Custom Headphone Earplugs

[Shimster]

Afternoon All

Just thought I'd ask this question as I'm well confused. A couple of years a ago I invested in some custom earplugs (the ones that you can plug in to your GPS to listen to MP3s) and they were excellent. Never had any issues with them at all.

However, this year I've noticed a serious resonant vibration coming from the peak on my helmet (Arai X2)... I just assumed it was time to get a new lid, but I rode the bike without the custom earplugs in, and just used some foamy ones instead. Strangely, the vibration had stopped, so I tried riding with the custom plugs again, and its actually them that's transmitting the peak vibration in to my ears. I know its actually the peak causing the vibration itself because if I grab hold of it while riding, the noise stops.

The only difference between my last trip away and now is that I've changed the bike from a 650GS Twin to a 1200GS. Has anyone else had a similar issue?

I suppose it could be the screen causing different wind patterns, so the next time I'm out, I'll try standing up just to see if that makes any difference.

I'll report back with my findings.

Shim

 

[Schtum]

Yes as you've discovered it's the peak vibrating. I used to find it was worse for me when I wore foam earplugs and better with filtered Alpine ones.

I've done all kinds of things to damp the vibration and to shift the resonant frequency of the peak. I'm currently using a Tour X 3 peak on my earlier helmet with a large paper clip opened out and fastened on the underside with the fuzzy half of heavy duty velcro and rubber gaskets between the peak and the shell where they touch at the sides.

 

[Shimster]

Have your modifications got rid of of the resonance all together?

 

[Schtum]

Have your modifications got rid of of the resonance all together?

The best mod was to switch to a Shoei Hornet..... Even then, the peak on that still vibrates a bit. However, in answer to your question, no. Using filtered earplugs with the above mods has reduced the vibration to being bearable. My eyes no longer vibrate in sympathy. In the past, I also used a Laminar Lip on the screen of my old '04 GS and that was possibly the most effective mod but even that didn't cure it completely.

Oddly, some people claim that they don't experience this phenomenon at all. It's either a height issue or they're deaf or incredibly insensitive.

 

[walrus]

Touratech clip on screen extender workes like dream for me.

 

[walrus]

Or even works!

 

[snappo]

The best mod was to switch to a Shoei Hornet..... Even then, the peak on that still vibrates a bit. However, in answer to your question, no. Using filtered earplugs with the above mods has reduced the vibration to being bearable. My eyes no longer vibrate in sympathy. In the past, I also used a Laminar Lip on the screen of my old '04 GS and that was possibly the most effective mod but even that didn't cure it completely.

Oddly, some people claim that they don't experience this phenomenon at all. It's either a height issue or they're deaf or incredibly insensitive.

Took my X3 out for my maiden voyage earlier, didn't hear any vibration at all, thank goodness! Maybe down to my taller screen, I felt a lot more windblast when I sat really upright and lifted my head, but in normal riding position ( bag of spuds slumped on seat ), it was fine.

In the interests of full disclosure, I have previously been accused of being massively insensitive....

 

[Flipfly]

Arai tourx peak........put dynamat under the peak,.problemo solved

 

[GS_or_bust]

Lead tyre weights stuck under the peak?

 

[Shimster]

Thanks All...

I've tried putting small amounts of lead weight under the front of the peak, but it hasn't fixed the issue. I'll try some rubber washers around the mounting points later this week to see how I get on.

 

[Shimster]

Well, I've finally managed to get around to fitting some rubber washers between the peak and helmet, but unfortunately, the weather has been fairly miserable over here (Isle of Man), so I've not had a chance to test it yet. I have however bought a new helmet (just in case)...

As I've nearly always had an Arai, it seemed sensible to buy another one, so I opted for the new Tour X4 I would like to think that the peak issue has been resolved after several variations.

I'm still going to try my old helmet just to see if the rubber washers have fixed it as if it has, it'll be handy as a second helmet, and I'll let you all know how I get on.

Shim

 

[Shimster]

Damn... My new Tour X4 had exactly the same vibration issue!

However, while I was out on the bike, I spent a few minutes stood up on the pegs, and noticed that the vibration went away, so the only possible cause of the problem had to be the screen.

I bought the following screen from NN and have just come back from a test ride.... and the result is No more vibration at all (other than the expected noise from riding at 90 (legally!! God I love the Isle of Man!)

http://www.nippynormans.com/products/screens-and-winglets/high-and-wider-screens/item/high-wide-screen-slight-tint-r1200gs-wde-1200gs-t

So to conclude, the Arai Tour-X is a very good helmet, the standard screen on a 2006 R1200GS is good, combined, they are not good.

Shim

EDIT: I've got some before and after photos of the new screen if anyone is interested.