Listening to music while riding

[frayne]

Thinking about getting some little MP3 device to listen to while riding. Just wonder what the thoughts are out there about the distraction effect, if any and what devices some of you may use ? Appreciate any and all replies.

 

[Toecutter]

Thinking about getting some little MP3 device to listen to while riding. Just wonder what the thoughts are out there about the distraction effect, if any and what devices some of you may use ? Appreciate any and all replies.

If you think it might be a distraction, it probably will. Mine's not, until I try to goof around with the settings while entering a corner (not recommended).

 

[cougar8000]

Does not bother me. My cell phone has an mp3 built in and I listen using my scala bluetooth. It is only served as a back ground so it does nto bother me. but could be a problem for a newb or someone who is really into the music.

 

[stormrider]

Frayne,

I listen to music almost all the time I am on the bike.

I have X-M set up on my current ride, fed into custom ear plug speakers.

With that being said

1: I do not listen to it so loud that I cannot hear the ambient sounds around me.

2:I am not a spirited rider where the level of concentration may forgo the benefits of music

Hope this helps

 

[NoCage]

I don't listen to music when I'm commuting in heavy rush-hour traffic. Otherwise, no prob.

 

[Zorlac]

FWIW, this was discussed on the Concours owners board awhile back with some good opinions, if you don't mind wading through it.

https://www.concours.org/forum/topic.asp?AR...;TOPIC_ID=30003

https://www.concours.org/forum/topic.asp?AR...;TOPIC_ID=28968

 

[Calimus]

If I'm on a long ride, music is a must. However, I don't wear in the ear headsets. I velcro'ed some old headphone speakers into my helmet so that I can listen to my jams while still being able to hear whats around me. I also leave the ipod in the tank bag while riding so that I can't mess with it.

 

[Ignacio]

World News on CNN while I'm trying to navigate rush hour....not so much. 80's channel while I'm piloting across the vast expanses of Highway 50.....absolutely.

 

[Warchild]

The music I listen to isn't "Earth, Wind and Fire"..... it's "Engine, Wind and Tire"! :lol:

In all seriousness..... all I want to hear is the powertrain.... if an issue develops with the engine, drive chain, tires, etc, sometimes you can hear it before you feel it or see it. Not always, mind you, but it happens. But you can't hear it if you got your MP3 blasting away your favorite tunes....

 

[Murph]

The music I listen to isn't "Earth, Wind and Fire"..... it's "Engine, Wind and Tire"! :lol:
In all seriousness..... all I want to hear is the powertrain.... if an issue develops with the engine, drive chain, tires, etc, sometimes you can hear it before you feel it or see it. Not always, mind you, but it happens. But you can't hear it if you got your MP3 blasting away your favorite tunes....

I have thought about listening to music while I ride (and actually took my iPod with me during my last tour ... but never used it), however I'm just too paranoid based on exactly what Warchild said. I would still guess that music played at even the lowest volume could be enough to drown out even just the slightest sound of an issue that, left unnoticed, could develop into a serious problem.

Nevertheless, I might still consider music for the long distance slab rides. But I still feel that paranoia....

 

[Silent]

Music on the slab, but I tend to turn it off in the twisties. Doesn't bother my concentration enough to worry about on the slab tho.

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

Music is not at all distracting, but it can effect the bike's performance.

I first noticed it this spring when I was "road testing" various earbuds.

The front wheel comes off the ground to Jimi Hendrix.

 

[bikerskier]

Music is not at all distracting, but it can effect the bike's performance.I first noticed it this spring when I was "road testing" various earbuds.

The front wheel comes off the ground to Jimi Hendrix.

Gunny on this!!! No question the bike gets lighter and more nimble with the quality of music. Just liking skiing in the bumps!

 

[WVFJR]

I tried it And didn't like it at all. My thoughts are in line with Warchilds.

 

[exskibum]

No question the bike gets lighter and more nimble with the quality of music. Just liking skiing in the bumps!

[SIZE=12pt]GUNNY[/SIZE]+10

One of my favorite playlists on the IPod for riding is one I call "Bump Skiing". I ride with music all the time, same as I do when I ski. Only if the volume is uneven and I suddenly get a too loud song or album come on do I need to turn it off until I get it back to a decent volume level or feel distracted. Sometimes I feel like not having music and then just use earplugs.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

No question the bike gets lighter and more nimble with the quality of music. Just liking skiing in the bumps!

[SIZE=12pt]GUNNY[/SIZE]+10

One of my favorite playlists on the IPod for riding is one I call "Bump Skiing". I ride with music all the time, same as I do when I ski. Only if the volume is uneven and I suddenly get a too loud song or album come on do I need to turn it off until I get it back to a decent volume level or feel distracted. Sometimes I feel like not having music and then just use earplugs.

All I know is my magnum blaster horns were no match for whatever was in your ears yesterday. I honked numerous times and was unable to get your attention

 

[exskibum]

All I know is my magnum blaster horns were no match for whatever was in your ears yesterday. I honked numerous times and was unable to get your attention

Looks like I need to finally hook up the Starcom and Kenwood for bike to bike, huh?

 

[Auburn]

I like to listen to music as background noise. I keep it low enough that I can hear the bike easily. I usually don't listen to it in traffic. I use speakers mounted in the helment, so other sounds are easily heard. And it gives a means to communicate with the wife when she is on the back.

I would say give it a try, if you don't like, you can always unplug it. The other reason, I use the sound system, is the other plug that goes to my self defense tool, Mr. Valentine One...it has saved my bacon a few times, when I am concentrating on the road and not the cop sitting up ahead. So far it is V1 10 cops zero. :yahoo:

 

[madmike2]

All I know is my magnum blaster horns were no match for whatever was in your ears yesterday. I honked numerous times and was unable to get your attention

Looks like I need to finally hook up the Starcom and Kenwood for bike to bike, huh?

Uhm, to make more room on the FJR farkle shelf? OR to actually USE? :lol: (Pretty cold, huh? :blink: )

Lately, I've been experimenting with what music I play. It has been rather bizarre to ride sweepers and twisties with "classical" (Yes...long-hair, symphony, Boston Pops) music. In fact, I used that very music while riding my favorite river roads yesterday. It keeps me from twisting on the throttle and helps me ride a bit smoother rather than listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Bros., 70's & 80's rock, etc.