I just bought a Creative labs Zen Micro 5GB mp3 player. It is great.

As a nOOb thats been riding a month and a half, I am not sure if it is wise to use a mp3 player/radio/cd player while riding.  I tried it once just going to the store and it was fun.

Does anyone else use this while riding? Or is this ??

I dont think it is safe. I know some people listen to loud music in thier cars, but riding a motorcycle requires you undevided attention.

Not only is it not a terribly good idea, it's illegal most places, I believe.

I wasnt going to go there, I was trying to be nice about it, but yes you can get a ticket for it.

I ride w/ one ear bud in so I can keep one ear open. But sometimes I ride w/ ear plugs in which means I hear even less then when I use my  mp3/ ear plugs. So I guess thats less safe. Although riding w/ music keeps me alert and doesnt let my mind wonder into that sleepy groggy tunnel vision state that I'm sure everyone has had after a few hours on the road. Hell I hear nothing w/o plugs in my ears, the wind can be deafening.

I say go for it, there are plenty of dangerious things w/ motorcycles. Having some tunes playing at a reasonable volume is the least of your worries. If anything its a help more then hindrance. Just dont be stupid and blare it @ loud volumes in traffic.

-ash

I use 1 ear bud in my right ear.

Is there any difference between listening to music or to the wind noise?  After a little time goes by I go insane listening to the wind noise and whistling around my helmet.

How are you going to get a ticket?  If you are wearing a helmet how can they see it?  and is it any different that the Gold wings and HDs with the CD and tape decks installed in the fairings?

What do you think is worse.....   Talking on a cell phone while driving a car or listening to music while riding a bike or women putting makeup on while driving or eating while driving or having sex while driving ?

We are all a little guilty of doing some of these things.

I've never done it, but a good friend of mine always rides with his ipod mini.

The day I do invest in an ipod, I probably will ride with it occasionally..

i do it all the time.  i have sony ex51 'sealed' earbuds... they block windnoise but i can still hear horns/sirens

i also have a zen micro and love it

I listen to MP3s on long highway trips to combat wind noise and fatigue.  Around town, where there's a lot more going on and a lot more area in which things can happen, I keep them out.

I definitely wouldn't recommend it to somone sitting on one month of experience.

i've got a Creative labs 30GB mp3 player too that i ride with. the volume is only 14 on the city roads, I can still hear everything fine, I've haven't tried it on the highway yet. Just put the volume to an point that you can still hear the engine at idle.

I have a portable radio that I use on trips that take around 30 or more mins.  I just keep the volume so I can hear the music and important noises (sirens, horns, screaching tires...)

In PA it is illegal to have a two ear system, but one ear is OK. I havent ridden w/ my mp3 player yet, but I can see myself doing it down the road  

I currently use my GMRS radio for communication w/ friends on trips   :mrgreen:  It has one ear bud w/ mic  

There's a pic or two of Roadstergal with a headphone wire hanging out of her helmet...   :nana: It's all about your skill and comfort level...  Your best bet is to go without....


But, if music keeps you awake, then go with the music.

I just got my bluetooth ear set for the cell phone.  I think it will work great while I ride.

That's what I want.  I get lost ALL THE TIME and it's so much easier to call someone and ask, "Where the hell am I going?" while you're driving than it is to pull over and call.

Oh well.....

OMG! I can see this thread is going to explode  :mrgreen:

Everyone was going nuts about cell's in cars.. Now you mentioned it on a bike!!!.. LOL

I think its cool.. I want the blue tooth for my phone. But I bet more will say.....

 :x  :x  You cant use your cell on a bike !!!  :x  :x  Are you mad !!

Just the other day I was driving down the 2 lane and pull up beside a guy that was eating and talking on the phone.

I confess.....I have done that before.

Same here...  While smoking...

The most dangerous thing I ever do in the car is look for a CD.  For me, talking on the phone is not a distraction, smoking isn't, eating is a minor one...  But, trying to find a CD is DANGEROUS!

Quote from: Chris.t.CollinsI just got my bluetooth ear set for the cell phone.  I think it will work great while I ride.

1st, Can you hear anything w/ the bluetooth? Wouldn't the wind noise cancel everything it? Tell me how it works, I'm anxious to find out. Anyone know of cell devices that work? :dunno:

2nd, Driving in Ontario w/ headphones is illegal inless it's instructed   (M2 exit test) But that's for music, if you're talking w/ someone on a 2way radio you're fine as far as laws go..