Dec 29 Helmet Speaker Test

December 29 in Central Ohio ...and it is still warm enough to ride. On one hand, what a great thing to extend our riding season into the winter months. On the other, it is eerie and a little disconcerning. I hope that this is just a cyclical thing, not a start of things to come. We have not broken records with this month-long heat wave, but have been consistently 10-20 degrees above normal.

I had a specific task for this ride - to test out some helmet speakers and my new 30 gig Ipod (review posted at the bottom). So I took off into the country, and took a left into unchartered territory of twisty roads, 15 mph 90 degree turns, and farmland ...and more farmland...and even more farmland. The sun was shining, the roads clear, and all was right with the world.

I finally ran into a "major" town (ie, more than a stop sign and at least multiple stores), and then grabbed a highway - route 33. That reminded me of why I bought the nomad. The power and stability on the fourlane. Putting the feet up on the highway pegs, and just let Kermit eat up the miles. The thrum of the engine becomes intoxicating as the the dotted white lines fly by at speeds of 65, 70, or higher....until I notice a state highway patrol car enters the expressway. CRAP, as I look down at the speedometer.....

I was going a little too fast, but not so fast that he stopped me. That has absolutely cemented the need for mounting a radar detector on the bike (and you thought I was going to say "slow down" - HA!). Also I need to mount a cruise control to manage my speed...

The ride was fantastic. Today, the weather is supposed to be just as good so I hope I can get a few hours to get back on Kermit. I know I have said this before, but I suspect that today will be my last ride of the year (I am simply running out of days, not weather!)

=====================================================

Here is the eval of the helmet speakers I posted on the VN1600 Listserve if you are interested:

I got a chance to take a ride today (50's in Ohio), and tested out the speakers I received from Helmetaudio. I wore an HJC Symax helmet with earholes for speakers. I ran backroads at various speeds and highway speeds. I run stock mufflers, so there are no loud pipes. I received a new IPOD for Christmas, and ran it at max volume. Played primarily country and some classic rock.

First thing I would tell you is that the volume control is only a limiter - it can reduce the volume, but not amplify the volume. I did not use it because I have a better male/male cable, but there is no reason why you couldn't use the one that comes with it.

The unit mounts very cleanly with the speakers easily velcro'd in the ear pockets and wires run behind the padding. When not connected to the player, you cannot tell there are speakers in the helmet. In fact, if you had one of the new IPOD shuffles, you could mount that inside the helmet too and not have any wires outside of the helmet at all! A complete hidden audio system for less than $100.

The volume over the speakers is marginal. I could hear the music, but not at the head-banging, "turn-it-up" levels that I sometimes enjoy. That said, it still was audible, and would not interfere with external sounds such as horns, sirens, etc. For $20, it works OK if you have a decent MP3 player. If you want quality audio or head-banging rock volume, ya gotta look elsewhere.

I've decided I am keeping them in my helmet. They work well enough for me!

Obviously, these are just my opinions and are labeled as such (so don't sue me!!!)