Listening to music on a motorcycle......

[philbytx]

it is illegal to wear headphones while operating a motorvehicle and, in some states, wearing earplugs is also banned. I would think that "musical earplugs" would definitely involve some some of legal issue. In the event of an accident, having them in at the time would jeopardize any potential legal action, should you need to take it.

Personally, I have never ridden a motorcycle and listened to music. I believe it adds a significant layer of risk to an activity that is already viewed by most of the populace as "risky" !

I even have the radio in my car turned down so I am always aware of external sounds.

[Larryboxerguy]

To each their own, of course. But I understand what you're saying about the distraction that music can provide. Such a beautiful distraction at times that it certainly can divide one's concentration--unfortunately, sometimes without a person even noticing it... in time.

[awagnon]

The best source for what is legal in your state is the database maintained by the AMA at: http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/laws.asp

It doesn't list a restriction on earplugs for Texas, but the information may not be correct. I, like many others, believe you should always wear some form of ear protection to prevent hearing loss, especially when riding at highway speeds (air noise), legal or not. I use molded ear speakers only on the interstate or long boring stretches. Music is better than falling asleep from boredom. At my age, I can't multitask like I used to, so the music stops in traffic or when I need to focus.

[Photoguy]

No music here. I've got a hard enough time concentrating on what's going on around me. I do wear earplugs though...just enough to cut out some of the noise.

[Boxer]

I have an XM radio that I listen to sometimes, but it IS annoying unless I'm out on the big highway just droning along. I like to be able to hear the bike and be aware of noises around me when in traffic. Even with earplugs, I can still hear better than if I'm listening to music coming in the earbuds.

[towerworker]

I wear earplugs and sometimes listen to music while riding on long stretches. I don't want to hear it when my clutch splines go south nor my final drive gives out!

[Biff's R]

Since I finally bought an ipod this spring, I listen to music frequently while I ride. It is much better to hear John Denver sing "Country Roads" than to hear myself sing.

If I do not have my earbuds in, I have earplugs in.

[dragonmojo]

I hear silk boxers are also verboten.

[TicTac50]

A nice set of speakers (like Philips SHS5200 106db for $14.99) inside my helmet are legal for me.
For a short ride or city traffic you don't need it, but on the long trips the TUNES make a big difference.
It does take time to get use to it, but in the long run makes the ride more enjoyable.
Good Luck.

[Sunbeemer]

Wearing earplugs where they are banned is better than listening to ringing in your ears the rest of your life...DAMHIK.
Music is optional, but hearing isn't!
BTW, how are they going to know if you have earplugs in if you're wearing a helmet?

[dragonmojo]

[quote="Sunbeemer"]BTW, how are they going to know if you have earplugs in if you're wearing a helmet?[/quote]

The same way they know when pulling you over for wearing silk boxers.

[bikermeow]

I'be been riding with music via plugs for a long time. Yes, it started out as with earplugs, then I asked myself why not music? With a screen fitted on the bike, the wind noise level is low enough for lower volume. I probably cannot hear someone asking me a question, but can still hear a passing truck or car, and horns.

[citrusbbee]

I listen to music most of the time. Mostly an XM satellite radio, but sometimes an mp3 player. It makes longer trips, as well as commuting to work more enjoyable. The music goes off if I need to concentrate more, as in heavy traffic or really bad weather (i.e. snowing up on Beartooth Pass).

[wncbmw]

Except for one short, painful experiment with earbuds, I have never listened to music while riding. But I have not given up hope. I plan to experiment with helmet speakers and my normal ear plugs. Having already lost some hearing from ear infections, too many years around construction equipment and unprotected shooting I now always wear ear plugs.

And please, no testimonials about your great set of earbuds. I have no intentions of blowing big bucks on an experiment likely to end badly. My ear canals are weirdly shaped and I have learned to live with it!

However, if I ever get the music to work, it will only be for those long drones on the slab. Less I end up like this guy!

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=391635

[bikermeow]

And please, no testimonials about your great set of earbuds. I have no intentions of blowing big bucks on an experiment likely to end badly. My ear canals are weirdly shaped and I have learned to live with it!

Hiya, You need not suffer. I have used the KOSS earbuds before.

http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/p? ... pc^eb^PLUG



You can remove the original buds and then install proper earplugs in place of it.

I am not affiliated with KOSS, just offering a solution

Good luck.