound silly, but sometimes I feel a little overprotected! And I just want to strip down to my birthday suit and enjoy the freedom of the open road!!

[buymenow00]

Hey Jimm...sounds like you're a new convert to earplugs! Yeah, I don't wear them for quick trips, but on the longer rides it is a huge diff. I just ordered a bucket of 50 individually wrapped Silencio foam plugs for $13.78 from D&R Sports: Silencio plugs (http://www.dnrsports.net/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DSC&Product_Code=SILMDD80&Category_Code=earprotectionSil) . Anyway, yeah, so that brings the cost down to less than $0.30 a pair...which is much cheaper than buying them individually at $0.79/pr.!

[Setter32]

Plugging..............

Plugging is a good thing.............

I do it all the time..............

ooooohhhh yeeeessssss..............

:D

[cjdirtbiker]

Do we really have to ride at night? OH MY GOD! :eek:

I got this really cool dark tint helmet screen and I just figured out that the clear one will fit nicely in my tank bag with it slipped into a cotton athletic sock that has the toe cut off. Cool! I'm ready for the street lights!

I found sunglasses are a drag under my helmet.

BTW, speaking of freeway, it's noisier than shit. (yes, I'm still new at this too). Do you all wear ear plugs, or tough it out? Both the vets I rode with wear 'em. Sorry, I'm off topic.

Also BTW, goin' to the Rock Store Sunday.

[Golden_Eternity]

Originally posted by cjdirtbiker
BTW, speaking of freeway, it's noisier than shit. (yes, I'm still new at this too). Do you all wear ear plugs, or tough it out? Both the vets I rode with wear 'em. Sorry, I'm off topic.

I picked some up for long rides. After a hundred miles or so at 80mph, my ears were aching. They're gonna take some getting used to...

[Stinky]

I always wear earplugs when I go on long rides. One morning, I couldn't find my plugs so I just thought I'd go without them. Bad idea. On the way home on the freeway, everything got real quiet. No engine, no wind noise, it was serene. I was like cool...
When I got home my left ear drum was sore and I couldn't hear too well out of it. It lasted a couple days. Not going to do that anymore.

[Burst]

I almost never wear ear plugs.... My Shoei is not very loud so the wind does not really bother me all that much. When I wear them I feel like I am not going to be able to hear everthing that is going on around me. I ride 130+ miles a day and have never had any trouble with loss of hearing, tho my hearing was not very good to begin with.... :D

[Setter32]

I wear them (earplugs) every time I ride..............

Too noisy without them......................can't concentrate................. therefore more mistakes...............

Plus I'm able to go longer with them on.......................noise can take a toll on ya and make you tire quicker.............

Think of them as the motorcyclist version................of Viagra.........


:D

[mmac]

New to the Board as of now. Just picked up my '02 SVS silver 2 weeks ago. After I totaled my '99 BMW R1100S. OUCH!!! I'm HAPPY with my decision


cjdirtbiker, in regards to your ? re: earplugs- It is a proven fact by audiologists and hearing aide dealers that riding a motorcycle without earplugs WILL result in the rider AND passenger losing a possibly great deal of their hearing , if not at least a noticable loss.

The motorcycle cops experience the loss and the police departments they work for pay for disability. As told to the Red Hot Riders of San Diego last monthby a sargent of the Highway Patrol.

A friend of mine and I (for over a year, same plugs) as well as 25-30 of the Red Hot Riders now have a set. The earplugs are care of Linda ? of "Earplugs USA" Mission Viejo, CA, 949-770-2129, usaearplug@aol.com. Last I heard she chrges $35 per set (your choice of colors). She also will attend club meetings with the correct signed-up for plugs members. She is a GREAT LADY! Get in touch with her for more info. Normally plugs run $70-$120 /set. She's held a low price since before a write up in the mid 90's.

I can ride longer with the plugs because of less distractions and can concintrate better.

SAFE RIDING, NO SQUIDLY ACTS !

Michael :cool:

[jicko]

What kind of helmets are you guys using?

I use a Arai Quantum/F, my ride are NOT noisy at all.....

I'm not sure if my ears are already damaged or what.... please shed me some light...


OR, maybe I should ask, what exhaust are u guys running.... heh hee....

I'm just on my "standard issued".... heh hee

[Seventh Trump]

While helmets do cut down on noise, it is not exhaust noise that is the problem, it is the wind! I have seen studies on hearing loss from extended wind noise, without ear plugs, on motorcycles and it is not good.

I have a set of custom ear plugs that I wear every ride just to be on the safe side. After all, who wants to be 50+ and deaf one day?

Just my $.02!

Steve

[Reddog99]

Here's some perspective. You peeps with loud pipes will be able to relate...

The "experts" say that continous exposure to sound levels over 85 db will damage your hearing (permanently, of course). Let's say that your loud pipe is 100 db (pretty common). Tell me, can you actually hear that pipe when you're doing 70mph? Probably not, and it's because the wind noise is louder than your pipe! And it's only an inch away from your ears, too.

Pat

P.S. I do wear earplugs (as if you hadn't already figgered that out).

[Nanduccio]

The thing is: They're illegal right?

People were getting written up for them on the Crest today.

I think those spongy little ones for rock concerts, construction sites, etc that cost like 99 cents would be just fine.

They're pretty comfortable, but then maybe I've never worn them for a whole day.

The one thing is this: I WANT to hear everything around me it seems. If some old lady's power steering squeal or something is going to alert me before I get killed, I'm all for noise. :D

But then again, for you highway commuters, I've had MONSTER TRUCKS go by with those giant knobbies (hell, even SUV's), and those damn tires are LOUD. So I can relate.

[Golden_Eternity]

Originally posted by Nanduccio
The one thing is this: I WANT to hear everything around me it seems. If some old lady's power steering squeal or something is going to alert me before I get killed, I'm all for noise. :D


If you could hear that over the wind noise, I'm sure you'll still be able to hear it with plugs in.

[Reddog99]

Originally posted by Nanduccio
The one thing is this: I WANT to hear everything around me it seems. If some old lady's power steering squeal or something is going to alert me before I get killed, I'm all for noise.
That's a common misconception. The plugs don't make you deaf. They only reduce the volume of the noise.

Pat

[madmakr]

I wear earplugs.

It takes getting used to. But now I love it. I ride everyday to work. I can still hear what I have to but the ride is MUCH better. I compare it to driving with the windows up in your car (earplugs in) as opposed to driving with the windows down (no earplugs) Much better ride. Plus my Muzzy exhaust is LOUD!

I have tried several different pairs. Custom, rubber, foam ect.

Best ones seem to be those standard yellow foam ones. There cheap and when they expand, they conform perfectly to your ear canal.

no ringing in my ears when I get to where I am going.

I agree that extended exposure to all that noise over time your hearing will be lost. And once it is gone....its gone for good.

Try it for a few days and see for yourself.

[Knightshade]

I've gathered that some people on this board use them, some don't.

My question is for those that do use them.

What kind do you use?

Are the ones you use disposable or reusable?

[GetnJgyWitit]

I used them at palomar for my first time yesterday and I don't think I'll ever ride without them. It made the ride so much more pleasurable. I just bought them at ace hardware. works fine.

[bling_thing]

GetnJgyWitit:

Hysterical foto!!!!!

Have any sisters? I'd like to breed my dog.

[quickstop]

aerostitch has a sample pack of disposable earplugs, about 10 different kinds, you can find the ones that you like.

[cracked lid]

I bought a box of 200 pairs of blue foamies with a rounded end a few months ago, so if you need some plugs, I'm your man. I think it cost me around $20.00. The earplugs made a huge difference. Here's the interesting part. My previous bike was a cruiser, and I had much less wind noise and never neededd ear plugs. The leaned forward position of the 919 changes the angle that my helmet cuts through the wind, and it is now much louder. Last week I bought a new helmet and it's much quiter than the old one.

[Kurt'sSV]

Yeah, ear plugs are great. I used to care them with me but always forgot to put them in. When I start riding again in a couple of months I think I'll go back to trying to wear them.

As beneficial as they are you can get a ticket for wearing them here in CA. It's legal to wear custom made ones, but illegal to wear the disposables. Don't think this is a ticket anyone should actually worry about getting, though.

[Mapuda]

I use the disposible ones. They work fine. I keep them stashed behind the cheek pad of my helmet.

I am thinking about upgrading the helmet as well. I tried on the Arai Quantum/f and really liked it. Also read a review in MCN about the Nolan 901 x-Lite. Supposed to be a very quiet and light weight helmet.

Did read an article on Webbikeworld that had both pro's and con's
http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/X901/

Can't find any dealers up here who carry them (Nolan). Have go down south and check it out.

M

[GMAN]

Seems like ear plugs are necessary when riding SV's as opposed to some other bikes I've ridden. The wind buffeting is horrible. Perhaps it's the stock windscreen, which seems to be a misnomer, but man that thing just channels wind straight to my face.

[SUCATI]

I think in California it is against the law. I would wear them anyway to save my hearing.

Mike

[cracked lid]

Foam earplugs are against the law in California. I was pulled over a while back by CHP and had them in. I just flipped up my screen to talk to the officer and tried to catch what he was saying. Got out of it OK with no ticket (passed on the right on a 2 lane road. I called it lane sharing and he let me get away with it.)

[bwarbiany]

Originally posted by GMAN
Seems like ear plugs are necessary when riding SV's as opposed to some other bikes I've ridden. The wind buffeting is horrible. Perhaps it's the stock windscreen, which seems to be a misnomer, but man that thing just channels wind straight to my face.

Short people... What can ya do?

I'm tall enough that right now it's my chest that gets the beating from the turbulent air off the screen, and my head is up in a nice, smooth flow...

If I got a bike with some real wind protection, I'd be screwed, but you short people would be fine...

[Karter18]

Looking for some information on earplugs.

How many wear them?

What kind do you wear?

If so, where do you get them if you get a good deal or they are specialized for riding?


Rode about 80 miles last Saturday and seemed to have a headache later on that day and someone told me that it was because I was riding without earplugs. They also said that riding with a helmet on a motorcycle at over 60 MPH is equal to being near a chainsaw or over 100db! :geek:

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I wear an Arai Quantum e helmet (full face).

[kpalmer]

I know there is another thread about ear plugs. I keep thinking about trying ear plugs. How about another ear-plug thread?

[GMAN]

I gotta have 'em on for long trips. It kills the drone of the engine and other traffic related noise. There's a common misconception that it makes you deaf...it doesn't.

You will notice, of course, when you first put 'em on that everything is muted. But, after a few minutes your ear will adjust and you will hear everything that matters. Engine noise and wind buffeting is reduced dramatically.

I just buy the disposable foam ones that you can find at Home Depot. There's other types of course, but I'm fine using the cheapies.

[peaty]

i wear ear plugs when i ride. i use the small foamy yellow one madfe by ear. helps alot. makes for a more enjoyable ride.


tom

[sdsvpilot]

Do a search for earplugs on the board...

An alternative to the foams is located at http://www.earplugsusa.com/

There is a "Crossroads of the West" show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds this weekend. I've emailed the company to see if they'll be present (they usually are). I'll post when I receive a reply.

[Karter18]

Crossroads of the West?:confused:

What is it.

[longshot]

Earplugs ? One word:

Doitasapifyoucareaboutyourhearing2yearsfromnow !

[sdsvpilot]

http://www.crossroadsgunshows.com/gunsched.htm

[GetnJgyWitit]

where them all the time, much more pleasent then without them.

[sdsvpilot]

Update re: earplugsusa.com

"Hi Dan,
Yes, I'll be at the Del Mar Fairgrounds this weekend making ear plugs. Look for EarPlugs USA, if there are 2 buildings, I'll be in the Bing Crosby Bldg. If only one building, I'm somewhere in the middle, wall table, or ask the promoter where I am. Don't mistake me for the other earplug person.

See you soon
Linda
EarPlugs USA"

[Softscrubb]

Always wear them. I bought a pack of 8 high density earplugs, which came with a small case... at Cycle Gear. They work great and drown out a lot of noise.

I have a Yoshi s/o on my bike and it runs nice and throaty, but also loud. I can definitely tell the difference between wearing them and not wearing them.

Your hearing will thank you for this...


dave

[Jarasco]

Ok, here's a question, why is it illegal to wear ear plugs in both ears, but you can get your license if you're deaf?

I understand why you can't use head phones in both ears, cause they're making a distraction, but ear plugs don't (usually) make any noise.

I'm disappointed with Home Despot's selection of ear plug...and safety gear in general... They only had 3 packs of plugs for $3, I wanted to pick up one of those box of 50 for like $20.. grr.. anyone have any recommendations for on-line ear plug stores?

[tmonroe]

HUH? WHAT? STOP MUMBLING!

[Q]

Originally posted by jarasco
Ok, here's a question, why is it illegal to wear ear plugs in both ears, but you can get your license if you're deaf?

I understand why you can't use head phones in both ears, cause they're making a distraction, but ear plugs don't (usually) make any noise.

I'm disappointed with Home Despot's selection of ear plug...and safety gear in general... They only had 3 packs of plugs for $3, I wanted to pick up one of those box of 50 for like $20.. grr.. anyone have any recommendations for on-line ear plug stores?


Aside from Home Depot, try some places like Target or Wally Mart... or check with a local bike shop... like cycle gear... I hear they have everything else... or drop by your Doctors office and ask if they have some...

Plus there are like 4 different online places mentioned in this thread alone.

[pfletch]

for online ear plugs try riders warehouse(the aerostitch place) they sell a sample pack of 20, that way you get to try em all before you buy the bumper pack.

[cracked lid]

I've got a whole big box of blue foam ones. I'm willing to sell some of them for $.50 a pair at group rides.:)

[Golden_Eternity]

Originally posted by jarasco
Ok, here's a question, why is it illegal to wear ear plugs in both ears, but you can get your license if you're deaf?

So that you can keep your license even after you've been riding without plugs for years.

[NukleoN]

Hmm...I wear two hearing aids, so I guess I don't deal with this problem much...I just turn down the hearing aids and they become ear plugs of sorts..plus my hearing sucks anyway.

[Bigtime1]

I recently read in Friction Zone that it is "legal" to wear earplugs if they are custom fit. Good reason to get some nice custom plugs made. The article also made mention of the anti-earplug law going away in the not too distant future.

I wear them all the time after easing into the practice. I find that I am less fatigued after a long ride - especially if high speeds are involved. Once you get used to them you hear everything you need to, and I feel that you hear things like sirens and horns even better because your ears aren't hammered from wind noise.

I plan on getting the ER6 earphones soon and trying that with my CD/MP3 Discman. They fit in your ear like earplugs and block out 15 - 20 dB but also have pretty sound. You can check them out, along with an assortment of earplugs (including customs) on the Aerostich site.

[gregbenner]

A good place to get custom ear plugs is a next gun show. I got a set custom made (they use a soft wax stuff with a hardening agent, kinda like epoxy, for $70. Very comfortable.:D

Also, you can pick up a good assault gun for your next encounter with a cager (I picked up a hundred round semi auto 9mm assault gun, absolutely no socially redeeming value, but kinda awsome anyway:confused:

[curley]

Once a year ( usually before the BB1000) this lady ( Linda) comes down to a RHR meeting and takes a pattern of our ears and then custom molds "plugs" out of silicon- Linda mails the finished product to you in about 7 working days - many of us who belong to RHR and/or ride the BB1000 swear by them - you can contact her at EarPlugs USA (949) 770-2129 - cost is >$50 but <$75. I believe she lives in south OC. If you're interested, PM me and I'll let you know if and when she may be at one of our RHR meetings down here in SD.

http://www.socalsvriders.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=7835#post7835

[ThatTimGuy7]

A good place to buy ear plugs is actually Rite Aide. They have several different kinds of the spongy-foam ones that work well and are cheap. Look on the package and it'll tell you how many db they block. While I don't actually wear them to ride, I sometimes sleep with them in. I think the ones I got were like $2 or $3 for like 6 pairs plus a little holder and they block 35db.

Tim

[Paco]

I'm with you Tim... I get mine at Rite Aide... usually about $3 for a pack that lasts a month or 2... I usually get the all red ones cause they are supposed to block out the most dB. Also, they come with a handy carrying case so you don't drop them and pick up all the wandering crud in the parkinglot :D

And yes, I wear my earplugs religiously. I had to explain to a guy on a Busa that it's not so much the engine noise as the wind. And your body will fatigue faster if your senses are being attacked constantly. Just try it for a couple rides... I find that now I feel uncomfortable without them, even if it's for a short ride.

[sillas]

Originally posted by sdsvpilot
Update re: earplugsusa.com

"Hi Dan,
Yes, I'll be at the Del Mar Fairgrounds this weekend making ear plugs. Look for EarPlugs USA, if there are 2 buildings, I'll be in the Bing Crosby Bldg. If only one building, I'm somewhere in the middle, wall table, or ask the promoter where I am. Don't mistake me for the other earplug person.

See you soon
Linda
EarPlugs USA"
If she were available at the Gathering2, I'd get a pair.
But she's probably already booked.
Just thinking.

[Karter18]

Originally posted by sillas
If she were available at the Gathering2, I'd get a pair.
But she's probably already booked.
Just thinking.

I emailed her a couple of months ago to go to the gathering but she said it was too far. I told her there would be about 100 people there. I can try again as the gathering has well over 100 now. She also said that a group could go to her house and get fitted and save a little dollars. she lives in Mission Viejo in south OC.

[Dom]

I know it sounds dumb but I have a hard time not speeding with ear plugs. when I'm on the freeway I'm so used to that noise that if it's not there I don't gauge my speed as well. I still try to wear them for the really long trips though.

[Jelly_fish]

i have found that the best bet is music or sound tech grade earplugs are the best by far they are a little expensive,but if a musician can wear them and still play in tune it seems like they would help you ride(and they do,) not hinder your ability to hear......wind noise is very very very BAD for your ears and also the noise will fatigue you quicker than you might think

[Grunthos]

WebBikeWorld has a HUGE article (http://www.webbikeworld.com/Earplugs/earplugs.htm) on ear plugs. Very indepth.

I am going to try out some on this weekend's trip. I've noticed that I can't hear a single thing once I get up there other than EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE until the next morning (when I wake up and can't move my left hand... god I love riding motorcycles!).

I think I can talk a cop into being forgiving for ear plugs (since most motorcycle cops in the US use the ones from EAR Inc.) Headphones... probably not, but just ear plugs... I think I can get away with.

[Grunthos]

CALIFORNIA CODES
VEHICLE CODE
SECTION 27400

27400. No person operating any motor vehicle or bicycle shall wear
any headset covering, or any earplugs in, both ears. The prohibition
of this section does not apply to any of the following:
(a) Persons operating authorized emergency vehicles, as defined in
Section 165.
(b) Any person engaged in the operation of either special
construction equipment or equipment for use in the maintenance of any
highway.
(c) Any person engaged in the operation of refuse collection
equipment who is wearing a safety headset or safety earplugs.
(d) Any person wearing personal hearing protectors in the form of custom earplugs or molds that are designed to attenuate injurious noise levels. The custom plugs or molds shall be designed in a
manner so as to not inhibit the wearer's ability to hear a siren or
horn from an emergency vehicle or a horn from another motor vehicle.

(e) Any person using a prosthetic device which aids the hard of
hearing.


=====================
=====================

That means you can use the custom molds from EAR Inc. and be completely legal (or at least it seems like it to me... I'd ask my GF, but she's busy becoming a lawyer today and tomorrow).

[vipman]

Pretty much any thing can be worn (just give it a fancy name to justify it) as long as it can let you hear the sirens and horns from other vehicles. My 2 cents.

[FLSVRider]

Originally posted by Grunthos
CALIFORNIA CODES
VEHICLE CODE
SECTION 27400

27400. No person operating any motor vehicle or bicycle shall wear
any headset covering, or any earplugs in, both ears. The prohibition
of this section does not apply to any of the following:
(a) Persons operating authorized emergency vehicles, as defined in
Section 165.
(b) Any person engaged in the operation of either special
construction equipment or equipment for use in the maintenance of any
highway.
(c) Any person engaged in the operation of refuse collection
equipment who is wearing a safety headset or safety earplugs.
(d) Any person wearing personal hearing protectors in the form of custom earplugs or molds that are designed to attenuate injurious noise levels. The custom plugs or molds shall be designed in a
manner so as to not inhibit the wearer's ability to hear a siren or
horn from an emergency vehicle or a horn from another motor vehicle.

(e) Any person using a prosthetic device which aids the hard of
hearing.


Seems to me there is a lot of vague longuage in this law. I mean what exactly defines "custom earplugs" & "prosthetic device"?

It seems to me that those foam one time use ear plugs could fall into both categories. Since the foam molds to the exact shape of your ear canal and are designed to be a one time use item, wouldnt those be considered "custom"?

[Tillers_Rule]

Originally posted by FLSVRider
It seems to me that those foam one time use ear plugs could fall into both categories. Since the foam molds to the exact shape of your ear canal and are designed to be a one time use item, wouldnt those be considered "custom"?

This EXACT same question was asked, and aswered in Friction Zone I believe:confused: a couple of months ago and the answer is NO.

I'll try to find and post the artcile, but for some reason the foam ones werent considered custom.

Like I said, i'll try and get a copy of the article, it was a good read.

[Grunthos]

If you check out the EAR Inc. site, you can definately tell that there is a difference between the pink foam stuff and forget plugs and the "We make a cast of your ear" plugs that cost $$$.

I would imagine that a peace office would be very understanding about ear plugs as opposed to headphones. However, it would be a moot point anyway, since their not pulling you over for earplugs in the first place :D

[curley]

Gun Show this weekend (10/18-19) at DelMar Fairgrounds- San Diego locals can get custom molded earplugs made -NOTE! these are against the law. For long distance riding they're great.
Also Note- as of January 1st 2004 - "Foam" type earplugs will be legal in the state of California.

[zzzwillzzz]

no custom molded earplugs were legal before and will remain so. non-custom earplugs are not legal put will become legal jan 1 2004.

[license2ill]

A friend of mine has headphones for shooting that use some kind of electronics to amplify quiet or distant sound, and completely muffle loud sounds over like 100 decibels or something. For shooting or hunting those headphones are awesome, you can hear whispers 20 yards away, but I could shout in your ear from 6 inches away and it sounds like I'm whispering.

Not sure how expensive the technology is or how it works, but it would be cool to have something like that built in to the ear slots of a motorcycle helmet.

Looks pretty expensive, and with batteries it might not be too feasible for a lot of mileage, I don't know.

I found a link to some similar ones that are a digital plug type piece:

http://www.espamerica.com/ Whoa, those ones are a little pricey.

Here's some that are regular shooting muffs:

http://www.alscustom.com/shop/index.php?shop=1&cart=43683&cat=23&

[mencius]

Why would any dumb-ass outlaw ear plugs??? Not to be un-PC, but don't they allow the deaf to drive? Isn't it a fact that extended exposure to loud noise (i.e. wind) leads to hearing loss? Madness, I tell you.

Can anyone see the logic in this?

[TIE_Pilot]

I think the biggest mystery is, what do the motorcycle officers themselves do? Do they all lose their hearing and retire on disability?

[Golden_Eternity]

Originally posted by TIE_Pilot
I think the biggest mystery is, what do the motorcycle officers themselves do? Do they all lose their hearing and retire on disability?

They have to be able to hear the radio, so they no they don't use ear plugs.... I don't know any cops who retired for hearing issues, although I do know a couple with them... Mostly back injuries and heart problems (like my dad).

[BioTek]

Went to the Speed Sports Show also at Del Mar today, it was a total waste of money! :mad: On the way out my stepson wanted to go into the Gunshow, if I hadn't just dropped 10 bucks entrance and 7 bucks parking for him to look at a total of 20 merchandise sellers I might of considered it! :mad:
On the topic of earplugs, if any of you guys have access to buying stuff at Graingers they sell some cool earplugs made of a blue colored silicone putty that work way better than foam ones in my opinion, they're about $3.50 a pair.

[BioTek]

Check the link for the silicone putty earplugs I was talking about,they take a second to expand into the ear but once they do your set. Dont try the corded version though,it's essentially a shoe lace and the plug end of the cord catches a helmets lining.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/productdetail.jsp?xi=xi&ItemId=1611704165&ccitem=

[Tillers_Rule]

I wear earplugs whenever I ride more than 10 or so miles. I notice a HUGE improvement in my comfort level than without them.

[Bora20]

I am going to get a set of these for next year:
http://www.sonicshop.de/English/Cont/Plugs/MotoSafe_II.htm

They are made in Europe and allow you to still hear and have a conversation, but have a filter to block out wind noise.

[No_Brakes23]

Since my ON-TOPIC post got moved to another thread, (Hmmm...)here is what I said about earplugs:

Oh and has anyone tried Hear-Os?

They are hearing plugs made for musicians.

You can find them at Musicians Friend:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=031019090148024161175177040056/g=home/search/d=tp?q=Earplugs

[No_Brakes23]

That being said,

I can't stand earplugs, but after working on AV-8Bs My hearing is pretty shitty anyway. I don't notice a whole lot of road noise even at 90mph. Maybe with a heavy wind. I think plugs are too insular anyway.

Besides, how can I talk on the phone and listen to MP3s with earplugs in?;)

But most of all, they are horribly uncomfortable. I have tried all kinds, and I can't stand them for any more than 15 mins at a time.

But if they don't bug you and you can find a good filtering set, then it is smarter to wear them.

[SVelocity]

Originally posted by Bora20
I am going to get a set of these for next year:
http://www.sonicshop.de/English/Cont/Plugs/MotoSafe_II.htm

They are made in Europe and allow you to still hear and have a conversation, but have a filter to block out wind noise.

Those look interesting...

How did you hear (no pun intended:p) about these?

[Bora20]

Originally posted by SVelocity
Those look interesting...

How did you hear (no pun intended:p) about these?

UK Motorcycle Magazine. Very highly recommended by all the UK bike magazines. I will be getting myself 2 pairs. 1 for me, one for my wife.

[Tillers_Rule]

Damn, thats like $40, that'll buy alot of foam plugs, which work just fine for me.

[RobSD]

I thought this was a pretty cool study:

http://www.isvr.co.uk/at_work/m_cycle.htm

According to this study, wind noise starts to exceed engine noise at about 40mph. With my SV's stock pipes, I don't hear much at all from the engine even at idle.

The other statement that caught my eye:

the main source of noise (is) the turbulence at the edge of the windscreen's wake acting on the helmet. The rank ordering of helmets by the noise level depended upon the motorcycle and in particular the windscreen height - a helmet which is relatively quiet on one motorcycle can be relatively noisy on another and vice-versa.

I ride a naked SV with a Shoei RF-900 helmet and I have to say I've never felt the need for plugs at any speed below 65 or 70mph.

[Tillers_Rule]

Thats a pretty acurate statement. I notice a drastic change in the wind noise when I tuck below my windscreen. It's not very comfortable or easy to ride that way, but it is quieter.

[Dom]

I just looked up the ones at the beginning of the post at earplugs usa and they are 50 but they last for like 4 years I'm prolly going to get a pair cuz they're legal and stuff

[Bora20]

Originally posted by Tillers_Rule
Damn, thats like $40, that'll buy alot of foam plugs, which work just fine for me.

www.xe.com says about $35 USD, but they will last around a year or two.

I don't like the foam ones, but do have some reusable rubber ones. They aren't bad, but I can't hear anything at all when people are talking to me.

I have bad hearing already so I do need to hear a bit.

[Knightshade]

Originally posted by mmac
A friend of mine and I (for over a year, same plugs) as well as 25-30 of the Red Hot Riders now have a set. The earplugs are care of Linda ? of "Earplugs USA" Mission Viejo, CA, 949-770-2129, usaearplug@aol.com. Last I heard she chrges $35 per set (your choice of colors). She also will attend club meetings with the correct signed-up for plugs members. She is a GREAT LADY! Get in touch with her for more info. Normally plugs run $70-$120 /set. She's held a low price since before a write up in the mid 90's.


I got a pair of these molded today. $35, she usually charges $50. She said if I wear them twice a week, they should last 3-4 years!!

Nice lady, a bit talkative though.

I haven't worn them while on the bike obviously, but while I was getting them fitted, it sounded like I was under water. I think they'll work really well.

[Tillers_Rule]

Originally posted by Knightshade
I got a pair of these molded today. $35, she usually charges $50. She said if I wear them twice a week, they should last 3-4 years!!




So if you wear them daily, then they should still be good for over a year:confused:

[license2ill]

Found this info at:

http://www.ducatigirl.com/california/dmv_b_roulette.html


Can I wear earplugs while I ride?
From an AMA press release:
California SB 315 has been signed into law. Included in this bill was a provision to allow for use of "foam" style non-custom earplugs by street motorcycle riders. Thanks are due to State Senator Debra Bowen (Democrat, District 28, Redondo Beach) who worked closely with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) to make this change in the law. The AMA is asking riders to let Senator Bowen know they appreciate her assistance by sending her an email. The new law takes effect January 1, 2004.
"Requiring motorcyclists who want to drown out road noise by using ear plugs to buy custom-made plugs is an outdated law that makes absolutely no sense," said Senator Bowen. "The test ought to be whether a rider using ear plugs can still hear a car's horn or a siren from an emergency vehicle. If a set of ear plugs can meet that test, then a rider ought to be able to use them, regardless of who makes them or how they're made. The only people the custom-made requirement helps are, surprise, the people who make custom ear plugs. It doesn't help riders and it doesn't help the police, emergency vehicle operators, or other drivers who count on a motorcyclist to be able to hear their horns or sirens. As long as over-the-counter plugs do the job, there's no reason why ear plugs should have to be custom-made, so junking that requirement is a common sense change that's long overdue."

The bill was signed on 9/28/03, chaptered on 9/29/03, and will take effect on 1/1/04.

[dabame]

i just dont understand y they dont make helmets more sound proof. most of my noise comes from the wind resistance. if they could just make them seal better there would be no more cranky whistling. . . .

[TIE_Pilot]

if they could just make them seal better there would be no more cranky whistling. . . .


Absolutely... most of the noise comes from the opening around your neck... with my new helmet the cowling seals much closer to the skin and it is soooo much quieter. It would be cool if that was adjustable or could be customized easily.

[coyn586]

I've got a pair of Custom earplugs that Skorpion Racing made me.. Makes the world of difference! No more distraction of hearing bikes around you.. I previously couldn't wear earplugs because they themselves were a distraction. They didn't fit me right, and caused what felt to be a vacuum in my head.. Very uncomfortable.. The custom plugs are WAY better though.. Maybe I can arrange for the Skorpion dude to be at the 12/12 trackday.. I think he sells them for about $35-40 a pair, but IMHO its WELL WORTH IT!

[sandie]

there is usually people making custom earplugs at the LB moto show too...i think you can also get them with earbuds for your listening pleasure

[Knightshade]

I know the earplugs usa lady will be at the gun show at the del mar fairgrounds in december.

I like the foamies, but every two out of three times I put on my helmet, the plug would change position in my ear and not do much good. don't have to worry about that with the plugs..so comfy!!

[ThatTimGuy7]

QUOTE]Originally posted by dabame
i just dont understand y they dont make helmets more sound proof. most of my noise comes from the wind resistance. if they could just make them seal better there would be no more cranky whistling. . . . [/QUOTE]

I'm all for this... I got the new Shoei RF-1000 a few months back and after riding with it for a while I can tell you a few things..... it is LOUD inside that lid.... and I'm comparing it to the only other helmet I've had which is a HJC Streetfighter that was a little too big after it was broken in... oh and the HJC vents a little better... go figure...

So I've got these bright orange earplugs that I got a while back from Rite Aide that were like 5 pairs for $3 or something like that which work just fine for me

[Knightshade]

just some info on an encounter w/chp and the legality of earplugs that I thought would be useful.

http://www.redhotriders.com/forum6/viewtopic.php?t=50

[stmike]

That Redhot Riders strand is great - thanks for posting it.

[soulofadra6o]

i can vouche for that...going home after work at like 1am where it's tempting to speed excessively :angel: it gets so loud, im forced to go under the windscreen...but it is it light and comfortable :D i also love the shape of it

[terp21]

Originally posted by dabame
i just dont understand y they dont make helmets more sound proof. most of my noise comes from the wind resistance. if they could just make them seal better there would be no more cranky whistling. . . .

anyone ever try this or similar?

http://www.tricktape.com/product.asp?0=398&1=488&3=2824

[newbie]

I just used some foam ear plugs that we have at my work on my ride home yesterday. It was a VAST improvement in the wind noise. Nice to have an unlimited supply of foamies to use for my highway commutes. :D

[mojo mofo]

terp- I saw that lycra sock thingee at the local bike shop, but from my recollection it was at least $10 cheaper than what they are listing it for. I don't see why it wouldn't work. My only concern would be overheating due to restricted airflow.

[Sam]

...too, the little foam ones, man does it make a huge difference. I dont have a wind screen to hide behind, naked SV650. Then try to get all 260lbs behind the speedo, yea right.

L8R
sam

[sixxer]

Hey guys.

I was going to get some at the Long Beach show, but I didnt make it due to work.

Where else can I go to get some custom ear plugs?

Thanks.

[jamsuh]

i think an ent (ear nose throat) specialist can help you out, check out those hearing aid places in the yellow pages, i think they fill your ear w/ a mold so it fits specifically to you.

[Rocko]

gun shows and bike shows

[curley]

http://www.earplugsusa.com/- does great work - she's in south OC, but travels to shows and stuff - send and email and she may be able to provide you with her schedule to shows. - if you get more than 12 persons that want plugs she may come up to meet you...

[Knightshade]

Originally posted by curley
http://www.earplugsusa.com/- does great work - she's in south OC, but travels to shows and stuff - send and email and she may be able to provide you with her schedule to shows. - if you get more than 12 persons that want plugs she may come up to meet you...

I'll second that..I actually went to her house one afternoon since I was in the area and she did the molds in her garage. quality stuff and you're still able to hear anything that you need to.

[sandie]

oooooooooo...i want some of these too. i'm going to contact her and find out pricing on a group thing...maybe whoever is interested can post here :D

i'll post more info when i get it

[sugart!ts]

i'd be interested in a group thing...


wait.. we talking about ear plugs? I'd like a pair of those too.. lemme know prices and stuff

[sixxer]

Well, Im in.

Tired of rolling the foam ones.

Keep us updated sandie.

[racinteach]

Originally posted by juicifer
[B]i'd be interested in a group thing...


you perv.....;)

[Tillers_Rule]

What was the question again?

[TheCopperOne]

I'm in....for ear plugs...and probably a set for my wife too. What is the price for a set? :confused:

[Gibbolamappa]

I am in too, Sandie, as to me it comes down to pain:sad: , not only to noise reduction.
Margarita, I still regret not having them custom made at the LB show, when we saw them...

[sugart!ts]

sorry Simone for rushing you through the show.. but this group thing sounds good..

[Gibbolamappa]

Originally posted by juicifer
sorry Simone for rushing you through the show.. but this group thing sounds good..

Oh no, you did not rush me at all. I've just been cheap:D

[sandie]

ok everyone, got an email from the earplug lady:
*********************
Custom hearing protection $40 a pair, includes case and tax
earbuds for walkman are $140 a pair, these need to be sent out to my lab for processing
I need apx 20-25 people or (pairs) interested to come out to you

*********************

soooooooooo, whomever is interested, start posting up when a good time for you is. she said she travels a lot, so a date thats like pretty far out would probably be a good bet. maybe a weekend in march? i'm open so far, but i'm planning a trip soon, and at this point i can work my trip around so START POSTIN! ;)

oh, btw, the earbuds ones were A LOT more expensive at the show (like $200 or $250)

[Dom]

I'm down something in March would be fine.

[racinteach]

anytime sooner better then later....

[TheCopperOne]

Is the 40 bucks a group rate...or is that the usual price? I'm up for 2 pairs (one for me and one for the wife), but March might be tricky as I'm traveling a lot around that time.

March 19-20 or 26-27 would work for me.....or after April 10.

[sandie]

i only say march because she said she only had two mid-week days available in january...i'm just guessing that if we make it in march we can get a weekend date...i'll email her back and see if she's free the weekend of march 26th...if she is, i'll post an event

$40 is the group rate apparently (i don't remember what they were charging at the moto show for the custom earplugs, but at femmoto they were $40 or $45 i think....i asked for more of a discount, but she said no)

[sugart!ts]

March 26th is no good for me.. isn't that gonna be Baja weekend.. march 6 La marathon...
any other weekend besides those will work..


And put me down for a pair..

[sandie]

CRAP! i forgot
hmmm, well, i emailed her and asked about that weekend, or if she had any other open weekends prior to that
we'll see what she says

[sandie]

ok, apparently weekends are a problem for her...anyone into doing this on a weekday evening?
and she says she needs to do at least 20 pairs (i'm getting 2 myself)...so, 18 more to go!

[sk8surf]

sandy do you know anything about the ear buds? do they attach to in ear headphones so you can use them on many pairs of headphone or are they permanently attached to one pair of headphones? also wondering if anyone tried to use the wax type of earplugs sold at surf shops? that might work for people. just a thought.

sandie is what i was i wanted to write, sorry.

[sandie]

the earbuds are the custom molded plugs with audio devices built into them and they can plug into the average listening device like a walkman or ipod...i've never met anyone who has them, so i don't know how they work...but my earbuds KILL my ears after a while of wearing my helmet, so i'm willing to be the guinea pig and try them

i've never even heard of wax earplugs...hmmmm

[sk8surf]

I feel the same on the earbuds killing my ears after not all that long. i know you can get killer earphones that are soft and fit in your ear and are said to sound great but i have never seen them in person. http://store.earphonesolutions.com/et6iiseaer.htm
next time you are near a surf shop check out the earplugs called doctor something or other could be an option.

[TheCopperOne]

Originally posted by sandie
ok, apparently weekends are a problem for her...anyone into doing this on a weekday evening?
and she says she needs to do at least 20 pairs (i'm getting 2 myself)...so, 18 more to go!

I'm in for 2 pairs...finding time may be an issue! Mondays or Thursdays work okay for me.

[sixxer]

Im in for a pair.

Looks like we have about 10-12 pairs accounted for.

As the others have said, the sooner the better.

[TheCopperOne]

So.....what happened? Did this die? :sad: What is happening?!?

[sandie]

well, the only weekend she had available was march 26th. if people wanna do it that weekend, thats fine, i just wont be able to organize it or participate

i asked her to contact me if she had any other weekends come up, and she said she would, but would likely only be able to give me like a weeks notice.

SOOOOOOOOOOO, i was just waiting.

again, it sounds like she will not agree to do it for less that 20 pair...so unless we get more interest, it's not gonna happen anyway

[sugart!ts]

I'm in for a pair.. :)

[sandie]

OK everyone...i just got an email from linda, she will be at a local bike shop in march and has invited everyone to go get your earplugs made there...here's her email:

*******************************************
HI SANDIE

I WILL BE AT THE LA HARLEY IN NORWALK ON SATURDAY MARCH 19 MAKING CUSTOM EARPLUGS FROM 10AM-3PM
HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE

LINDA
EARPLUGS USA
*******************************************

i forgot, i'll be on the girls ride this day...but whoever's interested, go get yerself some plugs!

[04SV650S]

I wish i could get a pair of custom made earplugs.....im going to have to look into that!! ive been wearing foamies sence i get em free from work.

[SilVer_1]

I found this thread last week in the archives and saw it was old... Norwalk is a long way to go for a set of earplugs, but I will if I have to. Does she make the ones with an earphone jack integrated? Like the ones I saw at the Long Beach show? Price? They were $45 at the show, but the line was too long and my friends were in a hurry to leave, so I missed out. Can't seem to find any locally in SD either :sad:
If anyone knows of a source please post!!! Thanks, ...N

[kpalmer]

The more I wear earplugs, the more I love them. I've tried the foamies and the silicone/rubber style. I started out with one pair and now I carry at least two pairs everywhere I go.

I just ordered a pair of Etymotic ER-20's.

http://www.earplugstore.com/

Silicone / Rubber Style
http://store.yahoo.com/earplugstore/macksearseals1.html

Etymotic Research Ear Plugs - ER20
http://store.yahoo.com/earplugstore/profmusearpl1.html

Etymotic Research Ear Plugs - ER20
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20-ifu.asp

At some point, I'll make the jump to the ear bud plugs from http://www.earplugsusa.com . Count me in on the next group buy.

--KP

[racinteach]

I have been using the ER20's and love them....only downside is they stick out a bit and the helmet foam can make some noise against them...but nothing compared to wind noise..another nice thing...you can have a conversation at normal talking levels...great....

[sixxer]

anyboyd have an update for custom earplugs? Where can I get a set molded.

Im sick of the foamies.

[Knightshade]

for you folks in OC, you should just give her a call, she's only in Aliso Viejo...hell I made the trip to her place from San Diego. They're totally worth it.

[sixxer]

Her website is down, anyone have a number where I can reach her at?

[newbie]

Alright...not sure if this was covered earlier in the thread, but after reviewing the CVC 27400 I think that just about any decent earplug is legal in BOTH ears. Reason being if you look at sub-section d it states attenuating injurious noise levels (wind) while not inhibiting siren noise. I am sure that a decent manufacturer of earplugs can supply you with documentation supporting their plugs do not inhibit siren noise (as most don't). But that is if you get an actual ticket.

27400. A person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may not wear a headset covering, or earplugs in, both ears. This prohibition does not apply to any of the following:

(d) A person wearing personal hearing protectors in the form of earplugs or molds that are specifically designed to attenuate injurious noise levels. The plugs or molds shall be designed in a manner so as to not inhibit the wearer's ability to hear a siren or horn from an emergency vehicle or a horn from another motor vehicle.

[curley]

Gun Show this weekend at DelMar Fairgrounds - usually means custom earplug vendors - $1 discount coupon here:

http://www.crossroadsgunshows.com

I have plugs made by Earplugs USA

http://www.earplugsusa.com/

- she's up in OC - may be at the Del Mar Show

[smokescreen]

I wear ear plugs made of a special orange substance call, "muffloplasm" that blocks about 32 decibles while at the same time keeping my ears weather resistant. they come in packs of, 2, 12, 25, 100, or 1001. They are great for your ears, but avoid sticking them in your ass, as this could cause anal retentivness caussing you to argue like Liscense2Ill, not to mention the risk of explosion and resulting shit coated projectile(s).






























disclaimer---- "muffloplasm" is not........ to the best of my knowledge...... real........ but I am werking on a copyright. Fo shizzle

[Dante]

LOL "muffloplasm"... tasty... :p :love:


If you stuffed them up your ass, do you think you might have anal seapage problems, like if you eat too much Olestra???

Seriously, on my cruiser, I never really noticed that much wind noise, but I was laid back a bit more than on the SV, and I typically stayed under 60MPH (it's just not geared for high speeds, but that Savage will top triple digits, even with my fat ass laying on the tank). With the SV I am noticing more noise, but I'm also planning on getting a new helmet soon, so I'll see how that works out. I never really thought of it all that much, but after reading all these nearly religious testimonies to the wonders of earplugs saving your hearing, I think I'll probably start using them. Thanks for saving my ears. My g/f is already deaf, but it's certainly not from riding a bike. She's just old, I think. LOL :love: :love:

[NiteQwill]

Can anyone suggest very good earplugs?

I daily use the Army/USMC issue earlugs. http://store1.yimg.com/I/a-army-navydepot_1846_127068238 They work great but are starting to wear-down. With my new lid, the noise level has increase 2-3 times...

Any suggestions? Thanks guys.

[newbe]

I never used the ear plugs. For some reason it feels unsafe for me as i wont hear whats going on around me.



Alex

[Zombiesai]

Try walking into a musicians shop and hit up those guys for advice....I got some pretty good results...but you need to be aware of the optimal decible level you want to hear at....horns sirens and such...and possibly other vehicles.

[NiteQwill]

Originally posted by newbe
I never used the ear plugs. For some reason it feels unsafe for me as i wont hear whats going on around me.



Alex
It's more unsafe losing your hearing permanently. With my current plugs, I can hear everything just fine but no more windnoise and exhaust tone.

[sdlnxgk]

I had some custom made ear plugs done at the Long Beach Motocycle Show and they are made from Surgical Grade Silicon. They molded each ear separate and they are awesome for blocking out most of the unwanted wind and exhaust sounds but I can still hear other things like cars emergency vehicles just at a lower freguency..

[T140]

Jim - Do you find less noise with the custom plugs? I was told that 33db is the max reduction one can achieve regardless of foam or custom plugs. I use foam plugs rated at 33 db but am still very bothered by wind noise.

FYI ALL - Do not even consider not riding with ear plugs, properly inserted, every ride. If you have doubts, google TINNITUS. It is a constant ringing in the ears and can be brought on by loud noises such as riding.

I always had a slight amount of tinnitus that I would notice once in a great while when it was very quiet and I listened for it. After a windy ride a few months ago, (while wearing earplugs), I got off my bike and my ears were ringing. Now, I hear ringing similar to a computer monitor every morning, every night, while watching TV - even when the diswasher is running.

There are many plugs out there, get a sample pack of foam plugs and find one that is comfortable to you. Custom plugs may be more comfortable - some are even vented.

http://store.yahoo.com/earplugstore/index.html

[flyjetta]

I wear earplugs, they make too much of a difference not to

[smokescreen]

I definately wear ear plugs. I wanna hear when /if I'm 80, so that I can pretend not to be able to and then make snide comments about peoples snide comments about me not hearing shit!!

[Burke]

Originally posted by NiteQwill
Can anyone suggest very good earplugs?

I daily use the Army/USMC issue earlugs. http://store1.yimg.com/I/a-army-navydepot_1846_127068238 They work great but are starting to wear-down. With my new lid, the noise level has increase 2-3 times...

Any suggestions? Thanks guys. I use my sony earbuds usually. That's just because I like to listen to music when I ride but the simple foam construction earplugs that you can get at Home Depot are great. They filter all of the harmful frequencies and reduce the noise pressure in your ears. And they're cheap. Well worth the buck...

[sdlnxgk]

Originally posted by T140
Jim - Do you find less noise with the custom plugs? I was told that 33db is the max reduction one can achieve regardless of foam or custom plugs. I use foam plugs rated at 33 db but am still very bothered by wind noise.

FYI ALL - Do not even consider not riding with ear plugs, properly inserted, every ride. If you have doubts, google TINNITUS. It is a constant ringing in the ears and can be brought on by loud noises such as riding.

I always had a slight amount of tinnitus that I would notice once in a great while when it was very quiet and I listened for it. After a windy ride a few months ago, (while wearing earplugs), I got off my bike and my ears were ringing. Now, I hear ringing similar to a computer monitor every morning, every night, while watching TV - even when the diswasher is running.

There are many plugs out there, get a sample pack of foam plugs and find one that is comfortable to you. Custom plugs may be more comfortable - some are even vented.

http://store.yahoo.com/earplugstore/index.html

With the custom earplugs I can hear alittle bit of wind scraping on the helmet.. but with the custom stereo plugs even if they are off I can't hear someone talking right next to me or my horn honking when i'm standing still so with some music I can't hear jack. Just have to be extra careful and pay attention to what i'm doing..

I will add a picture when I get home just in case someone is wondering what they look like..

[Punkbrad]

been doing for about a month now. will never stop using. makes the ride so much more serene, and increases my ability to focus and concentrate, but i can still hear enough to feel safe. i am using the disposible green construction kind, and after about a week, i toss em and get a new pair, we have a box of 500 pairs on my project that no one but me uses.

[acer66]

i woudn`t ride with out em anymore, did it, learned the lesson the hard way, have 24/7 ringing in my ears now which sucks pretty much, hope that it goes away someday

[stringzz]

It's funny, I have a Yosh TRS Slipon and when I don't wear ear plugs, the exhaust sounds wimpy, kinda like a lawnmower. When I wear plugs, the exhaust note is much deeper.

[sdlnxgk]

Ok sorry took so long to get a semi decent picture of my earplugz honestly just forgot about it :D

<img src="http://www.socalsvriders.org/albums/albuy54/SVJims_Earplugz.sized.jpg">

[NukleoN]

f you stuffed them up your ass, do you think you might have anal seapage problems, like if you eat too much Olestra???

Well, if you stuffed Olestra up your ass you'd have mouth leakage...at least in the world of South Park.

[J.Moto]

Originally posted by acer66
i woudn`t ride with out em anymore, did it, learned the lesson the hard way, have 24/7 ringing in my ears now which sucks pretty much, hope that it goes away someday

Nope, tinitus is for life. I already had it before riding, but I started using ear plugs soon after riding. And when I forget to put 'em in, I can't ever imagine going without them.

[smokescreen]

those green plugs are PIMP!! but damn.. they look pricey.

So I'll stick with my aquamarine/toupe ones.

[Dante]

I've been using Howard Leight "Leight Sleepers" that I got at Walgreens in a box of like 10 or 12 for a few bucks since shortly after my last post. They even come with a convenient case that can go on your keyring. I rode around a bit without them last weekend (while taking out a n00b rider, riding 2-up, wanted to be able to converse freely). Man is it noisy without plugs! I ride every day to work and back (about 45 miles round trip) and a lot of that is at over 60MPH. I gotta say, it is so much easier to ride with plugs in, than without. The wind noise and all the small annoying noises that cars make (road noise, tires, fans, etc) get filtered out, but I can still hear important sounds, like sirens and horns and trains and I can even tell when a car is creaping up in my blind spot (or maybe that's just my 6th sense).

Seriously, unless you're not going to top 30 or so MPH, or you have a REALLY bad ass lid, or you are already deaf from being in the armored division in the Army or something, you owe it to your poor, delicate little ears to go buy some damn earplugs. No one will think you're less of a man for wearing them. Both the SV riders at work (myself and the SV650S rider) wear them, and all the dorks who ride cruisers without so much as a leather bandana don't. For me, it's part of my gear. I value my hearing as much as my skin, so I protect it with my foam plugs. They work for me! :D

[smokescreen]

I had to talk Julia into it. Now she won't ride without them. It really delays the "ultra long ride headache" not to mention reduces it's power.

[Burke]

Anyone know where I can get some custom made earphone/earplugs? I use my Zen micro for long rides and commuting and I like the "buds" that I have now but if I could get something that keeps even more noise out I could turn it down even more and still hear a little MX while I ride. The "buds" are pretty good as earplugs but I'd like something a bit better.

[TheForce02]

Here is what i recommend. They list for $150, but for some reason amazon gets them for WAY cheaper then you can find anywhere else. These are canal style so it might take getting used to, but they are great!!! When ever i am going for more then short rides, or unless i am in the canyon, i always where my foam ear plugs. When i go on longer rides i will plug these, the er-6i's, into my ipod and enjoy. they work BETTER then any foam plug i have ever tried and on top of that you get music!
I used these the other week when i went up to joshua tree, a 2 hour ride, and it was so nice not having to listen to wind noise and being able to have my music also. also i use an x-eleven helmet so it breathes really good so i end up with a slightly louder helmet because of this and these er-6i's work great!


$84

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002ZW5W4/sr=8-1/qid=1149663634/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-9936649-0402312?%5Fencoding=UTF8

[Dom]

Yeah at first I would go way faster because of the lack of noise but now it just feels weird riding without them. I'm sur emy hearing suffered a little from the years I rode without them but hopefully I'll keep that to a minimum from now on.

[Knightshade]

Originally posted by Burke
Anyone know where I can get some custom made earphone/earplugs? I use my Zen micro for long rides and commuting and I like the "buds" that I have now but if I could get something that keeps even more noise out I could turn it down even more and still hear a little MX while I ride. The "buds" are pretty good as earplugs but I'd like something a bit better.

look for a gun show in your area, there will be serveral vendors there making custom earplugs, typically those of the music variety will be offered as well.

or...if you're going to motogp, you can probably bet on vendors being there as well as I saw at least 2 last year.

[Burke]

Just ordered a pair of the er-6i's. They look like a good set up and the tech specs say they are good so we'll see. Free shipping and everything. thanks for the advice.

[TheForce02]

Originally posted by Burke
Just ordered a pair of the er-6i's. They look like a good set up and the tech specs say they are good so we'll see. Free shipping and everything. thanks for the advice.

Cool! I found them on an ipod site, ilounge.com, and the site also listed them as a best bang for your buck, the only ones that seemed better where the couple hundred dollar ones. One thing you will learn is that you have to put them in your ear properly, if not then the sound won't sound good and you won't get the proper bass. Also they take a little used to getting them out of your ear, sort of have to work them out, but in the end i am glad i bought them!
I also forgot to add before that they work so well that you can really hear your breathing. sort of a weird thing without the music, but once you turn the music on you won't notice it.

[Burke]

My biggest concern is the ability to turn down the music volume and still be able to hear it. Right now I have to crank it a little to hear it and that is doing just as much damage as the wind noise at times.

[TheForce02]

Here is what I do with the er-6i's since the block so much outside noise. I put them in and adjust the volume to what I normally listen to it at. Put on your helmet and ride. I normally don't adjust the volume at all when I am on the bike because I can hear the music just fine. At the most I might raise or lower it one notch, but that is usually because the volume on the song might be a little different.

[smokescreen]

what's the dif betwixt the ER6 and ER6i?

[Burke]

Originally posted by smokescreen
what's the dif betwixt the ER6 and ER6i?
Apparently the er6i is actually "tweaked" a little to enhance the Bass for an iPOD hence the 6i. I was looking at the technical specs and the only other thing I noticed was the impedence was different. I think that if you are going to use them as actual reference type monitors you may want the 6 rather than the 6i because of the frequency response. Other than that they look about the same.

[zunkus]

I just came in reading about this topic guys. i sometimes use my mp3 player on rides but have difficulty to fix the earplugs in my ears and put the helmet on. Do these ER6's you're speeking of fix tight?
Another concern is that I'll be in traffic and won't hear a vehicle coming or beaping it's horn. It's like killing one of the stay alive senses if you may? Am I exagerating here? I've just changed from naked to faired bike and have found the loss of wind buffeting and noise giving me a more remote feeling of my ride. Maybe the loss of wind noise altogether will give me more a 'Playstation' feel to riding which may be dangerous? Are you getting what I'm saying?

[greginva]

My brother has a pair of the er-6i's, he got for his plane ride back from iraq, and they are awesome(he paid 150 and says they are worth every penny). I put them on and had the volume pretty damn low and he had to scream for me to hear him. My only concern is will i be able to hear sirens and cars with them. Anyone know?

[TheForce02]

First off they fit perfect with the helmet on. Before i got them i tried my stock ipod earbuds, what a joke that was trying to keep them in when putting the helmet on. With the er-6i's you can toss your helmet on and not have to worry about them.

As for hearing a siren, i try not to piss the cops off:squid:

In all seriousness though i haven't had to hear a siren yet. i have heard people honk their horn near me and you can still hear the bike a little, less though when the music is on. i don't ride with them that often so i just haven't tested that yet. i do feel comfortable riding with them in though.

[midimench]

Can anybody please tell me the benefits of wearing earplugs when you ride?

Does it interfere with using a chatterbox?

Are these earplugs the same kind you'd wear to a rock concert, cause I've got a pair of those?

[sdlnxgk]

If you get some custom made ear plugs they are not illegal according to the State of California and only cost about $40.00 at most Motorcycle or Gun shows..

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc27400.htm

I have some and feel naked without them.. I have ones for a chatter box as well but really hard to hear anything since they are for racing using only per say

http://www.socalsvriders.org/albums/albuy54/SVJims_Earplugz.jpg

[stingray]

i never ride w/o them. unless i'm just riding only in a parking lot and need to hear speech from 50ft away.

If you get some custom made ear plugs they are not illegal according to the State of California and only cost about $40.00 at most Motorcycle or Gun shows..

doesn't need to be custom. read excemption D in link above

California SB 315 has been signed into law. Included in this bill was a provision to allow for use of "foam" style non-custom earplugs by street motorcycle riders. Thanks are due to State Senator Debra Bowen (Democrat, District 28, Redondo Beach) who worked closely with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) to make this change in the law. The AMA is asking riders to let Senator Bowen know they appreciate her assistance by sending her an email. The new law takes effect January 1, 2004.

"Requiring motorcyclists who want to drown out road noise by using ear plugs to buy custom-made plugs is an outdated law that makes absolutely no sense," said Senator Bowen. "The test ought to be whether a rider using ear plugs can still hear a car's horn or a siren from an emergency vehicle. If a set of ear plugs can meet that test, then a rider ought to be able to use them, regardless of who makes them or how they're made. The only people the custom-made requirement helps are, surprise, the people who make custom ear plugs. It doesn't help riders and it doesn't help the police, emergency vehicle operators, or other drivers who count on a motorcyclist to be able to hear their horns or sirens. As long as over-the-counter plugs do the job, there's no reason why ear plugs should have to be custom-made, so junking that requirement is a common sense change that's long overdue."

The bill was signed on 9/28/03, chaptered on 9/29/03, and will take effect on 1/1/04. (http://www.dot.ca.gov/oda/download/SB_315.pdf)

[NukleoN]

Earplugs are critical riding gear...especially if you'll be on the freeway. You can lose hearing if you expose your ears to the kinds of decibels you get on the freeway since the noise is pretty much constant.

I'm already pretty deaf from a fever I had when I was young, so I use earplugs to keep what little hearing I have left. ;)

[sdlnxgk]

Originally posted by stingray
i never ride w/o them. unless i'm just riding only in a parking lot and need to hear speech from 50ft away.



doesn't need to be custom. read exception D in link above


Well until it's written in the California Penal Code I don't believe jack that is written in the papers or any where else on the Internet!!!

I normally carry a copy in my tail section just incase I get pulled over and the cops say something !!!

But I guess in the end you can do what you want :D

[Knightshade]

Hearing chatterbox convo w/earplugs is a non issue. My brother has used foamies and some moldable silicone or something types and can hear the chatterbox just fine. I have customs and don't have any problems either.

Benefits of wearing earplugs..not developing tinnitus.

[Punkbrad]

huh...? whats that...? did someone say something...? man, i wished i wouldnt have rode all those years without earplugs...!

[blndweasel]

rock concert earplugs and motorcycling earplugs should never be confused with one another! also, power tool ear plugs and service-industry specific ear plugs have their subtle differences as well! Some are pink! Some are yellow! Yellow foam is proven to block out more noise than any other color!

:p

I'm just kidding. As long as you don't confuse an earplug for a butt plug I think you'll be alright.

[Jrod]

svjim,

how much were those custom headphone plugs? Or are they monitors for when you're on stage? I wanna have music when i ride but just about anthing i put in my helmet kills my ear lobes.

[Darth Lefty]

Originally posted by midimench
Can anybody please tell me the benefits of wearing earplugs when you ride?
What?

I use earplugs from the dispenser in the machine shop. They are swirly rainbow colored, like play-doh after you mix colors and smoosh it back together.

[Cyanide41]

I used to ride without ear plugs, because I wanted to be able to hear everything. Then one day I tired it and loved it. It reduced the wind noise, but for the most part I could still hear all the important stuff. I have never used a chatterbox, so I don't know how/if it interferes. I bought a box of 200 foamies for $20. I am afriad to lose custom ones.

Also, I once had a cop ticket me for wearing ear plugs. I beat it in court twice. (long story)

[Punkbrad]

Originally posted by blndweasel
As long as you don't confuse an earplug for a butt plug I think you'll be alright.

that explains the headaches...

[CrowLaw]

Originally posted by midimench
Can anybody please tell me the benefits of wearing earplugs when you ride?

Does it interfere with using a chatterbox?

Are these earplugs the same kind you'd wear to a rock concert, cause I've got a pair of those?


WHAT!!! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!!


I DON'T RIDE WITH NEAR THUGS?


This message brought to you by earplugs and one good reason to use them.....:D

[Sinaz]

The tinnitus helps to drown out the voices in my head...

[SVranger]

I use the foamies you can pick up at any drugstore. I started using them recently after reading of the dangers of not wearing them when your ride. Reminds me of the old joke: "When I read about the dangers of drinking, I gave up reading." Pah-Rump. I usually don't use them on short commutes but the more I've been reading the boards, the more often I've been using them.

I don't know if this has been posted already, but here's the link about the higher frequencies adults can't here so kids have been using them as ringtones at school. Gives you an idea how sensitive hearing is. http://www.ochenk.com/entry.php?id=63

[NukleoN]

Also, I once had a cop ticket me for wearing ear plugs. I beat it in court twice. (long story)

Damn Stout. :D

[stingray]

Well until it's written in the California Penal Code I don't believe jack that is written in the papers or any where else on the Internet!!!

it's already covered in section D of the link you posted.

and the quote was linked directly to the DOT govt. website

[psssniper]

I have the exact same setup as SVjim. One pair custom molded and one pair custom molded with transducers, I got them at the local gun show. I WILL NOT ride without them. First bought the plain set and was very happy, about 6 months later saw the same vendor at another show and sampled the transducers, wow. Got fit for a set right then and there and so did my buddy. Think about it, we spend major $$$$$ on jackets, boots, gloves (how much are Helds these days??) should we neglect one of the most important sensory inputs we have? Skin will heal as will bones etc but your hearing will not heal......... ever...........
Please get ear protection of whatever variety and use it.

[SVranger]

That's it, wearing them all the time from now on. Can't argue psssniper's logic, getting custom transducer at the next opportunity.

[Burke]

I used to never wear them but now I swear by plugs. I actually wear etymotics er6i earphones with my Creative Zen mp3 player turned down to around 18 which is very quiet or I wear etymotics plugs when I don't want music. The damage caused by the wind noise in a helmet is irreversable and can eventually become very painful. The wind creates little whistles that you may not even be able to hear but it's killing your ear drums and causing some serious damage even if you are only going a few miles. Do yourself a favor and just wear earplugs.

[Frenzy]

I realize that this probably isn't the right attitude, but my hearing is shot anyway, and I work in artillery, so basically, sure I can slow down the inevitable of damage to my hearing, but at the end of the day, its still ineviatable..

[harbiho]

I never ride without them. I even carry spares in the trunk.

[fins-n-grins]

I ordered a couple pairs of these yesterday.

http://www.earplugsonline.com/index.html

They are relatively cheap, soft & moldable (comfortable) and last for years.

[Newtybar]

www.podfitkit.com