Noise Cancellation Headphones & motor bikes

[Sir_Roach]

I do a lot of motor cycle touring and one of the greatest problems is wind noise in the helmet. Looking at the noise cancellation headphones, the Sony MDRNC11 looks like it might be the answer. Does anyone have experience? Will any of the others fit under a helmet? Is it possible to travel at highway speed and still listen to mp3s?

[canberra_photographer]

I have doubts that it would be legal to have noise canceling headphones when driving or riding a motor cycle. The law is (of course) ambiguous, but generally anything that diminishes your ability to be aware of other driver, including audible signals such as horns is iffy. If it completely blocks your ability to hear, then in some jurisdictions it may be illegal. Check local laws first.

[Sir_Roach]

You fears are correct in that some jurisdictions in the USA prohibit devices that impair hearing. However, prolonged riding at highway speed is going to impair my hearing anyway - but permanently. I am already down 25% through using firearms (in the course of employments years ago). As far as I know there are no legal problems with noise reduction devices on motor cycles anywhere in Australia.

To make my point clear, back in 2001 I rode my motor bike (then new) to Broome and bought a diskman for the ride home. What was deafening at full volume stationary was not even audible at about 120 km/hr. That experience brought home to me what decible levels I was exposing myself to as a matter of course.

Any motorcycle rider with any experience will tell you that it is the rider's job to stay alive and not to rely on the skill of other road users to avoid risk to you. When riding with earplugs one certanly has to take that into account.

[crackers]

i ride a motorcycle
i use normal safety earplugs, but occasionally use Shure E2c noise canceling earplugs
they actually remove ambient noise, but during the gap between songs i can hear the engine and traffic more clearly, not louder
also i dont need the mp3 player up anywhere near as loud as with normal earplugs.

cheers
crackers

[Sir_Roach]

crackers says:
i ride a motorcycle
i use normal safety earplugs, but occasionally use Shure E2c noise canceling earplugs
they actually remove ambient noise, but during the gap between songs i can hear the engine and traffic more clearly, not louder
also i dont need the mp3 player up anywhere near as loud as with normal earplugs.

cheers
crackers

[canberra_photographer]

Just to be clear, I personally have no problem with having headphones while on a bike or motor cycle. Just seen to many people nabbed in the pre-Christmas revenue blitz the Police do in Canberra and wanted to make sure you're aware of the possible implications.