Triumphrat

burmbuster · 09-30-2007

ok, so who has them and are they worth the cost? Can you hear an MP3 at say 75 mph? Where did you purchase them?

Thanks,
Brad

rustbucket · 10-01-2007

What you're referring to are generally called 'canalphones'. I have a set of the entry-level Shure (can't think of the model at the moment). I paid $100 for them at BestBuy. They work pretty well for the motorcycle. I can listen to music at any speed with no problems. The only thing I have to watch out for is that if I turn the music up it can block out all noise - sirens and horns included.

I've had them for 3 years, and one side blew out a few weeks ago, so I'm in the market for a new set. I'm hoping to find some that are a big lower profile, as the Shure's tend to get moved around in my helmet.

There was a review of a cheaper set on webBikeWorld.com recently. If you want to truly geek out, check out www.head-fi.org. A great place to buy headphones on the web is www.headphone.com - great service and pricing that's within a few bucks of the best you can find.

burmbuster · 10-01-2007

Thanks, Rustbucket. Very informative.

TucsonBill · 10-02-2007

If you're thinking about molded ear plugs like a hearing aid, that's what I use. To have plugs made at the local hearing aid store would have been more than $300 for the molds and inserts. I found the Ear Plug Superstore on the web at http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/ and got plugs from them. They send you a kit to make your own molds - it's easy - and then you send them the molds and whatever headphones you want to use. I use a set from Koss. They send the finished product back to you and they work great! I have a Cardo Rider for my cellphone and you can hear it fine with the earplugs in. You can play the music at comfortable levels and still hear what's going on around you. I have a Zumo 550 with XM Radio that I play through the headphones, my cellphone goes to the cardo. When I get a call or a GPS prompt, the music goes down and you can hear it all fine. And I had the inserts made the same color as my Tiger...Yellow!

burmbuster · 10-02-2007

Bill,
You and I are on exactly the same track. Thats what I'm looking for, with the exception of the Cardo. I will purchase an Autocomm system. Thanks alot.

Brad

TucsonBill · 10-03-2007

Glad to be of assistance. Now for some details.....
Since you don't wear the plugs full time like hearing aids, your ears don't really get used to them. I talked to an old codger with hearing aids about getting sore ears when I go for a long ride after some time off. He said to try KY in your ears before you use the plugs after a layoff. It works great! Most folks think personal lubricant for your ears is a bit strange, but it sure works great. Even on the dryest day in Arizona, it keeps your ear canals nicely lubricated and very comfortable. KY comes in nice small bottles that fit in your tank bag. Just don't use the self-warming stuff. You might get too excited and not pay attention to your driving!

burmbuster · 10-03-2007

LMAO! I bet it does, Wild Bill. I bet it does.

ggRAT · 10-06-2007

TucsonBill,
Please clarify a little further, are the earplugs Bluetooth? How well does the XM radio feature on the Zumo 550 perform? How are you powering the Zumo - with batteries or power cord?

TucsonBill · 10-08-2007

The earplugs are hardwired, NOT Bluetooth. The XM radio is a dream, fantastic sound and incredibly easy to operate, even when riding. I have other XM units, and the Zumo is by far the best. The Zumo is hardwired into the Tiger, through the circuit under the front cowl that is identified as accessory. I have it hooked into the switched side, and if you want to run it after shutting the bike down, she'll work on her own batteries for a bunch of hours. The XM requires power from the bike, it won't work on enternal batteries. I only use the phone with Bluetooth. I'm very happy with the whole system. Other than it might have cost a bit too much!

geehaw · 10-12-2007

Here is another link.

http://www.earinc.com/m-motorsports.php

The Australian Distributer was at the recent Mbike show and was doing a booming trade.

They place a small foam plug in your ear, then they take a syringe full of silicone rubber with a hardner added and fll your ear canal, let it set and off you go. If you want they will add wires to plug into your mp3 player.