Riding noise: would a better helmet help?

[davidd91]

Are better quality helmets any QUIETER?  I just have a full-face GHS or whatever you call it -- about $125 -- and between the lack of windshield and the Cobra pipe on my GS, it's unbearably loud at over 30mph.  I even tried a set of the disposable earplugs but they didn't have much effect.  I'm wondering if getting one of those really fine Arai or Shoei helmets would help.   It probably would be worth the exorbitant cost ... i'm just not enjoying riding too too much.  Maybe I have abnormally sensitive ears; I dunno.  But please advise.

[JasonB]

Openface of full face helmet? What kind of noise? Whistling, air rush, air shearing?

[Michael]

Yes, a good helmet will help dampen out all noises, and a really good one will be designed to reduce wind noise generated by the helmet itself.  You would also be well served wearing earplugs if for no other reason than long term protection of your hearing.

[KevinC]

Even the best helmets are 120 dB at 100 kph. Earplugs are the solution. Everyone should use them for highway riding, or face hearing loss.

[JeffD]

get one with a neck roll. (big piece of fabric around the bottom of the helmet filled with foam)  anyway I found that if I put my hand there and divert the wind it gets alot quieter.

[scratch]

Absolutely. And, that's a good reason, or excuse, to purchase a new helmet every five years. Example: I recently purchased a new Snell 2000 Shoei TZ-1. When it came in, I rode my motorcycle to go pick it up. I was wearing my old race helmet, a Snell 1985 Shoei Task Five. I put on the new TZ-1 to ride back home. Wholy cats, was it quiet! A world of difference! It was wonderful! You get my point.

[davidd91]

Thanks guys.  The one I have seems just a tad too big (but the next size down was definitely too small!) and that may have something to do with it.  It's a full-face helmet though -- one of you wondered.  I think I'm going to save a couple of sheckles and just buy a really good one.   I mean life is too short and I rather value my sense of hearing, thanks.  I'll just forego buying coffee before work for the next six months and we'll call it even (bleah, I'll have to live with that stuff in the office machine that tastes like gasoline!).

[john]

I keep foam earplugs in my jacket and tank bag just in case I forget.  I love the quiet serenity the plugs give me.  Even on quiet country rides I sometimes put them in.

[JasonB]

I dont have a top of the line helmet (HJC CL-14) But the only noise is at 80+ I get a whistle if my head is at a certain angle or if I turn my head to look over my shoulder I get a ton of wind noise. But otherwise I think its noiser with the windows down on my car then my helmet is at the same speed. I also have a small head and a pretty tight helmet. I used to ride with a Bieffe helmet I had from my car road racing days and it was quieter due to the extra nomex stuff and it has more padding around the front where motorcycle ones have no padding there. (I dont like that cause air comes right up there and I know if its cold out my face is gonna freeze, gonna get a breathbox or something). It might just be me but thats how mine is, I also keep my visor closed (dont see how you would have it open at 70+mph anyway).

[pantablo]

I also love the earplugs but recently found out they are not legal in CA (or is that just on Angeles Crest Hwy?). I'll still wear them-makes the canyon riding experience quite meditative and calming-zen almost.

A better helmet will surely give you less wind noise than you have now-but be careful: For example, I've heard that the top of the line Arai (RX-7RR at the time) is actually louder than the mid line models because of all the venting. Also has a chin spoiler that you can pull down (jsut a fraction of an inch) that diverts air around your neck reducing wind noise slightly (yes, I think Arai is best).

Buy yourself a good quality helmet but doesn't have to be a top of the line model. Also invest in earplugs-disposable ones at least. I'm going to try getting molded earplugs at next motorcycle convention if I find them (next December's International Motorcycle show).

[KevinC]

There is actual testing out there. The real numbers are about 103 to106 dBa. It is a while since I looked at the data. Basically all helmets are loud enough to cause hearing damage, just from the separation to turbulent flow on the sides of the helmet. Custom made ear plugs are not illegal in Ca.

More expensive helmets are not always quieter, and they are *all* extremely load. If you can't hear it, maybe it's already too late!

http://www.mcnews.com/mcnews/articles/helmet.htm

http://freehearingtest.com/hia_motorcyclefacts.shtml

http://www.isvr.co.uk/at_work/m_cycle.htm

http://hope4hearing.org/motorcycle1.htm

[pantablo]

Custom made ear plugs are not illegal in Ca.

You're right. That's what I was told. I should have been more clear (gotta get my am coffee now...).

Disposable earplugs are not legal, custom molded earplugs are.

[JasonB]

I've got great hearing, havent failed any testing and had to do some really tough ones for the job I have because of lawsuits etc. Tho I dont work in any part that requires earplugs anymore.

I can hear ambient sounds just as well as with the helmet on as I would in a car at speed with the windows down. I hear other radios, animals, people talking etc. Yes its a bit muffled but I can hear it. Most of the noise I hear now is the bike with the pod filters. I would think you want to hear a car honking or some guy yelling at you. Or even a chick trying to get your attention cause she thinks your hot!

[pantablo]

you're sescribing earplugs perfectly-they don't mask noises, just lessen their volume. I hear people talking (at the stops), hear cars honking, etc. with my earplugs in.

[JasonB]

Guess I am used to the ones we used to wear in the plant, you had to yell or go into one of the offices that were semi soundproof to talk to anyone.

I might try some out and see how they are, what I want is to get some headphones or my helmet has a spot to put in speakers into the pads, might have to try that.

[davidd91]

Hmm, just this morning i picked up a box of disposable earplugs and it's like they are TINY!  they all but get lost in my ears!  gotta get some bigger ones!

[pantablo]

Guess I am used to ...

The disposable earplugs (and probably the molded ones but not sure) are reated around 30dB noise reduction.

...what I want is to get some headphones ...

Got this from another forum (its from three posts): Man, I just had to tell you folks about these earphones.  In case you are on the fence about these, they are BITCHEN.  They are Sony EX70LP's. Not real cheap for earphones, but well worth the $. Oh, they were $42.95 including tax, license, dealer prep and shipping...



...I've seen some Koss brand headphones like that at Best Buy.. they were about $25-30 I think. I'd rather pay a little more and get Sonys myself...

...But I did have a pair of the Koss phones, and they were ok once installed. The problem was, the damn things would dig into my head upon removing the helmet  and the little tubes that fit through the foam plugs kept falling out. That's how I lost it .

I use earplugs most of the time, and they seal out the wind noise very well. Other earphones I've used, either move upon installation of helmet, or suck at sealing out wind noise.
Wind noise just kills my left ear with the noisy Arai RX-7RR helmet I have, so any trips on the freeway need plugs. These Sony phones seal like plugs, but the bass response is relly good!


Just thought I'd share.

[JasonB]

didnt think those would be legal I was thinking like a speaker from regular headphones and you put them into the foam liner where your ear is. Mine has kinda a pocket with no padding might cut open the cloth pocket and throw some headphone speakers in and try it out.

[V8Pinto]

A buddy of mine just bought a set of those Koss headphones.  I tried them on our test floor and MAN!!!!!!!!!!!  If it hadn't of been the day before payday I would have gone to best buy right then.  The technology is amazing - seriously, they are worth the money.  On our test floor there is ALL KINDS of equipment making all kinds of noises and you put the 'phones on and it's like you are laying in bed at 2am - no background noise at all.  I noticed I even talk quieter with them on because I don't need to shout to hear myself.

[pantablo]

earplug info:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/Earplugs/earplugs.htm