How does everyone cope with wind noise on the motorway?

[Maverick9999]

Hi there,

I know this is a pretty basic question but I've only just started making long(ish) journeys on the motorway and my ears have been ringing at the end of them as the wind-noise is so loud. I've tried to use headphones which help so I can at least listen to music rather than the loud drone of the wind. Also I figure the headphones should make it harder for the noise to get into my ears if there's something blocking the path :)

Although the headphones are better than not using them, I still need to crank the music up quite load to battle with the wind. I'm considering using ear plugs but am worried that it will reduce my awareness once I get off the motorway and into traffic.

My helmet is fairly budget (nitro racing, back from the days of owning a scooter) but I don't think there are any gaping holes in it which would make the noise worse. Would a better helmet help?

I was wondering what people use to avoid this issue? Do you just man-up and live with it? Any advice?

[Fruity-ya-ya]

Van goghs idea only half worked.

[beabert]

The reason i picked my helmet was because it was supposed to be fairly quiet, it still too loud though.

Just wear ear plugs, i dont find it hinders me at all wearing them, makes you use your eyes more too :-)

Definately do something to protect your ears, i have tinnitus(not from the bike) and its horrible, especially when trying to sleep.

[Fruity-ya-ya]

Just wear ear plugs, i dont find it hinders me at all wearing them.

Better than an ipod

[kwak zzr]

neck warmer and ear plugs.

[skidmarx]

WEAR EARPLUGS!!! I wear mine ALL the time, even around town. Your hearing will suffer long term if you don't. Earplugs also reduce stress levels, help you focus on what's going on, reduce your perception of speed and at this time of year stop earache. I find I ride much better with them in because of all that. Get some foam ones, stuff them right in there by tolling them up first and holding them in for a bit while they expand into the shape of your ears. Once you've tried them, you won't go back..

[punyXpress]

" I'm considering using ear plugs but am worried that it will reduce my awareness once I get off the motorway and into traffic. "

At least you'll have some hearing left to be aware of other traffic. Also you shouldn't have tinnitus - a vicious little fecker from which there is no return!

[Cymraeg_Atodeg]

When I am riding around town I always wear ear plugs, but, when I do long distance I use in-ear headphone (which I hope to upgrade to moulded ear plugs at the NEC this year.) Cuts out a lot of the wind noise along with the neck sock I use and the double bubble screen I have.

If all else fails duck behind the screen to get out of the wind

[fizzwheel]

Earplug, white / wind noise is terribly destructive for your hearing.

If you want to quiet down the noise, look for a less race focused helmet, i.e. not to many vents, no spoiler etc etc.

I find the plugs dont reduce my awareness, I can still hear traffic and everything that is going on around me, the plugs filter out the bad / distracting noise.

[busasean]

I was doing nearly 40,000 miles a year so had some custom made ear plugs made at a cost of about £95 - they are without a shadow of doubt the best money I've ever spent...

No more ringing ears, headaches after 600 mile days and Idont get half as tired..

get decent ear plugs..

[yorkie_chris]

Ear plugs make absolutely no difference to awareness of traffic... your eyes are for watching the cagers, you can't hear them coming anyway.

Alternatively some earphones will block out a fair amount of wind noise, or you can get custom earplugs which are about the best you can get, you can get these with speakers/earphones in them.

A good lid may help but even the best, you will still need earplugs.

[Stonesie]

As above, I've started using foam earplugs and they don't block out emergency sirens and mean I can ride for hours without any ringing after, my helmet is also a cheepo (Arashi steel2) and starts whistling at 30mph, even on the 125 it was a pain and I keep eyeing up Shoei's qwest helmet.

[Biker Biggles]

Pardon?:smt039

[danf1234]

I was doing nearly 40,000 miles a year so had some custom made ear plugs made at a cost of about £95 - they are without a shadow of doubt the best money I've ever spent...

No more ringing ears, headaches after 600 mile days and Idont get half as tired..

get decent ear plugs..


Where did you get them, I would like some for work?

[andrewsmith]

neck warmer and ear plugs.

As kwak

the Uvex plugs from Arco are best ones I've found and they are cheap (£7 box and VAT exempt)
Neck warmers/ bluffs or even a skiing shmag do the job

[skidmarx]

As above, I've started using foam earplugs and they don't block out emergency sirens and mean I can ride for hours without any ringing after, my helmet is also a cheepo (Arashi steel2) and starts whistling at 30mph, even on the 125 it was a pain and I keep eyeing up Shoei's qwest helmet.

I've got the qwest, not so sure now after a good start, the visor is a bit flimsy and there is a persistant whistle from the lhs. Fogs lime a b**stard too despite fiddling with the pinlock. Comfy though but try te sizes as they seem a bit bigger size for size than the Raid. A Silent helmet is my holy Grail...

[yorkie_chris]

As kwak

the Uvex plugs from Arco are best ones I've found and they are cheap (£7 box and VAT exempt)
Neck warmers/ bluffs or even a skiing shmag do the job

Best earplugs I've found are the rhubarb and custard ones

[-Ralph-]

I'm partially deaf as a result of not wearing earplugs when I was younger. Can come in handy when talking to the wife, but I do miss out a lot of stuff I would like to hear too. Wear earplugs!

[andrewsmith]

Best earplugs I've found are the rhubarb and custard ones

Never got comfortable with them, too large. C got the last box i had that size

[Tim in Belgium]

Earplugs.

Edit: Whenever I ride a bike. FULL STOP

[fizzwheel]

Best earplugs I've found are the rhubarb and custard ones

Same, tried loads of different foam ones and those are the ones I like best / found to be the most effective.

Max Laser Lites I think they are called.

[sinbad]

I wear those green "EAR Soft" foam plugs.

I can't stand to ride for more than 5 minutes without them- I can't believe I went nearly 6 months without using ear plugs. The level of white-noise at anything over 30mph is just intolerable.

I think they make you feel warmer too :)

[Swin]

+1 to the rhubarb and custards - I use them for sleeping after night shifts too - can't hear the lawn mowers and children in the summer :D

[busasean]

Where did you get them, I would like some for work?

http://www.headsetservices.com/products/index.html

[Cymraeg_Atodeg]

Error 404....

[kwak zzr]

"How does everyone cope with wind noise on the motorway?"
i know its not the answer but i avoid motorways at any cost just to avoid the uncomfortable journey.

[Teejayexc]

Don't eat the beans at the services!

[2hys]

ive just found out specsavers do the moulded ones from 125 squid, i will be investing in a pair soon

[danf1234]

ive just found out specsavers do the moulded ones from 125 squid, i will be investing in a pair soon

Is that a pi55 take?:rolleyes:

[yorkie_chris]

It would not surprise me if they did start doing them but for that amount of money I would go to specialist

[2hys]

Is that a pi55 take?:rolleyes:

It would not surprise me if they did start doing them but for that amount of money I would go to specialist

specsavers do hearing aids too, was having an eye test the other day and picked up a leaflet about their ear plugs, was going to wait for the nec show but last year there was a 2hr q to have it done.. with specsavers i can make an apointment to suit me.... ....suits me!:)

[Specialone]

Crazy, i wear my ear plugs all the time, there is a chart somewhere i have seen and they say at mway speeds, total exposure to wind noise not to exceed 15 mins IIRC without it causing damage.
I wear the plastic xmas tree shaped ones that are tapered and layered so they stay in your ear.

[Stonesie]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/400-EAR-PLUGS-200-PAIRS-MAX-LITE-EARPLUGS-1-FULL-BOX-/280473310467?pt=UK_BOI_ProtectiveGear_RL&hash=item414d831503

That lot should keep anyone going for a while.. Just ordering some now :)

EDIT!

For those who like the look of the Rhubarb & Custard "Lazer lite" ear plugs, they do those too for the same price
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/400-FOAM-EAR-PLUGS-200-PAIRS-LASER-LITE-EARPLUGS-VFR-/280473767176?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item414d8a0d08

Apparantly they came a close 2nd to the "Max lite" (top link) in the RiDE test.

[dizzyblonde]

The rhubarb and custard ones the YC is refering to, he gets from me, courtesy of my employer;) They are Laserlite.

http://www.shooting-glasses.co.uk/images/Howard%20Leight%20Laser%20Lite%20corded.jpg

I now have custom made ones, again from my employer, which as they are 70 quid a set, is very nice of them, but have to say they don't work as effectively as the laserlite ones



.....welll they certainly don't work as well against the VRaptors exhausts either:rolleyes:

[Maverick9999]

Thanks for all the info guys, I will get a pair of earplugs pronto! Perhaps some moulded one if I get richer :)

I presume the only way I can listen to music and not be deafened by wind noise is to get the moulded headphones... will have a look into them...

lol at the beans at the service statement :)

[andrewsmith]

I run with the headphones in the helmet with plugs in and I can hear the music at motorway speed

[dizzyblonde]

Thanks for all the info guys, I will get a pair of earplugs pronto! Perhaps some moulded one if I get richer :)

I presume the only way I can listen to music and not be deafened by wind noise is to get the moulded headphones... will have a look into them...

lol at the beans at the service statement :)

Just to add, seeing as we get 'lessons' on how to put earplugs in...pay attention to how you shove em in. Roll them thin, pull the top of your ear with your opposite hand, and then insert the plug in your ear canal(not too far you feel sick lol), and allow it to expand. Don't just put it in half squished. If they do feel a little uncomfortable, gently pull out slightly after they've expanded.

Moulded ones are very hard compound under a lid IMO, and fill the entire ear, can give you earache just being squashed in the whole of your ear under your lid.

[littleoldman]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/400-EAR-PLUGS-...item414d831503 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/400-EAR-PLUGS-200-PAIRS-MAX-LITE-EARPLUGS-1-FULL-BOX-/280473310467?pt=UK_BOI_ProtectiveGear_RL&hash=item414d831503)

That lot should keep anyone going for a while.. Just ordering some now :smile:

Used these for many years in a very high noise chemical plant, they are vv good. now use ear phones for music that both block white noise and let me hear music and sirens. Hey Dizzy I thought the VRaptors exhausts where music to your ears.

[speedplay]

I use the little yellow spongy ear plugs.
Haven't read the whole thread so don't know if anyone has already touched on the subject of long term damage from the high frequency noise damage from not using plugs.
I've got 3 boxes of e.a.r plugs here if you want some.
Drop me a pm with an address and I'll chuck a few pairs in the post.
May save you from spending out on a box if you don't like them.

[darkdreamsgal]

Definitely ear plugs. The ones which work best for me (I find them the most comfortable and they don't accidentally slip out, which the foam ones tend to do with me) are the the soft silicone ones like these, which you press and mould to your ear (they're a bit sticky, like plasticine) - they don't actually go in the ear canal, but they block road 'white' noise out really effectively without blocking warning sounds (horns etc). They also work really well when sharing a room with a snorer!
http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580/1d/pics.Drugstore.com/prodimg/209806/300.JPG
Frankly, if you're worried about reducing awareness, your music is more of a distraction than using ear plugs to block out noise... (and yes, I know there's been lots of discussion about whether you should listen to music when riding - I'm not opposed to it, I'm just saying that in comparison to ear plugs, music is more of a distraction risk than mere ear plugs)

Like others on this thread, I'm hoping to upgrade to the moulded plugs (which allow for ipod connection too) at the NEC this year :)

J

[metalmonkey]

I always use ear plugs on the bike, my lid has a lot of vents which great in the summer, but not for noise once the plugs are in its fine. The LF I can still hear fine.

[Treacle]

I used to use the R&C ear plugs for about 6-7 years which helped a hell of alot but after a few hours into a journey I would get really bad ear ache.
So I thought sod it I'll spoil myself and get some moulded plugs and meet the guys at Ultimateear.com who I meet at last years NEC show. So so helpfull and very local to me. So wish that I had got them alot earlyer. And at £60 at show special rates it was tad cheaper than the Specsavers ones.

[TSM]

http://www.earplugged.co.uk/
lazerlite plugs, very soft and good, cheep for a large packet

[pookie]

I picked up mine from the bike show at excel in feb ,2 pairs for 90 quid or so

Make sure you get your molds to keep as some wont supply them.

http://www.ultimateear.com/motorcycle.htm

They're in kent and much cheaper than specsavers.


The are really comfortable i forget they are in. Road noise is partially blocked out just dont try and talk to me when they are in.


specsavers do hearing aids too, was having an eye test the other day and picked up a leaflet about their ear plugs, was going to wait for the nec show but last year there was a 2hr q to have it done.. with specsavers i can make an apointment to suit me.... ....suits me!:)

[Mark_h]

I picked up mine from the bike show at excel in feb ,2 pairs for 90 quid or so

Make sure you get your molds to keep as some wont supply them.

http://www.ultimateear.com/motorcycle.htm

They're in kent and much cheaper than specsavers.


The are really comfortable i forget they are in. Road noise is partially blocked out just dont try and talk to me when they are in.

+1 for ultimate ear. If you want to listen to music they do them with speakers in too. I have two pairs, one full block and another with bypass filters so I can hold conversations with them in when doing training runs.

If you can't get to them, just call and they will tell you when one of their fitters are in the area or refer you to a 3rd party for fitting. They tend to go to shows and some big bike meets.

[Mej]

ear plugs for me, sometimes ear plug in one ear and ipod in other. Helps alot!

[dizzyblonde]

Hey Dizzy I thought the VRaptors exhausts where music to your ears.


Oh they are:cool:, but the custom earplugs aren't as efficient as I'd like...you see if you don't wear plugs you get a kinda whining in your ears when you've stopped riding!
All my bikes exhausts are loud and fruity, for the benefit of other road users:rolleyes:, Pete can hear the VRap coming from behind from very far behind on the motorway:D. I've always worn earplugs, as I get it drummed in at work how detrimental noise can be. Earphones and loud music is certainly so, which is why I don't advocate that route.

[yorkie_chris]

Earphones and loud music is certainly so, which is why I don't advocate that route.

Yah.
IMO if you listen to music get some decent noise attenuating earphones which act as earplugs in their own right.

I tell you what is a massive surprise which you won't notice until you ride with earplugs a lot... then forget them on an odd occasion: The amount of extra fatigue you get from the noise.

[Stonesie]

http://www.earplugged.co.uk/
lazerlite plugs, very soft and good, cheep for a large packet


Cheaper on Ebay, see my link on page 4;)
edit
£12.80 cheaper for the big box of 200 pairs...

[Specialone]

I tell you what is a massive surprise which you won't notice until you ride with earplugs a lot... then forget them on an odd occasion: The amount of extra fatigue you get from the noise.

And it doesn't help concentration levels either on the odd occasion ive rode with out them, the noise is so dominating.

[2hys]

specsavers do hearing aids too, was having an eye test the other day and picked up a leaflet about their ear plugs, was going to wait for the nec show but last year there was a 2hr q to have it done.. with specsavers i can make an apointment to suit me.... ....suits me!:)


So I thought sod it I'll spoil myself and get some moulded plugs and meet the guys at Ultimateear.com who I meet at last years NEC show. So so helpfull and very local to me. So wish that I had got them alot earlyer. And at £60 at show special rates it was tad cheaper than the Specsavers ones.

I picked up mine from the bike show at excel in feb ,2 pairs for 90 quid or so

Make sure you get your molds to keep as some wont supply them.

http://www.ultimateear.com/motorcycle.htm

They're in kent and much cheaper than specsavers.


The are really comfortable i forget they are in. Road noise is partially blocked out just dont try and talk to me when they are in.

Ok, just looked in to ultimate ear looks like its worth a trip up there.

Thankyou for bringing them to my attention, will save me some of my hard

earned cash, specavers get enough of it as it is,

I dont wear normal ear plugs unless im going for a long ride as it takes

nearly 20 mins sometimes to get them in to my right ear, as i have a funny

shaped cannal

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

Helmet skirt

http://www.bikermart.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=MSW3

[Ed]

Ear plugs.

And slow down:D

[-Ralph-]

Helmet skirt

http://www.bikermart.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=MSW3

This doesn't stay on with all helmets BTW, best to go to an accessories shop and try before you buy.

[matt_rehm_hext]

If you want custom moulded ear plugs, Ultimate Ear seem to offer the best product without spending a huge amount of cash. I have the Squidgy pair which are the standard blockers.

They are very very good for £59 ( I managed to get them £10 off at TVAM) and they fit so much better and near instantly compared to foam plugs, and because of this, you'd usually get a better reduction in noise level than foam disposable ones.

If you want foam disposable ones, the best I've found for noise reduction are Earsoft FX, they are supposed to be the plugs that have the most SNR. Of course, fitting them is longer and they won't always go in perfect unless you got the technique down and you can do it ok.

Hearing loss is permanent and so is tinnitus. Take it from me, I'm 23 and already have fairly annoying tinnitus. Wear ear plugs every time you're riding, at a gig, in a noisy environment!

[maff]

Get yourself one of these...

http://www.bikehps.com/acatalog/Vario_Touring_Screens_for_Suzuki.html

It works brilliantly. Cuts out all noise and reduces the wind on your chest and shoulders by more than half, plus earplugs :)

[AndyBrad]

hmmm i use the ear yellow foam ones. I also sleep with them in every night! these are the best in my opinnion and ive tried them all back to back. They seem to block more low frequency noise than the soft feel ones so are better on the motorway. There also cheap!

however everyones different so try a few and see what you like. Unfortunatly though i hardly ever wear them on a rideout especially with other bikers as i find it helps me hear people passing me (im slow) better. just going down the mway i use them tho

[thedonal]

This is precisely why I'm getting a quieter lid. I also have a balaclava which has a (small) bearing on noise and keeps me nice and toasty in winter.

I've tried earplugs (though only very cheap ones) and they didn't make a huge difference to me- may try some better ones at some point if the new lid still has some noise. It's mainly the high-pitched whistling round my visor that I object to- the lower swoosh of air past the lid doesn't bother me as such...

[pepsi_dave]

My way around this was spending a few bob on a set of earphones that use foam in-ear earphones. Once they are in you ear they feel and sound like you're wearing earplugs, but you can listen to music aswell, at a much lower volume than you will at the moment.

As for losing the awareness, as long as the music isnt too loud while your on normal roads you'll be fine. Once your on the motorway anyway, instead of hearing wind roar and nothing else, you'll at least hear a bit of music and the wind noise will be a lot quiter.

I've made a few trips to and from Norwich from Manchester and since having the ear phones I haven't had ringing in my ears at the end of the journey.

The earpohnes I went for are Shure earphones, they cost me £70 but its money well spent in my opinon.

[BoomBoomBox]

Ooo, definitely don't listen to music on a bike, very good way to loose concentration. Especially on a motorway. You can get plenty of ear plugs that expand when in the ear to totally reduce wind noise, and wearing a balaclava can help a lot more than you think. If you can get a soft chin guard on the underside of a helmet, this stops wind getting up the helmet in the first place. AND you can get visors with a rubber seal on them that stops wind getting through and rattling the visor too. SORTED. : )

[yorkie_chris]

Ooo, definitely don't listen to music on a bike, very good way to loose concentration. Especially on a motorway.

I don't agree, I find without music I loose concentration very easily. Much better with as you don't drift off quite as far into ponderland...

[BoomBoomBox]

Hmm, suprising. I couldnt think of anything worse.

[yorkie_chris]

Boredom is worse

[loonytoon]

i find that wind noise distracts me as its a constant droning but music is varying all the time an keeps me alert, i do alot of commuting along a busy dual carrage way an i find the music makes me alot more visually aware of thing going on

[dizzyblonde]

Ooo, definitely don't listen to music on a bike, very good way to loose concentration. Especially on a motorway.

+1

I don't agree, I find without music I loose concentration very easily. Much better with as you don't drift off quite as far into ponderland...
Far too easy to get engrossed in a tune and forget what you're doing IMO, but then thats me. Plus with more 'uptempo' tunes you tend to be a little more throttle happy.
At least with earplugs you cut out wind noise, but still have other important noises to hear, which get masked with music. I find music very distracting, I prefer to hone in on what I'm supposed to be doing when theres less going on in my earholes.

[yorkie_chris]

Plus with more 'uptempo' tunes you tend to be a little more throttle happy.

Yup :smt028

I tend to find, even on group rides, without music in I will end up losing concentration riding slower but much more dangerously. Add some cheesy metal and all is well, generally riding WFO but with FAR higher levels of concentration on the job in hand and much higher safety margins.

[yorkie_chris]

other important noises to hear,

Like what?

[dizzyblonde]

Like what?

well you might get so engrossed in listening to Motorhead at full tilt, you may not necessarily hear that ambulance behind. It has been known, but not by me.

[BoomBoomBox]

+1


Far too easy to get engrossed in a tune and forget what you're doing IMO, but then thats me. Plus with more 'uptempo' tunes you tend to be a little more throttle happy.
At least with earplugs you cut out wind noise, but still have other important noises to hear, which get masked with music. I find music very distracting, I prefer to hone in on what I'm supposed to be doing when theres less going on in my earholes.

Good man, couldn't agree more.

[dizzyblonde]

Good man, couldn't agree more.

MAN bloody MAN :smt092



I'll have you know I am female, and not so blonde anymore:smt039

[Nobbylad]

Music through earphones helps me concentrate, however have been known to it lead to more spirited riding whilst sunny etc. Ear plugs are good, but for me, quieteness on a bike leads to comfy, snugness and generally microsleeps or lack of general awareness. Wind noise however is second to cold in my book in terms of something to take your mind off riding.

If it wasn't such a faff to sort my music out so that I could guarantee no earphone slippage and easily access the pause/volume controls, I'd use them all the time. As it is, I use those re-useable earplugs on plastic string.

[BoomBoomBox]

Uh-oh. Deepest apologise. :)