Who listens to music when they ride??

I don´t like it.

 

Um.. Yes i do. I don't have it turned up so loud that i can't hear whats going on around me. And just because i have music playing doesn't mean i stop checking my mirrors, or stop watching whats going on up ahead of me, or whos getting on or off the freeway next to me. Last year i almost got rear ended by a car at a stop light. I never heard the the sound of screaching tires, or seen any smoke from the tires, not because i had music playing, but because the roads were wet from the rain. But i did see them in my mirrors and i movied out of the way. I don't think anyone here is saying that riding a motorcycle isn't more dangerous than driving a car, We all know it is, so just because i choose to listen to music while i ride doesn't mean i'm not watching whats going on around me.

 

This is a good topic to discuss. I do agree we all should use forms of hearing protection whenever possible. As for listening to music, it is very debatable. Listening to music inside your helmet can reduce your awareness in city driving when your reflexes must be top notch. However, cruising down the interstate and listening to some rejuvenating tunes can help relieve the boredom. I love to travel and at times I do listen to some tunes which help me get through long days on the bike. But I take extreme precaution in doing so.

Riding through several states, I have come aware that some states look at using headphones while riding is illegal. I use a Garmin Zumo 550 to help me out on my long rides. It gives me audible directions which are fantastic to allow me to keep my eyes on the road and not looking down at the GPS or a map on the tank. My Garmin also allows me to listen to mp3 or XM satellite radio which gets cut off whenever my Garmin needs to tell me something.

The other element that I use is a set of expensive custom ear plugs/ear buds that reduce the wind noise significantly (-30 dbs reduction). These ear plugs reduce the wind noise and thus allow me to reduce the volume as well. Due to the reduce noise and volume from the ear plugs, I do not suffer from noise fatigue and being less fatigue makes me safer.

 

I agree that this is a good topic to discuss but there's absolutely no need for some of the self-rightcheous lecturing comments made. You don't feel it's safe, don't do it. Personally I love using my ipod with my chatterbox setup on long rides, and consider myself an excellent rider.

 

I listen to my ipod on long solo rides away from heavy traffic. out on the open roads i cant see it posing any safety risks. in town thats different i do feel more aware with tunes off just to many crazy cagers to be aware of.

still haven't found a good pair of ear buds that work well with helmet any recommendations?

 

hey there.

the music thing. i have ridden with tunes. for a long single ride i find it enhances the whole exprience. short jaunts not so much but once in a while. the volume is not set to "stun" and i just make sure i take extra time to look around me for hazzards or idiots on four wheels.

thats me.

j

 

hey.

i have a funky pr from sony. they have these ear hooks that work really well. i picked up a "slicks" helmet liner and that really helps to keep the ears from folding over. the only time the headphones bother me is when i have a pr of glasses on as well. either then that, they work great. got them from bestbuy.

j

 

thanks.. next time Im in best buy will check em out

 

ear plugs for long trips but day to day and iner city no ear plugs no music.
I'd always be playing with it, changing songs, adjusting the volume...meh.

 

There are so many things I could argue in this thread, but I have made my points, and voiced my opinion on the matter sufficiently.

I just want to clear up a few things:
bear - Your initial Reply regarding using a cell phone while riding struck me as coming from a young squid.
I responded in kind.
*I clarified my response in another post, please review...

Also:

That's what I was trying to do..."offer great advice" from my experience as a "salty ole dog".

Which brings be to my earlier response:

My sum feeling regarding this thread.
There are clearly many "self righteous" folks that refuse to accept an opinion they don't like, regardless of how accurate and sensible that advice is.

I had inquired why the vitriol directed at me, and got this response:

I humbly appreciate the input, but fail to understand that perception.
The OP asked for "opinions"; I simply gave my opinion, same as everyone else.
No one has to agree with my or anyone else's opinion, but to then argue it is immature and "self righteous".

Somebody said something about "most riders here are more mature than average", or words to that effect.
Not from my perspective...

On that note - I give up.
You kids go play with yourselves.
(certain persons excepted - you probably know who you are)
Sayonara.
Adios.

 

Regarding the music issue, i never listen to it while riding as its STUPID AND IRRESPONSIBLE. As an instructor i would NEVER recommend it as you should be concentrating on your riding, period. If your insurance company found out you were listening to music after a claim, i guarantee they will find you just as responsible as any other vehicle involved in the accident. I've never heard of anything so stupid in all my life, makes my blood boil.

 

So do you listen to music in your car while driving...

 

I must be the only nutter who sings/humms to himself.
better hope i don't get bike to bike for christmass.

 

Shure SE-530's work great with helmets. They attenuate up to 30DB and have excellent sound. They are low-profile and stay in place with properly selected ear tips.

I won't comment on the relative issues or merits of music vs none on this thread- but as individualists, we ought to consider one man's meat can be another's poison, and leave it at that.

 

Life is way too short for you to spend energy on something like this. Not only does this issue have no impact on you personally, quite frankly it's absolutely none of your damn business what people listen to in their helmets. As for the insurance comment, that may be the silliest idea I've heard in a while - like they would find out you were listening to music and would not pay because of that. Get real.

If hearing is so important, why can deaf people have drivers licenses? my mother has been deaf for the last 20 years, and has NEVER had an accident of any kind, thank you.

It isnt lack of hearing that impairs, it's lack of attention. If listening to music takes away your attention, don't do it. If your like me, it can add to my focus. I can't hardly hear the music at speed anyway because of the wind noise. What is it I'm supposed to be listening for anyway??

 

@ Chestthing

Maybe that's why i'm an instructor and you're not. I'm still licenced to teach by a UK government body so i actually know what i'm talking about, what's your excuse?

 

And the govenment always knows what is best for everyone, everywhere. No need to look past the US government to see that. Nice to see that they are blindly followed in the UK as well.