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To Ride and Not Go Deaf

For my mid-life crisis I chose to revisit the skill of driving motorcycle. If anyone is interested I secured a 2011 Kawasaki Versys 650, which makes me look vaguely like a street bike rider, only with classic rider posture which is far more sensible for my frame.

How does this pertain to audio? I had forgotten how hellishly noisy cycles are! My goodness, what a lovely way to go deaf! The wind noise is atrocious, and I can grasp why so many cyclists have hearing problems over time.

I'll do my best not to be one of them. I have been using those foam 32dB reduction ear plugs and have a full helmet, but still the noise is nasty. I've made the decision to seek the best in helmets with noise reduction and a good seal around the neck. Seems the Schuberth brand of Germany is excellent, if not inexpensive. It'll be worth every penny if it reduces the malestrom to tolerable levels. The snarl of the motor and the wind whipping my body is one sort of "music" I want getting nowhere near my ears! It looks like the pro version of Schuberth's C3 gets dBs down to about 82.

Any comments from Schuberth users or those insisting there is another even more worthy brand to consider when it comes to noise diminishing capability? (Yes, I did get a larger wind screen) I have done some searching on the net, now I would like your input.

Now I look at those motoring on the freeway without a helmet and I think not only, "You're dead if you wipe out," but also, "You're deaf, even if you don't wipe out!"
:(

I'm looking for all wisdom in helping me to have a quiet ride so I can grow to a ripe old age (God willing) as an audiophile fulfilled. TIA
douglas_schroeder
whart's avatar
whart
1,930 posts
 
Doug, not to turn this into a discussion of riding, rather than noise, but if you are new to bikes (I started riding in my mid-40's):
1. Take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course
2. Practice constantly in big parking lots- the safety course doesn't equip you to ride on the street- it barely scratches the surface.
3. gear up- not just helmet but body protection and good boots with ankle protection that aren't too clunky to manage shifter;
4. check into sticky tires- makes a huge difference in grip and have the bike gone over by a competent mechanic.
5. ride with a buddy- not to compete but to learn and have a wingman
6. don't go beyond your limits
7. be careful in the wet (those first twenty minutes or so, when all the oil leeches out of the road surface) can be deadly
8. don't ride when fatigued.

enjoy.
isochronism
1,447 posts
 
All excellent points and suggestions by Whart. Doug, you can sell a lowest end cable and get a state of the art helmet. Safe riding :)
mental
1,029 posts
 
Sfar, good for you. You use the plugs and enjoy your ride, that's what it's all about. I respect that you've found a brand that works for you and share it with another that has the same interest. I don't agree with the plug thing, nor would I agree with someone tring to force my choice. I do use ear plugs when I have to an hit an engine room or such, just not when I'm out scootin. Freedom, where one can enjoy doing what one wants as long as that one doesn't tread on another.

Airegin...you're something else. I've run across folks like you all my life. Negative comments online about someone, something, just to spout off. Most other BMW riders are cringin at your introverted behavoir.

Most of us that ride embrace each other with respect. We also frown on those that twist their likes and dislikes to that brand of scoot one rides. I bet you do not utter one peep when you're out and about. I know AZ, been there and done that. I grew up in S. Texas, my pop was a biker. I've been turnin wrenches and moddin scoots for a very long time. Probaly why I ended up in the oil patch/shipyard industry instead of some panty waist office environment.

With that said, how about we get back to the world of audio. Scooter forums all over the internet, go join one of them if you need to talk bikes.
isochronism
1,447 posts
 
All riders should enjoy the camaraderie above all. It doesn't matter what brand you ride. I respect Doug from his many posts, etc. I learned about a great helmet brand through this thread. When I was ending high school in 76' I had a 74' Kawasaki H2, 750 2-stroke. 3 cyl, 3 carbs, 3 pipes, and expansion chambers to boot!! Loud and obnoxious!! I can't really complain about open pipes now. I have a Ducati MH900E. My friends who are lifetime Harley owners make fun of it. (Harleys do run better these days) Why do Harley owners always rev their throttles at red lights? Cause they won't idle. HA What is the difference between a Harley and a Hoover? The position of the dirt bag. HA Just jokes! Back to audio: My amps quieter than your amp! HA
airegin
174 posts
 
"I've been turnin wrenches and moddin scoots for a very long time. Probaly why I ended up in the oil patch/shipyard industry instead of some panty waist office environment."

I was believing you making a point until you went south and denigrated office workers. Me I was always a blue collar worker so no crisp, clean shirts for me. The older I get, the more the increasing incursion of noise gets on my nerves. That was my point and I went about making it poorly. Anyway good to know you're a blood 'n' guts, tough Texas fellow. Tony Lama's and Lone Star's know 'em well. Six years of my life spent in Grand Prairie and San Antonio. Agree with you about let's back to audio.
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