Ducati Monster Forum

For those of you that like to listen while you ride, here is your handy guide:

(http://img.gawkerassets.com/post/17/2012/04/infograpgic_final_2.jpg)

Ok, so DMF automatically reduces the image size to unreadable (it's a big image), but here is a link to the original:

http://img.gawkerassets.com/post/17/2012/04/infograpgic_final_2.jpg (http://img.gawkerassets.com/post/17/2012/04/infograpgic_final_2.jpg)

That graphic created from data compiled by AAA:

http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/laws/headsets/ (http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/laws/headsets/)

Right click>view image>left click will make it big enough to read.

Too much shit going on to listen to music.  ;)

Doesn't have to be music.  Can simply be GPS navigation.  But point taken.  ;)

Getting lost and finding new roads is part of the fun.  ;)

Looks like my home states and all of the day ride states are either no law or single bud friendly.  I don't think music is a distraction.

JM

Not a distraction for me.

On long trips it's a must to keep sane

Too late  ;)

[laugh]

How about cell phone headsets?

Here is a site which shows states which ban the use of "hands on" cell phone use while driving a car (i'm going to go out on a limb and assume they include motorcycles....)

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/laws/cellphonelaws/maphandheldcellbans (http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/laws/cellphonelaws/maphandheldcellbans)

Or is the OP specific to motorcycles?

What do you guys use to listen while you ride? I can never seem to get the speakers(ear buds) to stay in after putting my helmet on.

I use jvc marshmallow ear buds similar to this

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0036RDVRI/ref=psdcmw_172541_t2_B005FDOG6G (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0036RDVRI/ref=psdcmw_172541_t2_B005FDOG6G)

I can't find the exact pair I have. I think they changed the design. They're about $10 anywhere. The new design sucks. The foam is shorter and much softer so they don't want to stay in.

I take off the foam and flip it over so the larger end goes into emy ear first. Helps keep them in place.

Keeping them in while putting a helmet takes practice. I've been doing it for probably 10 years.

+1   [Dolph]

but it can be stressful sometimes.  [coffee]

When I do listen to stuff, I use etymotics MC5.  They plug the ears really really well.  The benefit is twofold: 1) noise reduction of wind, engine, etc. 2) you don't have to turn up your music so loud to hear it, so it's not blasting in your ears.

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Noise-Isolating-Earphones/dp/B003S3RFIQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1438177552&sr=8-2&keywords=etymotic&pebp=1438177555768&perid=17AYTR5MZ2A9G7BGVBS4 (http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Noise-Isolating-Earphones/dp/B003S3RFIQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1438177552&sr=8-2&keywords=etymotic&pebp=1438177555768&perid=17AYTR5MZ2A9G7BGVBS4)

I found the mushy mushroom shaped tips they provide worked better than the concentric circle ones.

Those look like a great solution. Just bought a pair. Thanks!

These are the tips that I found most useful.  They included one pair of each type (3 total) with the headphones when I bought them 2 years ago.  Not all worked well but these were excellent.  Lick 'em a bit to get a good seal and ride in near silence.  YMMV.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Vb9u-pc4L.jpg)

They harden over time, so after 1-2 years you might need to replace the tips.  $14 for 3 pairs, which is highway robbery given that I bet they cost $0.03 to manufacture, but what can you do.

I don't think it's a distraction either but it does limit/completely restrict your ability to hear what's going on around you. ie: emergency vehicles, other vehicles that may hit you. Dangerous in my opinion.

I've got a pair of basic Skull Candy buds I found on sale at Staples for $10.  They work good, every now and then I'll have one slide out a little bit, but for the most part they're great.

JM

Really no different than those who blast their music so loud I can hear it over the sound of my own bike.

So....let me get this straight.....there are States where a totally deaf person can get a driver's license, but it's illegal for them to wear headphones or ear buds while driving, despite the fact that they can't hear them?  Hmmmm.  Sounds like the government in some States has stepped somewhere it doesn't belong.

Hearing is not a requirement for driving, so why is a device that impairs hearing regulated?

My favorite is my home state's explanation:

"It is illegal to wear headphones while driving in Massachusetts, unless the headphones are used to control the direction or movement of your vehicle." 

Huh?  Does that technology even exist?

Thanks for the info everyone. I find most buds don't stay in my ears too long except for the $10 skull candys I use at the gym. I haven't tried them on the bike yet, next ride I will.

Sounds like mass. Are they referencing GPS audio directions? I see on ton of people with both buds in while driving, cops must not enforce it that much.

I've been pulled over, and when I removed my helmet, both buds dropped out and the trooper didn't even take notice.  I have a feeling ear bud enforcement isn't high on the list of things to concern about unless it becomes a factor in an accident.

JM

Or the officer is dealing with an A**hole....

Right.  Violate the rule of POPO and the headphones might become an issue.

JM

True and also illegal. This is the reason some agencies have started using rumbler sirens. Long Beach, CA has them and they are effective. Shakes your car.

I hope I am mistaken by how your comment sounds.......certainly wasn't my intent to head in that direction.

Hope i'm wrong.