Motorcycles and Distractions (Music, Bluetooth, etc)

[DontTellMom]

What does everyone think about all of the available distractions currently being marketed to motorcyclists?

I know the Goldwing has had CBs, Radios, Intercoms, for years, and I love music as much as the next guy (in fact I often find myself whistling / singing to myself inside my helmet on the highway ) but I would think that listening to music would be a distraction...can anyone testify one way or another?

Also, does anyone else think that all of the in-helmet bluetooth setups are an accident waiting to happen?

Ride safe,
DTM

[ThatGuyWithTheDRZSM]

I was just leaving someplace the other day and someone called my cell phone. I already had my helmet on but wasn't moving so I flipped up my visor and held the phone right in front of my right eye and could actually hear well enough to talk to the person. After the conversation was over, I was like wow, I know I can't be the first person to think of a bluetooth handsfree setup for bikes, but unfortunately I'm probably one of the far too few who think it's a HORRIBLE idea.

Not only should motorcyclists not have these distractions, I don't think cagers should have a lot of them either. I know I'm not the only one to have seen someone almost get in a wreck because they're trying to figure out their NAV unit while driving.

I've also caught myself singing while I ride down the highway, lol

[Jeremy]

I know a certain individual on this site who answers his cell while riding, sliding it under the helmet

[Th4R4t]

we want names

[Jeremy]

Nah, not gonna rat him out

[Th4R4t]

yea, would do the same

[D]

To me motorcycling has always been about being one with the machines. Sport bikes offer the best of that feel, much more so than any car I have ever driven, and I really enjoy that.

Truth be told I am always on the phone and talk in the car all the time... but I have no intentions to do it on a bike. Actually, usually my talk time goes down in the summer because I am on the bike.

Musice, eh, how about my exhaust. But realistically, I am usually riding 2-3 times the speed limit so I dont want any distractions. But if I was riding around going 55 all day, then I can probably see how you get bored and start adding 6 cd changers, mp3 hookups and what not...

oh, and I've done the talk with the helmet on trick (while parked) too...

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by Jeremy

I know a certain individual on this site who answers his cell while riding, sliding it under the helmet

[D]

you know shoving the phone in your helmet is the equivalent of a hands free, no???

[ThatGuyWithTheDRZSM]

i never tried it with my last phone (Motorola SLVR L7) but my samsung blackjack is too big and clunky to fit into my helmet to do that. On top of that, my helmet is such a size that it starts feeling small if I go more than 3 weeks without a haircut. I keep a buzz cut with the #1 guard, so 3 weeks is about 5 times as much hair from before to after.

[Jimbo]

My BlackBerry 8830 fits just fine...

[D]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

My BlackBerry 8830 fits just fine...

helmet too loose

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by D

helmet too loose

Lift visor, carefully slide by ear, close visor, continue to ride. Phone holds itself in position.

[DontTellMom]

Originally Posted by D

you know shoving the phone in your helmet is the equivalent of a hands free, no???

No, because you're taking more risk if you have to take it out of your pocket and wedge it in there while riding I've done it while stopped & off the bike, sometimes it works, other times not so much...I suppose for those times it would be nice to have bluetooth, although I'm sure that would just increase my risk of cancer another click or two

[Jeremy]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Lift visor, carefully slide by ear, close visor, continue to ride. Phone holds itself in position.

...ooooookay, make that two people

[D]

Originally Posted by DontTellMom

No, because you're taking more risk if you have to take it out of your pocket and wedge it in there while riding I've done it while stopped & off the bike, sometimes it works, other times not so much...I suppose for those times it would be nice to have bluetooth, although I'm sure that would just increase my risk of cancer another click or two

i was being sarcastic you know

[BeeGee]

Music is fine for longer trips. Can't see being on the telephone tho - too distracting.

[Markh2o]

I would listen to the sultry sounds of my exhaust but because I am currently running short straight pipes I am almost required to wear earplugs. If I am already having to wear ear plugs i figured why not headphones. The only drawback so far is when I have my riding mix on sometimes bands like MGMT, LCD Soundsytem, and Ratatat come on and I am forced to go to ludicrous speed. (yes, things turn plaid)

[D]

I almost always wear earplugs when I ride. To me it is completely different than listening to headphones. Reason is because the earplugs just "muffle" the sounds, whereas headphones introduce a new variable.

But as long as it works, then life is good.

[Markh2o]

If I don't listen to music I am singing to myself. Luckily the full face hides this from others, but I can only sing Styx for so long before I am generally pissed at myself for not wearing headphones.