When I ride without a windshield, the noise from the chin strap on my half helmet is deafening. The chin strap is Y shaped over the ears.

Does the retractable visor cut down the noise any? Any other suggestions?

 

My DOT half helmet was noisier than hell and also damn near pulled my head off. I got a non-DOT and both problems were solved.

 

earplugs.

wind noise can and will cause permanent hearing damage. and it doesn't take long to do it. a good fitting set of earplugs can help to mitigate that damage, and contrary to popular belief, you can still hear your music or carry on a conversation.

 

Thanks skratch, I should have thought of that. I have a set of custom made ear plugs that I use for trap shooting. I'll give them a try, cheaper than a new helmet.

 

I was riding down the highway once with a half helmet. So much wind noise that after 90 miles, I unstrapped it and threw it in a dumpster. Now I just stay in states without helmet laws

 

I used a good fitting pair of earplugs on my trip to sturgis and vegas...my ears were ringing just as much at the end of the day as if I didn't have plugs at all...

and yes..it doesn't take long for damage to occur...I've already lost some of my hearing..


looking on the bright side....now I have an excuse for not hearing the OL..

 

The noise is because the strap is in line with the wind while moving forward. If you could try to turn the straps so its not totally in line with the wind the noise will decrease dramatically.

I also find my dot 1/2 helmet is much louder than the non dot beanie i have.

 

Ear plugs! Really makes a difference.

 

Chin down approxomately 15 degrees - head canted (left or right) 5 to 7 degrees - eyes squinted (so you don't blow them out of the sockets) while applying sinus backpressure by grunting - or
EARPLUGS!

 

Of course my DOT half helmet is louder than my 3/4 or FF but it doesn't really bother me that much. I have never noticed any significant noise coming from my windshield or my strap, just more all around noise due to exposed ears.