Touring and Ringing Ears
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 994
Likes: 28
From: NC
Touring and Ringing Ears
I searched for this topic but I haven't seen any threads specific to it. Windshield? Music?
I think the 7" windsplitter I currently use splits my eardrums more so than the wind. My passenger lady has complained, too. I know earplugs are used by a lot of people, but then what's the point of the radio if you can't hear it? I'm relatively new to the touring and I never noticed the ringing ears before when riding my softails without windshields, but something on my SG is causing them to ring. every time. I figured a combo of buffeting wind and amped music is the cause, so for my next ride I'm not going to play the radio at all and see if it is just the wind causing it. I figure it can't be from the pipes because they are too far out back. Anybody already try this and can confirm?
I tested the 8.5 KW and it wasn't much different from my HD 7" windsplitter regarding protection other than severe vibration of the recurve at highway speeds which I found too distracting. I have an 8" LRS on the way, I'm hoping I won't have to go much higher than 8" or 9". if that doesn't work I may try Clearview with a vent cut into it. something's gotta give.
I think the 7" windsplitter I currently use splits my eardrums more so than the wind. My passenger lady has complained, too. I know earplugs are used by a lot of people, but then what's the point of the radio if you can't hear it? I'm relatively new to the touring and I never noticed the ringing ears before when riding my softails without windshields, but something on my SG is causing them to ring. every time. I figured a combo of buffeting wind and amped music is the cause, so for my next ride I'm not going to play the radio at all and see if it is just the wind causing it. I figure it can't be from the pipes because they are too far out back. Anybody already try this and can confirm?
I tested the 8.5 KW and it wasn't much different from my HD 7" windsplitter regarding protection other than severe vibration of the recurve at highway speeds which I found too distracting. I have an 8" LRS on the way, I'm hoping I won't have to go much higher than 8" or 9". if that doesn't work I may try Clearview with a vent cut into it. something's gotta give.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 994
Likes: 28
From: NC
OK, I just re-read the ear plugs thread, and see that they do make plugs specifically for the wind noise but which allows other noise like conversation/music through. I gues that's the route I will go, sorry for wasting server space!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Oklahoma
Can't help but be suspicious that part of the problem is having a windshield for looks rather than function. You may get the worst of both worlds, still lots of wind, noise and buffeting plus the windshield reflecting back to you all of machine noises, including exhaust. A windshield tall enough to do the job just isn't stylish in some people's eyes. Do you want form or function?
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,049
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From: IOWA
Can't help but be suspicious that part of the problem is having a windshield for looks rather than function. You may get the worst of both worlds, still lots of wind, noise and buffeting plus the windshield reflecting back to you all of machine noises, including exhaust. A windshield tall enough to do the job just isn't stylish in some people's eyes. Do you want form or function?
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 994
Likes: 28
From: NC
Can't help but be suspicious that part of the problem is having a windshield for looks rather than function. You may get the worst of both worlds, still lots of wind, noise and buffeting plus the windshield reflecting back to you all of machine noises, including exhaust. A windshield tall enough to do the job just isn't stylish in some people's eyes. Do you want form or function?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Beary
Last edited by beary; Apr 3, 2014 at 08:48 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 892
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From: Northern NY
The ringing in your ears is the preliminary stages of tinnitus. This is a form of hearing loss and will in time become permanent. You will always hear the sound of a seashell once the problem becomes permanent. Many people experience it. I use the soft foam ear plugs and can hear my stereo more clearly with the plugs in than without. I buy them at the local pharmacy, they aren't expensive but make a significant difference. Just try it and you will see what I am talking about. Or better yet continue to go without and get to more annoying stages of tinnitus.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Northern Illinois
Check into Long Ride Shields, or Fastaire. They both make shields that better direct the air up and over you, without adding additional height to the shield.
Great idea to wear plugs also, especially if there is a strong cross wind.
Great idea to wear plugs also, especially if there is a strong cross wind.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Some helmets are the problem too. Believe of not, a Fullface helmet can make the sound a lot worse because the sound bounces around inside. I'm told the ultra light Carbon (kevlar?) helmets are especially bad.
Beary
Beary