Hi, just wondering what ear plugs you guys recommend? Foam/ custom made..? It's all part of my mission to achieve a relaxed ride on the Tenere! Steve

I never wore ear plugs until about ten years ago and I, like a lot of others, regret not doing so from the age of 17. But then again, at that time, I rode a 350LC like a lunatic in DMs, jeans and a paddock jacket! Ear plugs just didn't enter the equation!

Since I became a little more responsible, I have had a couple of pairs of custom made motorcycle specific ear plugs; one set done by Ultimate Ear (�60 + �30 for impressions), and the other from Specsavers believe it or not (�120 including impressions). However, I have lost one plug from each pair! Here lies the main problem (other than cost) of custom ear plugs - it's very easy to lose a lot of money very quickly! But they are comfortable.

I now use the slightly more expensive universal ear plugs. They are a sort of louvred rubber or silicone design and have a solid core. They look a bit like this:



You can get them for between �10 - �20 a pair from loads of places on the web, substantially more than foam ones, but a lot less than custom. I've tried foam and custom and I found the above to be the best compromise between cost and effectiveness.

Although you can get this type of plug for different environments, I prefer the "musicians" versions to the "motorcyclists" version because they let a bit more ambient sound through (personal preference). Generally motorcycle plugs are about -30db and musician's plugs are around -20db.

Hope this helps? At the end of the day, any ear plug is better than none at all!

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I've had a a couple of pairs of custom plugs made for both myself and my other half but only the smallest amount of buffeting loosens them just a fraction and both struggled although great for working if your in a noisey inviroment.

Went back to Max1 as the Heath and safey guy in another life I've tried them all and got someone else to pay.

Thanks guys...RD350 eh Pleiades, I was a KH triple man (boy!)myself and also clad in jeans, converse and leather jacket. My arch rival was a guy on an LC 350 ..just glad we survived those crazy but brilliant times!. And I think the most ear damage came from a Z900 with the meanest Yoshi 4 into 1. Earplugs were never a consideration back then but from about 6 years ago when I first tried them I now wouldn't be without them. I have always used cheap foam ones, but they sometimes seem to be creating there own noise..if that makes sense. I shall get the ones you pictured tomorrow and try them. Thanks again Steve

Hi I used to use the foam type of ear plugs because of my job but found they used to cause me problems due to pushing ear wax back into my ears eventualy you need to have your ears syringed.

Does anybody know if there any small earmuffs on the market that you can wear under a helmet.?

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XTz 660 tenere, adventure spec bash plate, main stand, skid marks tall screen, Oxford tail pack 36 litre. Kobra hand guards, Bigger cast footpegs, Zen overland luggage plate, USB power point, iridium spark plug, TKC80 f k60 R tyres, o2 and fuel Kev mods, DNA stage 2 filter. bark buster bar wieghts, Touratec side stand base and GPS mount. Led spot lights

I use this type of thing:

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/EAR9586610V

Easy to fit into your lughole, washable and cheap.

I generally keep the cord and tie round my neck when the helmet comes off, so they rarely get lost. You may find them more comfortable if you trim the plug so less sticks out of your ear.

Personal choice I know regarding comfort & fit- anything to avoid risk of tinnitus.

Good luck with your aural quest.

I've tried various,I even use the silicon swimmers plugs you see on ebay. These are made into a ball and pressed onto the ear rather than in the ear. A bit like you's use for a mould.They work OK



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Me: Honesty.
The Suit: Honesty? I don't think honesty could be construed as a weakness.
Me: I don't give a f**k what you think.

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I've tried the DIY plug sets and didn't like them in the slightest, i always use the foam type earplugs, mostly because i can get them for free at work. But i've never had a issue having to get my ears syringed from using them and i've been using them for years now.

I use these.
http://www.pinlock.nl/motor/nl/earplugs/

And i'm very happy with them

While I haven't used earplugs, I have used a few sets of ear phones that do very well in suppressing some of the engine music only they move and can fall out easily mid ride.
Has anyone tried these?? MyEers
I have also found that using a neck warmer pulled over my head before fitting my helmet has made a huge difference in long distance riding. Not only is the wind noise suppressed but the helmet fits incredibly snug and prevents sweat and oils from getting into the helmet lining and just throw in the wash after each ride.

Still protects the neck and throat from bugs and bees etc and I haven't found it to be too warm in our hot climate.
Matt.