You have never heard this before

One fact about hearing loss that is never discussed.
These are a great set of earplugs! I have been using these for several months, very comfortable.
www.MCrider.com/earplugs
(I will earn a small commission for the sale of these plugs)
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Thanks for watching,
Kevin

[@antman5474]

The irony is that only lip readers stand a chance of winning the hat, and most of them are deaf already.

[@bukarabdullahi127]

Ant Laud 😂😂😂😂

[@darrylhuggins2423]

Thanks for the reminder. My friends ask why I wear earplugs and I always answer that I can hear traffic better with the earplugs and when we get to our destination I don't seem to be as tired. A bonus is that I can also hear my GPS and radio better too. Thanks again for helping me become a better and safer rider.

[@rashedislam3808]

Hi Kevin, your each and every video makes every motorcyclists to get prepared to ride more cautiously and accurately, we just want to learn more, Thank You.

[@flyinggyros9745]

I’ve been riding for 50 years now. I lost my hearing so many years ago. Now I wear hearing aids which allow me to hear again. I have a setting just for my motorcycle which reduces all noise. It’s just loud enough so that I can hear car horn if it’s relatively close. This is my third pair of hearing aids over the years and I’m ready for a 4th pair. At about $6000. Per pair it adds up quick. Since I don’t have that much pocket change on hand I’ve had to finance them all. That’s a stiff price to pay for having loud pipes. Kevin is right on this. Protect your hearing.

[@carolinap4150]

FlyingGyros thank you for sharing this. Ride safe.

[@StrongbowTX]

I would argue that you're better off taking those hearing aids out when you ride and put earplugs in, to protect what you've got left. I put mine in an empty prescription pill bottle when I take them out.

[@flyinggyros9745]

I used to do that but then I had no situational awareness. I have almost no hearing without the aids. I couldn’t even hear another rider or car next to me. So that’s not an option for me. I can turn them way down. As a matter of fact I have a setting just for the motorcycle. I should have protected my hearing to begin with. The only time I take them out is sleeping and bathing or the pool.

[@2kanchoo]

I drive freight trains. In the first 10 years of my career my hearing went from 98% to 91%. If i work a full 35 years that'd be at least 24% hearing loss. Suffice to say that was a real wake up call and anytime I am in one of the louder locomotives I wear ear plugs. I also wear those fit life earplugs when riding my motorcycle. They are fantastic. They don't block out noise only cut down the harshness. I don't feel as audibly isolated as I do with other foam ear tampons. Also I don't know about others but highway wind noise gives me brutal headaches.

[@flashesofblack4128]

A very clever and convincing video Kevin. I had Screaming Eagle after market pipes on my Harley and I can attest to the fact that when I opened that motorcycle up, I may as well be sitting behind a Boeing 747 that bike was so loud!

[@EnsignSuder]

I ride with 3M EAR-Soft brand disposable foam plugs with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 33. They provide good attenuation across a wide frequency range, and they are very inexpensive. I can still hear my music and CB quite well through my helmet speakers, and I can still hear my bike and those around me, and emergency vehicles. Most importantly, I can still hear when I get off the bike and take the ear plugs out. I started riding with them too late - the ringing in my ears that was typical after a long ride didnt go away one time. So now, to prevent further damage to my hearing I wear hearing protection whenever I'm going to do or be around anything noisey.

[@kennethjackman2120]

Thank you. Kevin, you care more for us than we care for ourselves. Not only do you teach us how to live (survive our mistakes), but you always focus on quality of life. Funny, wouldn't you think the social group that knows the pure joy of riding would be in the front line to preserve that life and the quality of life? Thank you my brother.

[@leslieaustin151]

Hmm, the second motorcycle YT channel in a week talking about ear protection... Listen to the man, or you'll end up like me. I'm 71, and while much of my hearing loss is due to an hereditary condition, some, I'm sure is due to working in a noisy work environment when i was younger. I now have to wear two hearing aids(one very powerful) and still can't hear properly. there is no substitute for the human ear, no matter how much you pay to some audio specialist.When its gone, its gone, so act wisely and wear the ear protection. Lecture over! Thanks Kevin, more wisdom. Les in UK

[@StrongbowTX]

PREACH, Brother! I'm a little younger than you, but I'm in the same boat and agree 100%!

[@garywebb7481]

Awesome advice, I bought the self fitting type where you warm up the material and then fit to ear. They work great. I have always used ear protection over the years. I still have some hearing loss due to loud pipes on cars I used to own and work related noise. I’m excited to know you have grown to 100,000 subscribers Kevin. Keep up the great work you do.A lot of us count on your wisdom and I put it to use every ride because I hear it every week.

[@tedcjohnston]

I have a vstar 650 with aftermarket exhaust. I make sure I put in my earplugs before I start it up - very loud. I recently upgraded to a vstar 1300 with standard exhaust (slightly modified) and it is much more comfortable to ride (noise wise). However, I still wear hearing protection. Not only do they protect my hearing, but they make for a more comfortable, less stressful ride. I listened/read another blog about how tiring it is to ride with all noise. Using earplugs will not only save your hearing, but extend your ability to ride and keep you sharper on the ride.

[@dianabravo2106]

I have these. They are also great for concerts. If you play an instrument or in this case ride a motorcycle these are essential!!!

[@rogerpankau1350]

After the first mcrider video I bought the cheap ear plugs. I couldn't hear my bike and had problems clearing my ears with altitude changes in Colorado. Bought the LifeFits and they work great. I can hear my bike (Indian Scout) and no ear issues. Improves the ride. Thanks Kevin.

[@stevemarkarian5553]

Followed your Amazon link. Thanks Kevin!

[@richardbixler5718]

Good point. No engine noise from my Electric powered motorcycle, but the wind can get loud at speeds over 30 mph, especially if wearing a half shell helmet. I'm riding to the restaurant for coffee, and to work and back on pretty much a daily basis. So yep, over time even that small amount of wind in the ears probably isn't good.

[@boseisgood]

Thanks for the reminder!!

[@StrongbowTX]

This is a discussion that keeps coming up in the Kawasaki Vulcan S Riders group I'm in on Facebook. I've been wearing hearing aids since before I started riding. I wouldn't dream of getting on my bike without taking them out and putting my earplugs in. I don't want to lose any more hearing to my new hobby. Even with already impaired hearing, and with earplugs in, I hear what I need to around me just fine. And the wind at 70mph on the freeway with a full-face helmet on is loud enough, I can't imagine what kind of damage it would be doing if I didn't have earplugs in.

[@paulfresch110]

Kevin; Good video. Thanks! Recently I started wearing Bose QC20 earbuds. They have the Bose noise canceling technology and are wired. They work great. I plug them into my Sena but they can be plugged into a cell phone or not plugged in at all.

[@kevinhitchcock8672]

I've watched enough of your videos to know something like what you did was coming! Well done on the sound trick. You always present topics we all can use, including hearing loss. One of my motivations to wear the exact ear plugs you presented, and they rock, was so I can one day hear my grandkids as they grow up. We'll done Kevin, keep me coming. I have no clue what you were saying, my guess is a funny story completely unrelated to the topic! Come on send me a hat!

[@paulacabbo466]

i got into habit of using the foam plugs from my days of repairing truck bodys, i can still hear pretty well using that type plug, i mostly only use them for longer rides on interstates because with the windshield on the noise isn't excessive on the low roads

[@ruckus48]

Hey Kevin, I have the same earplugs. Most earplugs cause soreness the longer you have them in. Not so with these. These are the first earplugs I've found that I can wear literally all day long. It's really important for me as a piano tuner to take care of my hearing.

[@als5864]

Another informative video, Kevin. I use my Beat's headset under the helmet and with a less "throaty" exhaust and it seems to work for me. I have been wearing headsets in aviation for 26 years for the same reasons as motorcycles and there is the same issue - there I use noise cancelling sets that are great. Maybe they will come up with "noise cancelling earbuds" someday in the future for motorcycles and make sure they are legal in all 50 states (that is another issue as some states like Ohio do not allow them technically).

[@waynehurley1219]

As always great Vid. I keep a set of ear plugs in my saddlebags good trick with the velcro wont hsve to search for them anymore i also have a after market exhaust on my 15 Street Glide

[@charleshunt3806]

So I have a quiet motorcycle as far as it’s running as concerned so I didn’t use hearing protection first, but then MC Rider inspired me to give hearing protection a try because he said it was wind noise that will damage your years overtime as well so I got some hearing protection that started using it and I’m telling you at night and dayit is so much nicer to ride without that wind noise

[@2blew4U]

Had my M tag on my license since 1974. I have used protection off and on. I have about 50% hearing loss in my right ear and a constant ring. My left is OK but I always use protection now.

[@russellhorn6372]

What you may have talked about with the engine going is the controversial subject of loud pipes save lives. Within limits I'm a big believer in this. As for ear plugs, I always wear them. It's not so much for loud pipes, as for wind noise. There is no such thing as a quiet helmet. Even with a windshield it gets loud. Tinnitis is no joke.

[@DouglasKnudsen]

Wow, two buds in same week on this. I have a pair of eargasm plugs. Works well Hey Kevin, how about a vid discussing mirrors and adjustments? You always cover a broad wide variety of topics, seems this could fill out an hour

[@Lylemac59]

I’m 59 years old and have hearing loss due to loud music and drumming along with being a pipe fabricator grinding on thin wall steel pipe for several years. I also have Tinnitus that at times just drives me nuts. I have to have background noise to sleep. Although my bike isn’t as loud as some, it’s never too late to use hearing protection. I just wished I did 25 years ago. Thanks for the tip Kevin. Also...what you were saying is..."So with that, if you can tell what I am saying over the noise of this motorcycle, you may win this hat...so leave your comments below of what I am saying and you may win this hat."

[@jered2177]

I bought 50 pair box at harbor freight,about $9

[@raymorris952]

Good tip, can't ride without them, never have, if I forget to put them in, I have to stop and put them in, Never been able to understand how people can ride without them. I think you can actually hear more with them in, like your bike and other road user's.

[@HighCoup333]

I have to keep to 15 minutes or less even with -33db foam plugs because the aftermarket pipes on my bike (bought used) are so loud my ears start ringing and I get a headache that fast. The stock pipes are pussycats for my bike, real quiet. Actually saving up to go back to original or hope to find a craigslist score nearby. Invaluable advice, Kevin. 04 Roadstar here.

[@jguilletjr]

Thanks. Good stuff.

[@McNelin]

I have just bought a pair of molded ear protectors from the Swedish company Audiovox. They were not very cheap, 1500 SEK, equivalent to about $ 170, but it's well spent money, they dampen sounds, but you still hear when someone talks.

[@danieldeakin1925]

I wear the cheap foam plugs 32 dB noise cancellation. Just the ones you can get from the pharmacy isle at the grocery store. They really reduce my fatigue level on long rides and actually improve the sound of my commutation system.

[@lavi38]

Kevin, thanks for the tip I'm in the first video I attached to the gaskets I bought and I'm a regular user (you can do a video on the defense equipment for the rider (knee protectors, gloves and more Thanks. Lavi,

[@nefarisc]

Just a guess here: Something about long term noise exposure increases your fatigue and reduces your ability to concentrate, thus increasing your chances of injury while riding.

[@BigMoeFo]

Actually a while back you had a link for earplugs I think on Amazon. Well I bought them the same day....wear them ever since. I mix movie soundtracks for a living so without my ears functioning properly I might as well hang up the gloves....thanks Kevin!!!

[@MCrider]

I have been using them since that video and find them the most comfortable I have worn under a helmet.

[@at0m113]

I like my noise isolating earbuds. They have memory foam tips so they seal like my earplugs. They probably don't block noise *quite* as well, but they seem good enough, to the point where I just use the earbuds as earplugs even when not listening to music and such. My measure is that if I can set the volume to a comfortable level (perhaps just slightly higher than if I wasn't going to ride -- note I'm not someone who blasts their music), get riding and still hear what's playing clearly, I'm probably a-okay. I've tried this with earbuds that don't isolate at all (AirPods) and I couldn't hear anything at all (I have the MEE m6 Pro with the included foam tips now).

[@postmortemarg]

same here, I have motorola buds, love em. what are you using?

[@at0m113]

MEE m6 Pros, they're Shure knockoffs (I think?). I've got them wired to a cheap-o (but works great) Bluetooth receiver stowed inside my jacket so I don't have to be wired to the phone mounted to the bars. Both pieces together sound good and cost me ~$65, which is a good deal compared to buds with built-in Bluetooth I've seen.

[@rogerrondeau7764]

Even though I ride my VRod with stock pipes, which are quiet, I still always wear my foam ear plugs. I find riding with ear plugs much less tiring, particularly on long trips. Ps they don’t block important road noise,

[@allanbrown3493]

I always wear foam earplugs now due to industrial generated tinitus, even when I did a bit of motorcycle racing. Small world, I also have the "Old Indians never Die" sign. And I,m not even in the same country.

[@denisewildfortune4058]

To help block wind noise I bought a Shoei Neotec II with increased neck rolls and chin curtain. It really does block a lot of the noise for me. But I also wear the earplugs you recommended previously. I like that they come in 3 sizes for you to try. I rode with one set and decided to switch to the next size down. All I had to do was transfer the little filters over.

[@tonyl6384]

Hey Kevin. I get your point but my H-D Boombox kicks out more than 100dB. I got to have my tunes when I ride.

[@josephgreco1373]

I got a ticket in Pennsylvania for having 2 earplugs in at the same time. The officer said it is impairing with me being able to hear emergency vehicles approaching. I tried to fight it and lost. I had to pay $128.50 and one point on my driving license.

[@MCrider]

Wow, tough Cop and court.

[@aguertin3846]

Hello Kevin. First of all Kevin, can you explain why you have change your exhaust to be louder than the original equipment? Loud pipes doesn't save live at all. It is only a legend, a myth. But high visibility is the right option!! Added with defensive riding, you will be very well secure on the road. Second, wearing these plug reduce the noise of all is going on around you. If you consider that you wear a full face helmet with those plugs, can you really know what is going on around you. And what about adding a communication device in your helmet??? Kevin, I don't get it at all !

[@HRMayo]

Start with a good noise reducing helmet. Shoei rf1200 is the quietest so far Ive tried. Even better than schuberth.

[@mauriceamang4544]

@Kevin..If you block out the noise. Is it not dangerous to not hear anything at all? Yes you keep your visual cues/awareness by watching you mirrors, having a good road strategy etc..I feel like being able to hear the sounds around you (screetching tires from behind) add to the awareness and can help you escape a sticking situation brewing behind you...So, ear plugs reduce noice or block it out completely? Your feedback is appreciated..

[@dennisbrown883]

Talking about winning that hat!

[@bigr3d863]

Another practical and useful video thanks Kevin. I use the Alpine Motosafe plugs, work well at blocking out low frequency noise but I can still listen to my Sena and hear traffic around me. I think what you were saying was to prove your point as to this is why it's so critical to wear hearing protection every time you ride. You then go on to say that we could win a hat if we are able to repeat what you have said.

[@jameskaufman4065]

I'm 60. Still good hearing and I use foam earplugs on my just bought 06 Harley Heritage Softtail. It had a stage 1 kit on it when I bought it, so it's not the cannon blast of straight exhaust but it's a bit louder than stick.

[@chrispetrie1081]

You're telling your audience how to win an MC Rider hat.

[@billkipper3264]

Several years ago I went on a three day camping trip on my KLR with two friends. As we started the trip low and slow on dirt roads it was about thirty minutes into the trip before I realized I didn't have my ear plugs. One of my friends had an extra set of foam plugs which he gave me to use. The problem is that they weren't designed for multi day use and during the second day they became useless, so I rode for about a day and a half with no protection. Even at mostly lower speeds I caused some damage as I developed tinnitus in my left ear. Since I didn't want to do more damage and wanted the best protection I could find I did some research and settled on a set of plugs from Flare Audio. They work amazingly well and I highly recommend them. Save your ears. Buy a good set of plugs and wear them.

[@COMB0RICO]

Will you do a video about maxi scooters on the highway being as safe or less safe than an equally powerful motorcycle? I'm thinking smaller wheels and inability to down-shift.

[@brenthill3241]

That sounds more like a car V8 with open pipes. Not like any loping Hog I've ever heard including my 80 inch shovel. I have occasionally brought ear plugs to rock concerts in the past because at some after a couple hours your ears will ring from temporary damage. I have never even remotely experienced anything like that even after all day in the saddle on divided highways at high speed. There comes a time when one has to ask "Do I want to hear the sound of this iconic big twin plus yes the sounds of the open road or do I want to drive a Prius with the windows rolled up"? The choice is always there.

[@dadtrap]

Always wear ear protection. Even on a short ride to the store I put them in my ears. I can still hear the speakers on my softail and the radio and cb on my ultra.

[@MrMichaelx3arts]

you know a good thing about riding a motorcycle there's one ticket you never have to worry about getting is a seatbelt ticket

[@michaellomazzo7776]

Your totally right someone turned me on to musicians ear plugs will let some sound in but keeps the wind out.check them out

[@jlewis7356]

I bought the kind that Kevin recommended last year and have been very happy with them. I attached the little metal cup they come in to my key chain so I always have them with me and always have a place to put them when I take them off. You can get cheaper ones but these are just so convenient. The company gives great service too. When I wrote them and told them I had duly tried to store them in the case just to find only one in there when I opened it up, they sent me a replacement pair for free. A-one service in my books!

[@LTVoyager]

I solved the engine and exhaust noise problem by riding a BMW. 😀 Wind and traffic noise is another thing entirely. I am still looking for a good earplug. The disposable foam plugs just don't insert well for me. The point (after rolled into a small cylinder) folds over rather than going into my ear. I've tried pulling up on my earlobe with the opposite hand, but nothing works for me. I've tried small plugs thinking it was a small canal issue, but no luck. I haven't tried the reusable silicone, but that's next. Then off to an ear place for custom made plugs if all else fails. I wish I could wear my electronic shooting ear muffs inside my helmet. They are perfect. You hear normal sounds and conversations, but loud gunshots are barely audible. Almost magic.

[@STho205]

LTVoyager. What brand helmet do you wear?

[@LTVoyager]

S Tho HJC.

[@STho205]

LTVoyager. Yeah I have one of those for when my daughter rides pillion. It is loud. I hear the new ones are even louder. Look at your ear area and see if there is any foam there or just an empty cup (probably to install Bluetooth speakers). If empty, fill it. The noise will probably go way down. Polycarb (and thermoplastic) are great sound amplifiers.

[@LTVoyager]

S Tho My intercom speakers are in the speaker recess. 🙂

[@topdowngeorgia4398]

I ride a Versys X 300. My Miata is louder than my bike.

[@pramienjager2103]

Wha? But seriously, between you and Fortnine the last couple weeks I think I definitely need some hearing protection to save what I have left.

[@stinkerdoodle1737]

Fortnite??? PUBG is way better!.......but yes ear protection definitely

[@BasAntonisse]

I Can not hear what you say, but I like the mc rider video’s

[@kennethvernonprivate]

Since almost day one on a bike, I've been using custom plugs. At about $100/pair the investment is well worth it. Hell, my helmets cost about $600 each and I buy a new one every 3 years or so...

[@Johny40Se7en]

Bloody hell that's loud and it's only idling. Good tips as always MCRider. Hearing is just one of the senses that are absolutely priceless. I have a CBR500R with an Akrapovic exhaust and that's bloody loud as hell too and that's not even starting with wind noise at around 70Mph(legal UK motorway speeds =P), so I never ride it even a mile without tidy ear plugs. I love music and many beautiful and cute sounds, it's magic so I would never want to be without that. If anyone thinks they'll be ok without them, drop the ego and the bull shit and ride safe.

[@blipco5]

PROPERLY inserted FOAM earplugs provide the BEST protection. I've worked heavy construction for a few decades and I've worn them and my hearing is still good. I won't ride my bike around the block without them. Also...The hearing loss may not be as bad as the tinnitus that accompanies it. Tinnitus is a constant noise that never goes away, it causes some people to go mad.

[@Deltaworks23]

Too true. I had a horrible case of tinnitus in one ear that accompanied a particularly bad ear infection. I had to sleep with earbuds playing white noise because the ringing was too intense to sleep. I was desperately afraid the tinnitus was going to be permanent. Fortunately, I recovered and the tinnitus faded, but for a time it was so bad that it had me contemplating suicide.

[@blipco5]

+Deltaworks23 ....Yup. I even wear them to rock concerts. You can hear the music better because your ears are not overwhelmed. I catch AC/DC when they come around.

[@GS84lyfe]

I’m going to go with see how load this is use your head and wear ear plugs.

[@jmyoung513]

At only 32, I can hear the ringing over the fan tonight. Between operating heavy equipment, loud motorcycles, and PLENTY of unprotected gunshots, it is here to stay. I've grown accustomed to it in the last 5 years. Some nights, it is worse than others. Just having the truck window down while riding in it can irritate my left ear to the point I have to point a fan at it, and sleep with that side up, or it will wake me at night. Conversations in crowded, or noisy restaurants are just muttering, and I don't know Kevin well enough to read his lips that easily like I can my girlfriend, or my mother.

[@blipco5]

John Young...True, you have done damage that can't be reversed but you CAN keep it from getting worse by wearing earplugs starting NOW. I even use them now mowing my lawn, which only takes fifteen minutes. Every little bit helps.

[@neiloakey5183]

Smart video.. by the way the ear plus are out if stock.. noooo

[@richardshilling2958]

Totally agree. Foam ones are so cheap to.

[@sbiswa6547]

Hello Kevin sir,,,, Love 💓 you..

[@RideWithRen]

I'm a helicopter mechanic and my job requires us to wear hearing protection, no compensation for hearing loss! Wearing them on a motorcycle is just natural for me, o can't understand people who don't wear them. The only time I won't put them in is if I'm riding for less than ten minutes and I'm staying off the highway. The rest of the time my ears are plugged. I used to wear Surefire tactical shooting earplugs but switched to foam type because they're much cheaper and easily found anywhere. I always have a few earplugs inside my tank bag, ready to be worn. The only way to ride!

[@marksteffens305]

Great video. I believe you are just mouthing words. And not really talking. You made your point for ear plugs with wind noise and engine noise and no further point was needed.

[@stinkerdoodle1737]

Kevin I want the hat!

[@jimcaulk6225]

Guess what you are saying while the bike is running? Ya right!... I was told that reaching over your head and pulling up on your ear while opening your mouth wide, like a yawn, is the best way to get the ear plug in securely. I use the foam ones (Quiet Please) from Wallymart, they work for me. On the bike and in my KW. I watched my dad go deaf and I told myself I would do all I could to prevent that. Now if I could just remember where I put them....(just kidding...)

[@DavidWing]

For a quick run to the grocery store (typically 45 mph or less...and about 3 minutes) I go without the plugs. For ALL freeway riding and extended rides on twisties and country roads, the plugs absolutely go in. I have the FitLife plugs based on your previous video and I like them a lot. I also carry some disposable ones for back-up.

[@kennethreynolds8]

I can relate, I wear aids because of abuse and some hereditary loss. It's no fun and it could have been avoided by using hearing protection.

[@scottlee6673]

I wear ear plug alot with work and at shooting range so I use to wearing earplugs . New to riding but plan on wearing ear protection. not good at lip reading so do not know what you were saying my harley not that loud

[@haroldbevins393]

I already have hearing loss, and it is not all from riding, but a couple years ago I went to a hearing doctor and during the process I took a test and they mentioned "fitted" ear plugs. I knew about them a long time but never knew where to get them, and they told me they made the molds and sent them off. I had a set made for about $100.00. I use them for riding, mowing the grass, and some other things too.. Great subject and most people don't even know the damage they are doing when riding...

[@FlySwann]

Those are some good ear plugs. If anyone can't find those though I highly suggest getting baffled ear plugs that only filter out high DB sound so you can still hear horns and such.

[@kcpl8er]

I have a 2003 100th anniversary Road Glide with stock exhaust and it is really quiet. It does only have a short windshield and the wind noise is rediculous . I have hearing problems from being an artillary man in the Marine Corps..

[@DeiselDemon]

Just a guess.....PUT YOUR HEARING PROTECTION I BEFORE YOU START THE BIKE

[@brianhile1380]

Thanks Kevin. I do wear them but not like I should. Just ordered 2 pairs from your link. Have a three week trip this summer to Maine, then Nova Scotia, maybe Newfoundland and on across Canada and then back to Illinois. Join us if ya like!! Thanks again for the videos

[@vidvidbiker]

you were telling us how to win a hat by filling in a comment about what you were saying when we could not hear you! :-)

[@wingman2k]

Once I switched to earplugs I never went back. So much more relaxing to ride in the quiet. Plus tinnitus is no joke.

[@DiggervTV]

I've purchased the FitLife earplugs from the link posted, but they do Not work very good with a half helmet. In fact the noise from the wind going over the earplugs is louder than no earplugs at all. So I'm sticking with the disposable ones. Great videos, I'm always looking forward to the next one...

[@davidhawwn]

I take your previous advice and always ride with earphones in rather than ear plugs. I agree that the music is not distracting (I have adult ADD and it actually HELPS me focus) and I then always have some sound protection as well. Thank you for all the videos. They have made a noticeable difference in my skill level and I try to promote them as much as possible!

[@JPTill]

I use Howard Leight disposable earplugs. Box of 200 pairs for ~$20. I change them about weekly. Tips for better insertion: Roll the plugs lengthwise between thumb/forefinger to compress, then - and I know this may seem "wrong" - slightly moisten with some saliva on the lips, and gently insert. These disposables provide sound suppression better than several permanent reusables I've tried and misplacing them is no big whoop. I CANNOT ride comfortably without ear protection; I'd rather ride without a helmet and I never do that.

[@dabike]

I believe what you said was "Support MCrider and get the Field Guide at www.MCrider.com/support" ;) But not sure so I used your link to purchase the earplugs you recommended. Mostly too late as I grew up in the 60s & 70s and listened to a lot of loud rock and roll before I ever rode a bike...

[@lee53597]

The earplugs you're plugging... 23dB SNR ... that's not a very high SNR number and I question the recommendation. I use a disposable type with a rating of 33dB NRR. But the use of earplugs is a must. There might be a reduction of hearing when you put them in but you'll hear more by not tiring out your eardrums over the course of the ride, not too mention the long term protection of this irreplaceable sense.

[@willyb933]

I see you're point, but could only hear part of it. But seriously, I had a pair of custom fit plugs made up at Costco for around $50. They are comfortable to wear because they fit the ear and don't rely on compression fit (if that irritates the ear as with some people.) I have to admit to 'forgetting' to use them on short rides around Town sometimes so it is a discipline but well worth the effort. Thanks, Kevin!

[@bobhenderson5809]

Kevin, good video, ordered the ear plugs, to prevent a lot of updraft on you when riding the road king , a very good solution is harley deflector part # 58121-85B, or you can order from J P Cycles part # 7500-110. They mount on your fork tubes, are chrome and fit on existing bolts, work great on Road Kings. Check them out.

[@cakedude063]

I have foam rubber ones - I’ll try and see if they help - thanks

[@renevanoyen3817]

Hi Kevin, first I thank you for getting rid of the dust which has been collecting for years in my subwoofer. LOL Riding with earplugs is just as important as riding with proper gear. It protects your body, on the outside as well as on the inside. I always wear them, on short as well as on long rides. They reduce wind and engine noise with 25-30 Db on average, and therefore much more noticeable traffic and exhaust noise. Also, it keeps me sharp for a longer period of time while travelling. My preference is personally molded silicone plugs, with an exchangeable filter. They fit like glooves but need replaced every 5-7 years as the shape of ones ear channel changes slightly as we get older. I'm using my 3rd set now, but within 2-3 years, I need to renew them again. Once they are easy to pop out of the ears, it's time. Many of my fellow riders use those foamy or preshaped standard things, as they are cheap. I tried both of them once but they didn't stay in due to my S-shaped ear channel. My custom plugs are expensive (about 130 Euros) but it's always worth the money.

[@richardraymond5535]

Well “captions” didn’t work

[@MCrider]

A for effort though. 👍

[@656hookemhorns]

Once I put my helmet on, I'm basically deaf as post, with earplugs in, I truly can't hear anything.

[@ivanmalave820]

This is my very First You Tube comment, it goes to you Kevin with a whole lot of gratitude for your time and for keeping me off the road while taming my over skills iron horse. Besides hearing loss I believe the "state of mind" is the other subject you are trying to approach by distracting the attention on the left while talking and how important is to look at actions not target fixation to understand what is happening. Thanks again... you changed the way I see riding for good.

[@iUmarFarooqi]

That wink, tho!

[@4-n52]

To me full gear means plugs. If you aren't wearing plugs then you aren't fully geared up. The first time I rode my bike at around 50mph I was shocked at the wind noise. They didn't mention that in the class and it was quite a surprise. Went home and researched it and ordered a set of earplugs and never rode again without them. I also keep a spare set and don't let anyone on the back without full gear which includes plugs.

[@ironhorses0802]

Hi Kevin. Another good video. It’s definitely striking how sound, or ability to hear, changes pretty significantly while riding. My question is regarding music. Rarely, but occasionally, I listen to music with my helmet speakers. I’ve never thought of wearing earplugs with my full face helmet. Is there an affect of reducing the sound in the helmet if I do both? (I guess I could just try it. 😳).

[@hsttrek1]

DMandCPD - almost all in helmet communication systems are designed to be heard with earplugs installed. You may need to raise the volume to clearly understand the communication. Earplugs primarily reduce the low frequency vibration (wind, exhaust, etc.) but have less effect on high frequency tones.

[@leahcimthgirw3163]

Hey Kevin I couldn't make out what you were saying unfortunately because my lip reading skills are terrible and I have been driving a garbage truck for 19 years now never thought about ear protection until about a year ago I started getting the ringing in my ears consistently now I do wear ear protection and also most of the time when I'm riding I do wear ear protection

[@quangh3866]

Hi Kevin. Can you tell me where you got that shelf holding your helmet/jacket?

[@MCrider]

Here you go: www.helmetbutler.com/

[@mattblack598]

You said! Be. Smart. With wearing your safety equipment. Let the ear plugs become a regular part of your safety gear. . Always stay safe and within your envelope of skills and abilities. Lunatic said that

[@TRDBucket]

aww thought what I great demo but it was audio trickery...

[@xerocool2]

Hey Kevin I would really like one of these hats