Music on a ride?

[johno]

Any thoughts from the board pro/con on music during a commute/ride.  Seems like the music could unhinge my brain so I can get out of my own way - get in the zone and find a rythm. 

Othertimes, it seems like any additional sense (hearing) is another tool to pick up on my surroundings in the case of lunatic cage drivers.  And, could it be distracting at times - memories brought up, images, etc.

If you do music, thoughts on tracks, equipment (earbuds) etc.

Thanks!

[mossimo]

Music is nice as long as you keep it mellow as not to influence your mood.  I believe their is laws against it though...

I bought a set-up from helmetaudio.com to go in my helmet.  Although nice idea the speakers where way to quiet to hear unless you where at a stop with no traffic around, eventually they crapped out completely and I just havn't looked into a better set-up for the helmet.  I have done with earbuds and a MP3 player and it works great for short times, ears get sore after a while though.  I believe their was a right up in motorcyclist magazine for some custom fit units, cost around $300 though.

Overall, music=sweet just make ensure you can still hear whats going on around you.

[He Man]

To asnwer your question, 2 things must be possible.

1) Having a pair of headphones/earbuds that fit in your ears without discomfort and having to struggle to put your helmet on with them.
2) Being able to hear the music over your exhaust, or lack there of.

If both are possible then i would say go for it just +1 to watch out what your listening to. I wish there were comfortable headphones that blocked out as much noise as earplugs, since those are mmy perfered ear stuffers right now.

[minnesotamonster]

http://shop.v-moda.com/p-16-bass-freq.aspx

The best headphones I've ever owned.  They block out noise without music on almost as good as disposable earplugs, and once you turn the music on you can't hear anything but the music. They also sound amazing. They fit great in my ear and don't have any problems with them under my helmet.  Only complaint is that one headphone crapped out on me which seems to be an issue with these, but they are currently being replaced under the one year warranty they come with, so no big deal.  Couldn't ask for a better set of earbuds to use during riding.  Did I mention they are only $40.00?   

[mossimo]

http://shop.v-moda.com/p-16-bass-freq.aspx

The best headphones I've ever owned....
 Only complaint is that one headphone crapped out on me which seems to be an issue with these, but they are currently being replaced under the one year warranty they come with, so no big deal....

Sounds like a trend with the left ear from the reviews on them.  Can't beat a warranty to cover it though. 

[derby]

i use a set of shures with the yellow foamie ear pads. they work and seal just like "regular" earplugs so you don't have to crank your music up to hear it.

i only wear 'em on freeway jaunts, never in the twisties.

[ODrides]

... they work and seal just like "regular" earplugs so you don't have to crank your music up to hear it.

IE: they reduce ambient noise

It's impossible for me to ignore background music.  I'm very easily distracted by it.  I also really enjoy silence, or at least the absense of extraneous sounds.  I often prefer not to listen to music in the car, and would NEVER on the bike.

[faolan01]

It's impossible for me to ignore background music.  I'm very easily distracted by it.  I also really enjoy silence, or at least the absense of extraneous sounds.  I often prefer not to listen to music in the car, and would NEVER on the bike.

I'm the exact opposite, music helps me concentrate. I'm mildly ADD, and music helps me block out the little things that don't matter and stay alert so I can pay more attention to the things that do matter.

[Adamm0621]

I've never tried music while riding, but when I use music when I'm driving a cage it makes me a more aggressive driver.  Not a dangerous driver, but I'm more defensive/offensive and it helps me multitask.  I've got a pair of Bose earbuds that I bought for $90.  These have the best sound quality of any in-ear headphones that I've ever used, but I don't know how well they would fit with a helmet.

[Darth Paul]

I recently picked up a pair of Shure SE210A's ($150) which I highly recommend.  Good sound isolation (music doesn't need to be loud at all, doubles as earplugs) and the way they fit in your ear, the helmet padding actually helps keep them in place.

[erkishhorde]

I believe in CA it's illegal to ride with headphones in both ears... but I do it anyway. I try to avoid upbeat tunes since they make me go faster and ride a bit more recklessly. I've got a couple different helmet speaker sets but I'm saving up for a new helmet to put them in (X-11 has practically no ear pockets).

[CountGreffi]

I've ridden with the I-Pod Shuffle. I don't think if I listen to Rage Against The Machine I'll ride like a bandit all of a sudden. I like listening to corny house/dance tunes. I'm not into fist-pumper music but Tiesto (a DJ) is good stuff to cruise to. I also like Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, anything jazzy, or hip hop. I think there is a law about having two earbuds in. I do truly believe you are legally allowed to ride with one in. No recommendations on ear plugs, I have tiny ears so the I-Pod ones work ok.

cg

[He Man]

i love me some daft punk when i ride.

[johno]

i love me some daft punk when i ride.

nice.  like it.

[rsoffar]

i love me some daft punk when i ride.

always good driving music, especially the live sets.