Quiet helmets

Maybe I'm just a flid, but I can't seem to roll them so they fit.

 

There isn't much about on helmet noise generally, but a decent
university library should have:

@Article{lower-hurst-claughton-thomas94,
author = {M. C. Lower and D. W. Hurst and A. R. Claughton and
A. Thomas},
title = {Sources and levels of noise under motorcyclists'
helmets},
journal = {Proceedings of the Institute of Acoustics},
year = 1994,
volume = 16,
number = 2,
pages = {319--326}
}

@InProceedings{lower-hurst-thomas96,
author = {M. C. Lower and D. W. Hurst and A. Thomas},
title = {Noise levels and noise reduction under motorcycle
helmets},
booktitle = {Proceedings of Internoise 96},
pages = {979--982},
year = 1996
}

@Article{mccombe-binnington-nash94,
author = {A. W. McCombe and J. A. Binnington and D. Nash},
title = {Wind noise and motorcycle crash helmets},
journal = Journal of Low Frequency Noise and Vibration,
year = 1994,
volume = 13,
number = 2,
pages = {49--57},
abstract = {An investigation was undertaken into the source and
levels of wind noise in motorcycle helmets, and
their sound attenuation characteristics. All noise
measurements increased in a linear fashion when
plotted against log 10 speed. Low frequency wind
noise displayed a greater rate of increase than
vehicle noise and surpassed it and the recommended 8
hour occupational maximum of 90dB(A) at
approximately 17m/s (40mph/68kph) to reach levels of
111dB(A) at 44m/s (100mph/170kph). There were no
statistical differences in the sound levels for
different motorcycles, riding position or helmet
fit. There were small but significant differences
between helmet types. A wind tunnel analysis
indicates a turbulent boundary layer as the sound
source.

As currently designed, a typical motorcycle crash
helmet provides no useful sound attenuation below
2000 Hertz and thus little protection against the
damaging effects of wind noise. It is suggested that
improvements in helmet attenuation characteristics
would go some way to addressing this problem.}
}

@Article{ross89,
author = {B. C. Ross},
title = {Noise exposure of motorcyclists},
journal = Annals of Occupational Hygiene,
year = 1989,
volume = 33,
number = 1,
pages = {123--127},
abstract = {This study was designed to evaluate noise exposure
of motorcyclists at work. Open and full face safety
helmets were compared and the effects of helmet
design and the contribution of radio intercoms
investigated. Special measuring equipment is
described and hearing protection discussed.

Previous studies concentrated mainly on the
attenuation of noise by safety helmets, and were
made under conditions untypical of day-to-day
motorcycling.

During town driving the sample equivalent continuous
noise level (s.leq) ranged from 63 to 90 dB(A), the
intercom giving the highest peak levels. On the open
road s.leq was up to 105 dB(A); exposure to this
level for only 15 min would exceed the present
reccomended maximum of 90 dB(A) for an 8 h working
day.}
}

@Book{cost:trl97,
author = {{European Cooperation in Scientific and Technical
Research} and {Transport Research Laboratory}},
title = {Motorcycle safety helmets: {A} literature review},
publisher = {Transport Research Laboratory},
year = 1997
}

 

<snip four other publications>

You've got to love UKRM, haven't you.

 

If I had students who were interested, I'd be running a project on
helmet noise at the minute and I could give you measurements.

 

Indeed- it's amazing how much more impressive the noise is for about 1/4 of
the speed.

I ordered far too many EAR soft ones two years ago - still have loads of
them so I have no issues with a new pair each time

 

I couldn't get on with the ones on a stick, but I like the roll up ones.

It's good that we're not all the same...

 

Must have funny shaped ear canals. I find the 'straight' ones very
difficult to get in properly, but the shaped type (like the Max's
referred to elsewhere) work fine, albeit sometimes taking a couple of
attempts and needing to be held in place until they've re-expanded.

Worth the effort though - once I'd started using them (about 15 years
ago) I won't normally ride without them. I forgot them a few weeks
back when coming to work on the gixxer and was reminded how much
ringing in the ears I used to get all the time, a sure sign that the
noise levels are potentially harmful.

 

try more lubrication.

 

it was also extremely gay, and suited you down to the ground.

especially for you novelty-condom heads.

 

No, you have to look like a flid to make them fit properly, because you have to
reach over the top of your head and pull your ear upwards while inserting the
plugs.

If you don't then they just don't seem to fit properly.

Is it the same for the plugs onna stick?

--
AndrewR, D.Bot (Celeritas)
Kawasaki ZX-6R J1
BOTAFOT#2,ITJWTFO#6,UKRMRM#1/13a,MCT#1,DFV#2,SKoGA#0 (and KotL)
BotToS#5,SBS#25,IbW#34, TEAR#3 (and KotL), DS#5, Keeper of the TFSTR#
The speccy Geordie twat.

 

How did your aerodynamics thing work out? ISTR that a couple of
people from here weighed in with bikes to test.

 

It certainly is - for you lot. Having read what Ace has said, I'm not
only a flid, but a deformed one. But I guess you knew that!

 

<gulp>

 

To an extent, I think. I can do my right ear one-handed, but I have
to use both hands on the left ear because my left hand really is a
flid (hence the end of my piano-playing days).

 

That's it - when you buy in bulk, they're so fucking cheap!

 

Stonge

My helmet was very quiet since SO moved to the Philippines.

HTH

 

Why not ask us for volunteers again?

I suppose when I was 19 I wouldn't have been interested either - I would now
though.

As Ben said, what were the results (1) from the wind tunnel testing.


(1) aside from being fat/wide slows you down

 

Theres a definite 'feeling' when they're in properly - as opposed to just
stuck in your ear. Course then you could be a muppet like me and push them
in too far and then spend awhile trying to find a pair of pliers/stick etc
just before you're supposed to be signing up for a track day, whilst the
person you're with texts people telling them you're a mong with a stuck ear
plug.

A bit of spit on the ear plug helps too, but apparently this is very bad for
your ears - though I notice Rossi does it.

 

I found the quality variable in terms of how long they stay rolled up - most
are okay but someone just don't stay rolled up and are impossible to get in.

 

As many others have said, I do for any journey of more than 20 miles
or so.

I also use them racing, where I find they improve my ability to
concentrate significantly.