I agree... I bought the bike to get away from everything and relax.

 

I ride with them in both ears, sometimes. Not a problem. Do you really "hear" cars? I "see" them.

 

You make a good point.

 

Never saw the need for music while riding.

 

I used to, buy don't have the need anymore with my RG!

 

I enjoy the four speakers on my Ultra Classic. I plan on adding about 6 more as I upgrade the stereo system.

 

I sometimes ride with earbuds and a MP3 player. Have never had a problem hearing traffic around me or sirens. It's a hassle though when riding with others and pull to a stop light and they want to talk.

 

I have tried ear buds and helmet speakers and never felt comfortable with them. I have no problems using the speakers on the Ultra Limited though.

 

I've been riding with ear-buds in for about 13 years for my daily commute and other solo trips. The gel buds work best. Trick is setting volume so that you essentially cancel out the wind noise + a little more so you can hear the audio, but can still hear sirens and other things that you'd hear driving in your cage. Hearing the motor is not a problem with the volume at this level and I've never found it to be a distraction. However, I use headphone/earbuds that have a remote / inline volume control so that I can quickly dial down the music so that I can have a conversation without removing my helmet or digging out my iPod.

I've had in-helmet speakers wired to stereo/GPS/Bluetooth phone/intercom before on my BMW R1150RT... I prefer the earbuds with just the iPod for non-touring.

 

In big traffic No ,on open roads yes but I get tired of am/fm and listening to my pipes is more fun. Can't find good balance with radio volume and keeps getting harmonics anyway which is more trouble than its worth.