Riding with an iPod?

TR Versys · #1 12-19-2012, 08:23 AM

I know some people do this. I wear a modular helmet myself and wear ear plugs and enjoy the ride just fine. Is listening to music with earphones safe? What's it like? Can you hear what you need to hear in the traffic flow? I was just wondering. Thanks.

BLACK DOG · #2 12-19-2012, 08:43 AM

first...in SOME areas having earbuds in both ears is illegal
when I tried it I found that it was too distracting & isolating
but that's just me

kenr74 · #3 12-19-2012, 09:26 AM

I tried ear buds and didn't like that I couldn't hear much outside of the music. I have speakers now in my helmet that work much better for me.

kiwi 41 · #4 12-19-2012, 09:26 AM

I got a nolan n104 modular helmet with a B4 bluetooth system and listen to music via my samsung galaxy S2 phone and it work great, can recieve calls, listen to FM radio, talk to a friend via intercom system up to 800 m range as he has similar set up.

goat12 · #5 12-19-2012, 10:28 AM

When I rode with actual earbud style earphones I could one use one at a time. Having both in killed my situational awareness and freaked me out. I've since installed some speakers in my helmet- which allow for a much greater combination of my music AND what's going on around me. In NYC traffic this is crucial. Very happy with my current setup...

makopolo · #6 12-19-2012, 10:50 AM

What speakers/helmet combination are you using?

Quote:

Originally Posted by goat12

When I rode with actual earbud style earphones I could one use one at a time. Having both in killed my situational awareness and freaked me out. I've since installed some speakers in my helmet- which allow for a much greater combination of my music AND what's going on around me. In NYC traffic this is crucial. Very happy with my current setup...

cb1313 · #7 12-19-2012, 11:00 AM

Try these.

goat12 · #8 12-19-2012, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by makopolo

What speakers/helmet combination are you using?

I have an HJC Symax 3 and some custom (read old, unused, repurposed) Sony headphones:
http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums...ad.php?t=21552

That thread shows the install on my HJC Symax 2, but it's the same thing to install on the 3.

HAWKSHOT99 · #9 12-19-2012, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cb1313

Try these.

Those would have to be the most uncomfortable ear pieces ever under a helmet.

When I am going on a 40+ min ride I will usually wear my ear buds and listen to music. They are ScullCandy Asyms. I have foam caps on the end which block out most of the road noises.

When I am not wearing the buds I wear ear plugs and they block out just as much of my surrounding sounds. I do not crank the music very loud, just enough to have background tunes.

glowcat13 · #10 12-19-2012, 06:59 PM

I agree with the helmet speakers they give just the right amount of sound without being distractive.

colodak · #11 12-19-2012, 08:20 PM

I have HJC full face helmet and Scala G4 rider system. It's bluetooth connected to my GPS which has Sirius/Xm on as well as the ability to broadcast upto 4 FM radio stations or an MP3. I found using my ipod was distracting, but with this setup it's simple, the sound adjusts to surrounding noise, I can sync it with my phone as well to recieve calls (it's a PITA though) and I can push button adjust the volume as well. Rechargeable in a few hours on a wall plug.

stlee29 · #12 12-20-2012, 05:07 AM

Love riding with music with my sony ear plugs using my nokia E72 phone. Just loud enough to hear what's going on around me.

Would suggest to try it once to see if you like it. It is not for everyone.

prim8 · #13 12-20-2012, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goat12

When I rode with actual earbud style earphones I could one use one at a time. Having both in killed my situational awareness and freaked me out. I've since installed some speakers in my helmet- which allow for a much greater combination of my music AND what's going on around me. In NYC traffic this is crucial. Very happy with my current setup...

Is the HJC helmet quiet enough that you're not destroying your hearing since you're not wearing earplugs?

goat12 · #14 12-20-2012, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prim8

Is the HJC helmet quiet enough that you're not destroying your hearing since you're not wearing earplugs?

Totally. The Symax 2 was noticeably louder, and the 3 seems nice and quiet (for a modular). Initially I was concerned with the setup not being loud enough- turns out it's louder than I've needed. I tend to be VERY careful about my hearing as I'm a musician, so no- no blasting required for good sound...

Also- If any of you cats are interested in some tunes:

https://soundcloud.com/goat12/sets/r...etches/s-FKf4o

Dsauer · #15 12-31-2012, 03:21 PM

Try Er-6 earplugs, they have a low profile and work quite well. That way you can lose your hearing the old fashioned way - rock n roll instead of wind noise!

ultra · #16 12-31-2012, 04:00 PM

Like riding with the music on myself, but I've yet to see a comfortable earplug. Tried quite a few but none of them worked. Answer for me was the SENA smh10 headset which works flawlessly, but your helmet also has to accomodate the earpiece, so cutouts, or that molded ear design is a must. Wife had a hard time with hers in an AGV for example ( but perfect in an X-lite 802) so check your helmet prior. Some headsets, like scala rider come with thinner earpieces that helps too. The sound quality is good , won't compete with a high-end Sennheiser fully tucked in your ear, but enjoyable, loud enough if you want and still be able to hear your surroundings. In my opinion a good headset beats the most comfortable earphone any day. Plus if its a single unit its not much difference in price either.

Boricua · #17 01-01-2013, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prim8

Is the HJC helmet quiet enough that you're not destroying your hearing since you're not wearing earplugs?

Theres is no such a thing as a quiet helmet. Some are louder than others. I onwed both the Symax II and the III. The Symax III is much better on the noise department than the II. However, I would not ride without earplugs regardless of which helmet I am wearing. I use a scala team to keep in touch with my wife while riding. Interestingly I can hear her better when Im wearing my earplugs. I wonder if the same will work for music. Turning down the ambient noise let you hear what you are interested better.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Motorcycle.com Free App

genehil · #18 01-01-2013, 10:08 PM

I've done 13,000 miles in the past 13 months and although I have helmet speakers in my Arai XD4... I only use them to Bluetooth my GPS on longer trips... The miles and miles (including 5600 on a 19 day outing) without anything but my thoughts and the road are what I like best. Music on a motorcycle is overrated... But then again, I'm an old fart.

Jsollak · #19 01-10-2013, 10:37 AM

I personally find the sena smh10 system phenomenal for iPod music, phone calls and unit to unit communication. I find the speakers are just far enough back from my ears that I don't need to blast the music.

fasteddiecopeman · #20 01-10-2013, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genehil

I've done 13,000 miles in the past 13 months and although I have helmet speakers in my Arai XD4... I only use them to Bluetooth my GPS on longer trips... The miles and miles (including 5600 on a 19 day outing) without anything but my thoughts and the road are what I like best. Music on a motorcycle is overrated... But then again, I'm an old fart.

I'm with you. I 'sing' to myself on long trips (NOT well, tho'...

).

Here's a funny: on my '09 Alaska adventure I started singing "Don't Forget to Dance" by the Kinks, but could only remember a small part of the words. Once I got home I set up the CD player in my shop to play that song over-and-over, so I'd remember the words. Listened that way for DAYS....

STILL can't remember all the words!