Listen to music/Ipod while riding?

[tigergirl5226]

I was wondering if anyone out there listens to music while riding, or if it a safe thing to do?

I like to listen to music over the radio when I drive my car, and sometimes I wish I could while riding around because I feel like it could help to calm my nerves and just be enjoyable to listen to. My bike does not have a built in stereo system but I know that some cruisers do. My new riding jacket has a built in headphone jack for Ipods and stuff, but is this really safe to use? I know in some states listening to Ipods while riding a motorcycle or even driving a car is illegal, and Iowa might be one of them. It is illegal because the say you won't be able to hear the things going on in traffic around you, like if a car honks to get your attention or if there's an accident nearby.

Although I like listening to music and would like to while riding, I'm not sure if it is safe/legal to do. Do any of you listen to music or have any thoughts about the safety aspects?

[wingryder92]

Morning TG,
I have an am/fm radio, CD player, cassette player, and CB on both my m/'c and many Wings do. I can also use an MP3 and Ipod through one of the other outlets. I've seen those who do not have those items put an aftermarket CB and/or radio on those that don't have them. I've seen others use Ipods and MP3 players. In all my years I can say that there has never been an emergency vehicle "slip up" on me and me not know they were coming. I have my music loud enough to hear but not blasting. If the situation gets busy...congestion or going through areas during rush hour that I turn the music off. I guess my brain goes into over-load so off goes the music so I can concentrate on what's around me.
I know some folks who use the Ipods/MP3's (on m/c's that aren't equipped with them) say that they had to be careful with the earbuds because some didn't do so great under the helmet so they had tried several pairs.
I have heard that it's illegal in some states but I don't know how many enforce it. I know that we and many of our friends have traveled through many states and I've never heard anyone say that they'd had an issue.
Debra
HAVE A SAFE RIDE!

[Softail2002]

I just started using my MP3, with normal cheap earbuds, while riding last year.

As long as I don't turn the music up full blast, I can hear more than if I have in my custom ear plugs while wearing a half helmet.

[Burgmanlady]

I have XM and listen through my helmet.

[tigergirl5226]

Thanks for the input everyone! I would like to try to listen to my Ipod while riding because I think it will help me relax and ride more comfortably; it seems like I ride better when I don't stress about it and not focus so much on how do to it and just go with the flow. I have heard from some people that they use a BlueTooth enabled helmet and run their internet radio over their phone which goes through the BlueTooth speakers in the helmet so they don't need to use earbuds. But, I just got a new helmet less than a month ago, so I probably won't be in the market for another one for awhile.

I know this is a little off the original topic, but I was wondering... for a beginning rider with not a lot of experience, do you think riding with a group would help me to learn and be more confident going out on bigger roads and longer trips? Ever since I dropped this bike the first time, I've always rode around with my BF in case I went down again or got hurt there would be someone there to help. Now that I've gained a little bit more experience, I've been thinking we could ride with his brother-in-law who also lives in our town and has a motorcycle. He is also a fairly new rider, this is still his first bike (Honda Shadow 500) and I think its his second full season of riding. Not sure how much experience he has with group riding, but I have never rode with more than just me and one other bike.

Do you think that group riding (only 3 bikes) would be of help to me, or is it harder than it looks and that I should put on more miles before riding with multiple people around me? I think it would be fun to ride with more people, but I don't want to be a burden to everyone else

[wingryder92]

Seems there's always a way when there's a will or need to get something done. Good luck on your ears.

My early years of learning were generally 3, hubby, me, and then our friends. I was always in the middle. I don't really remember a lot about it except that I felt protected.

The first thing I'd ask would be to question what kind/type of group. I wouldn't recommend a group of folks that you do not know or have not been around. You need to be comfortable with the type of riders that you'll be riding with.
There have been three new lady riders in our GW group over the past 3 years and two of them have thought it was a wonderful idea....after the fact that is. Neither of them thought it was such a great idea in the beginning since they had never ridden with a group. After much talking and explaining what it would be like they each said "ok" but...always a but...but if they felt uncomfortable then we'd pull out and ride by ourselves. Well I can say that we never had to pull out and ride by ourselves. I must also say that this is a group of folks who often ride together so there weren't any surprises by a rider that wasn't known to the group. Both ladies who did ride with us said that they felt protected, watched out for, and that folks really cared about them. We..many in the group... often asked them how they were doing...need to rest? Need to get a snack/drink? They both have watched the riders in front of them and have asked "why" did so and so do this or that and we also gently explained what they needed help with. Always explained "why" whether it was good or bad and sometimes it had to be explained again with different words but knowing "why" lets it be more meaningful. They've learned by watching and they've learned on their own. And they've watched and learned what not to do.
Debra
HAVE A SAFE RIDE!

[BtWoman]

I just think of my favorite songs and "air play" them in my head.
Tigergirl, many an experienced rider has said that when you are not the least bit nervous to ride, it's time to park the bike forever. A bit of nervousness is good because it keeps you cautious, so don't get too complacent. Even very experienced riders have had bad crashes. I say this because you said you just want to go with the flow. Nothing wrong with concentrating on what you are doing. When working the controls become 2nd nature, then you will naturally be able to concentrate less. This only comes with seat time, unless you can visualize riding while you are not on your bike. We can all always improve and it's wise to critique yourself, such as, "I forgot to check my mirrors or check on-coming traffic in that intersection, need to do that more! or Oops, took that turn a little too wide," etc., it only takes ONE unlucky miss!
As for group riding, I did that a lot in my early days. Different groups ride differently, so it's important to ask questions about the group's riding style. For beginners, yes, newbie-friendly groups are important. In a small group, there should be at least one rider who is very experienced, and you should always have a meeting to discuss and agree upon your group "rules", for everyone's safety. Others can be very inspirational and confidence-building, as you see how they ride, that can show you what your own bike can do as well, such as, how they handle curves and uneven/tricky surfaces, things you may not attempt if you were alone. You see that they don't fall, you get the confidence that neither will you.

[tigergirl5226]

Thanks everyone! I think I am going to go for a ride tonight when I get off work, its been too long! I was going to go yesterday but we were in a wind advisory and I figured 30-40 mph winds were probably not good conditions to ride in, especially for a newbie I saw a couple bikes out on my way home, but I don't think I would have ventured out with that kind of wind. We are in another advisory today, so I hope the wind dies down by the time I get off work so I can ride! We put frame sliders on my bike yesterday, so hopefully I won't have to worry about another expensive repair. I also hope I will never have to use them, but you never know what might happen, just a little piece of mind and if I fall, at least I'll be able to get up and keep riding (at least that's my hope anyway)!

[SueZ]

http://www.scansound.com/earphones/sing ... rtips.html
I keep one ear open! Love these, full stereo in one earbud.

[tigergirl5226]

Thanks SueZ! I will have to try out different options to see what is best. I'm hoping to get out riding today, unfortunately the weather the last 2 days hasn't been good riding weather (wind advisories and t-storms) but I think today we might get a break! I get home before my BF today and am thinking about taking my bike out and do some practice riding before he gets home... but also a little nervous about doing it too. I think I'm most afraid of dropping it and not having anyone there to help me get it up (oh and getting hurt, I suppose that's probably not good either). Is it bad that I have more concern for the well-being of my bike than I do for my body? Last time I went down, my BF came running over "Oh no are you alright? Do you think you're hurt? blah blah blah..." and my response was something like "Who cares?! What happened to my bike? Is there a lot of damage?! Is it ok??!!" I know my motorcycle is just a physical thing, and my life is irreplaceable, but...