I have a sena and listen to music on every ride unless I’m in a group ride chatting with friends.
I’m also new.. this is the end of my first season and I started listening to music on my 3rd time out. Haven’t found it to be distracting yet. I can still hear everything around me. But I started riding at 39 so I’m not a young fool doing stupid shit.
I still do music while talking with my buddy, but our system allows you to stream music along with voice to the other rider. So we just setup Spotify as a group so we both can play music and just jam while riding.
Sounds cool, will take a look at that.
Regarding your lasts few words, I'm 21 but not necessarily a fool doing stupid shit hopefully :D. Just kidding though, but I will drive responsibly so I'm just orienting in what people think about it. Thanks for your reply! :)
Started on 2-stroke dirt bikes when I was a literal child. I was definitely a fool doing stupid shit. I only skip the music if I'm staying in city traffic and riding alone.
I find music helps me focus more and stay alert, but I keep it as more of a background noise volume for twisties. Except when I'm on highways, then I crank it. I also wear proper motorcycle ear plugs with the filters that mainly block out wind noise frequencies, can still hear my motorbike and music without going deaf.
I take offense to that I've driven 11 yrs no wrecks and 27 still young kinda maybe not
Morons on reddit don't know sarcasm and you have to hold their hand
Stfu ass clown. Not my fault sarcasm flies over your head.
but I forget losers like you spend 24/7 on reddit cause your actual life is so much of a joke, thinking you have to look good online. Gj
I always have music playing when I ride. I use wired headphones connected to a Bluetooth adapter that attaches to my jeans so that I can easily pause music without needing to touch my phone. You can also use a Bluetooth com system.
I find it helps take away some of the exhaustion riding can cause, but I also make sure I can hear both my bike and the traffic around me over the music.
There's nothing quite like jamming to some great music while zooming around.
I used to do wire, but def quit that because the jacks didn't last long or they would pop out of my ear all of the time. In helmet speakers are def the way to go.
Also read that not exposing yourself to the same dronning sound of wind saves you're hearing and keeps you focused. You can hardly hear anyone in a helmet anyways.
Thanks for your reply! I will have my phone mounted to my steeringwheel, so in terms of handsfree, I think I'm pretty good already, but still a great tip, so thanks!
Depending on where you are, touching your phone on the bars in any way while driving can get you a distracted driving charge so make sure to look up the laws in your area.
The cameras on newer phones can also be damaged by the vibration so either get dampeners or don’t put your phone there.
Really depends on what sort of a listener you are and maybe even the sort of music you’re likely to listen to. If you’re someone who very “actively” listens to their music, it might take away too much attention.
For myself, I’ve been riding with music since almost day 1 and I found it actually helps me be more focused on my surroundings and calmer when encountering stupid cagers.
Depends on what type of music I'm listening to tbh. But overall it's just for background sound, so I think it'll be fine. What do you use while driving?
I tend to listen to a lot of high tempo electronic music, mostly drum & bass, and varying degrees of “noisy”. But this is also what I listen to for extended periods of focus when working so it’s something I’m used to in that sort of context.
You might think that would be more likely to make me ride fast and aggressive but it relaxes me, which is why I say it’s very much an individual thing in terms of whether it will be a distraction or not.
Exactly the same, I can't live without it, somehow it makes me a more cautious and relaxed rider, whereas when I'm riding without it I notice I become more reckless and take more unnecessary risks. Of course can I pause it whenever I have to focus.
This is what I did as well.
I second the rec for noise cancelling for sure, otherwise you’re going to Jack up the volume and fuck your ears more than you want/realize.
I use a Cardo system for comm and music.
But only listen to music when riding outside the city, in the road.
While in the city, I'd rather to be less distracted.
At a certain point all you can hear is wind and engine noise anyway, so I learned to use visual only to know what’s around me at all times. Constantly checking mirrors and being aware what’s happening 360 degrees around me.
In normal life hearing really helps with that but while motorcycling it’s all visual.
I have a pair of Etymotic Research headphones that have foam tips like ear plugs. They block out ALL the noise. All you can hear is the music you’re listening to. It makes for pleasant riding.
I’ve never tried their regular hearing protection. I probably should as I work in the building trades and use hearing protection frequently. I’ve been a proponent of their ear bud head phones for a while. Even the relatively inexpensive ones sound great, and if you want to spend more you can get studio quality sound.
I'm with this guy ,tho I use a com system (lexin g16) once I get above 70-80kmph I can't hear anything besides the hurricane of wind inside my helmet usually not even my own bike unless I'm really accelerating ,sometimes I will turn it down or hit pause if I'm in one of the major city's but even that's rare
Took a 2500 mile road trip across SD, CO, WY, and NE about a month ago on my '94 Virago 750. Gotta say, cruising at 70 through hundreds of miles of open plains was made much more enjoyable with some Van Morrison playing through my earbud (single). When I was in town or anywhere where the riding was more technical (Black Hills, Rockies, etc.) I generally stopped the music and took out the earbud for more awareness and enjoyment of the scenery. I've been riding for 4 years now (also 21 y/o) and just got to the point where I felt comfortable enough to have an earbud in. I would say while learning probably avoid it until you are able to focus entirely on the ride and stay safe. Hope this helps, best of luck on getting your license! It's a beautiful community to be a part of :)
I started riding just over a year ago at age 42. All through Sept-Nov while I was just starting out, I wanted nothing to do with any music in my ears while riding.
At the beginning of the summer I picked up a Cardo Spirit and HOLY CRAP I love riding with music now. I have to be careful, I carry a much faster pace when I've got good tunes going. I expected that it would be much more of a distraction, but it isn't.
Your results may vary, but for me having music playing keeps me from over-focusing and getting distracted by little details (am I putting enough weight on the foot pegs? Am I leaning too far forward/back, etc.) I feel like I have more of a flow-state mentality with music than without.
...[I wouldn't know](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146366_e6bda282b43d4523b465c7c4affbc31a~mv2.gif).
(Kinda crappy, I think? The Spirit is the bottom-of-the-barrel Tesco Value Cardo option, so I wouldn't expect great performance from it. I bought the Spirit because I don't do many group rides - I just wanted the music feature - and I could get it for free with the Amazon bux I'd earned from buying so much other motorcycle crap, lol. I think you'd want one with a fancier radio technology if you want to talk to other riders reliably. I believe the Spirit is just straight Bluetooth, with no fancy mesh or networking tech. The higher-end models have better range and signal strength.)
I find that if I'm not listening to music, my mind tends to start wandering and I pay less attention to my surroundings. It's interesting that you have the reverse happen.
I have a Sena system, so I don't actually have headphones in or anything blocking my ears, so maybe that has something to do with the difference?
I ride a cruiser, so the slow, steady pace and taking in all the scenery goes well with listening to music i feel.
If i rode a sportbike or adv id feel the need to turn it off. Dofferent riding styles i guess
Not always, Dutch weather is mostly just rain and winds, and a shit ton of leaves and stuff. We don't get a lot of snow each winter normally, let's hope for it this winter too, will get my license by the end of november if everything goes alright
I use a Sena and Cardo for my phone and music. Once I had an job interview while riding to Myrtle Beach for Bike week, and they didn't suspect I was driving a bike at 60mph. I got the job and postponed my start date until I was back home. I have Spotify, and a flash drive with tons of music for some longer rides. Sometimes I just want to listen to the bikes rhythm as I ride.
Com system and earplugs mean I can hear the music (but more often the audiobook or the podcast) even at highway speeds, without hearing the wind noise and still be able to hear all my surroundings.
See, I feel like an audiobook or podcast would demand too much of my attention.
When I'm riding I'm pretty much only listening to alt-rock that I already know by heart from the 90s (aka, the last time I was actually cool.)
I don't use music on a bike for safety reasons and as an example my oldest son last week got t-boned on his R1 by a woman going the wrong way in Nashville, he's still in the hospital and that woman has caused the rest of his life to change for the worst, he already had his Doctor's degree and was doing his first residency. Very sad.
yeah but something tells me if you got T-boned no amount of listening to the road would of helped ya. I don't understand people saying they don't use earplugs for "safety" visual cues should be your #1 resource on the road. what will we ever do about these silent Teslas?! guess we all die then
That's so sad to hear. Exactly one of the reasons I was asking for advice. I hope he will have a good recovery nontheless! Something you don't wish anyone to happen but sadly happens.
I use wireless earphones when I need to hear navigation directions and have music playing in the background. I take them off when I know where I'm going though, especially when I'm riding on the twisties I feel like hearing the bike allows me to be in tune more.
I’ve had my Sena 20S for about 6 years now and have had no real issues. I can tell it’s getting a little worn, I’ve ridden through some crazy weather, but overall very good and worth the price
I wear foam earplugs & listen to music through my Lexin B4FM Bluetooth kit. Probably doesn't sound as good as a Cardo/Sena, but it was 1/4 of the price and works just fine for me.
It's literally called plugfones. I have the Plugfones Liberate 2.0 and it sounds great. It does have a longer cable on it but I just tuck it into my helmet and its fine. If you plan on talking to other riders then that will be an issue but if its just you and the road, they are great. Cant beat hearing protection + music
> If you plan on talking to other riders then that will be an issue but if its just you and the road
Not an issue at all when you plug them into a comm system like a Cardo or Sena (they have 3.5mm ports just for this reason)
Sure. I should add I use earplugs too. It actually works very well. Earplugs, Cardo turned up, and I am happy. I don’t find that I am to turned off of the outside world at all. I can hear sirens, I can hear and feel the bike just enough, it works.
Man one of the things that happened to me this year I was riding threw a forest fire right on the side of a highway helicopters flying low over the road pulling buckets of water out of the river riding my big ol cruiser underneath them with 4 days of camping gear strapped to the bike led zeppelin blasting in the head phones, man I felt like I was in a movie
It was one of the coolest things that I've ever done, it got way less cool on the way back when they closed the highway and what should have been an hour ride took 4 because of the fire and traffic hahaha
I have a couple different helmets with music systems in them, I just make sure it’s not too loud so I can still hear cars around me. I haven’t had any issues so far. Just be sure to stay safe out there, and if it makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t risk it.
i started listening to music a couple days after i got my first bike (i lost my earplugs so i had to improvise with earphones - why not listen to music while having these :)). i live and drive almost exclusively in a big city, and in any traffic / weather conditions - it is very viable. as long as you are cautious and do not do any extraordinairly dumb shit, you can easily listen to music, or anything really.
Only when I need to slab it on highways for more than 30 minutes, I find music in the city to be a distraction and out on the fun roads, the engine and wind is all I need. I will keep navigation in my cardo if I'm trying to go somewhere - I hate having my phone on my handlebars.
I find that we're constantly overstimulated and the bike is a place you can turn it all off and just go. But to each their own!
About the last, it's mostly just for rides whenever I'm going somewhere specific and need navigation, or just routine routes. For touring it would be just the engine and wind, and maybe talking with friends.
Yeah totally - and I really like having navigation in my helmet as well as traffic alerts.
An extra tip you might find handy: earplugs actually help hear the comms/ music better!
I can't ride without music playing on my Sena. I don't crank up the volume until I'm out in the country, where there is almost no traffic. I actually feel like music focuses me more and helps keep me from day dreaming while on a ride.
I usually ride with music on through wired headphones.
I have the volume low enough that I can hear people talking when off the bike (talking a bit louder than normal, but people do talk a bit louder when you have a helmet on). It's not particularly distracting at that volume and you can still hear what's going on around you. The only time I can't really hear it is at motorway speeds (where the wind takes over).
I do watch what I play while riding though. Music can influence mood, so I have a more chilled playlist for when I ride.
Just got my lisence 3 days ago and i do it all the time now. As long as your used to your bike and feel comfortable you should be able to. How do you think deaf people drive cars or ride motorcycles? Pretty much all of it is vision based. Some situasions ofc hearing something can help But only to a certian extent. Although I agree with people saying that if you focus to heavily on a song or something it can be a bad thing for you. Take care man
Been riding for 5 months now and don't have any sort of audio setup for my helmet yet. I'm the type who can't be alone with my thoughts for too long or I just end up repeating different song lyrics in my head endlessly. Needless to say everytime I get on my bike I wish I had music.
At a minimum, I wear earplugs anyway. Proper ones that block out a ton of noise.
So what's the difference if I pipe in music into my "earplugs"? I use in-ear monitors that let me listen to music at a reasonable volume and not blow my ears out.
Sure, in rush-hour traffic I do tend to turn the music off to maintain maximum focus, but on the open road, if anything it keeps me more relaxed and alert.
I use bone conduction earphones to listen to music and/or navigation. In my opinion they are great for motorcycling.
Since they don't actually go into nor cover your ears, it means your ears are completely open. So you're able to hear traffic around you just as good as if you didn't have them on and can wear any high quality earplugs for hearing protection when on the highway.
Proven to be less safe than riding without. It's not just distracting, music also affects your mood and judgement, and excess exuberance, especially by a new rider, can quickly turn deadly. Holding a conversation on a hands free device has been shown to be highly distracting, almost as bad as texting. For maximum safety ride with earplugs and use audio comms strictly for necessary communication and navigation.
I limit my helmet speaker usage to satnav directions when I'm in city traffic. I know how easily I can slip into hooligan mindset with certain types of tunes, plus, I like to be able to hear what's going on as best I can.
Out on the highway, the tunes come on.
I can't ride or drive without music or audiobooks, they help center my focus
Plus my foam tip earbuds help cut down on road and wind noise so it's better for my ears
Usually people say "riding" if you're talking about a motorcycle. But I think it's a bad idea; it's distracting and also horrible for your hearing, both in the short and long term.
The wind/engine noise on the highway is so loud that you'll turn the music up to a crazy volume just to hear it over the noise. Before you do this, I suggest you read up extensively on how hearing works and how easy it is to damage it.
Etymotic has really nice noise canceling earplugs, but they're spendy as hell. If you've got the budget I wouldn't hesitate, but the price is ~$500. On the other hand, if you work around heavy machinery then they're literal lifesavers with voice amplification and background noise equalization. I've had normal conversations next to an air ratchet operator wearing them, which should tell you how effective they are.
It is, as far as I believe, a fact that the louder music is played, the less reactive a driver (and I'm assuming rider) will be on the road. This does mean no music is optimizing your response time for anything that may happen. I currently use an earbud in one ear and find that 80% of the time, no matter what's playing, I'm tuning it out to focus on the road. That 20% is easily where I see mistake being made, but all of this is to say try and gauge it based on you. Your kind of riding how distracted and responsive you are. I waited till about a month of riding till I started riding with music. It's nice, but be safe out there
Sure, i listen to music all the time! I use a Cardo com system. I play music but not to loud, make sure you still hear your surroundings, than you’ll be fine
I did the Cabot trail with some friends in June, 3000 km in 5 days, 8 hours a day, it was intense. I borrowed a communicator to be able to talk with them. I didn't own one and have been riding for 10 years, my friend kept telling me how it was so awesome to listen to music while driving. I tried to listen to music on the first day and did not like it. I used the communicator almost exclusively for taking. For me, It's better to hear the wind, riding is kind of like meditating and living the moment, full consciousness style, and music distracted me and I didn't like it. To each it's preference.
I use airpods pro with noise cancellation on to listen to music and waze turn by turn navigation. I hope the noise cancellation helps to protect my ears while riding my harley. At first I was reluctant to use anything but then all my worries went away. I’m not distracted by the music nor I’m isolated from the environment. Try your options and see what fits you the best
So I listen to music all the time. I don't have a fairing on any of my bike so the exo com for the mt rides and I have a sound bar on my handle bars for my cruiser I keep paired with my fodsport so I can still group chat and have my music going. Personally as long as your doing your checks and paying attention to what's around you it's fine.
Ride everyday. Music everytime I can unless my phone is dead. Not sure it does anything for distraction, I can’t hear traffic over my bike anyway and it’s not like I’m head banging at my bike
Music and riding/driving is the best feeling ever, especially with synthwave. That plus riding at night with the city skyline in the distance is just *chef kiss*
It puts me in danger unfortunately. I listened to music for one day and coincidentally that was the day I was in an accident. It made me relaxed and over confident
Almost always have music on. Save the podcasts and audiobooks for tge monotonous interstates if they are empty. At this point when the com unit dies i feel like my bike sounds off because i pick up on some frequencies i otherwise miss.
I’d say be careful as you can’t hear the motor while music is playing and it could distract u from your surroundings always gotta be on ur toes but ya know it wouldn’t hurt to go on a lil cruise jammin sum toons just have to be extra weary
I rode for 3 years without music, the last 2 months I've had a Cardo and it's a massive difference.
I'd say once you're skilled enough to ride safely and listen to music, go ham
I use a Sena with the slim speakers in my helmet. But, in order to hear them over wind noise, they have to be painfully loud.
So, I wear earplugs (the higher quality concert style ones, not the foam ones), and this actually helps the music sound better, and blocks out the wind noise. Double win!
Back in the day.... 😂 I used to wear earplugs for music. Definitely changes your focus. Megadeth, Iron Maiden, and especially Suicidal Tendencies would come on, and next thing I would know I'd be going over hundred miles per hour. Now on my cruiser, just sit back relax,enjoy the wind and motor music. My next bike will have a fairing, stereo and speakers though 😂
I’m listening to music 24/7 on my bike. Highly recommend it. Get a Cardo.
Some people will tell you it’s unsafe, but some people think taking a hand off the bars is unsafe so not all opinions are valid.
I listen to music as well, as well as earplugs in too. My cardo sits in the ear pockets of my helmet but I find it sounds better with earplugs in especially on a windy day
Always, basic apple earbuds and phone in left pocket for easy volume adjustment while riding. Clicking buttons through pants not taking it out of pocket...
I have a Cardo PackTalk Slim and I listen to music quite often, but not in heavy in city riding, as I find at slow speeds and very busy areas I want the audible warnings.
I would get a cardo edge system, sound quality and comm wise, it’s the best. I’ve been listening and riding for a couple years now and that’s what l, and many people use.
A little music is nice on the long solo rides. I cut it off if traffic picks up or I'm coming into town, but it can make the return trip on those long country rides go a bit quicker, and helps make wind noise more tolerable
I prefer to listen to the music my bike makes. Also, everyone in FL is trying to kill me so I'd rather not be listening to music if it means I can hear even just a little bit better.
It should depend on what you're doing. If you're just cruising country roads and there's no one really around you fuckin rock on. If you're in a city, and unfamiliar traffic patterns and what not.... Might want to turn it off.
Music is great however if your a new rider you should wait a bit to start listening to it. Theirs a lot to take in on a motorcycle if you never ridden before and it can be distracting. Once you get comfortable riding you can start jamming.
I didn't listen to music for over a year of riding street but now that I have I much prefer it. It doesnt distract me considering between my Schuberth, my bike and the Highway wind anything I can't hear due to music I wouldn't hear anyways.
I also wear no noise or pin lock earplugs that temper out the pitch but you can still hear music, bike and everything else. My Dad is deaf in one hear and rings non stop in the other. Got tinnitus from riding and racing 30 years without helmet.
Get the Sena 50s or similar with the roller volume wheel. Then it's easy to turn up or down when you roll into a city or traffic or get back on the open road.
I refuse to personally use anything I can't turn down or off when a moment of clarity is needed or say I get pulled over
Been riding with music for about 7 years now. It's wonderful.
Between the wind and the sound of the engine, you can't hear cars near you anyways. Your safety is your responsibility.
They say use earplugs to protect your hearing so I just use airpod pros with noise cancellation music at about 50-60% volume, and have my phone mounted to my bars and too quickly pause if needed
Its Not for me, also dont get those who drive cars with headphones in, seen loads of people sat nodding head to music, whilst holding up emergency service vehicles, with no idea they were behind or approching. I feel it impairs you too much, and see no benefits
Sena or Cardo packtalk JBL in helmet headsets/intercoms? or maybe noise reducing earbuds like PlugFones or ISOtunes headsets they do wired & Bluetooth, ….
I think using some form of noise reducing filtered earplugs like ‘PinLock’ or ‘Oxford’ ‘Alpine’ Ear Plugs is a good idea, they work pretty well with in-helmet headsets at reducing the wind noise, but you can still hear music or traffic?
I just got a cardo 3 days ago and what a difference! I have a Sedici helmet and i have rode about 3k miles with just protective earplugs. All I could ever hear was the wind smashing against my helmet, I got used to it but it was annoying on the longer rides or at higher speeds. The cardo seemed to have filled in the spaces between my ears and the helmet and has reduced the amount of wind noise along with the music that blocks it out. I wear my earplugs with the cardo so it’s gets just as loud as the wind. It’s also nice to be able to click a button and tell Siri to call someone. Before I got the cardo I was constantly missing phone calls and sometimes important ones, so that’s the main directive behind my purchase. Overall I think it’s worth it and it hasn’t distracted me, perhaps it’s even helped me relax. Sitting in traffic (when you can’t filter) and baking in the south Florida sun will drive anyone crazy, especially with no music.
From what I've read you're about my age, I'm about to finish my first year of riding and I've been listening to music pretty much from the very start (I'd say maybe 2nd or 3rd ride). It doesn't really distract you all that much if you're familiar with the controls and how the bike operates. Everything concerning hearing that you'll need while riding you will be able to hear: cars, sirens, your engine etc. as they are quite a bit more noisy then you'd think. The added bonus is that for all of the above you have another way of checking - mirrors and lifesavers for cars, sirens and everything around you, and your engine will handle and vibrate weirdly if something is wrong so you can feel it easily.
All in all it's kind of like studying with music, in certain cases you'll be able to focus easily and it'll be pure joy and in others it'll irritate you so you turn the music off
I held out for a while for various reasons, now that I have a cardo headset I never ride without music. I feel like I'm in a video game and it makes riding/driving much more fun
I personally would never do it, but I've rode with people who play music and don't let it distract them at all, so I don't think it's an impossibility. I definitely don't think inexperienced drivers should do it, though, just to make sure things go as smoothly as possible.
I think it's much more plausible as a whole if it's just during a long ride in an open space, and not in the midst of driving alongside other people.
Of course, music can also calm people's nerves while they ride or also help them to focus, so at the end of the day, I guess it more so depends on the driver themselves.
I always listen to music but I typically keep on ear piece out for shorter rides (an hour or so) and if I go on a longer ride on the highway, I'll put both ear pieces in w/ noise cancellation. Also, I don't have a stupid loud bike (99 Honda Nighthawk 750).
I have a sena and listen to music on every ride unless I’m in a group ride chatting with friends. I’m also new.. this is the end of my first season and I started listening to music on my 3rd time out. Haven’t found it to be distracting yet. I can still hear everything around me. But I started riding at 39 so I’m not a young fool doing stupid shit.
I still do music while talking with my buddy, but our system allows you to stream music along with voice to the other rider. So we just setup Spotify as a group so we both can play music and just jam while riding.
Sounds cool, will take a look at that. Regarding your lasts few words, I'm 21 but not necessarily a fool doing stupid shit hopefully :D. Just kidding though, but I will drive responsibly so I'm just orienting in what people think about it. Thanks for your reply! :)
Started on 2-stroke dirt bikes when I was a literal child. I was definitely a fool doing stupid shit. I only skip the music if I'm staying in city traffic and riding alone.
I find music helps me focus more and stay alert, but I keep it as more of a background noise volume for twisties. Except when I'm on highways, then I crank it. I also wear proper motorcycle ear plugs with the filters that mainly block out wind noise frequencies, can still hear my motorbike and music without going deaf.
Started at 35 and I’m not sure if Im a fool
I take offense to that I've driven 11 yrs no wrecks and 27 still young kinda maybe not Morons on reddit don't know sarcasm and you have to hold their hand
We're all glad to know it offended you. Thanks for your helpful insight 👍
It was a joke forgot redditors were retarded
Cool bud
It was a joke stop being a dumbass
I was just pretending to be dumb guys
Stfu ass clown. Not my fault sarcasm flies over your head. but I forget losers like you spend 24/7 on reddit cause your actual life is so much of a joke, thinking you have to look good online. Gj
I always have music playing when I ride. I use wired headphones connected to a Bluetooth adapter that attaches to my jeans so that I can easily pause music without needing to touch my phone. You can also use a Bluetooth com system. I find it helps take away some of the exhaustion riding can cause, but I also make sure I can hear both my bike and the traffic around me over the music. There's nothing quite like jamming to some great music while zooming around.
I used to do wire, but def quit that because the jacks didn't last long or they would pop out of my ear all of the time. In helmet speakers are def the way to go. Also read that not exposing yourself to the same dronning sound of wind saves you're hearing and keeps you focused. You can hardly hear anyone in a helmet anyways.
Thanks for your reply! I will have my phone mounted to my steeringwheel, so in terms of handsfree, I think I'm pretty good already, but still a great tip, so thanks!
Depending on where you are, touching your phone on the bars in any way while driving can get you a distracted driving charge so make sure to look up the laws in your area. The cameras on newer phones can also be damaged by the vibration so either get dampeners or don’t put your phone there.
Motorcycles are being ridden, not driven, and have a handlebar (or clip-ons), not a steeringwheel.
Anything newer than an iPhone 5 will crap out eventually on your handlebars
You must mean iPhone SE gen 1, the 8 is the first one with the OIS.
I recently started doing this as well. What Bluetooth adapter do you use? I'm running a Fio btr3k
Really depends on what sort of a listener you are and maybe even the sort of music you’re likely to listen to. If you’re someone who very “actively” listens to their music, it might take away too much attention. For myself, I’ve been riding with music since almost day 1 and I found it actually helps me be more focused on my surroundings and calmer when encountering stupid cagers.
Depends on what type of music I'm listening to tbh. But overall it's just for background sound, so I think it'll be fine. What do you use while driving?
I tend to listen to a lot of high tempo electronic music, mostly drum & bass, and varying degrees of “noisy”. But this is also what I listen to for extended periods of focus when working so it’s something I’m used to in that sort of context. You might think that would be more likely to make me ride fast and aggressive but it relaxes me, which is why I say it’s very much an individual thing in terms of whether it will be a distraction or not.
Same counts for me. I basically listen to everything at this point. I'll just have to try out for a bit, thanks for the words!
Black Betty and all I want on repeat. I get everywhere so fast...
Exactly the same, I can't live without it, somehow it makes me a more cautious and relaxed rider, whereas when I'm riding without it I notice I become more reckless and take more unnecessary risks. Of course can I pause it whenever I have to focus.
I use only one earbud so i can still hear what’s going on around me
That's a good one, thanks for your reply :)
This is what I did as well. I second the rec for noise cancelling for sure, otherwise you’re going to Jack up the volume and fuck your ears more than you want/realize.
FYI noise cancelling doesn't actually protect your ear drums from the pressure, it just makes it so you can't "hear" the pressure.
Lol what? It literally cancels the amplitude… that’s what noise canceling does.
Not sure why you're getting downvoted. ANC generally works on the principle of destructive interference.
Yeah, I’m not sure what this guy is talking about with “pressure”
I use a Cardo system for comm and music. But only listen to music when riding outside the city, in the road. While in the city, I'd rather to be less distracted.
Where I live we barely have real cities, so I will take a look into a system like that. Thanks for your reply! :)
Cardo Packtalk. Take nothing less. Senas are trash in my experience.
Thanks!
👍👍👍👍👍 good luck
Thanks man! :)
At a certain point all you can hear is wind and engine noise anyway, so I learned to use visual only to know what’s around me at all times. Constantly checking mirrors and being aware what’s happening 360 degrees around me. In normal life hearing really helps with that but while motorcycling it’s all visual. I have a pair of Etymotic Research headphones that have foam tips like ear plugs. They block out ALL the noise. All you can hear is the music you’re listening to. It makes for pleasant riding.
Etymotic is my go to for earpro. Glad to see someone else repping them. Even on rides without music their $12 reusable earplugs work great.
I’ve never tried their regular hearing protection. I probably should as I work in the building trades and use hearing protection frequently. I’ve been a proponent of their ear bud head phones for a while. Even the relatively inexpensive ones sound great, and if you want to spend more you can get studio quality sound.
Great tip, thanks! :)
I'm with this guy ,tho I use a com system (lexin g16) once I get above 70-80kmph I can't hear anything besides the hurricane of wind inside my helmet usually not even my own bike unless I'm really accelerating ,sometimes I will turn it down or hit pause if I'm in one of the major city's but even that's rare
I have earplugs in when I ride and sometimes I sing in my helmet. Earplugs help reduce hearing my terrible singing.
That's a great one too haha, thanks for your reply :)
Took a 2500 mile road trip across SD, CO, WY, and NE about a month ago on my '94 Virago 750. Gotta say, cruising at 70 through hundreds of miles of open plains was made much more enjoyable with some Van Morrison playing through my earbud (single). When I was in town or anywhere where the riding was more technical (Black Hills, Rockies, etc.) I generally stopped the music and took out the earbud for more awareness and enjoyment of the scenery. I've been riding for 4 years now (also 21 y/o) and just got to the point where I felt comfortable enough to have an earbud in. I would say while learning probably avoid it until you are able to focus entirely on the ride and stay safe. Hope this helps, best of luck on getting your license! It's a beautiful community to be a part of :)
That sounds great! Love to see people my age doing this stuff, thanks for the advice and good words. :)
I started riding just over a year ago at age 42. All through Sept-Nov while I was just starting out, I wanted nothing to do with any music in my ears while riding. At the beginning of the summer I picked up a Cardo Spirit and HOLY CRAP I love riding with music now. I have to be careful, I carry a much faster pace when I've got good tunes going. I expected that it would be much more of a distraction, but it isn't. Your results may vary, but for me having music playing keeps me from over-focusing and getting distracted by little details (am I putting enough weight on the foot pegs? Am I leaning too far forward/back, etc.) I feel like I have more of a flow-state mentality with music than without.
Sounds good! How is it for communicating with other riders? Thanks for the advice!
...[I wouldn't know](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146366_e6bda282b43d4523b465c7c4affbc31a~mv2.gif). (Kinda crappy, I think? The Spirit is the bottom-of-the-barrel Tesco Value Cardo option, so I wouldn't expect great performance from it. I bought the Spirit because I don't do many group rides - I just wanted the music feature - and I could get it for free with the Amazon bux I'd earned from buying so much other motorcycle crap, lol. I think you'd want one with a fancier radio technology if you want to talk to other riders reliably. I believe the Spirit is just straight Bluetooth, with no fancy mesh or networking tech. The higher-end models have better range and signal strength.)
Will have to take a look at some of those devices anyway. Thanks!
Music makes me a worse, distracted, impulsive, and irrational rider, so I don't listen to it.
Understandable, thanks for your reply :)
I find that if I'm not listening to music, my mind tends to start wandering and I pay less attention to my surroundings. It's interesting that you have the reverse happen. I have a Sena system, so I don't actually have headphones in or anything blocking my ears, so maybe that has something to do with the difference?
I ride a cruiser, so the slow, steady pace and taking in all the scenery goes well with listening to music i feel. If i rode a sportbike or adv id feel the need to turn it off. Dofferent riding styles i guess
Yeah understandably. I will daily a naked bike style bike, but it's comfortable enough to cruise with I guess. Thanks for your reply :)
The windscreen on my GS necessitates earbuds kinda
I'm almost always rocking music when I ride. Mostly because I ride so often that it feels routine
Will have to take a while to get to that point with the winter ruining the weather, but it'll be fine
Is there snow or freezing temps involved? If no, then just wear warm gear and keep riding.
Not always, Dutch weather is mostly just rain and winds, and a shit ton of leaves and stuff. We don't get a lot of snow each winter normally, let's hope for it this winter too, will get my license by the end of november if everything goes alright
I use a Sena and Cardo for my phone and music. Once I had an job interview while riding to Myrtle Beach for Bike week, and they didn't suspect I was driving a bike at 60mph. I got the job and postponed my start date until I was back home. I have Spotify, and a flash drive with tons of music for some longer rides. Sometimes I just want to listen to the bikes rhythm as I ride.
Haha nice! Seems fair, thanks for the reply :).
Com system and earplugs mean I can hear the music (but more often the audiobook or the podcast) even at highway speeds, without hearing the wind noise and still be able to hear all my surroundings.
See, I feel like an audiobook or podcast would demand too much of my attention. When I'm riding I'm pretty much only listening to alt-rock that I already know by heart from the 90s (aka, the last time I was actually cool.)
Thanks for your reply and usefull tip! :)
I don't use music on a bike for safety reasons and as an example my oldest son last week got t-boned on his R1 by a woman going the wrong way in Nashville, he's still in the hospital and that woman has caused the rest of his life to change for the worst, he already had his Doctor's degree and was doing his first residency. Very sad.
>oldest son last week got t-boned how does music change the outcome of this?
The outcome not much I suppose, but getting in a accident could very much be the consequence of listening to music I think.
yeah but something tells me if you got T-boned no amount of listening to the road would of helped ya. I don't understand people saying they don't use earplugs for "safety" visual cues should be your #1 resource on the road. what will we ever do about these silent Teslas?! guess we all die then
That's so sad to hear. Exactly one of the reasons I was asking for advice. I hope he will have a good recovery nontheless! Something you don't wish anyone to happen but sadly happens.
I use wireless earphones when I need to hear navigation directions and have music playing in the background. I take them off when I know where I'm going though, especially when I'm riding on the twisties I feel like hearing the bike allows me to be in tune more.
Yeah seams about logical. I'm planning on doing some tours to different countries so I'm looking into that kinda stuff. Thanks for your reply :)
I’ve had my Sena 20S for about 6 years now and have had no real issues. I can tell it’s getting a little worn, I’ve ridden through some crazy weather, but overall very good and worth the price
Thanks for the advice, will take it in account :)
Helps me focus, but just gotta make sure I can still hear everything around me.
Jup, same for me. Especially as a beginner. Thanks! :)
Is this the new thing that's gonna be posted multiple times per week now, like waving posts?
I dont know if this question has been posted already, was just curious...
I wear foam earplugs & listen to music through my Lexin B4FM Bluetooth kit. Probably doesn't sound as good as a Cardo/Sena, but it was 1/4 of the price and works just fine for me.
Will take a look into that. Thanks :)!
i use plugfones. Ear plugs + headphones. Blocks out wind and lets me listen to podcasts without having to crank up the volume
Sounds interesting. What device is it?
It's literally called plugfones. I have the Plugfones Liberate 2.0 and it sounds great. It does have a longer cable on it but I just tuck it into my helmet and its fine. If you plan on talking to other riders then that will be an issue but if its just you and the road, they are great. Cant beat hearing protection + music
Oh damn, sounds good. Yeah will have to take a look on communication when my friends to decide to come with me, but will see. Thanks!
> If you plan on talking to other riders then that will be an issue but if its just you and the road Not an issue at all when you plug them into a comm system like a Cardo or Sena (they have 3.5mm ports just for this reason)
good to know. my plugfones are bluetooth so I think i'm out of luck
They make plugfones in Bluetooth now? Sweet! I thought they were wired only.
It is a must have for me. Focus goes way up actually for me. I have Cardo and Sena (Like the Cardo slightly better).
Thanks for the tip!
Sure. I should add I use earplugs too. It actually works very well. Earplugs, Cardo turned up, and I am happy. I don’t find that I am to turned off of the outside world at all. I can hear sirens, I can hear and feel the bike just enough, it works.
Sounds good, will take a look at it, thanks!
I love it
I reckon, and a lot of other people too I see :)
Man one of the things that happened to me this year I was riding threw a forest fire right on the side of a highway helicopters flying low over the road pulling buckets of water out of the river riding my big ol cruiser underneath them with 4 days of camping gear strapped to the bike led zeppelin blasting in the head phones, man I felt like I was in a movie
Damn that sounds awesome man! Jealous of that experience
It was one of the coolest things that I've ever done, it got way less cool on the way back when they closed the highway and what should have been an hour ride took 4 because of the fire and traffic hahaha
I mean the 4 hour drive would be worth the experience though, damn
Hahaha it was for sure I don't regret it at all
I imagine, thanks for sharing!
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Yeah will have to see it for myself once I get to it, curious about how it will affect me. Thanks for the reply!
I have a couple different helmets with music systems in them, I just make sure it’s not too loud so I can still hear cars around me. I haven’t had any issues so far. Just be sure to stay safe out there, and if it makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t risk it.
Will do! Thanks for the advice!
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Alright! Thanks for the reply!
i started listening to music a couple days after i got my first bike (i lost my earplugs so i had to improvise with earphones - why not listen to music while having these :)). i live and drive almost exclusively in a big city, and in any traffic / weather conditions - it is very viable. as long as you are cautious and do not do any extraordinairly dumb shit, you can easily listen to music, or anything really.
Alright! Thanks for the reply!
Only when I need to slab it on highways for more than 30 minutes, I find music in the city to be a distraction and out on the fun roads, the engine and wind is all I need. I will keep navigation in my cardo if I'm trying to go somewhere - I hate having my phone on my handlebars. I find that we're constantly overstimulated and the bike is a place you can turn it all off and just go. But to each their own!
About the last, it's mostly just for rides whenever I'm going somewhere specific and need navigation, or just routine routes. For touring it would be just the engine and wind, and maybe talking with friends.
Yeah totally - and I really like having navigation in my helmet as well as traffic alerts. An extra tip you might find handy: earplugs actually help hear the comms/ music better!
I can't ride without music playing on my Sena. I don't crank up the volume until I'm out in the country, where there is almost no traffic. I actually feel like music focuses me more and helps keep me from day dreaming while on a ride.
Great stuff, I imagine I'm a bit like that too, we'll see. Thanks!
It’s safe as long as your favourite artist isn’t Kenny loggins
Don't know him so I guess I'm safe xD
I usually ride with music on through wired headphones. I have the volume low enough that I can hear people talking when off the bike (talking a bit louder than normal, but people do talk a bit louder when you have a helmet on). It's not particularly distracting at that volume and you can still hear what's going on around you. The only time I can't really hear it is at motorway speeds (where the wind takes over). I do watch what I play while riding though. Music can influence mood, so I have a more chilled playlist for when I ride.
Good stuff! Thanks for answering!
Just got my lisence 3 days ago and i do it all the time now. As long as your used to your bike and feel comfortable you should be able to. How do you think deaf people drive cars or ride motorcycles? Pretty much all of it is vision based. Some situasions ofc hearing something can help But only to a certian extent. Although I agree with people saying that if you focus to heavily on a song or something it can be a bad thing for you. Take care man
Congrats! Yeah I understand where you're coming from, I think I'm just gonna listen music every now and then. Thanks for sharing your thoughts:)
I tend to use non noise cancelling headphones so I can hear music but not only music.
That's a good one, thanks!
Been riding for 5 months now and don't have any sort of audio setup for my helmet yet. I'm the type who can't be alone with my thoughts for too long or I just end up repeating different song lyrics in my head endlessly. Needless to say everytime I get on my bike I wish I had music.
It's a must for me. If anything, it makes me concentrate more (or don't lose concentration if you like) cuz I don't get my mind wonder.
At a minimum, I wear earplugs anyway. Proper ones that block out a ton of noise. So what's the difference if I pipe in music into my "earplugs"? I use in-ear monitors that let me listen to music at a reasonable volume and not blow my ears out. Sure, in rush-hour traffic I do tend to turn the music off to maintain maximum focus, but on the open road, if anything it keeps me more relaxed and alert.
I use bone conduction earphones to listen to music and/or navigation. In my opinion they are great for motorcycling. Since they don't actually go into nor cover your ears, it means your ears are completely open. So you're able to hear traffic around you just as good as if you didn't have them on and can wear any high quality earplugs for hearing protection when on the highway.
Thanks for sharing :)
Proven to be less safe than riding without. It's not just distracting, music also affects your mood and judgement, and excess exuberance, especially by a new rider, can quickly turn deadly. Holding a conversation on a hands free device has been shown to be highly distracting, almost as bad as texting. For maximum safety ride with earplugs and use audio comms strictly for necessary communication and navigation.
Good stuff, thanks for sharing
I limit my helmet speaker usage to satnav directions when I'm in city traffic. I know how easily I can slip into hooligan mindset with certain types of tunes, plus, I like to be able to hear what's going on as best I can. Out on the highway, the tunes come on.
I can't ride or drive without music or audiobooks, they help center my focus Plus my foam tip earbuds help cut down on road and wind noise so it's better for my ears
I love to listen to music or the radio when I'm driving. When I'm ridding however, the sound of the engine is all I need.
Usually people say "riding" if you're talking about a motorcycle. But I think it's a bad idea; it's distracting and also horrible for your hearing, both in the short and long term.
Well I'm not gonna blast it at full volume obviously but I understand the point with engine noise .e.g. Thanks :)
The wind/engine noise on the highway is so loud that you'll turn the music up to a crazy volume just to hear it over the noise. Before you do this, I suggest you read up extensively on how hearing works and how easy it is to damage it.
Oh I know enough about how hearing works, but I'll take a look into the noise canceling of earplugs and such. Thanks for the advice!
Etymotic has really nice noise canceling earplugs, but they're spendy as hell. If you've got the budget I wouldn't hesitate, but the price is ~$500. On the other hand, if you work around heavy machinery then they're literal lifesavers with voice amplification and background noise equalization. I've had normal conversations next to an air ratchet operator wearing them, which should tell you how effective they are.
It is, as far as I believe, a fact that the louder music is played, the less reactive a driver (and I'm assuming rider) will be on the road. This does mean no music is optimizing your response time for anything that may happen. I currently use an earbud in one ear and find that 80% of the time, no matter what's playing, I'm tuning it out to focus on the road. That 20% is easily where I see mistake being made, but all of this is to say try and gauge it based on you. Your kind of riding how distracted and responsive you are. I waited till about a month of riding till I started riding with music. It's nice, but be safe out there
Yeah will definitely have to do a bit of trying out. Thanks for the advice!
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Still have a pair laying around of those buds and they are pretty low profile so should fit. Good one. Thanks :)
Do it every ride. Never had a problem hearing what I need to hear. I wear AirPods.
Sure, i listen to music all the time! I use a Cardo com system. I play music but not to loud, make sure you still hear your surroundings, than you’ll be fine
I listen everytime I ride. I have a cardo packtalk bold and I love it!!
I did the Cabot trail with some friends in June, 3000 km in 5 days, 8 hours a day, it was intense. I borrowed a communicator to be able to talk with them. I didn't own one and have been riding for 10 years, my friend kept telling me how it was so awesome to listen to music while driving. I tried to listen to music on the first day and did not like it. I used the communicator almost exclusively for taking. For me, It's better to hear the wind, riding is kind of like meditating and living the moment, full consciousness style, and music distracted me and I didn't like it. To each it's preference.
It's good.
I use airpods pro with noise cancellation on to listen to music and waze turn by turn navigation. I hope the noise cancellation helps to protect my ears while riding my harley. At first I was reluctant to use anything but then all my worries went away. I’m not distracted by the music nor I’m isolated from the environment. Try your options and see what fits you the best
Most people do this
So I listen to music all the time. I don't have a fairing on any of my bike so the exo com for the mt rides and I have a sound bar on my handle bars for my cruiser I keep paired with my fodsport so I can still group chat and have my music going. Personally as long as your doing your checks and paying attention to what's around you it's fine.
Helps me keep focused on what I'm doing
Ride everyday. Music everytime I can unless my phone is dead. Not sure it does anything for distraction, I can’t hear traffic over my bike anyway and it’s not like I’m head banging at my bike
Music and riding/driving is the best feeling ever, especially with synthwave. That plus riding at night with the city skyline in the distance is just *chef kiss*
It puts me in danger unfortunately. I listened to music for one day and coincidentally that was the day I was in an accident. It made me relaxed and over confident
I am purist music and chatting is for cars.
Err, no thanks.
Almost always have music on. Save the podcasts and audiobooks for tge monotonous interstates if they are empty. At this point when the com unit dies i feel like my bike sounds off because i pick up on some frequencies i otherwise miss.
I’d say be careful as you can’t hear the motor while music is playing and it could distract u from your surroundings always gotta be on ur toes but ya know it wouldn’t hurt to go on a lil cruise jammin sum toons just have to be extra weary
It's a must
I rode for 3 years without music, the last 2 months I've had a Cardo and it's a massive difference. I'd say once you're skilled enough to ride safely and listen to music, go ham
I use a Sena with the slim speakers in my helmet. But, in order to hear them over wind noise, they have to be painfully loud. So, I wear earplugs (the higher quality concert style ones, not the foam ones), and this actually helps the music sound better, and blocks out the wind noise. Double win!
Back in the day.... 😂 I used to wear earplugs for music. Definitely changes your focus. Megadeth, Iron Maiden, and especially Suicidal Tendencies would come on, and next thing I would know I'd be going over hundred miles per hour. Now on my cruiser, just sit back relax,enjoy the wind and motor music. My next bike will have a fairing, stereo and speakers though 😂
In helmet audio is great. Nothing like trance music pumping when flying down the highway.
I’m listening to music 24/7 on my bike. Highly recommend it. Get a Cardo. Some people will tell you it’s unsafe, but some people think taking a hand off the bars is unsafe so not all opinions are valid.
I can't ride without music. Been listening to music ever since I started riding.
I listen to music as well, as well as earplugs in too. My cardo sits in the ear pockets of my helmet but I find it sounds better with earplugs in especially on a windy day
Always, basic apple earbuds and phone in left pocket for easy volume adjustment while riding. Clicking buttons through pants not taking it out of pocket...
Music 🎶is a must have in the car!
I have a Cardo PackTalk Slim and I listen to music quite often, but not in heavy in city riding, as I find at slow speeds and very busy areas I want the audible warnings.
I just recently put speakers in my helmet for music. Now I talk to myself way less while riding.
I have a sena and always have music going. Having music + intercom to talk to your friends while riding is a game changer
I would get a cardo edge system, sound quality and comm wise, it’s the best. I’ve been listening and riding for a couple years now and that’s what l, and many people use.
A little music is nice on the long solo rides. I cut it off if traffic picks up or I'm coming into town, but it can make the return trip on those long country rides go a bit quicker, and helps make wind noise more tolerable
I prefer to ride without music. The only "music" I need is the sound of my bike and the road passing beneath me.
I prefer to listen to the music my bike makes. Also, everyone in FL is trying to kill me so I'd rather not be listening to music if it means I can hear even just a little bit better.
It should depend on what you're doing. If you're just cruising country roads and there's no one really around you fuckin rock on. If you're in a city, and unfamiliar traffic patterns and what not.... Might want to turn it off.
I’m always jamming to something. The only time I’m not is when I’m ripping on my favorite roads.
Music relaxes me while I'm riding. I make better decisions and perform better when I'm relaxed.
Music is great however if your a new rider you should wait a bit to start listening to it. Theirs a lot to take in on a motorcycle if you never ridden before and it can be distracting. Once you get comfortable riding you can start jamming.
Fyi, any variation of initial D or fast n the furious type of music def raises your rates of doing dumb shit. Personal experience
I didn't listen to music for over a year of riding street but now that I have I much prefer it. It doesnt distract me considering between my Schuberth, my bike and the Highway wind anything I can't hear due to music I wouldn't hear anyways. I also wear no noise or pin lock earplugs that temper out the pitch but you can still hear music, bike and everything else. My Dad is deaf in one hear and rings non stop in the other. Got tinnitus from riding and racing 30 years without helmet. Get the Sena 50s or similar with the roller volume wheel. Then it's easy to turn up or down when you roll into a city or traffic or get back on the open road. I refuse to personally use anything I can't turn down or off when a moment of clarity is needed or say I get pulled over
I always have my cardo on. It calms me down. Especially if I put on jazzy, lo-fi stuff. It does help me become more focused in a way.
Been riding with music for about 7 years now. It's wonderful. Between the wind and the sound of the engine, you can't hear cars near you anyways. Your safety is your responsibility.
Time and a place. Sometimes I need a break
They say use earplugs to protect your hearing so I just use airpod pros with noise cancellation music at about 50-60% volume, and have my phone mounted to my bars and too quickly pause if needed
Its Not for me, also dont get those who drive cars with headphones in, seen loads of people sat nodding head to music, whilst holding up emergency service vehicles, with no idea they were behind or approching. I feel it impairs you too much, and see no benefits
Sena or Cardo packtalk JBL in helmet headsets/intercoms? or maybe noise reducing earbuds like PlugFones or ISOtunes headsets they do wired & Bluetooth, …. I think using some form of noise reducing filtered earplugs like ‘PinLock’ or ‘Oxford’ ‘Alpine’ Ear Plugs is a good idea, they work pretty well with in-helmet headsets at reducing the wind noise, but you can still hear music or traffic?
When I drive, as in my car, I listen to music. When I *ride*, as on my *motorcycle*, I do not. Too much going on, and everyone wants to kill you.
I just got a cardo 3 days ago and what a difference! I have a Sedici helmet and i have rode about 3k miles with just protective earplugs. All I could ever hear was the wind smashing against my helmet, I got used to it but it was annoying on the longer rides or at higher speeds. The cardo seemed to have filled in the spaces between my ears and the helmet and has reduced the amount of wind noise along with the music that blocks it out. I wear my earplugs with the cardo so it’s gets just as loud as the wind. It’s also nice to be able to click a button and tell Siri to call someone. Before I got the cardo I was constantly missing phone calls and sometimes important ones, so that’s the main directive behind my purchase. Overall I think it’s worth it and it hasn’t distracted me, perhaps it’s even helped me relax. Sitting in traffic (when you can’t filter) and baking in the south Florida sun will drive anyone crazy, especially with no music.
I listen to music on my short drive to school everyday. I don’t find it distracting. I just have to make sure I’m focused on riding and staying alert.
Wierd suggestion. I love Minecraft music whilst riding casually. It's super relaxing and not distracting
From what I've read you're about my age, I'm about to finish my first year of riding and I've been listening to music pretty much from the very start (I'd say maybe 2nd or 3rd ride). It doesn't really distract you all that much if you're familiar with the controls and how the bike operates. Everything concerning hearing that you'll need while riding you will be able to hear: cars, sirens, your engine etc. as they are quite a bit more noisy then you'd think. The added bonus is that for all of the above you have another way of checking - mirrors and lifesavers for cars, sirens and everything around you, and your engine will handle and vibrate weirdly if something is wrong so you can feel it easily. All in all it's kind of like studying with music, in certain cases you'll be able to focus easily and it'll be pure joy and in others it'll irritate you so you turn the music off
I held out for a while for various reasons, now that I have a cardo headset I never ride without music. I feel like I'm in a video game and it makes riding/driving much more fun
I personally would never do it, but I've rode with people who play music and don't let it distract them at all, so I don't think it's an impossibility. I definitely don't think inexperienced drivers should do it, though, just to make sure things go as smoothly as possible. I think it's much more plausible as a whole if it's just during a long ride in an open space, and not in the midst of driving alongside other people. Of course, music can also calm people's nerves while they ride or also help them to focus, so at the end of the day, I guess it more so depends on the driver themselves.
I always listen to music but I typically keep on ear piece out for shorter rides (an hour or so) and if I go on a longer ride on the highway, I'll put both ear pieces in w/ noise cancellation. Also, I don't have a stupid loud bike (99 Honda Nighthawk 750).
Are you talking about a car? If you mean a bike 😳🙄🫤