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  3. 1376778599

To Ride and Not Go Deaf

For my mid-life crisis I chose to revisit the skill of driving motorcycle. If anyone is interested I secured a 2011 Kawasaki Versys 650, which makes me look vaguely like a street bike rider, only with classic rider posture which is far more sensible for my frame.

How does this pertain to audio? I had forgotten how hellishly noisy cycles are! My goodness, what a lovely way to go deaf! The wind noise is atrocious, and I can grasp why so many cyclists have hearing problems over time.

I'll do my best not to be one of them. I have been using those foam 32dB reduction ear plugs and have a full helmet, but still the noise is nasty. I've made the decision to seek the best in helmets with noise reduction and a good seal around the neck. Seems the Schuberth brand of Germany is excellent, if not inexpensive. It'll be worth every penny if it reduces the malestrom to tolerable levels. The snarl of the motor and the wind whipping my body is one sort of "music" I want getting nowhere near my ears! It looks like the pro version of Schuberth's C3 gets dBs down to about 82.

Any comments from Schuberth users or those insisting there is another even more worthy brand to consider when it comes to noise diminishing capability? (Yes, I did get a larger wind screen) I have done some searching on the net, now I would like your input.

Now I look at those motoring on the freeway without a helmet and I think not only, "You're dead if you wipe out," but also, "You're deaf, even if you don't wipe out!"
:(

I'm looking for all wisdom in helping me to have a quiet ride so I can grow to a ripe old age (God willing) as an audiophile fulfilled. TIA
douglas_schroeder
Post removed 
whart's avatar
whart
3,052 posts
 
When I rode, I respected 'em all, and they did me. I love 'em all too- had a
Ducati, a MotoGuzzi and a blinged out chromed V-Rod showbike that I de-
glitzed and upgraded with brembos, sticky tires, better seat, got rid of some
of the cheesy stuff, better bars, etc. Out of all of them, the Harley was the
easiest to ride, even though i was a heavy motha. (That engine was
glorious, endless torque and headroom, i just wish the chassis had been
stiffer). I think the BMW may be the most advanced for general touring (and
gather their sports bikes are no slouch). I have proper respect for any
sports bike, but I'm too old to be crouched over one, belly to tank.
Funny story. I was out years ago, and there was this big ol' boy, hillbilly
lookin' mofo, with the zztop beard, lot's of ink, etc. A row of bikes stood by-
we were all stopped at a well known place where riders take a break. I
figured the good ol' billy was good for one of the old school harleys, maybe
a full dresser. Nope, he got on a Hayabusa with a trick exhaust. So,
apperances can be deceiving.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,242 posts
 
Make sure you're properly fitted for your helmet. It should be noticeably snug.

I wear plugs when riding alone and have done so for decades. When riding with my spouse we use helmet to helmet communicators and I forgo the ear plugs. The ability to talk to the other motorcyclist more than compensates for the increased noise level.

The inflight noise level of a commercial jet is around 80dB. A turboprop is in the 90+dB. A NYC subway platform is 95dB and 110db when a train arrives. A car at highway speeds in the 70-75db range. A convertible car at highway speeds is close to 90dB. Gunshots typically measure over 150db. Crowd noise at an NFL game averages 95-105dB. In short, there are any number of activities that can damage your hearing. As a defense you could live in and never leave a cork lined room, or you could practice some common sense precautions.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
you never see a motorcycle parked outside a psychiatrist's office. :)
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