Ear plugs/hearing protection

[jdh3000]

I recently got a bike with some loud drag pipes on it. Up til now everything I've ridden has had pretty quiet stock pipes. It seems like these pipes are bugging my hearing.

Does anyone here use ear plugs?
Are there any decible rating that you recommend?
Does anyone ride with loud pipes and no ear plug that doesn't seem to have any problems?

I don't understand why they are bothering my ears so much as the only time they are really loud is while I'm shifting up to highway speeds; when I get there of course it's not as loud. It's not like it's a constant noise like a machine shop or something.

Any recommendations will be appreciated.

Thanks,
JD

[SoldierSteve]

I have very loud pipes on my bike, though, I haven't really noticed them bothering me. Thanks to the Army, I have a decent amount of hearing loss, so perhaps I've just learned to ignore a lot of it.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

[Clint]

I recommend that you put some damn mufflers on the bike. If you're feeling the pain in front of the pipes, imagine how the innocent bystanders feel behind you.

I hate cruisers with straight pipes, in case you couldn't tell. What a rude way to say, "I don't care if you sleep at night or get an instant headache or hold a conversation when I drive by."

The paltry horsepower gain isn't worth the irritation you do to those around you.

[gixerman]

I always ride with ear plugs. Where I work is very ear sensative and I have to have regular hearing test(annually). My bike is fitted with a Yoshi Tri Oval end can. In a recent Magazine test it was 81db in a ride by test (half throttle 6000rpm) the standard end can is rated at79db in the same test. The biggest problem to hearing can be that of wind noise. Let me know if you find out different!

[vol01jim]

although many riders like to hear the world around them, I find plugs give you more peace of mind. Somefolks have sensitive ears and not wearing them is more of a distraction. Also, its not just pipe noise that damages your hearing, its the wind and high frequency noise. (that may be your problem)

After working night for several years and needing plugs to survive(sleep during the day) I found that the orange foam ones( 30decibel) I find at eckerds drugs are the most comfortable/vs time in. 30 decibel may be too quiet for some riders. How far in you push them makes a difference also. Try different types before you purchase the 100 pack for $20.00

[jdh3000]

Thanks for your input. I do appreciate all of the GOOD advice.

I guess when you ask for advice you open the door for anything.

JD

[Clint]

I'll assume you meant me. Why is my point not taken? Are you really that rude and inconsiderate?

[vol01jim]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

I'll assume you meant me. Why is my point not taken? Are you really that rude and inconsiderate?

No Rowdy, I think he was talking about my reference to drug stores and all the little foam things you can buy there.

Hey I agree with Rowdy, Loose the loud pipes.. get some duct tape.

[jdh3000]

I didn't mean to offend anyone. I just asked about earplugs. Yes, the pipes are too loud, and I'll change them as soon as I can. I've got a set of Jardines that came with it, and had tried to install them, but couldn't get them to fit correctly. The guy said that's what was on there when he bought it and they have a softer tone.
I am not inconsiderate, I don't not rev the engine unnecesarily and haven't been riding in neighborhoods, mainly just country highways. At highway speeds the pipes just hum, it's just getting up to that speed that all the noise occurs.
I'm sorry, actually all the advice is well taken.
Sincerely,
JD