Mirror Extenders and earplugs...

I was perusing the forums last night in regards to the FZ1 mirror replacements on an FJR... and kept thinking to myself... I don't have that much problem seeing past my body on my bike... As I rode for a bit today and wound down, I noticed I have these on the bike:

https://www.twistedthrottle.com/sw-motech-mirror-wideners-yamaha-fjr1300-06

previous owner installed. They work pretty well, and I honestly didn't even know I had them on!

Also - to add, I changed up my normal gear and inserted earplugs before I got on the ride. Man - what a difference! I run with a modular helmet and the wind noise at the gaps - not to mention where I installed my bluetooth module - is bad with the shield down. I found that I wasn't as fatigued at the end of the ride; and just for comparison I rode the last 4 miles without the earplugs... just to say, I will not be riding without earplugs on longer rides from now on. I can leave the windshield fully down and get a breeze in 90 degree weather without going deaf!

Sometimes I just impress myself I guess.

Thanks for that link - I'm looking at upgrading to a 2015 when they announce the color - but I'd rather keep the very nice looking / color matching stock mirrors rather then use the FZ1 Mirrors on my new bike - I love the FZ1 Mirrors, they just work for my 05 but just don't look nearly as nice as the new gen mirrors...

Not sure what your using for ear protection, but I can't stress enough how awesome these Surefire ones are - they fit inside the ear, and are super comfortable and work so well with a helmet - plus reasonable in price are so worth it....

https://www.surefire.com/ep3-sonic-defenders.html



I've never liked those squishy plugs myself.....

Noise suppression level is a matter of personal choice. I've tried every available device, including custom silicone from an audiologist. The highest level you can get is from disposable foam.

The Surefires give you 24 db, custom silicone about 26. Most disposable foam about 30 or better.

I use these https://www.amazon.com/3M-E-A-Rsoft-Grippers-Earplugs-Conservation/dp/B008MCUHH4 and cut off the cord. (They discontinued the uncorded ones.) They provide 31 db, and I chose them because I have huge ear canals and could get no other brand to seal properly. I can hear my Scala G9 through them until about 80 or so on the highway.

You will not know you have hearing loss until it is too late. Most health insurance plans cover testing.

FWIW I've been using "Hearos" for a few years. Very cheap throwaways (though they can be washed), but effective for me. Fairly widely available if you run out on the road - Walgreens, etc.

I was having trouble with the ear plugs worn with my helmet giving me a headache. I took a foam plug and cut it in half - this has worked well for me as the plug tucks into my outer ear canal and no headaches. It cuts down the road and wind noice and allows me to hear my Sena at all speeds. Granted it doesn't provide the full level of hearing protection but it sure is comfortable.

If in Florida these are great.. I've been using them for about 4 years.

https://dbplugz.com/contact-us/

Hearos are actually what I grabbed out of my stash.. I have some generics that are given at work too. Ohio laws being what they are, I can't wear ear inserts to play my music / gps instructions unfortunately, otherwise I'd do that in a heartbeat... but helmet speakers + earplugs are OK. Silly.

I have a cheap bluetooth set with speakers in the helmet; just had to turn it up a little more but was perfectly clear after that adjustment. My ears are thanking me. I already have slight tinnitus.

Sorry I thought your link above was for headphones at quick glance. I've used these at concerts - seem to do the same thing; but these ones make my ears itch like crazy after an hour or so.

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=ety+plugs&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=21300900077&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9590097830976340514&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_4i2f22dzx5_b

karnal said:

Hearos are actually what I grabbed out of my stash.. I have some generics that are given at work too. Ohio laws being what they are, I can't wear ear inserts to play my music / gps instructions unfortunately, otherwise I'd do that in a heartbeat... but helmet speakers + earplugs are OK. Silly.

Click to expand...

These laws were written by people who shouldn't be let out without their Moms. Personally, I'd wear what I felt protected my ears best and allowed me access to the information I need, including music! I'd pay the ticket if necessary although I suspect tickets for this violation are about as common as hen's teeth.

karnal said:

Sorry I thought your link above was for headphones at quick glance. I've used these at concerts - seem to do the same thing; but these ones make my ears itch like crazy after an hour or so.
https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=ety+plugs&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=21300900077&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9590097830976340514&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_4i2f22dzx5_b

Click to expand...

Only 12 db on those. https://science.howstuffworks.com/question124.htm 12 db will do little to protect your hearing.

Like I said, those are more for concerts and music playing (I play drums in my spare time.) Sure, if you're front stage in front of the speakers, it would suck - but back in the crowd those do just enough to limit exposure in my opinion and keep my ears from ringing. The plus there is that it's even across the board, so cymbals and high resonant frequencies aren't squashed to death as with normal earplugs - which obviously isn't as much of a concern while riding a motorcycle.

karnal said:

Sorry I thought your link above was for headphones at quick glance. I've used these at concerts - seem to do the same thing; but these ones make my ears itch like crazy after an hour or so.
https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=ety+plugs&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=21300900077&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9590097830976340514&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_4i2f22dzx5_b

Click to expand...

Musicians ear plugs. I use them at concerts also where they provide excellent protection without limiting the experience.

good stuff...

hearing damage is a gradual and insidious thing with cumulative effects that you cannot come back from.

don't wait until you think you might have damage... protect yourself ASAP.

What did you say ?

Ok, my $.02 worth. Here is the ear plugs I use on any ride over 10 miles. https://www.earplugstore.com/almonasomoea.html

Warpdrv said:

Not sure what your using for ear protection, but I can't stress enough how awesome these Surefire ones are - they fit inside the ear, and are super comfortable and work so well with a helmet - plus reasonable in price are so worth it....
https://www.surefire.com/ep3-sonic-defenders.html

I've never liked those squishy plugs myself.....

Click to expand...

I'm using these also...they work very well.

Twigg said:

karnal said:

Hearos are actually what I grabbed out of my stash.. I have some generics that are given at work too. Ohio laws being what they are, I can't wear ear inserts to play my music / gps instructions unfortunately, otherwise I'd do that in a heartbeat... but helmet speakers + earplugs are OK. Silly.

Click to expand...

These laws were written by people who shouldn't be let out without their Moms. Personally, I'd wear what I felt protected my ears best and allowed me access to the information I need, including music! I'd pay the ticket if necessary although I suspect tickets for this violation are about as common as hen's teeth.

Click to expand...

California law prohibits ear plugs and allows headphones in one ear only. But as Twigg stated, I'd bet those violations rarely...if ever...get written for motorcyclists. I consider it a spirit of the law vs letter of the law issue.

El Toro Joe said:

Warpdrv said:

Not sure what your using for ear protection, but I can't stress enough how awesome these Surefire ones are - they fit inside the ear, and are super comfortable and work so well with a helmet - plus reasonable in price are so worth it....
https://www.surefire.com/ep3-sonic-defenders.html

[img=[URL="https://cdn.surefire.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/e/p/ep3-bk_new.png%5D"]https://cdn.surefire.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/e/p/ep3-bk_new.png][/URL]

I've never liked those squishy plugs myself.....

Click to expand...

I'm using these also...they work very well.

Click to expand...

I'm still trying to figure out: Does one of the versions of these plug into something like an MP3 player or electronic music source? I know they will run police radios, but that's a different animal.

Same question, do these have a standard headphone sized jack? World like to use then with my Sena.