How Can I Listen to Music in My Motorcycle Helmet

Listening to music while riding a motorcycle can enhance your riding experience. However, safety is paramount. This guide explores various methods to safely enjoy your favorite tunes on the road, ensuring both enjoyment and awareness of your surroundings.

Methods for Listening to Music While Riding a Motorcycle

There are several ways to bring music to your riding experience, from advanced Bluetooth devices to more conventional options. Here's a breakdown of each method and considerations to keep in mind.

Bluetooth Motorcycle Headsets

Description: These devices are designed specifically for motorcycle use and can connect to your phone or music player via Bluetooth.

Features: Look for headsets with noise cancellation intercom capabilities and long battery life.

Installation: They typically attach to the inside of your helmet, often with adhesive or clips. They can be worn around the neck, and the earbuds come out on retractable cables, ensuring you can easily adjust and manage your equipment.

In-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

Description: Wireless earbuds can be a more discreet option.

Considerations: Ensure they fit securely and are comfortable under your helmet. Be mindful of the ambient sound for safety. The earbuds should provide enough noise cancellation to block out wind and road noise, but not so much that you lose awareness of your surroundings.

Helmet Speakers

Description: Some helmets come with built-in speakers or allow for the installation of speaker systems.

Installation: These systems can often be installed directly into the helmet, providing a more integrated solution. Built-in speakers ensure a seamless listening experience and can be connected via Bluetooth or other wireless technologies.

Wired Solutions

Description: If you prefer not to use Bluetooth, you can use wired headphones or speakers.

Considerations: Ensure that the wires are securely managed to avoid tangling or snagging while riding. Proper management of wires is crucial to prevent any accidents or discomfort while riding.

Handlebar Controls

Description: Some motorcycle models come with handlebar controls that allow you to manage music playback without taking your hands off the handlebars.

Compatibility: Check if your bike has this feature and if it can connect to your music source. Handlebar controls provide an additional layer of safety by keeping your hands on the handlebars during adjustments.

Safety Tips for Listening to Music on a Motorcycle

Volume Control: Keep the volume at a level where you can still hear surrounding traffic and emergency vehicles. Distraction: Avoid getting too absorbed in adjusting settings or playlists while riding. Concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Legal Considerations: Check local laws regarding headphone use while riding, as some places have restrictions. Always follow the law and your local regulations.

Personal Experience

I use different methods depending on the helmet. With my half helmet, I use a Bluetooth headset by LG that is worn around the neck, and the earbuds come out on retractable cables. My model is the LG HBS-1100. It also serves perfectly as hearing protection since prolonged exposure to the wind noise can be harmful to your hearing. I do use them in my full helmet too, but combined with the helmet, it detaches me a little too much from the traffic around me. My full helmet has a Sena system built in with little speakers mounted inside the helmet. It also works for phone conversations at lower speeds and is perfect for GPS directions.

Many people discourage the use of any audio device when riding, but I’m of the opinion that the responsible use at reasonable speeds doesn’t present more risks and can even be beneficial, especially when relying on turn-by-turn guidance. Be alert and you'll be fine. Enjoy!