How many people out there actually use earplugs or wear and iPod when they're riding? Do you still feel safe? I don't know how I'd feel not being able to hear any traffic around me. Although...I do admit that it'd be nice to listen to some music sometimes on long, weekend rides while I'm taking in the view.

 

sometimes, but usually just put one in to still function safely, and then only on the open road versus in town.

 

I wear earplugs every time. Without earplugs and with my helmet on (full-face) the sound is too much. It's the irony of buying a bike with the pipes you like and then not really being able to hear them, cause it's too loud.

 

That's exactly my issue. I put the new pipes on a few weeks ago and now I'm thinking about wearing my iPod in at least 1 ear when I'm on my weekend rides. I won't use them for my daily commute though. It's only 20 miles round trip and I don't trust people around at 7:15 am to be awake and alert.

 

i'm always listening to music on the bike.

 

Check out the Kurayakin Sound of Chrome ampliflied speakers. Real nice looking and sound pretty decent.

 

Earplugs you can get away with. iPods are pretty much illegal in just about every state. I ride with neither....

 

I used to wear ear plugs on long rides because of wind noise. I can hear better with the ear plugs than without them on long trips. I bought a windsheild now so the wind noise isnt near as bad so I usually wear 1 earphone to listen to music but still have 1 ear free to hear.

 

I use my ipod sometimes. I'll use it on longer rides and here recently a lot on my way into work (17 miles one way mostly on I55) I have some Panasonic in-ear buds that I bought from Wallyworld. They stay in ok with one of my half helmets, but with another I guess the straps create a little more turbulance around the ears and I have to reseat the earbuds from time to time.

 

you can get ear buds that dont block out sound so much. Like the bose in ear might be ok. I'll have to try it while riding. I've never listened while riding. Anyway they are made to fit in ear, but not really block out outside sound, of course if you have them cranked, the music will impair hearing outside stuff.