Who listens to music when they ride??

[sussi]

I don´t like it.

[derstuka]

Originally Posted by Rat

More recently (last summer) I managed to side-step an incoming squidly missile sliding out of control at me while stopped at a light.
I heard the squeal of his locked-up tires also...
I cringed as he decked it and slid out into the intersection but stopped before getting creamed.
I refused to help him pick up his bike or the pieces - I didn't want to be associated with him in the public's eyes.

See, that is just a case of "natural selection" or "cleansing of the gene pool" gone wrong....some will strongly disagree with this, however, IMO, some people have it coming as far as getting what they deserve...

[Scorpio65]

Originally Posted by Rat

No, you don't.

Same as in a car.

In a car you have:
1) the advantage of being better "seen" by other motorists.
2) a steel safety cage all around.
3) seatbelts.
4) airbags (in most cases).
5) anti-lock brakes (in most cases - very few motorcycles have ABS).
6) a vehicle that won't fall over and slide into/under another vehicle (possibly moving) or other hard object should you lose control.

On a motorcycle you give up those advantages/protections.

Music is still a distraction while driving, and equally likely to drown out a possible danger, but your safety is inherently much greater so the consequences are dramatically lessened.

Um.. Yes i do. I don't have it turned up so loud that i can't hear whats going on around me. And just because i have music playing doesn't mean i stop checking my mirrors, or stop watching whats going on up ahead of me, or whos getting on or off the freeway next to me. Last year i almost got rear ended by a car at a stop light. I never heard the the sound of screaching tires, or seen any smoke from the tires, not because i had music playing, but because the roads were wet from the rain. But i did see them in my mirrors and i movied out of the way. I don't think anyone here is saying that riding a motorcycle isn't more dangerous than driving a car, We all know it is, so just because i choose to listen to music while i ride doesn't mean i'm not watching whats going on around me.

[JRotten]

This is a good topic to discuss. I do agree we all should use forms of hearing protection whenever possible. As for listening to music, it is very debatable. Listening to music inside your helmet can reduce your awareness in city driving when your reflexes must be top notch. However, cruising down the interstate and listening to some rejuvenating tunes can help relieve the boredom. I love to travel and at times I do listen to some tunes which help me get through long days on the bike. But I take extreme precaution in doing so.

Riding through several states, I have come aware that some states look at using headphones while riding is illegal. I use a Garmin Zumo 550 to help me out on my long rides. It gives me audible directions which are fantastic to allow me to keep my eyes on the road and not looking down at the GPS or a map on the tank. My Garmin also allows me to listen to mp3 or XM satellite radio which gets cut off whenever my Garmin needs to tell me something.

The other element that I use is a set of expensive custom ear plugs/ear buds that reduce the wind noise significantly (-30 dbs reduction). These ear plugs reduce the wind noise and thus allow me to reduce the volume as well. Due to the reduce noise and volume from the ear plugs, I do not suffer from noise fatigue and being less fatigue makes me safer.

[chesthing]

I agree that this is a good topic to discuss but there's absolutely no need for some of the self-rightcheous lecturing comments made. You don't feel it's safe, don't do it. Personally I love using my ipod with my chatterbox setup on long rides, and consider myself an excellent rider.

[chomper]

I listen to my ipod on long solo rides away from heavy traffic. out on the open roads i cant see it posing any safety risks. in town thats different i do feel more aware with tunes off just to many crazy cagers to be aware of.

still haven't found a good pair of ear buds that work well with helmet any recommendations?

[bounce_man]

hey there.

the music thing. i have ridden with tunes. for a long single ride i find it enhances the whole exprience. short jaunts not so much but once in a while. the volume is not set to "stun" and i just make sure i take extra time to look around me for hazzards or idiots on four wheels.

thats me.

j

[bounce_man]

hey.

i have a funky pr from sony. they have these ear hooks that work really well. i picked up a "slicks" helmet liner and that really helps to keep the ears from folding over. the only time the headphones bother me is when i have a pr of glasses on as well. either then that, they work great. got them from bestbuy.

j

[chomper]

Originally Posted by bounce_man

hey.

i have a funky pr from sony. they have these ear hooks that work really well. i picked up a "slicks" helmet liner and that really helps to keep the ears from folding over. the only time the headphones bother me is when i have a pr of glasses on as well. either then that, they work great. got them from bestbuy.

j

thanks.. next time Im in best buy will check em out

[Molsan]

ear plugs for long trips but day to day and iner city no ear plugs no music.
I'd always be playing with it, changing songs, adjusting the volume...meh.

[Rat]

There are so many things I could argue in this thread, but I have made my points, and voiced my opinion on the matter sufficiently.

I just want to clear up a few things:
bear - Your initial Reply regarding using a cell phone while riding struck me as coming from a young squid.
I responded in kind.
*I clarified my response in another post, please review...

Originally Posted by Rat

My "statistic" comment was in response to bear, who implied that he might use a cell phone while riding, even perhaps in jest.
My reply was meant to shed light on how truly stupid that would be, although somewhat sarcastic and tongue-in-cheek.
I am also an avid bicyclist, and I've seen other cyclists using a cell phone while riding in dense urban traffic - another potential statistic; I really don't care if that offends them. Some things are just plain asinine and need to be addressed as such.

Also:

Originally Posted by Strider

in response to RAT and his comment of not being willing to help a rider after going down... I think you have lost sight of the fraternity of riders, not to say you shouldn't perpetuated his downfall; but it seems to me that there are many misguided young riders that could benefit alot from a cup of coffee and great advice and encouragement from a salty ole' dog like you. but you don't have to be a part of the solution.(you can keep complaining).

That's what I was trying to do..."offer great advice" from my experience as a "salty ole dog".

Which brings be to my earlier response:

Originally Posted by Rat

I honestly didn't think that he seemed like he would be receptive to input;...
Sometimes your gut feeling just tells you not to waste your time.

My sum feeling regarding this thread.
There are clearly many "self righteous" folks that refuse to accept an opinion they don't like, regardless of how accurate and sensible that advice is.

I had inquired why the vitriol directed at me, and got this response:

Originally Posted by two4one

After reading your initial post, I'd have to say that's because your response seemed very closed minded and completely unwilling to hear an alternate opinion on the subject.
That's my take. Not flaming but that was my perception.

I humbly appreciate the input, but fail to understand that perception.
The OP asked for "opinions"; I simply gave my opinion, same as everyone else.
No one has to agree with my or anyone else's opinion, but to then argue it is immature and "self righteous".

Somebody said something about "most riders here are more mature than average", or words to that effect.
Not from my perspective...

On that note - I give up.
You kids go play with yourselves.
(certain persons excepted - you probably know who you are)
Sayonara.
Adios.

Regarding the music issue, i never listen to it while riding as its STUPID AND IRRESPONSIBLE. As an instructor i would NEVER recommend it as you should be concentrating on your riding, period. If your insurance company found out you were listening to music after a claim, i guarantee they will find you just as responsible as any other vehicle involved in the accident. I've never heard of anything so stupid in all my life, makes my blood boil.

[masonv45]

So do you listen to music in your car while driving...

[derstuka]

Originally Posted by masonv45

So do you listen to music in your car while driving...

You do have a point that doing anything, or listening to anything while driving is a distraction, however, IMO, I think that listening to music while you ride a motorcycle in congested areas is dangerous. This is just my opinion, and I that anybody can do as they please, but I want to be able to hear anything going on around me at a stoplight or busy road. On the open road with little traffic, not so much of a danger, and I might get some earphones for that. In a car, you have a 4000 lb protective steel cage with seatbelts, front/side/rear/upside down, etc airbags, anti-lock brakes, yaw control, *Onstar, and so on. Much higher probability that you will leave the scene of an accident with not much more than a sore neck and/or bruised ego when in a wreck while driving a car.....a bike...well, you already know that.

So to recap, my concern is with sitting/riding in heavy traffic listening to music. One more sense to have for awareness...

*GM's roadside assistance service.

[Molsan]

I must be the only nutter who sings/humms to himself.
better hope i don't get bike to bike for christmass.

[derstuka]

Originally Posted by Molsan

I must be the only nutter who sings/humms to himself.
better hope i don't get bike to bike for christmass.

Awww hell no....I usually hum the last song I heard in my head over and over and over....

[Shinigami]

still haven't found a good pair of ear buds that work well with helmet any recommendations?

Shure SE-530's work great with helmets. They attenuate up to 30DB and have excellent sound. They are low-profile and stay in place with properly selected ear tips.

I won't comment on the relative issues or merits of music vs none on this thread- but as individualists, we ought to consider one man's meat can be another's poison, and leave it at that.

[chesthing]

Originally Posted by John O'Leary

Regarding the music issue, i never listen to it while riding as its STUPID AND IRRESPONSIBLE. As an instructor i would NEVER recommend it as you should be concentrating on your riding, period. If your insurance company found out you were listening to music after a claim, i guarantee they will find you just as responsible as any other vehicle involved in the accident. I've never heard of anything so stupid in all my life, makes my blood boil.

Life is way too short for you to spend energy on something like this. Not only does this issue have no impact on you personally, quite frankly it's absolutely none of your damn business what people listen to in their helmets. As for the insurance comment, that may be the silliest idea I've heard in a while - like they would find out you were listening to music and would not pay because of that. Get real.

If hearing is so important, why can deaf people have drivers licenses? my mother has been deaf for the last 20 years, and has NEVER had an accident of any kind, thank you.

It isnt lack of hearing that impairs, it's lack of attention. If listening to music takes away your attention, don't do it. If your like me, it can add to my focus. I can't hardly hear the music at speed anyway because of the wind noise. What is it I'm supposed to be listening for anyway??