Ear plugs?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 185
From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
i ride in ear plus (cheap foam ones) 100% of the time. I find they block out the unnecessary noise and still allow needed audio input to filter into my head, things like car horns, sirens, the radio, etc. AS a IBA rider and a verified long distance rider, you will find on longer rides the reduction in noise impacts fatigue and does not leave you with the ear ringing as you describe.
I have ridden 24 straight hours and only gotten off the bike to use the rest room and pump gas. On rides such as these, ear plugs are a must.
Do yourself a favor, try them and see what a difference they make.
I have ridden 24 straight hours and only gotten off the bike to use the rest room and pump gas. On rides such as these, ear plugs are a must.
Do yourself a favor, try them and see what a difference they make.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
100% right. The problem is, many of us choose not to wear ear plugs until we notice a buzz or ringing and by then some damage has occurred. Don't wait until you've reached that point! Experiment with different styles and see what works best.
The wind will PERMANENTLY damage your hearing over time. (It has NOTHING to do with loud pipes.) You should always wear earplugs, no matter what kind of helmet you wear. (Google it. Many FF helmets have just as damaging wind noise.)
Some will undoubtedly post tough guy responses that they don't need no stinking earplugs. There is no such thing as tough cilia in your ears. You WILL end up with tinnitus eventually if you don't wear earplugs. It is inevitable. Ask any of us old farts. You do NOT want tinnitus.
I wear Surefire Sonic Defender EP3's. They are very comfortable all day long and are damn near invisible if you get the clear ones.
Some will undoubtedly post tough guy responses that they don't need no stinking earplugs. There is no such thing as tough cilia in your ears. You WILL end up with tinnitus eventually if you don't wear earplugs. It is inevitable. Ask any of us old farts. You do NOT want tinnitus.
I wear Surefire Sonic Defender EP3's. They are very comfortable all day long and are damn near invisible if you get the clear ones.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 501
Likes: 136
If you're using the foam plugs, you want to squeeze and roll them with your fingers and and make them as long and skinny as posable, then quickly put them in your ear. hold them in place and you'll feel them expand.I had the same problem until I saw a friend do this. they never fall out now. on long trips, I wear them with my 3/4 helmet. nice and quiet.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,649
Likes: 2
From: x
If you're using the foam plugs, you want to squeeze and roll them with your fingers and and make them as long and skinny as posable, then quickly put them in your ear. hold them in place and you'll feel them expand.I had the same problem until I saw a friend do this. they never fall out now. on long trips, I wear them with my 3/4 helmet. nice and quiet.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 501
Likes: 136
I usually wet them with my mouth but i left that out. only real bikers know what ear wax taste like.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
I wear ear plugs all day long at work sice I operate heavy equipment and the few times I dont my ears are ringing by the end of the day. I thought about wearing them on the bike and never have until a few days ago. Wow what a diffrence from now on it's plugs 100%