Wind Noise / Headaches


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nc_fz6r

New Member
So last week the weather was nice, so I was able to commute on the bike for 4 days straight. The problem is that after the 3rd day or so, I started having a low-grade headache that lasted a few days which I fully believe is due to the wind noise I'm hearing in my helmet. Because the heat had been topping out close to 100 degrees I've been cracking the visor up an inch to get more airflow. This of course makes the wind noise go up drastically.

Has anyone else felt any ill effects from continued wind noise?

This week I tried riding with earplugs, and at first felt a bit disoriented, so I imagine it will just take time getting used to it.

I must admit my helmet ain't the best (Z1R Trance). Perhaps if I had a helmet with much better airflow I could keep the visor down to keep the wind noise down, then I wouldn't need ear plugs. My commute is only 20 minutes, so it's not like I'm being submitted to long periods of it.

Can anyone suggest another helmet that is relatively quiet but has awesome ventilation when fully closed?
 
V

Verranth

New Member
nc_fz6r said:
So last week the weather was nice, so I was able to commute on the bike for 4 days straight. The problem is that after the 3rd day or so, I started having a low-grade headache that lasted a few days which I fully believe is due to the wind noise I'm hearing in my helmet. Because the heat had been topping out close to 100 degrees I've been cracking the visor up an inch to get more airflow. This of course makes the wind noise go up drastically.

Has anyone else felt any ill effects from continued wind noise?

This week I tried riding with earplugs, and at first felt a bit disoriented, so I imagine it will just take time getting used to it.

I must admit my helmet ain't the best (Z1R Trance). Perhaps if I had a helmet with much better airflow I could keep the visor down to keep the wind noise down, then I wouldn't need ear plugs. My commute is only 20 minutes, so it's not like I'm being submitted to long periods of it.

Can anyone suggest another helmet that is relatively quiet but has awesome ventilation when fully closed?
Click to expand...
I have the HJC FS-15. Granted, its a little expensive at around ~$230 but I really like it and so far, its kept me nice and cool. Its even more cool now that I've cut my hair. (I had a pony tail that was below the top of my shoulders. The longest part of my hair is now ~3 inches :p )

Oh yeah, there is a thread on helmets. You should go check it out. :)
 
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xplodnstar

xplodnstar

New Member
I used to get mean earaches when I used to ride my bicycle to school. The cold, wet weather wasn't good for me, I guess. I haven't had any problems because of noise, however.

You could try a new helmet to see if the noise is reduced. I think CycleGear allows for returns if what you order isn't right for you, so you could try some out. Or try an ear cover that doesn't go in your ear. The in your ear type messes with equilibrium, as you've seen. Not sure about the laws about radios/mp3 players in your area, but you could try that too. I find that the music drowns out the wind, but not the traffic noise.
 
F

fz6rwolf

New Member
No problems with headaches, not even when I rode cruisers with straight pipes and no helmet. Oh, and I still have a ponytail lol.
 
A

area

New Member
I've learned to tune out the air noise for the most part but every now and then i notice it substantially.
 
W

WenMark

New Member
I would tryout some different helmets 1st and see if that is it before going all out on one. If that does not do it maybe it is something else. I have not had a problem. I have a Fulmer M-1 with full face I paid $130 with a discount I'm not sure what the original retail was on it. But I like it. there are alot of good helmets out there though. Just depends on what you like.
 
9

99vengeur

Administrator
Staff member
On the short commutes, it doesn't bother me. But on long highway trips, the wind/road noise sucks. I just wear earplugs. After a few minutes, I adjusted to the "funny" feeling and everything was fine after that. I could ride more than 100 miles with them in. :thumbup:

I have a Scorpion EXO700 and really like it. It does a pretty good job of ventilating while reducing a lot of the wind noise. Granted, you will have some noise from all helmets.
 
J

joloy133

New Member
nc_fz6r said:
So last week the weather was nice, so I was able to commute on the bike for 4 days straight. The problem is that after the 3rd day or so, I started having a low-grade headache that lasted a few days which I fully believe is due to the wind noise I'm hearing in my helmet. Because the heat had been topping out close to 100 degrees I've been cracking the visor up an inch to get more airflow. This of course makes the wind noise go up drastically.

Has anyone else felt any ill effects from continued wind noise?

This week I tried riding with earplugs, and at first felt a bit disoriented, so I imagine it will just take time getting used to it.

I must admit my helmet ain't the best (Z1R Trance). Perhaps if I had a helmet with much better airflow I could keep the visor down to keep the wind noise down, then I wouldn't need ear plugs. My commute is only 20 minutes, so it's not like I'm being submitted to long periods of it.

Can anyone suggest another helmet that is relatively quiet but has awesome ventilation when fully closed?
Click to expand...
When I went to the annual motorcycle show here I had a nice talk with one of the helmet reps. The advice he gave was to get the right fit and the best model I could afford because the best of the R&D dept. is put in those helmets. Webbike World and some others rate helmets for fit, noise, etc. and this is a good start. Then I look for the best 1 or 2 year old helmet that is still new and at clearance $. If I were looking now I'd list the best rated helmets of 2008 and shop. (I bought my shark RSX for $175 on closeout.)
 
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S

Senaca

New Member
99vengeur said:
On the short commutes, it doesn't bother me. But on long highway trips, the wind/road noise sucks. I just wear earplugs. After a few minutes, I adjusted to the "funny" feeling and everything was fine after that. I could ride more than 100 miles with them in. :thumbup:

I have a Scorpion EXO700 and really like it. It does a pretty good job of ventilating while reducing a lot of the wind noise. Granted, you will have some noise from all helmets.
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+1... I was hesitant to try ear plugs... but they work so well. They eliminate all the unwanted noise (including the ticking from my motor! :rolleyes:). Makes all my riding much more pleasant. :thumbup:

At least try it, for 50 cents... will help much more than a new helmet.

Senaca
 
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gizmogirl

New Member
I ride with earplugs as well and it really helps with the wind noise. You can use the cheap ones and they seem to work quite well but another option is to go to a audio/hearing clinic and have them custom make motorcycle earplugs specifically for your ears. They are more expensive but your hearing is worth it.
 
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Tijeras505

New Member
Howard Leight Earplugs, etc.

There are many types of earplugs with varying noise reduction ratings (NRR) and comfort levels. I use the Howard Leight Max single use earplug. They say they are the highest NRR for a single-use earplug at 33 (the higher the better). I find them very comfortable.

I have a Shoei TZ-R helmet that has fairly good airflow but during the Summer when I am stopped, I have to open the face shield to get some air.

Even with the earplugs I here some wind noise. If you could block out all noise, that would probably not be the safest way to ride.

Check out the Howard Leight site. They provide a ton of information on all types of hearing protection and products (Howard Leight | Hearing Protection and Hearing Conservation | The right fit for every user, every environment).

One more thought, your headaches could be a result of something else beside the noise like helmet fit or even allergies... Just a thought.
 
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Bigevildoer

New Member
Might be thinking in the wrong direction - are you certain you helmet is the right size? I had the same problem with a hockey helmet of mine - put it on in the store and it's nice and snug, feels good. 20-25 minutes later I was getting quite the headache from the pressure.

Why don't you try a cheap pair of disposable ear plugs and see if it fixes your problem - if they don't, chances are your bucket is too small.

later!
 
D

Diluted

Super *********
Elite Member
Sorry for bumping this rather old thread...figured it was already here may as well post in it...

Anyway to the point. When I take short rides I'm ok. Today I took a longer ride, about 2 hours and I have the worst headache. My girlfriend pointed out that I usually complain about having a headache after longer rides, never really thought about it, but I do.

I have an HJC CL-15 helmet, I'm fairly certain it's the correct size, they helped me pick it out at the dealer, although I've posted about how I feel about them...back on topic. It doesn't feel overly tight and it doesn't seem to bother me when I'm on the bike.

I know this could be due to a number of facts. I feel really tense when I ride, normally in my neck area, I think this is most likely the culprit. I notice that I clench my teeth a lot while riding, and I end up breathing mostly through my nose instead of my mouth. I'm not sure what I can do to loosen up while riding. I don't feel uncomfortable or anything while I'm riding, although subconsciously I guess it's possible I am. I don't believe noise is the issue, though I can't rule it out.

On a completely unrelated note, I scraped my peg for the first time today and it scared the sh!t out of me lol. I didn't realize I was that far over...whoops!
 
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dart1963

Super Moderator
Elite Member
M

MikeN02

New Member
My longest trip is about an hour and a half. And I pulled over 3, 4 times to check for directions etc.

Didn't have a headache but my bum was sore. If you're on a long journey try singing, it helps relax. Especially if there's nothing around you.
 
D

Diluted

Super *********
Elite Member
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll have to check out that CamelBak and see if that helps any.

Edit: Are you wearing that under your jacket or over the back?
 
D

dart1963

Super Moderator
Elite Member
Diluted said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll have to check out that CamelBak and see if that helps any.

Edit: Are you wearing that under your jacket or over the back?
Click to expand...
I just ordered it, should be here Tuesday, but I think you can do either... I'll probably wear it under, closer to my body to help cool me as well as hydrate me. That has the unfortunate side effect of warming up the water faster, but it doesn't really matter what temp the water's at.
 
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Detrich

New Member
Dehydration is also what causes hangovers... So, it's a definite factor. I have a camelback for mt biking, tho I've never thought of using it while riding...

It sounds like a great idea tho...
 

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JonKerr

Senior Member
Elite Member
I've used my Camelback a number of times on long rides. Especially in hotter weather and/or if I'm heading out near the desert. I wear mine outside the jacket just like when I take it mountain biking. Lack of water really can cause major headaches. I'm one of the unfortunate people who get migraines. Luckily I haven't had one while riding. But I have had some nasty regular headaches after rides. (Anyone who gets migraines know the difference between a regular headache and a migraine.) I think hydration and the fact my Icon helmet does have a bit of a tight spot just in the front and back of my head are the two main reasons. I wear earplugs all the time so for me I know wind noise it's the issue. But I can see how it could very well be the issue if you're not wearing them.
 
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