Triumphrat

NNELGS955 · 12-25-2007, 10:13 PM

G'day fellow Triumphites.

It is a stinking hot day here in Perth (about 42 degrees C) so a good day for watching the cricket and being on this website.

I have a problem with wind noise especially on long rides. The problem seems to be that the wind whistles up through the underside of the helmet. I have tried ear plugs but I find that they are hard to fit and don't work very well. In the winter time I wear a thick scarf which helps but obviously can't do this in the Summer. I am looking at getting moulded ear plugs which I've heard are much more effective than the "squeeze in place' earplugs . However, maybe other aspects of the problem are my helmet and windcreen. Can anyone offer any advice?

DaveM · 12-25-2007, 10:41 PM

That is a fairly personal sort of a problem to answer as you have already suggested alternative type moulded ear plugs.

Not sure how experienced you are so I apologize if I oversimplify anything.

But helmuts do make a big difference, some are a lot noisier than others often as you have stated the visor shape and the way it fits affects noise.

Changing helmuts may not solve your problem though.

I would suggest the moulded earplugs will be the way to go, experimenting with Lids is sort of expensive!

I currently use a Suomy helmut and I would say noise is average, but I am a bit hard of hearing and like noisey pipes and do not like using ear plugs (no doubt a contributing factor of my hearing).

cheers,
DaveM

Calliway · 12-25-2007, 10:47 PM

well you might also be that perfect height and in the perfect riding postion that the windshield on your sprint is directing the air right into you neck. I am 6 foot 4 and have had thos problem on other bikes although not on my sprint. may want to change your windscreen to one with a bit of a lip. Its alot cheaper then changing a helmet.

NNELGS955 · 12-25-2007, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveM

That is a fairly personal sort of a problem to answer as you have already suggested alternative type moulded ear plugs.

Not sure how experienced you are so I apologize if I oversimplify anything.

But helmuts do make a big difference, some are a lot noisier than others often as you have stated the visor shape and the way it fits affects noise.

Changing helmuts may not solve your problem though.

I would suggest the moulded earplugs will be the way to go, experimenting with Lids is sort of expensive!

I currently use a Suomy helmut and I would say noise is average, but I am a bit hard of hearing and like noisey pipes and do not like using ear plugs (no doubt a contributing factor of my hearing).

cheers,
DaveM

Thanks Dave,

I have been riding bikes on and off for about 30 years and onto my fourth bike although I have just got back into riding after a 15 year break. My previous bike was a 1978 Suzuki GS 850 GN (shaft) however even though this was a tourer most of my riding was in the City (eg going to work or uni and back) so I didn't do much country riding. Therefore wind noise wasnt an issue. Also the Suzi had a higher screen and the top section was curved up which may have helped. Now that I am back into riding (and enjoying it immensely on my Sprint 04) I have joined a couple of clubs and tend to do a fair bit of country riding sitting at 120 km/h and above. Thanks for the advice on the moulded plugs; I'll try that first because, as you say, swapping helmets can be expensive. Cheers,

oldndumb · 12-25-2007, 11:03 PM

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?

DaveM · 12-25-2007, 11:06 PM

You are welcome mate,
just there are a good number of "new to bikes" guys and gals these days so ya never quite know who you are talking to.

Also Calliway could have the solution with a screen replacement but my guess is to try the ear plugs first because it is cheaper and easier and take it from there.

Cheers,
DaveM

Calliway · 12-26-2007, 01:18 AM

I test road a V-Strom before I bought my Sprint and man that bikes windshield blas the wind right into my face. I have read that with adjustment you can cure it but it was noisy like crazy. I did however have an old helmet and when I bought my sprint I bought a new helmet as well. Noise isnt an issue for me so maybe noise is a combo for you. I now also use a set of earphones for my mp3 player that are noise cancelling and well, shocking, those work like crazy plus I get tunes.

steventhechef · 12-26-2007, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveM

but I am a bit hard of hearing

Pardon?

FWIW I've tried the earplugs and couldn't stand them myself. I have a couple of helmets, both HJC and one buffets a bit and the other (Symax) is just plain noisy.

My wife has a Shoei and she thinks that's it's really quiet.

I like the noise and rushing wind part of riding. I just put up with it and call it part of the experience.

If I really wanted quiet, I'd drive !!

dolson · 12-26-2007, 01:41 AM

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

NNELGS955 · 12-26-2007, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calliway

well you might also be that perfect height and in the perfect riding postion that the windshield on your sprint is directing the air right into you neck. I am 6 foot 4 and have had thos problem on other bikes although not on my sprint. may want to change your windscreen to one with a bit of a lip. Its alot cheaper then changing a helmet.

You may be right there. I'm 6'3 1/2. Thanks for the tip.