Do you listen to music or talk on phone while riding?

[East Bay Mike]

Been riding for a year and a half and love riding with no music, phone or gps, though I may take the plunge and get a phone mount for my bike plus a new helmet with Bluetooth.

But I’m not sure yet. This far though, just me and the road. I get lost riding to destinations sometimes and pull over to check gps. Tired of that.

 

[RightCoastBias]

1. Don't buy a helmet with built-in Bluetooth, buy a Cardo Packtalk. You can transfer it to other helmets and you'll have more helmets to chose from.

Do not buy a Sena device. I've had em, they suck, don't let anyone convince you otherwise.

2. You don't need audio to use your phone as a GPS. Just glance down every now and again.

3. If you're using your phone for audio, GPS and calls, make sure you've got a charging system for your phone. I've rocked a battery tender lead (SAE) to USB for years and it's never failed me.

4..RAM Mounts are the way to go. Barclamp with a rubberized ball mount, double sided mount and an x-grip. I've ridden my big pig F8GS off road, on road and the x-grip has held .

To answer your question, though the poll lacked the options from the title, I ride and take/make calls, listen to music/podcasts/GPS. If you're newer to riding, make sure you're able to do it safely. There's a lot going on when riding a bike, don't let a call/song/etc put you in danger.

 

[Butch]

When I ride, that is all I do. No distractions.

 

[CrumpetRocket]

My buddy and I both really enjoy BSing via bluetooth when we ride. However, from there we're different ends of the spectrum. He's mr tech. Wants all the screens and plug ins and music and all of it. I prefer to just ride, I can deal with real life when I park. Gotta ride your own ride, just be safe about it.

I have a sena. I don't hate it, it works, but definately check out the other options. They seem to have evolved the slowest and at this point you can probably buy better for same money.

 

[ocoas]

No phone, to distracting for me.

I have a Garmin mounted on handle bars for long trips, but not audible.
I miss my turn once in a while :nchantr

On long trips and when having to ride on the slab I will listen to iPod Bluetooth.

I also Always wear ear plugs so music is low in volume.

 

[planegray]

Sena has worked well for me for the last 5 years, year round, 5 days a week commuting.
Being able to listen to music keeps me soothed, and keeping in touch with loved ones keeps me connected

 

[sf250gto]

Part of the joy of riding to me is the total immersion of the ride...no interruptions.

 

[Lonster]

I listen to music because if I don't, I get the SAME STUPID SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD FOR HOURS! Also, it relaxes me and lets me concentrate on my riding because if I don't, I have the SAME STUPID SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD FOR HOURS!
Also, your 'poll' has no choice for listening to music, even though it is a MAJOR part of your title.
????????????????????????????????????????????????????

 

[R3DS!X]

Sometimes I'll call my dad while on my commute. I don't like listening to music. I wanna hear what's going on, specially when I'm going fast.

 

[cheez]

Run the phone with Waze and music on the bars, Sena 20S on the lid. Works well.

 

[4x4Runner]

Cardo packtalk here. I can’t not listen to music. It’s not a distraction to me, no music is a distraction.

What I like about the bike is the phone and packtalk talk with the bike. So, I can pull up the BMW app and nav and set a destination. Put the phone in the pocket and the TFT shows turn by turn.

Usually I set a play list and start it before riding so I don’t have to thumb through and find something to listen to while riding. Sometimes it gets repeated but is what it is.

 

[NoTraffic]

Listen to music, riding is like second nature - gotta keep it jazzy

 

[Caddywumpus]

When I ride, that is all I do. No distractions.

+1

 

[kuksul08]

If I am just commuting or cruising I will listen to music on my Cardo. Otherwise I will not have anything because you can't really focus with the music playing.

 

[Whammy]

Whammy might listen to a little music on his Sena 10C pro only at low volume.
I need to hear things around me and the sound of the engine.
Never had any issues with the Sena 10C on my other lid either.
I can see my phone on the tank bag so if a call comes in and i need to take it i will pull over before doing so.
If its nobody i must speak to all calls go to VM

Your poll doesnt list both but under conditions.

 

[East Bay Mike]

I messed up on the poll. Can a mod add the music option?

No phone
Music
Phone calls
GPS
Music and phone calls
Music and gps
Phone calls and gps

 

[motomania2007]

Riders bitch about distracted car drivers and then ADD a HUGE distraction to riding with their phone...

 

[maidenfan84]

i never talk on the phone, but I do listen to music sometimes. Really just depends on my mood. Somedays I just like hearing the engine on the bike. Other days, I just want some music to fit the riding mood. The headphone earbuds function as earplugs so it just makes sense to add in a little bit of sound.

 

[bikeama]

Packtalk Bold. Great to talk with a group when we did the Swiss Alps trip. No question if someone needs a break. I also use music and phone only if the wife calls, not very often.

 

[bikeama]

I messed up on the poll. Can a mod add the music option?

No phone
Music
Phone calls
GPS
Music and phone calls
Music and gps
Phone calls and gps

Added Music only.

Your friendly supermod. :cool