Big windshield and also earplugs?
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 790
Likes: 4
From: Internet
Big windshield and also earplugs?
I know a lot of buzz goes around about wind noise, pipe noise, and the general need to wear earplugs of some sort, to reduce hearing damage.
I have semi-loud baffled pipes and i know its louder than factory, but I dont think i notice the pipes much. The wind noice is brutal with the shield off but that is rare for me.
What i think is going to be a bigger issue for me, and i keep promising myself to make a change ... instead of ear plugs i often wear my in-ear headphones which block most wind, but i have my tunes cranked up loud as hell just so i can hear it over all the other noise.
Not sure what ill do, im not ready for a full fairing yet, and i def like my tunes on a long ride.
So anyway Im wondering if many people feel the need to wear plugs, even with a full shield? or is the wind noise a non-issue for you?
I have semi-loud baffled pipes and i know its louder than factory, but I dont think i notice the pipes much. The wind noice is brutal with the shield off but that is rare for me.
What i think is going to be a bigger issue for me, and i keep promising myself to make a change ... instead of ear plugs i often wear my in-ear headphones which block most wind, but i have my tunes cranked up loud as hell just so i can hear it over all the other noise.
Not sure what ill do, im not ready for a full fairing yet, and i def like my tunes on a long ride.
So anyway Im wondering if many people feel the need to wear plugs, even with a full shield? or is the wind noise a non-issue for you?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 7
From: Clermont, GA, CSA
Part of the wind noise you're getting is caused by buffeting, which is coming from under the windshield around the gas tank.
Get a set of these and lots of that will stop:
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
Mal
Get a set of these and lots of that will stop:
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
Mal
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 3
From: Mebane, NC
I buy the Radians Custom Earplugs and make my own. I also insert a pair of Sony earbuds inside the earplugs for a set of custom fit ear plug/buds. A flat smooth surface will not catch the wind as much. If you use earbuds alone make sure they are a sealed set. I tried some that had holes or ports in them and all the holes do is let wind in (almost like a whistle) and are worse than having nothing in your ear.
I have also figured out I that I can turn the strap on my helmet perpendicular to my face to block the wind in front of my ear. This deflects the wind around my ear to a degree.
By using these two options it cuts down on wind noise signifigantly and I don't have to turn my tunes up loud. Turning music up really loud can be hazardous because you can't hear horns, etc.
I have also figured out I that I can turn the strap on my helmet perpendicular to my face to block the wind in front of my ear. This deflects the wind around my ear to a degree.
By using these two options it cuts down on wind noise signifigantly and I don't have to turn my tunes up loud. Turning music up really loud can be hazardous because you can't hear horns, etc.
Last edited by harleyheaven; May 30, 2012 at 10:22 PM.
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 453
Likes: 0
From: Clarkston
I wear ear plugs now. I went on a 4 hour cruise one day and my ears were ringing for days so I moved to ear plugs quick. They do a good job of blocking the high pitched wind but not the exhaust or sirens and stuff. And I can still have a conversation at a stop light which is nice.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 3
From: Central Jersey
when I wore a half helmet with no windshield i wore ear plugs on long trips, now I wear a 3/4 helmet 100% of the time, and that keeps the wind out of my ears, and use my windshield on long trips, that helps even further..although once the wind is out of your ears, you're going to start hearing noises come from your engine you've never heard before..like the cams whirling and the actual sound the pipes are making, and that primary spinning... it's going to freak you out and make you wonder why nothing is falling apart
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
Been riding something or other since I was a kid, never used ear plugs, never had a problem. Been around guns my whole life too, still not a problem. I ride to put the wind in my face!!! Thats the freedom of it all for me! Still, never had a problem one......wait, what was that you said, huh, what??
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Central Pa
I buy the Radians Custom Earplugs and make my own. I also insert a pair of Sony earbuds inside the earplugs for a set of custom fit ear plug/buds. A flat smooth surface will not catch the wind as much. If you use earbuds alone make sure they are a sealed set. I tried some that had holes or ports in them and all the holes do is let wind in (almost like a whistle) and are worse than having nothing in your ear.
I wear them usually when I don't have a shield on and plan on going a long distance. You can get the tan colored Radians and they won't stick out like a sore thumb. and the nice thing about them is they are molded to your ear and they won't keep coming loose like typical foam plugs.
I haven't tried putting the ear buds in yet for fear it would drowned out my wife harping about how fast I am going
... but I may try it someday.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I wear ear plugs for protecting my hearing while riding or any where else I am around loud noises anymore.
I already have the ringing 24-7, I don't want to loose any more than I already have.
I already have the ringing 24-7, I don't want to loose any more than I already have.