Helmet noise and ear plugs

I've tried several types, including a set of custom-molded ones, and I prefer the cheap disposable foam plugs. I've also read several ear plug tests over the years, and the cheap foam ones always come out at or near the top in comfort, noise attenuation and, of course, price. Wind noise begins to cause very slight hearing loss within just a few minutes. The loss is cumulative and permanent.

Plugs are worth the cost and hassle.

please send a few pairs to my house for when Amy starts in....


Topper wrote:

Do you find one kind of plugs are better than another for being able to still hear the bike and passing cars, etc.?

The foam kind that you squish and insert in you ear is all I have. They made the ride almost silent, I couldn't really hear anything.

Boggle, I thought I'd heard everything.
I never dreamed the day would come when I'd hear a rider say they wanted ear plugs, but then I never thought I'd hear someone ask if they could get vents in their windshield so they could get some air while riding either. :lol: Ah life is amazing.

Personally I'd be terrified to ride with em in, good way to get DEAD imo.

If its a reduction in wind noise your after, and you have a full face Helmet already, windshield not enough.
Then Go get a Vetter fairing with a nice tall windshield.
It will let you ride with your full face Shield open with a good pair of sunnys on. Keeps most of the gusty wind and rain off of you. Gives you some nice storage ares, and you can have a power outlet for gadgets if desired.
But some will just call them "Barn Doors" :blink:

A fairing might be the way to go eventually. It's not in the cards right now though. I don't know if I've ever seen a fairing on a bike like mine. It's a '88 KZ305. I imagine if they fit other KZs they could probably fit mine too.

Sure the Vetter will fit, I made a bracket for my 82 1000 LTD and got the fairing in excellent condition from CL for $50. Although with a 305 it will loose some top speed, possibly a bit of fuel economy. What the bikes HP rating of a 305? Must be under 40hp? But above 30, depending on gearing it will do you hi-way commute OK. But not like a bigger displacement bike. Hardly notice the Vetter until I get up past 60 then I know it has drag.

I noticed alot of noise riding yesterday and today, and I'm deaf in one ear already. I too thought of earplugs. I did have a vetter fairing on the bike at one time and it looked very good. Talk about comfortable, and blocked all the wind. Secretly I thought the bike handled better with it too. If you switch to it you'll like it for sure.