Music while riding?

[FSCGunslinger]

A lot of good ideas here. I especially like the just posted idea about the quick disconnect. I'm gonna have to check when I take the class if they're road legal in WV or not. I hope so. While driving in a car, I usually do it silently, but I think I'd like some music over the wind. *shrug*

[Dennyz]

I am looking into fitting a set of Bluetooth head into my helmet. I found a single speaker setup for helmets, but I want stereo. I like the idea of wireless, since my phone is also an Mp3 player and supports Bluetooth. I would like to get my talking TomTom into the act as well.

[DiverRay]

The Autocom, and all the rest of the motorcycle communications units have quick disconnects. I like the autocom because it's designed to fit helmets, and the connection is VERY robust. I do have stereo, and I can plug in my cell phone, as well as a LOT of other devices. Here is a link to the unit I'm using. http://www.autocomamerica.com/active_plus.cfm

[webbcraft2150]

I run the venerable Cycle Sound System. I use el-cheapo speakers and head units cause riding in the fairing mount is hell on em. I spray the speaker cones with clear paint to give em some added waterproofing. You can catch decent head units for $70-90 bucks. CD's won't play good in town 'cause of the "skip" factor, even the units with anti-skip can't hang when mounted in the fairing. Lack of the skip problem is why I stayed with cassete players till they became obsolete. (I fought like hell to keep my 8-track to) I usually jam to the radio in town and run CD's when freeway flying. Sound quality is good on my rig to 'bout 90 and then wind noise starts taking over. The removable faceplate is a handy item. I use a cheap shower cap to cover the head unit when I park it outdoors and there is a threat of rain. I was never a fan of headphones or earbud setups inside the helmet, can't hear whats going on around me.

[erithanis]

On my long rides I already wear ear plugs, the one time I rode the hwy 4hrs without them my ears rang all night. I doubt the headphones are a big deal, but no idea what the law is in California. I'll probably look into a helmet set-up, can't imagine it'd be that hard.

[wa407mpp]

radio cover

You can pick up a water proof cover at most boat supply stores to protect you radio from water and dust.

[xsilerating]

I'm currently using in helmet stereo speakers from helmetaudio.com plugged into (with quick disconnect plugs at helmet and unit) my Clarion GPS unit which also has a build-in mp.3 player and is also 'Bluetooth' enabled which gives me a wireless connection to my cell phone. When listening to the mp.3 player, verbal instructions from the GPS unit or an incoming phone call mutes the mp.3 for the duration of the instructions or phone call, then resumes at the interrupt point.

This, however, will change in the spring when I install an AM/FM/CD/MP.3 radio with input jack, in the fairing. The input jack will accommodate the GPS unit which will in turn connect the cell phone - I hope . If, for some reason, it doesn't work as planned, then my alternative will be to add the amplirider amplifier into the mix. That should take care of it. Also considering installing a sub-woofer in the trunk/box. This however, may be a bit of overkill and may slightly tick off the immediate surrounding populace. Oh well ! ! !

[Dennyz]

Amprider!

The Amprider may be the missing link I have been looking for.

There are many Bluetooth audio transmitters available that plug into the headphone output jack. This would allow me to control the volume and mix sources to my Bluetooth speakers in my helmet.

The Bluetooth speakers have value controls, but they are on the speaker(inside my helmet).

[Pat Kelly]

Originally posted by erithanis
On my long rides I already wear ear plugs, the one time I rode the hwy 4hrs without them my ears rang all night. I doubt the headphones are a big deal, but no idea what the law is in California. I'll probably look into a helmet set-up, can't imagine it'd be that hard.

It's illgal in CA to use two hadphones/earbuds. You can only (legally) use on ear for sound.
I've used stereo speakers in my helmet for years.
Anymore the sound of my XS1100 is music to my ears.

[MAXIMAN]

I get so sick of the d@mned government micro managing our lives!

WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT!

Where's your hellmet?

You can't smoke that!!!

Slow down YOUNG MAN>>>YOUR going tooo fast!

You can't wear that!!!

Get those ear buds OUT!!!

The government acts like your MOMMY. But then that's what people want I suppose. They keep putting their "mommy" in office to wipe their little tushies. BLAH!

Having said that...in ear buds are no more dangerous (sound isolation wise) than a well built automoblie with the stereo turned up.

Case in point: Once I had a cop coming up behind me sirens blasting with my ear buds in listening to MP3. Honestly I did not hear him....ONCE...on my bike. Fortunately I saw his lights in my mirror.

In my Navigator with the radio turned up ....just slighty...the same thing has happened at least three times.

So what's "mommy" gonna do next. Ban automobiles that that have a quiet ride? YOU CAN'T DRIVE THAT!!! IT'S TOO QUIET!

We need a ban alright. A ban on government!

[MAXIMAN]

Addendum:

SWMBO bought me a Garmin Zumo for Christmas. It gives voice instructions like "Exit left in 1/2 mile". But it also plays MP3s. The sound quality is excellent and since it combines two devices in one I now leave my iPod at home.

If you are considering a GPS the Zumo is a good one. It is very intuitive and the touch screen is the bomb working XStreamly well even with gloves.

[Dennyz]

I have a talking TomTom that I am connection up to my helmet. Still working out the wireless issues.

[Axel]

sureal

I wear earplugs when I ride (open face) . I tried earbuds with my mp3 player but they did not block out the windnoise enough for it to be a joyful experience . I though of getting better earbuds but I really enjoy the lack of noise (music,speach,etc). Its part of the experience for me . It makes biking a sureal ,realxing trip. Peace

[lsippell]

I bought one of these directly from the seller without the charging 'brick' but with an optional 12V converter that I wired to the bikes. It works great!

Louis

PA2V2

[fredintoon]

A minority opinion

Any distraction from riding is a hazard. Folks listening to music or checking their GPS are not fully concentrating on the road and that'll kill you quicker than anything.
If you want to listen to music, stay home & play the stereo. If you are lost, pull off the road and read your map. If you want to ride and stay alive, concentrate on what you are doing.