XR-1000 - too much wind noise

[surfsofa]

I'm very pleased with all the gear I bought during my learning phase, with one exception. I went for a Shoei XR-1000 lid which is a great fit, very comfortable, but out on the road it's just too noisy. There's a gap in the inserts where the ears go and I suspect that's the issue, though not sure.

Haven't tried earplugs yet, but will have no choice with this helmet I think - it's quite distracting and rules out any long-distance trip.

Is there any other way to reduce wind noise in the helmet, or am I going to have to look for another?

[m3psm]

I've got exactly the same problem with my Arai GP5X and suspect you're right about the ear cut outs.

I'm going to check if Arai do a thicker pads, otherwise it's earplugs for me too.

[black-k1]

I spent many years in my ‘yoof’ not wearing ear plugs (no one did back then) and as a consequence, now have hearing problems. I can assure you that they are not fun and are something you really do want to avoid if at all possible. I would strongly recommend that ear plugs are used for just about all journeys regardless of how quiet your helmet is.

[m3psm]

black-k1 said:

I spent many years in my ‘yoof’ not wearing ear plugs (no one did back then) and as a consequence, now have hearing problems. I can assure you that they are not fun and are something you really do want to avoid if at all possible. I would strongly recommend that ear plugs are used for just about all journeys regardless of how quiet your helmet is.

You're right. Like you I've done many many years without them and am a bit deaf now because of this. I recently bought a box of them and carry them always. I think I've worn them twice so far in about 3 weeks though

It's just not something I associate with riding, so I just leap (read clamber)on the bike in the morning, then remeber the earplugs as soon as I pick up speed

I really must give myself a slap and make a concious effort to wear them all of the time.

[Busamav]

black-k1 said:

I spent many years in my ‘yoof’ not wearing ear plugs (no one did back then) and as a consequence, now have hearing problems. I can assure you that they are not fun and are something you really do want to avoid if at all possible. I would strongly recommend that ear plugs are used for just about all journeys regardless of how quiet your helmet is.

Thats good advice , my hearing isnt brilliant nowadays.

A friend was doing work for a contractor on the railways......

They had to have hearing tests as they were working on the tracks , in about 15 guys , the doctor told them he could tell from the results the 5 that rode bikes .

[sjtscott]

Ear plugs are a must for me for out of town use. Having just bought a new XR-1000 I've noticed that I can hear a considerable amount more then with my previous shoei interceptor. Round town this is a good thing but I'm expecting this to be noticeable at speed.

However I note the following: XR-1000 Whisper kit

http://www.racevisors.co.uk/category/accessories-g...

[GRynners]

I bought my XR-1000 a couple of years ago, and have always thought the same thing. I tried my brothers Arai Condor a couple of weeks ago and that seems alot quieter. Have to say, it's a bit of a letdown to spend so much on a higher spec lid, only to find so many people complain about the noise (think I checked MCN's review pages at the time).

Shoei must obviously recognise it's an issue if they can supply an accessory whisper kit. Another chance to felch some extra £££ for a bit of foam and cheap lining.

I've never found one for under £20, so have refused to buy one so far!

[roy e6]

I dont think there is a helmet on the market, quiet enough not to wear ear plugs,is there? Been riding 20 years, and worn various helmets, used ear plugs with them all.

[paul_tim2000]

Earplugs are just as important as boots or gloves when I go out these days, my hearing is shot to hell after 30 years of bikes. Noise not an issue if you wear them.

[black-k1]

paul_tim2000 said:

Earplugs are just as important as boots or gloves when I go out these days, my hearing is shot to hell after 30 years of bikes. Noise not an issue if you wear them.

I would go further and say earplugs are MORE important than boots or gloves because your ears will get damaged every time you ride where boots and gloves are only needed IF you have an accident

[Rubin215]

Oooh, I must be one of the lucky ones!

I got into earplugs when I first started riding, twenty (ahem) years ago, and have worn them ever since!

At the time I was in a few different bands (some of them almost famous!) and wore them on stage, so it seemed obvious to wear them on a bike too.

One thing I did learn early on was to change them regularly; a case of autitis externa soon taught me that (and no, it's not a sexually transmitted infection!).

I remember reading the autoboigraphy of Noel Redding (original bass player in the Jimi Hendrix experience) and he attributed still being able hear properly when in his fifties to the fact that he had an excess of ear wax as a young man...

[dern]

black-k1 said:

paul_tim2000 said:

Earplugs are just as important as boots or gloves when I go out these days, my hearing is shot to hell after 30 years of bikes. Noise not an issue if you wear them.

I would go further and say earplugs are MORE important than boots or gloves because your ears will get damaged every time you ride where boots and gloves are only needed IF you have an accident

Agreed.

[GuyMarks]

Anyone come up with a solution? Mine is still too loud (with plugs) at high speed.....

[Hooli]

GuyMarks said:

Anyone come up with a solution? Mine is still too loud (with plugs) at high speed.....

change your screen.
sounds daft but if the airflow is directed across the base of your helmet it gets a LOT nosier. i took the screen on my gsx14 a few months ago & it reduced windnoise by about 1/2 just becuase the airflow wasnt concentrated on my helmet.
to prove it, just put your hand under the side of the helmet to seal it too your neck & notice how quiet it gets that side. i nearly used ducttape to make flaps there to fit closer to my neck but after loosing the screen (which i didnt like anyway) i didnt need to.

[RizzoTheRat]

I always wear ear plugs, even if I'm just riding 6 miles to work. Tempted by some of the ultimateear jobbies mentioned on another thread on here.

You'll find most helmets have hollows around the ears, this is designed for you to be able to put speakers in if you use an intercom or radio.

Agree with comments about the screen, I've ridden mine a few times without the faring on and it's noticably quieter. Not only is there usually a range of screen afailable for a given bike, there's also the options of additional deflecters such as MRA Vario or Touratech jobbies that attatch to the top of your screen

[rsv gone!]

Rubin215 said:

I got into earplugs when I first started riding, twenty (ahem) years ago, and have worn them ever since! .......

One thing I did learn early on was to change them regularly; a case of autitis externa soon taught me that (and no, it's not a sexually transmitted infection!).

I, too, always wear them and buy them by the box off Fleabay.

With regard to changing them regularly, I've noticed that they seal better as they get older.

I've had no experience of your dodgy condition, though.

[catso]

rsv gone! said:

With regard to changing them regularly, I've noticed that they seal better as they get older.

That'll be the ear wax acting as a 'sealant'.....

[dern]

catso said:

rsv gone! said:

With regard to changing them regularly, I've noticed that they seal better as they get older.

That'll be the ear wax acting as a 'sealant'.....

I find with the cheap max ones the best seal is achieved by licking them before you insert them. This also ensures you bin them before you get too grim as they'll fail the 'taste test'.

[rsv gone!]

catso said:

rsv gone! said:

With regard to changing them regularly, I've noticed that they seal better as they get older.

That'll be the ear wax acting as a 'sealant'.....

...but it's MY earwax. (And what doesn't kill me can only make me stronger)


I find the foam seems to expand slower as the earplugs age; makes it easier to get them in.

Edited by rsv gone! on Wednesday 18th June 12:06

[Piersman2]

dern said:

catso said:

rsv gone! said:

With regard to changing them regularly, I've noticed that they seal better as they get older.

That'll be the ear wax acting as a 'sealant'.....

I find with the cheap max ones the best seal is achieved by licking them before you insert them. This also ensures you bin them before you get too grim as they'll fail the 'taste test'.

+1