is it safe to ride a motor cycle with head phones on listening to music?

Answer 1

Personally I would not. Riding a motorcycle is a risky thing and you need to be focusing 100% on the road and the vehicles around you rather than your favorite rock band blasting in your ears. I would say if need be then listening but at a quiet volume. if you get distracted it could take your life, or someone elses. Be careful!

Answer 2

I use a J&M communications center on my bike. It utilizes headset speakers that slip into pockets in the ear slots of the helmet that were put there for that purpose by HJC. The J&M system features a 40 channel CB, intercom, 10 band weather radio and input from my XM satellite radio.

I'm as safe riding with it on as I would be with out it, and at times my wife and I are SAFER because of it. An extra set of eyes, and the ability to be able to speak and be heard in a clear normal voice can be a very good thing.

Opposed to headphones these speakers allow for outside noise to get to you because the speakers are flush with the helmet and not blocking or pluging up your ears.

I enjoy listening to the radio while I ride, and have been in situations where I have spoken to trucks with the CB that kept me safer than had I not had it because the trucker, and most around us, made a point to LOOK AT and SEE the bike with the radio.

It's like anything else, it depends upon how the oporator uses it as to how effective and safe it is.

Answer 3

There is a lot of mis-information going around on this subject. I point of fact, California allows you to listen to music, but only in one ear. Many states allow you to listen through both ears, while some allow headsets for communication (CB or cell phone) but don't allow music. I ride a lot with a Chatterbox intercom with speakers inserted into the slots of my HJC full face helmet, and an IPOD playing through the aux input. Listening to music at a moderate volume isn't dangerous, cuz I can still hear the traffic noises around me. And I make it a point not to change songs or mess with the controls while riding. It is that sort of distraction that is dangerous. That's why hands-free cell phone laws are absurd....it's not about using a hand....it's all about distracting your mind. Keep your mind focused on your ride, and you'll be safe enough.

Answer 4

Most longtime riders wear ear plugs.

There are in-ear 'phones that work just like ear plugs, removing about 35dB or more of wind noise, and allowing you to hear music at a very low level.

These I (and many other long distance riders) consider safe.

The most comfortable ones I've found are Etymotic http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007WTHLY/ref=pd_cp_e_title/103-3072640-5929458

Most experienced riders who have done tests have found that wearing earplugs actually makes it easier to hear the important things like brake squeal, sirens, etc.

It can also reduce fatigue brought on by constant wind noise.

New cars are so soundproofed that you don't hear much while riding inside them. Add a nice soundsystem and you're going to be oblivious to external noises.

So, what is so safe about these new cars, and so unsafe about a motorcyclist having some insulation from excessive noise?

Regular headphones usually require too much volume to hear over wind noise even in the best full-face helmet. Not only compromising your ability to hear during riding, but also could result in hearing loss after extended use.

There are certain states and cities that have laws regarding wearing headphones while riding or driving. You'll have to check your own local laws for any possible problems.

Answer 5

There IS that temptation, isn't there? LOL.

Unless you are riding on a track, you shouldn't wear headphones.

In most states, wearing headphones while operating a vehicle (not just motorcycles) is against the law. The state of California being one of them. Check your local laws.

If you REALLY want to be safe, stay focused and use your head. Headphones will distract you from your riding.

BE SAFE OUT THERE!

Answer 6

there are a selection of agencies that promote sound platforms for motorcycles, and there are a selection of kinds of music recording contraptions that would want to correctly be employed at the same time as driving a bike. despite the indisputable fact that, i might want to stay remote from any gadget that is going into, or covers, your ears and blocks outdoors sounds out of your listening to. On a bike you may want to be sure, listen, and recognize what is going on round you each and every of the time. Distraction is a motorcyclists enemy, and music will be dangerously distracting. Now in case you ought to have a sound equipment, it would want to be sensible to envision what the optimal output of the charging equipment is earlier you purchase any bike or sound equipment. A 250cc something might want to be very taxed through a 100watt audio equipment. sturdy success and journey probability-free

Answer 7

Sure,and answer the cellphone as well,It's bad enough we have to deal with jerks with cars,who cause most of the accident with bikes.I have been riding for 21 years and luckily no accidents yet,five times cross country and have seen fools on bikes with headphones,and most of them stop when some sort of incident scares them to death because they could not hear or were not paying attention.

Answer 8

No, it's not safe. Your physical abilities will be diminished, and hearing is probably the second or third most important of the senses when it comes to driving. My brother survived a motorcycle accident but not the guy whose house I am now living in.

Answer 9

As a Licensed Motorcyclist for over 3 decades (I won't say how much over) ... I would say that this is VERY UNSAFE -- and even though I wear a Full Face Helmet, Safety Gear/Clothing -- I would NEVER put earphones on to listen to music -- for then ... HOW in the world am I supposed to HEAR the conditions around me (and especially on a Motorcycle -- you are basically invisible to most drivers -- so you MUST rely on your instincts and reactions otherwise .. you are DEAD!).

Answer 10

How could you pay the amount of attention to other traffic and/or pedestrians or other things that will suddenly get in the way that is required to survive on a motorcycle if your mind is on music or anything else for that matter?