PNW Riders

VFR750FKID · 09-19-2009, 09:31 PM

I dont know if this has been posted before......

I have a question and i would like some input.

Do you ride with music on? (headphones)

I have done both and i see ups and downs for it.

Personally i like to listen to my bike and hear the engine (also good encase if a mysterious noise appears). But at the same time sitting in traffic and having some nice tunes helps me relax.

Listening to music might distract you from concentrating on riding or it will help you relax (like above).

What do you guys think?

trayson · 09-19-2009, 09:42 PM

When I first started riding, no music. Now, always music. It takes the edge off, provides a little rhythm, makes it more enjoyable all around.

I have a motocomm system where I actually have speakers that are in my helmet and a little box that I can plug my ipod and a bunch of other stuff into. I've also wired in a headphone cable that was made by Skullcandy that has a inline volume control and an inline mute button. That's REALLY nice as I can mute my music when someone wants to talk to me on group rides. And I can lower my volume if I have a more serious section of twisties that I want less distraction for, etc.

I've also got a way simplified version of my "system" where I plug my Ipod directly into the cord for my helmet speakers. That's good for when I am not riding with my tank bag.

CBRinPDX · 09-19-2009, 09:44 PM

I've recently started listening to music while riding. I have done so because I found a decent pair of sound isolating ear buds. $20 @ Cycle Gear.

I don't have the music to help me relax since I don't ride in the city but it's nice for those boring slab rides to the twisties.

* edit- I wish I had a mute button.. *

If I don't have the ear buds in then I'm wearing ear plugs.

ulfur · 09-19-2009, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by trayson

When I first started riding, no music. Now, always music. It takes the edge off, provides a little rhythm, makes it more enjoyable all around.

I have a motocomm system where I actually have speakers that are in my helmet and a little box that I can plug my ipod and a bunch of other stuff into. I've also wired in a headphone cable that was made by Skullcandy that has a inline volume control and an inline mute button. That's REALLY nice as I can mute my music when someone wants to talk to me on group rides. And I can lower my volume if I have a more serious section of twisties that I want less distraction for, etc.

I've also got a way simplified version of my "system" where I plug my Ipod directly into the cord for my helmet speakers. That's good for when I am not riding with my tank bag.

Same here first no music now I do all the time. It really helps me relax when riding.

Brady · 09-19-2009, 09:49 PM

I always ride with music...But I like hearing whats around me, so I keep only 1 ear bud in and turn it up just loud enough to hear over my bike but not so loud I cant hear anything else.

PDXnative · 09-19-2009, 09:51 PM

What do you guys use for headphones? I tried it with my iPod ear buds, but could not get them to stay in when putting my helmet on. What's the trick?

drivingon9 · 09-19-2009, 10:00 PM

boring / traffic / stop & go : listen to music
technical brisk runs : ear plugs only (no distractions).

I personally use these : http://www.amazon.com/Skull-Candy-SC.../dp/B0014JI7N8

Fairly cheap, sounds great, and do a fairly decent job of acting as an earplug by blocking sound (works great with my Daytona, but I have to crank it up a bit on the Tuono coz it's really loud).

Make sure you have the wires all in the "right" place with just enough slack. Nothing worse than looking over your shoulder to change lanes, and yanking one plug out part/all of the way.

Harley · 09-19-2009, 10:01 PM

Im cheap so i just sing..lol.. Bike sounds too good to cover it up with music

trayson · 09-19-2009, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by Brady

I always ride with music...But I like hearing whats around me, so I keep only 1 ear bud in and turn it up just loud enough to hear over my bike but not so loud I cant hear anything else.

Interesting. I was told by the manufacturer of my Motocomm speaker system that he was surprised that I wasn't getting a headache when I told him that one of the pins broke on a connecter resulting in music out of only one ear... It didn't seem to bug me, but then after he said something, it started playing with my head!

Originally Posted by Harley

Im cheap so i just sing..lol.. Bike sounds too good to cover it up with music

Funny, my stepdad has a harley and he has an indash CD player with a 4 speaker sound system.

VFR750FKID · 09-19-2009, 10:13 PM

Originally Posted by drivingon9

Make sure you have the wires all in the "right" place with just enough slack. Nothing worse than looking over your shoulder to change lanes, and yanking one plug out part/all of the way.

That happened to me today was merging onto 26 from 217 and sure enough turned my head left.....

I use Sony MDR-EX33LP (Sweet little buds)
They are a little more than the skull candy but i do like them.

Brady · 09-19-2009, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by trayson

Interesting. I was told by the manufacturer of my Motocomm speaker system that he was surprised that I wasn't getting a headache when I told him that one of the pins broke on a connecter resulting in music out of only one ear... It didn't seem to bug me, but then after he said something, it started playing with my head!

lol, I cant ride with both in....It bugs the shit out of me...specially when im riding with another person and they try and say something to me at a light..I want to be able to hear what they say incase its important...Its hard enough hearing them over my bike at a light without music

In fact...I hate having both in so bad I zip tied the right side ear bud down so it didnt get in the way...

My last set the right side ear bud came out under my jacket and I guess it snuck its way to my back tire on the freeway and ripped off...That worked out well cause I didnt have to deal with it after that

QBert · 09-19-2009, 10:20 PM

yea its nice to jam

while riding on the street but I cant seem to do it on dirt to much distraction.

CBRinPDX · 09-19-2009, 10:28 PM

Originally Posted by Brady

My last set the right side ear bud came out under my jacket and I guess it snuck its way to my back tire on the freeway and ripped off...That worked out well cause I didnt have to deal with it after that

That was one hell of a long cord...

Originally Posted by PDXnative

What do you guys use for headphones? I tried it with my iPod ear buds, but could not get them to stay in when putting my helmet on. What's the trick?

Gently hold one finger over the earbud, like a shoehorn, while slipping your helmet on.

Sentor · 09-19-2009, 10:29 PM

Feel your bike, listen to music.

Sentor · 09-19-2009, 10:30 PM

Oh, and these are what I use.... best $90 i've ever spent.

CBRinPDX · 09-19-2009, 10:31 PM

Hey money bags. You're supposed to be in Portland...

Sentor · 09-19-2009, 10:33 PM

You're not supposed to sell your bike...

Make Anna work the corner for that downpayment.

Sentor · 09-19-2009, 10:34 PM

P.S.... go on that fossil ride tomorrow!

Brady · 09-19-2009, 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by Sentor

Oh, and these are what I use.... best $90 i've ever spent.

Ill tell you what..

I spent about $40 on some skull candy head phones that were supposed to be good...They sucked under the helmet.

http://www.google.com/products/catal...m=1#ps-sellers

^^These are the best headphones Ive ever used for riding...and at only $15...Cant beat that!

trayson · 09-19-2009, 10:39 PM

Mine:

https://www.rflimited.com/Site.asp?CID=3

Obviously, you don't have to have EVERYTHING plugged in. But on my old bike I did 2way radios on it (talk to chatterboxes) and even was able to take a few calls on my cell phone... Also had the radar detector plugged into it.

Now-a-days it's mostly just the Ipod though...

Sentor · 09-19-2009, 10:42 PM

holy f'in wires trayman.

Willow · 09-19-2009, 11:03 PM

I used to not listen to music, but I bought the Scala Rider Q2 and use it to listen to music when ever I go riding. It only get's FM, but it works great. I love listening to music now when riding and it works just fine. It works best for me with ear plugs in.

trayson · 09-19-2009, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by Sentor

holy f'in wires trayman.

Yeah, that's EVERYTHING that comes with the kit. lots of extra stuff. They give you Mic's that will do open face and closed faced helmets. Plus you're looking at enough stuff to do TWO helmets. With the system, you'd be able to have full duplex intercom with the many womenz you always seem to have riding two-up with you!

That way, you could hear her shreak when she's scared, or hear the "yeah baby" when she goes for the reach around!

Realistically though, I have the "brain" and my ipod in my tank bag, and just one wire that goes up to my helmet. I was wearing it when we all did windy ridge this summer. Not bad when you're riding at all.

Transported · 09-19-2009, 11:19 PM

Ear plugs. I'm too focused to deal with music. It would be a distraction.

VFR750FKID · 09-19-2009, 11:31 PM

Originally Posted by Transported

Ear plugs. I'm too focused to deal with music. It would be a distraction.

I would have to point out you are the first NEY!
Interesting

Sentor · 09-20-2009, 01:18 AM

Originally Posted by Transported

Ear plugs. I'm too focused to deal with music. It would be a distraction.

It just gets tuned out when you're concentrating.

Willow · 09-20-2009, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by Sentor

It just gets tuned out when you're concentrating.

exactly

BusaBrian · 09-20-2009, 07:41 AM

If I'm out on an actual ride or just out cruising without a destination, I have tunes. But I don't take the time to grab it if I'm going to work or motoring across town.

rowlex · 09-20-2009, 08:26 AM

i listen to tunes through a chatterbox, works well and i can still hear whats going on outside.

trunkmonkey · 09-20-2009, 09:18 AM

Sony ear buds from bestbuy. They cancel some noise, but not all. I can still feel, and hear the mtr and rpms. Always have music in. Wish I had a mute button and will b getting a com sys of some sort. Put the right rubber pieces for ur ears on the buds, and they'll stay in when ur helmet goes on. The music is great when cruising. It also amps me up when riding period, but when I really rail, I no longer hear it due to concentration. No more wind noise is great, and plugs will do it also, but why not have music then. Its not hard to concentrate once u get used to them which didn't take me more than a week.

pv2 · 09-20-2009, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by trunkmonkey

Sony ear buds from bestbuy. They cancel some noise, but not all. I can still feel, and hear the mtr and rpms. Always have music in. Wish I had a mute button and will b getting a com sys of some sort. Put the right rubber pieces for ur ears on the buds, and they'll stay in when ur helmet goes on. The music is great when cruising. It also amps me up when riding period, but when I really rail, I no longer hear it due to concentration. No more wind noise is great, and plugs will do it also, but why not have music then. Its not hard to concentrate once u get used to them which didn't take me more than a week.

yeah but TM I have to say, you cn't hear a word I say, LOL, you always had to turn those head phones back down. An exercise in my being efficient in conversation.?????

I can't use headphones with music, that RC sounds soooooooooo nice. I just can't get away from her sweet tones.

But if I did, likely I'd just use the in-ear etomophic research.
Likely I'd use it on the track.

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er6i.aspx

trunkmonkey · 09-20-2009, 09:46 AM

Heavy metal, high volume, and noise isolation equals no talky lol. I can still hear and feel the bike. I can still hear traffic, cars, horns, sirens, etc. Just talking isn't audible. I would like a com sys so I can mute it without pulling the ipod out to turn it down. The cords don't bother me either, just the inability to mute. If u have the money, u should get a comm sys or a helmet with one in it like the Element helmet, which is what I'll b doin.

soul_trip · 09-20-2009, 09:47 AM

I always listen to music it helps drown out the horns and the yelling

When I'm fighting traffic I like to listen to some good oldschool punk like crass, black flag, misfits...

When I hit the twisties some nice smooth trance (goa, progressive, acid) always locks me in

I carry a set of ear plugs too in case my ipod goes out

soul_trip · 09-20-2009, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by trunkmonkey

Heavy metal, high volume, and noise isolation equals no talky lol. I can still hear and feel the bike. I can still hear traffic, cars, horns, sirens, etc. Just talking isn't audible. I would like a com sys so I can mute it without pulling the ipod out to turn it down. The cords don't bother me either, just the inability to mute. If u have the money, u should get a comm sys or a helmet with one in it like the Element helmet, which is what I'll b doin.

that element helmet looks bad ass! why dont more helmet manufacuters integrate this tech?

8 lives · 09-20-2009, 10:15 AM

I have tried listening to music and it doesn't work for me. I am not quite a newbie but i still make newbie mistakes so i don't need something else to think about such as music. From my experience i wouldn't recommend listening to music if you are fairly inexperienced. Earplugs on the other hand are pretty nice.

Shrek X · 09-20-2009, 10:25 AM

got to roll with the tunes!

trunkmonkey · 09-20-2009, 10:49 AM

Yeah, I didn't start listening to music for probably 1.5 yrs when I first started riding. Might have been different if I was a brand new rider, and I don't think I would have done it, or recomended it

trayson · 09-20-2009, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by trunkmonkey

I would like a com sys so I can mute it without pulling the ipod out to turn it down. The cords don't bother me either, just the inability to mute. .

Why not look into an inline volume control like I did?

here's one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/KOSS-VC20-IN-LIN...d=p3286.c0.m14

Or you get the earbuds that already have an inline volume control...

trayson · 09-20-2009, 12:04 PM

I actually might upgrade to something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Line-Remote-...d=p3286.c0.m14

It would be really cool to be able to not only adjust the volume without digging out my ipod, but to also be able to track forward or pause it...

Revmeup · 09-20-2009, 12:36 PM

I love listening to music while I ride....and like Sentor said....

Originally Posted by Sentor

It just gets tuned out when you're concentrating.


09-19-2009, 09:31 PM	#1
VFR750FKID Pit Crew Joined: Sep 2009 From: Portland, OR I Ride: 1994 Honda VFR750F, 1966 CL160, XR250	Motorcycles and Music I dont know if this has been posted before...... I have a question and i would like some input. Do you ride with music on? (headphones) I have done both and i see ups and downs for it. Personally i like to listen to my bike and hear the engine (also good encase if a mysterious noise appears). But at the same time sitting in traffic and having some nice tunes helps me relax. Listening to music might distract you from concentrating on riding or it will help you relax (like above). What do you guys think? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 09:42 PM	#2
trayson Pit Crew Joined: May 2008 From: Vancouver WA I Ride: 2005 Kawi ZX-6R 636	When I first started riding, no music. Now, always music. It takes the edge off, provides a little rhythm, makes it more enjoyable all around. I have a motocomm system where I actually have speakers that are in my helmet and a little box that I can plug my ipod and a bunch of other stuff into. I've also wired in a headphone cable that was made by Skullcandy that has a inline volume control and an inline mute button. That's REALLY nice as I can mute my music when someone wants to talk to me on group rides. And I can lower my volume if I have a more serious section of twisties that I want less distraction for, etc. I've also got a way simplified version of my "system" where I plug my Ipod directly into the cord for my helmet speakers. That's good for when I am not riding with my tank bag. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 09:44 PM	#3
CBRinPDX Superbiker Joined: Oct 2007 From: SE Portland I Ride: '04 Z1000 '76 KZ900	I've recently started listening to music while riding. I have done so because I found a decent pair of sound isolating ear buds. $20 @ Cycle Gear. I don't have the music to help me relax since I don't ride in the city but it's nice for those boring slab rides to the twisties. * edit- I wish I had a mute button.. * If I don't have the ear buds in then I'm wearing ear plugs. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 09:49 PM	#5
Brady MotoGP Contender Joined: Jul 2008 From: Hillsboro, Oregon I Ride: like the wind bullseye	I always ride with music...But I like hearing whats around me, so I keep only 1 ear bud in and turn it up just loud enough to hear over my bike but not so loud I cant hear anything else. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 09:51 PM	#6
PDXnative Training Wheels Joined: Apr 2009 From: SE Portland I Ride: '09 Ninja 250	What do you guys use for headphones? I tried it with my iPod ear buds, but could not get them to stay in when putting my helmet on. What's the trick? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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09-19-2009, 10:00 PM	#7
drivingon9 Training Wheels Joined: Sep 2007 From: Hillsboro, OR I Ride: 07 Daytona 675, 07 Aprilia Tuono	boring / traffic / stop & go : listen to music technical brisk runs : ear plugs only (no distractions). I personally use these : http://www.amazon.com/Skull-Candy-SC.../dp/B0014JI7N8 Fairly cheap, sounds great, and do a fairly decent job of acting as an earplug by blocking sound (works great with my Daytona, but I have to crank it up a bit on the Tuono coz it's really loud). Make sure you have the wires all in the "right" place with just enough slack. Nothing worse than looking over your shoulder to change lanes, and yanking one plug out part/all of the way. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 10:01 PM	#8
Harley Training Wheels Joined: Apr 2009 From: Olympia /Tenino I Ride: Harley Dyna Lowrider	Im cheap so i just sing..lol.. Bike sounds too good to cover it up with music __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 10:20 PM	#12
QBert Training Wheels Joined: Sep 2009 From: Beaverton, Or I Ride: a fun one.	yea its nice to jam while riding on the street but I cant seem to do it on dirt to much distraction. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 10:29 PM	#14
Sentor Zone Head Joined: Feb 2006 From: Bend, OR I Ride: 2004 Yamaha R1	Feel your bike, listen to music. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 10:30 PM	#15
Sentor Zone Head Joined: Feb 2006 From: Bend, OR I Ride: 2004 Yamaha R1	Oh, and these are what I use.... best $90 i've ever spent. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 10:31 PM	#16
CBRinPDX Superbiker Joined: Oct 2007 From: SE Portland I Ride: '04 Z1000 '76 KZ900	Hey money bags. You're supposed to be in Portland... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 10:33 PM	#17
Sentor Zone Head Joined: Feb 2006 From: Bend, OR I Ride: 2004 Yamaha R1	You're not supposed to sell your bike... Make Anna work the corner for that downpayment. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 10:34 PM	#18
Sentor Zone Head Joined: Feb 2006 From: Bend, OR I Ride: 2004 Yamaha R1	P.S.... go on that fossil ride tomorrow! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 10:39 PM	#20
trayson Pit Crew Joined: May 2008 From: Vancouver WA I Ride: 2005 Kawi ZX-6R 636	Mine: https://www.rflimited.com/Site.asp?CID=3 Obviously, you don't have to have EVERYTHING plugged in. But on my old bike I did 2way radios on it (talk to chatterboxes) and even was able to take a few calls on my cell phone... Also had the radar detector plugged into it. Now-a-days it's mostly just the Ipod though... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 10:42 PM	#21
Sentor Zone Head Joined: Feb 2006 From: Bend, OR I Ride: 2004 Yamaha R1	holy f'in wires trayman. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 11:03 PM	#22
Willow Zone Head Joined: Oct 2006 From: Silverdale, Wa I Ride: 08' Ducati 848 Pearl/white	I used to not listen to music, but I bought the Scala Rider Q2 and use it to listen to music when ever I go riding. It only get's FM, but it works great. I love listening to music now when riding and it works just fine. It works best for me with ear plugs in. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-19-2009, 11:19 PM	#24
Transported MotoGP Champion Joined: Dec 2006 From: Portland, Oregon Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: '99 R1, '80 Suz GS450S	Ear plugs. I'm too focused to deal with music. It would be a distraction. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-20-2009, 07:41 AM	#28
BusaBrian Newbie Joined: Sep 2009 From: Medford I Ride: Slv/Gry k2 Busa	If I'm out on an actual ride or just out cruising without a destination, I have tunes. But I don't take the time to grab it if I'm going to work or motoring across town. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-20-2009, 08:26 AM	#29
rowlex MotoGP Contender Joined: Apr 2006 From: everett I Ride: 01 929RR	i listen to tunes through a chatterbox, works well and i can still hear whats going on outside. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-20-2009, 09:18 AM	#30
trunkmonkey WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Jan 2008 From: Beaverton, Oregon I Ride: SV650s	Sony ear buds from bestbuy. They cancel some noise, but not all. I can still feel, and hear the mtr and rpms. Always have music in. Wish I had a mute button and will b getting a com sys of some sort. Put the right rubber pieces for ur ears on the buds, and they'll stay in when ur helmet goes on. The music is great when cruising. It also amps me up when riding period, but when I really rail, I no longer hear it due to concentration. No more wind noise is great, and plugs will do it also, but why not have music then. Its not hard to concentrate once u get used to them which didn't take me more than a week. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-20-2009, 09:46 AM	#32
trunkmonkey WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Jan 2008 From: Beaverton, Oregon I Ride: SV650s	Heavy metal, high volume, and noise isolation equals no talky lol. I can still hear and feel the bike. I can still hear traffic, cars, horns, sirens, etc. Just talking isn't audible. I would like a com sys so I can mute it without pulling the ipod out to turn it down. The cords don't bother me either, just the inability to mute. If u have the money, u should get a comm sys or a helmet with one in it like the Element helmet, which is what I'll b doin. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-20-2009, 09:47 AM	#33
soul_trip Endorsed Joined: Oct 2008 From: Portland I Ride: yer mom :)	I always listen to music it helps drown out the horns and the yelling When I'm fighting traffic I like to listen to some good oldschool punk like crass, black flag, misfits... When I hit the twisties some nice smooth trance (goa, progressive, acid) always locks me in I carry a set of ear plugs too in case my ipod goes out __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-20-2009, 10:15 AM	#35
8 lives Endorsed Joined: Oct 2008 From: Portland, Oregon I Ride: 2007 Ducati Monster 695. 2002 CRF450R	I have tried listening to music and it doesn't work for me. I am not quite a newbie but i still make newbie mistakes so i don't need something else to think about such as music. From my experience i wouldn't recommend listening to music if you are fairly inexperienced. Earplugs on the other hand are pretty nice. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by 8 lives; 09-20-2009 at 10:18 AM..


09-20-2009, 10:25 AM	#36
Shrek X Mr. 500,000 Joined: Dec 2006 From: Portland I Ride: VTX	got to roll with the tunes! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-20-2009, 10:49 AM	#37
trunkmonkey WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Jan 2008 From: Beaverton, Oregon I Ride: SV650s	Yeah, I didn't start listening to music for probably 1.5 yrs when I first started riding. Might have been different if I was a brand new rider, and I don't think I would have done it, or recomended it __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-20-2009, 12:04 PM	#39
trayson Pit Crew Joined: May 2008 From: Vancouver WA I Ride: 2005 Kawi ZX-6R 636	I actually might upgrade to something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Line-Remote-...d=p3286.c0.m14 It would be really cool to be able to not only adjust the volume without digging out my ipod, but to also be able to track forward or pause it... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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