TOPIC:

I love the sound of my non-stock '77 kz muffler but my ears are the worse for it. I already use ear plugs and it's not enough for my sensitive hearing.

My ques: does anyone know of a specific helmet that aids in external noise reduction as well? Maybe send a link if you have?

thank you.

All helmets are noisy wear ear plugs.

The helmet will only help so much. I use custom molded earplugs, it makes a huge difference. Here is a link to do it yourself for under $15.
aboloxsafety.com/ear-protection/earplugs...LuLXs0Z7YaAq128P8HAQ

Google quiet motorcycle helmet for links to several articles on the subject, including for instance:

rideapart.com/articles/5-quietest-motorcycle-helmets

www.ebay.com/gds/Which-Motorcycle-Helmet...0000177404880/g.html

Good Fortune!

I find the Arai RX-Q helmets to be quieter than my other helmets. I ride with headphones (which is awful for my hearing) with navigation, not music. Also helmets with more padding near the neck and around the rear jaw seem to be better for noise control. Ear plugs are nice on 6+ hour rides though as baldy said.

The full face helmet reduces sound way better than a open face helmet. Ear plugs are good but mostly stop high frequency noise since low freq sound comes in through bone conduction not via air conduction through the ear canal. The helmets that leave your lower jaw and face exposed are going to let a lot of noise in.

Patton wrote: Google quiet motorcycle helmet for links to several articles on the subject, including for instance:

rideapart.com/articles/5-quietest-motorcycle-helmets

www.ebay.com/gds/Which-Motorcycle-Helmet...0000177404880/g.html

Good Fortune!

Good info about wind noise but I think the OP said his main problem is his ear splitting exhaust pipe.....

If it's to loud just put a tampoon in it.

thanks for all the comments. The majority of people - bike owners and pedestrians - would say mine is not that loud. But, I have hearing loss and wear hearing aids (NOT from motorcycle riding, I've been riding for 4 years only); people with damaged hearing have a very low tolerance for loud noises. I already wear ear plugs at highest reduction 32 decb under my full face helmet. I'm still bothered by my current bike, at both low and high speeds. My last bike was much quieter (a '78 CB 750 with stock)

I would get a baffle tomorrow if I knew what to buy. The muffler I have is not stock and I get 10 different opinions on what baffler will fit it and if it will in fact be quieter than what I have now. If someone can show me a baffler that will be a guarantee fit AND a guaranteed quiet ride, I'm buying. I'll try to post pics of the current muffler this week.

But, as I do like the tone/sound of the pipe now, I thought I'd look to cover the ears better. Wish I could wear noise-reducing headphones under the helmet!

To answer sure-to-come questions: no, I never wear the hearing aids while riding, I wear the ear plugs. And yes, even with a quiet helmet (if it exists) and ear plugs I will still hear and enjoy the current baffle-less sound of the pipe, should I go that route. Just more comfortably. thx

I also have some hearing loss as well as tinnitus and the hyperacousis that always seems to show up with the first two suspects listed. You could try adding some foam padding inside the helmet. Beyond that, all you can do is get a quieter pipe. Back in the old days, places like JC Whitney sold generic mufflers you could clamp onto a pipe if your muffler was shot. The other option is a quieter full set like the MAC I have on my 750.

Does your current pipe have ANY baffle? If it does, you could try packing it with fiberglas or similar muffler material.

bountyhunter wrote: Does your current pipe have ANY baffle? If it does, you could try packing it with fiberglas or similar muffler material.

You can buy FMF 4 stroke exhaust baffle material online or at a local motorcycle shop. You can only fit so much material in a muffler. Pic will definitely help.