Thanks guys, I’ll buy some of the EAR Soft FX ones and invest in something more fitted at a later date. Not sure I want to keep buying screens only to find the noise is still there, perhaps the touring version but who knows. it really needs to improve otherwise it could be the shortest time I’ve owned a bike, it really is that bad
Good plan. I’ve tried the more expensive plugs, moulded plugs etc, and find the disposable 3M ones to be the best, for me.
True on a occasional basis and work yery well. Before I had the moulded I used the disposable ones for a trip over 10 days and found my ears became too sore to wear them after several days . The moulded you can use day after day with no issues , but yes expensive but worth it. I have the in ear speaker ones now for coms , brilliant.
I also found you had to make sure you inserted them properly (oh, missus) or then you would dislodge them when you put your helmet on. I would roll the ear plug then pull the front of my ear down, once it was in then hold it for a moment until the ear plug expanded again to get a tight fit.
Just a note of caution for those buying moulded plugs with filters. I’ve been riding for many years, and bought my first set of moulded earplugs in the late 90’s. Most of my riding was commuting in London, with the odd trip further afield. The moulds were great, and really easy to fit. I then moved a bit further away with a 70 mile daily round trip commute, and whilst I replaced the earplugs a couple of times over about 15 years, this wasn’t enough to keep up the protection. Over time your ear canals stretch and the earplugs become baggy and don’t seal correctly. As it’s a slow thing you don’t notice the sloppy fit, or the increase in noise, until one day you sit on the sofa and hear ringing in your ears and it’s too late… The moulded plugs need regular replacement if used daily, however the less easy to fit foam ones don’t seem to cause as much stretching, and generally expand to fit the available space.
Ear plugs aside, MotoCAP has started testing for helmet comfort – including wind noise. It’s in the Description within each helmet’s Comfort rating. https://motocap.com.au/products/helmets?f[0]=brand:Arai&sort_by=safety_rating&sort_order=DESC Hats off to MotoCAP for such helpful info.
While I agree that noise varies with the bike, some helmets are nonetheless noisier or than others. E.g., some lids are quieter thanks to better visor seals, chin curtains, sounds-absorbing padding, etc.
This is the same size as the Pikes Peak stock (tinted) screen and also the Ducati Performance carbon screen I use with my Arai. Still get wind noise but no turbulence. The taller touring screen is more comfortable on the motorway/longer trips away.
Just an update on trying to tame the turbulence noise. I bought a neoprene skirt for my helmet, but it didn't seem large enough and just split when I tried to stretch it to fit. I've now fitted an MRA Type C Vario Deflector from HPS: https://www.bikehps.com/acatalog/MR...rcycle_Screen_Flip_Spoiler_Air_Deflector.html I've just done a 450 mile round trip to Wales and the deflector has made a definite difference. The turbulence is now above my head when the standard screen is fully up, and the Vario set to its most vertical. The deflector is still mounted using the temporary (but very well made) clamps, and I think that I need the extra height that these give, so I won't bother drilling and fitting it permanently. I'm just shy of 6ft tall and when accelerating hard the front end does lift enough (even with the front wheel still on the ground.....) to mean that I'm partially looking through the deflector. On the fun roads in Wales I dropped the screen a little to help with visibily, but on the motorway it was fully up and not really a problem. I've also treated myself to a new jacket. My old Dainese Goretex lined one was very long in the tooth and way past its best. This time I opted for their D Dry laminate jacket. This was mainly as drying ou the old jacket after a good downpour took ages, so I fancied a laminate fabric that the rain "beads" off. The fabric is more stiff and doesn't sit as snugly between my arms and chest and these ripples are now causing more noise. Grrrrr. Anyway I've made enough progress for the bike to be a keeper for some time yet. One more thing, has anyone found their V4s front brake a little wanting in bite? The bike does stop, but it needs a good pull of the lever and a chunk of back brake to stop it quickly from speed. Thanks all,
Update from my side, the ear plugs are an improvement but noise still there albeit yesterday was windy again. The other thing I’ve noticed is my upper arms and shoulders ache after only a 60 mile ride yesterday, again can only be wind blast. The Ducabike sport screen makes little difference but does look ‘sportier’ than standard, my last option is I’ve ordered the GIVI touring screen, just to eliminate all screen options. This is my first Multistrada and as much as I love the engine, power and suspension it’s certainly taking some getting used to, I really hope the touring screen helps.
Hi Tricolore, I have exactly the same issue with lots of wind turbulence. I have tried the pikes peaks screen, the standard screen, the standard screen with a spoiler added and no screen at all. I must say the airflow is the cleanest without any screen…. But this is not the look I want from my V4s…. As the no screen option works the best for me I now ordered the puig sport screen and hope it will be the solution for me. I’m wearing earplugs (custom ones) but still my ears are hammered and my tinitus is back. Im getting quite desperate… How did the givi touring screen and work for you tricolore?
I stuck with the sportier screen, I’m not doing touring and for my shortish blasts out it works for me. The biggest improvement was custom made plugs from Ultimate Ear. When the guy visited to measure he confirmed I have very narrow ear canals, off the shelf plugs would never fit as they couldn’t go deep enough. They took some getting used to and fitting correctly but I have to say after 25 years of riding it’s an absolute revelation. Riding with hardly any wind noise, on any bike is a massive transformation.
