Wind Noise

[NNELGS955]

Originally Posted by oldndumb

Dave is right about the helmet fit being paramount for noise reduction. If you are getting noise from under the helmet, I'm guessing the area under each ear, a windshield height change will have a minimal effect on reducing the noise.

I have friends that swear by the molded ear plugs, but I can't stand them. I guess ear plugs are like helmets. You have to try the different brands until you find one to suit you.
BTW, what brand helmet are you currently using, and how old is it?

It is an MDS and I have had it for about 7 months. It seems to fit fairly snug and doesn't move around.

[NNELGS955]

Originally Posted by dolson

IMO plugs should always be worn. I got a box of the dense foam rubbery ones shaped like a rain drop or something like that wad them into a little pill and stuff them in. They expand and are quite comfortable and I don't notice them.

I used to shoot competitively and tried the spendy noise canceling custom injected ones and after 2 tries got my money back. They hurt and were a general PITA. Since you have to were a headset anyway (like a helmet) to protect the bone behind the ears I just went back to the foam jobs. They are as good as anything for noise reduction.

There are many different flavors made and I'm sure one will work for you. My suggestion is to go to an industrial safety supply house, there should be one around you. They should have many different types and are very cheap and you can try them out and find the best for you.

Protect your ears. Tinnitus ain't no fun believe me. My cheapy ear plugs are as important to me as my Aria or my other armored riding gear.

Don

Thanks for the advice mate. I have constant low level tinnitus but most of the time I just ignore it and get on with life. However, after a long ride, I find that my ears are ringing quite noticeably (even after wearing earplugs). Cheers,

[oldndumb]

My experience with the custom molded ear plugs matches the other posters. I had two different sets, and both would become uncomfortable after about 45 minutes. But, I have friends that can wear theirs all day long, so I guess it is an individual thing.

I worked in high noise environments, so I've had the opportunity to wear an assortment of plugs. The most comfortable ones for me are the moldable ones from Beneficial Products in Oregon.

www.earplugsonline.com/

They are made with beeswax, cotton fibers, and lanolin. They are not sticky or messy, and will last quite a long time. I bought a set of four a year ago and am still using them.

NNELGS955
Next time you go riding, try moving your hand around the bottom of the helmet and your neck. I think you might find the source of the noise and can use that info to evaluate helmet fits. I find that the area below the ear and rear corner of the jaw to be critical requiring a good helmet cushion fit to prevent excess noise.

But, in the end, it is a faired bike and they are not usually quiet.

[02redbird]

I have found that if the earplug is not making a snug and tight fit they can be worse than no plug at all. I will make sure the plug has seated properly, and take care not to pull them from the ear as I put my helmet on. I've found a purple foam type that work best for me. I really put them way in the ear, and then let the plug expand before the lid goes on. I can still hear all directions around the bike but without the roar of wind. Some of the rubber or silicone type plugs resonated the low frequencies, which made my ears tired and numb.
On my Thruxton with OEM fly screen, wearing my Aria the wind is not a problem.

[GJJ]

I have no experience with them, but I have always wondered what BOSE ear buds with noise cancelling technology would do for bike riders. I always read about them (mainly the head phones) and their uses in aviation.

GJJ

[oldndumb]

Originally Posted by GJJ

I have no experience with them, but I have always wondered what BOSE ear buds with noise cancelling technology would do for bike riders. I always read about them (mainly the head phones) and their uses in aviation.

GJJ

My aviation headset is an NC Bose and I can not immagine using that technology on a motorcycle. Truth is I am never totally comfortable with them switched on......but others swear by them. I like to hear my machine and the environment.

[4N099]

You're sticking your head in the wind. Basically that is what you ride a motorcycle for isn't it? To be in the wind and not caged up in a car?
There is usually some suffering as a trade off.
Go to a drug store and buy a bag of the cotton balls that are half inch in diameter by about inch and a half long, I think they are a buck and a half for like 500 wads of cotton, rip one in half and poke them in your ears.

[Calliway]

Hey Guys,
I came across these in Superbike Magazine for Nov 2007 www.ultimateear.com They are available in speaker and non speaker format.

Also if you have some quid you want to spend the Schuberth S1 Carbon Helmet is the quitest helmet on the market having a rating of 85db's at 62mph on a naked bike

http://www.schuberth.com/index.php?id=21&L=1

[Simmo]

I am with Dolson here. In Aus try the cheap fluoro red yellow ones at Mitre 10 or hardware stores. Role them bewteen fingers, maybe a bit of spit for lubrication and gently insert but not to far. Now don't get carried away here! Once you have the hang of it it is a piece of cake to do. I can't stand a ride other than a short hop to the shops without them now, and I don't do that type of ride much. I am 6'4" and have found that the quietest bikes have been naked ones. For me, to put any type of windshield on, no matter how high or low, wind noise is increased. The noisiest bike I have owned was an R1100RT BMW. As an aside a friend has purchased what he calls a helment bra. It fits around the base of the helment and provides an elastic type 'screen' to stop drafts and noise getting up from underneath the helment. He reckins it works, both in freezing conditions and also in moderately warm conditions. At the end of the day maintaining your hearing is pretty important - WHAT WAS THAT??
Cheers
Simmo

[NNELGS955]

Originally Posted by Simmo

I am with Dolson here. In Aus try the cheap fluoro red yellow ones at Mitre 10 or hardware stores. Role them bewteen fingers, maybe a bit of spit for lubrication and gently insert but not to far. Now don't get carried away here! Once you have the hang of it it is a piece of cake to do. I can't stand a ride other than a short hop to the shops without them now, and I don't do that type of ride much. I am 6'4" and have found that the quietest bikes have been naked ones. For me, to put any type of windshield on, no matter how high or low, wind noise is increased. The noisiest bike I have owned was an R1100RT BMW. As an aside a friend has purchased what he calls a helment bra. It fits around the base of the helment and provides an elastic type 'screen' to stop drafts and noise getting up from underneath the helment. He reckins it works, both in freezing conditions and also in moderately warm conditions. At the end of the day maintaining your hearing is pretty important - WHAT WAS THAT??
Cheers
Simmo

G'day Simmo,

I never thought I would wear a "bra" ! Can you find out where your friend got it from or are they usually available in most bike shops. I know that when I wrap a thick wool scarf around my neck in winter it solves the problem but that's too hot in the summer. Cheers,