Visors, Helmets, Ear Plugs

[andres]

Due to a dodgy ear that is getting worse due to wind noise from many motorway miles, I need to look at new options for my GS1150. I have a standard screen with tobinators, a mid-range shoei helmet, and foam ear plugs. The tobinators have deflected the wind from my head to my body which is an improvement, and I have been told you can get better quality ear plugs fitted for your ears. I will also have to look at after-market visors. Money is always an issue but as the other option is to ride an RT (no, not yet, I'm too young) I'm prepared to spend. Any advice anyone? Cheers.

 

[turbine_2]

The right helmet will reduce the noise level somewhat. Look for one with the minimum number of seams and joins as that's where a lot of noise is generated. Also look at fitting an under the chin wind blocker as this will help dampen the noise.

Custom moulded earplugs are a big difference from generic foam type plugs and have the advantage of being able to have headphones inserted into them. Well worth the money IME.

Failing that, ride slower

 

[Deleted account W]

Natural Ear plugs.

Try this stuff, recomended to me by Les Wassall, have had them for a few days and it works briliantly. Foam plugs gave me earache after 1/2 an hour (I cant bare wear those bud earphones you get with walkmans either).

The stuff keeps all the wind out of your ears and stops reduces the noise.

Look here.

 

[Steptoe]

One of the benefits of getting older is natural earplugs,



it called hairy ears .

 

[Baz]

Had same issues with mine. The best solution I found was Tobinators & MRA Variable screen laid back as far as possible. Weather protection isnt brilliant but I can live with it.
I also have a set of custom plugs which cost me £100, but they are no better than the hard foam type ones I have gone back to.

Baz

 

[andres]

Thanks for the pointers gents, I'll give all the suggestions a try apart from the hairy ear holes - just not my look. Cheers.

 

[guitarman]

Wind noise is unavoidable whatever screen, helmet combination you have. Some combinations may be slghtly better than others but a small screen like the GS's will always create some wind noise.

The best bet imo if you don't want to ride slower or get an RT (which I'm told is not much better btw) is custom earplugs. I got mine from http://www.hearing-protection.co.uk/indhear1.html and I've been using them for probably 8 years now.

Far better than foam plugs as they are virtually indestructible, there's no screwing them up with dirty fingers to put them in your ears and get infections and they are designed to cut out the very frequencies that cause a problem on the bike.

Best of luck.

Cheers

Dick

 

[Pat Creagh]

GS Noise

Get moulded earplugs.
Try a Schuberth S1 helmet.
Play about with seatheight and screen position.
I find a Givi screen in the fully back position and an aftermarket high seat in the high setting very good, but not as good as an RT.
Horses for race courses.
Pat.

 

[Geordie Foote]

I always find a good dollop of instant gasket does the trick for me!!!!!!!

 

[andres]

Thanks to the recent posters. I'll try out the earplugs to start with, along with a chin wind protector and look at the new helmet and screen options. I find the wind noise aggravates my tinnitus (ringing in the ear) above 60mph so on a long motorway run it's unavoidable. I blame a Zodiac Mindwarp concert in 1992, the night after I'd had three wisdom teeth removed. The left ear has not stopped ringing since. Worse thing is I only went because it was a friend's leaving do before moving to Spain and the band was crap. Avoid them at all costs.

Cheers.

 

[Racer]

I bought my ear plugs from Green Leopard, an excellent fitting service and a superb product that has alleviated the wind roar that occurs with my Arai lid.
I used the shop in Corby.

Racer

 

[Shurv]

Racer,
are green leopard really that good, i've been thinking of getting some of theirs ?. How much were they?.

Ta

Marcus

 

[Racer]

Marcus,

They are excellent - they were about £45 for the two coloured moulded to the ear types. They also allow you to hear the Autocom intercom system aswell.

Racer.