Music While Riding

[brickdogg]

So it has been some time since the last time I owned a bike and am getting ready to start riding again, back when I rode MP3 players were not readily used so it was bulky cd players. I am curious now that most people have an IPOD or other mp3 player..... do you ride and listen to music? I would think it would be a distraction just want some other opinions..... thanks

[swampduc]

I listen to my ipod sometimes, especially on slab. On otherwise boring rides, I feel it actually helps me focus. I do worry about hearing loss though as I can hear much more wind noise than I can wiht ear plugs (plus there's the music)

[woodyracing]

So it has been some time since the last time I owned a bike and am getting ready to start riding again, back when I rode MP3 players were not readily used so it was bulky cd players. I am curious now that most people have an IPOD or other mp3 player..... do you ride and listen to music? I would think it would be a distraction just want some other opinions..... thanks

I do occasionally if I'm going to be riding a while in a straight line, especially if its a really low traffic highway.  I use some of the noise blocking earbuds to keep wind noise and all down a bit (I normally wear earplugs)
I know there are plenty of people out there that think fire will rain from the heavens if you listen to music while riding but its worked for me for a few years, to me its mostly just more pleasant background noise than the wind
I don't close my eyes and start singing along with the music or anything

[Privateer]

I use the bluetooth on my music capable phone to run stereo music to my chatterbox.

only reason I bought the phone was so I wouldn't have to carry a phone AND an MP3 player.


Andy

[ScottRNelson]

The only music I need while riding is the sound of my wonderful Ducati engine.  And I just stay off of the boring roads as much as possible.  I guess that's easier in Northern California than in the more boring parts of the country. 

It's illegal here to use headphones to listen to music while riding or driving, by the way.

[woodyracing]

its illegal to have in the ear headphones here
The two things that bother me about that is that its not illegal to listen to music and the motorcycle manual the state puts out SUGGESTS wearing ear plugs.
So they don't have a problem with listening to music and they don't have a problem with something sticking in your ear, but sticking something in your ear that plays music is a no-no?  wow

[ArguZ]

Haha...illegal...as if we care...just look at your pipes and ECUs and stuff. 
I love riding to music...especially on the autobahn when i just need to get from A to B.
Got me some nice Sennheiser in-ears which fell very comfil under the helmet...
But yeah, I just do it on long rides or for special event like crossing a pass in the alps in the sunset.
In town I need full ear-sight

[ducpenguin]

+1...I listen to an ipod, but only if it is going to be a relaxing cruise...If I intend to open it up, I prefer to hear the engine...

[Privateer]

its illegal to have in the ear headphones here
The two things that bother me about that is that its not illegal to listen to music and the motorcycle manual the state puts out SUGGESTS wearing ear plugs.
So they don't have a problem with listening to music and they don't have a problem with something sticking in your ear, but sticking something in your ear that plays music is a no-no?  wow

in california, the vehicle code says:
27400(d) A person wearing personal hearing protectors in the form of earplugs or molds that are specifically designed to attenuate injurious noise levels. The plugs or molds shall be designed in a manner so as to not inhibit the wearer's ability to hear a siren or horn from an emergency vehicle or a horn from another motor vehicle.

I think the difference is that music earbuds can be cranked up blocking all noise.  Hearing protectors cut down on noise, not block everything out.


Andy

[lauramonster]

In town I need full ear-sight

+1

trips : yes

local : no

ipod nano.  pants pocket on thigh, quick access.  volume adjustments, fast forward are occasionally troublesome.

[woodyracing]

in california, the vehicle code says:
27400(d) A person wearing personal hearing protectors in the form of earplugs or molds that are specifically designed to attenuate injurious noise levels. The plugs or molds shall be designed in a manner so as to not inhibit the wearer's ability to hear a siren or horn from an emergency vehicle or a horn from another motor vehicle.

I think the difference is that music earbuds can be cranked up blocking all noise.  Hearing protectors cut down on noise, not block everything out.


Andy

not sure what the specific laws are here in Florida, usually just saying "sorry officer, I'm from Mississippi" gets me out of that kinda stuff lol

[eichh]

If its going to be an hour or more ride I put in just one ear bud for some background music that way I can hear the engine and radar detector.

[Special K]

+1 Any longer trips on the slab, I'll slap together a playlist or use an existing. Sometimes i'll download a talk radio show for longer trips. I don't find it a distraction, just the opposite, keeps my mind from getting mesmerized by the road.

+1 on earplugs. More and more as I get old I worry about hearing loss. If I'm not wearing in ear ear buds I'll pop in those cheap disposable plugs. I can still hear the engine just fine. Although short in-town juants I'll go without.

[derby]

I think the difference is that music earbuds can be cranked up blocking all noise.  Hearing protectors cut down on noise, not block everything out.

shure e3 w/ the yellow foamy pads. they work just like "regular" foam ear plugs and you don't have to crank your music up to hear it over the engine/wind noise. i can actually hear my ipod at 30% volume on the freeway.

[Mulletbiker]

40 Mile commute to work each day, so ipod with HS24 in helmet speakers from helmetaudio.com.

Work great & really help keep me from going crazy while stuck in traffic, plus since they are not headphones, but in helmet speakers, I've been told technically they're not illegal.