I just got back from my 17,000 mile trip and had to post about the best piece of kit on my bike: My ER-6i ear buds from Etymotic.

They completely cut out the wind/motor noise as they're basically an earplug that you stick all the way in your ear that happens to have a high end audio driver built into it.

They're pricey, but worth it IMO. They're small enough to just barely protrude out of your ear they are comfortable under a helmet. The sound quality is amazing-- especially since it is sealed so well in your ear, you get pretty good bass response. My favorite part is because they keep the outside noise out of your ear, you don't have to have the volume up very high. This is better for your hearing in the long term and also provides longer battery life to your mp3 player (volume significantly effects life).

So the one disadvnatage of these is that there are these tiny little filters that go iside the bud-- these clog eventually and you have to replace them. What happens is that it just sounds like you broke your one ear bud and volume is significantly decreased. They come with 2 extras, but I quickly lost them upon purchase.

I emailed Etymotic that I needed new filters and rubber tips and they sent me 2 filters and 4 tips FOR FREE!!!!

I can't say enough good things about the build quality/design/function/customer service of these ear buds.

Wow, that was a positive review.. for the record, I have no connection with them.. no sponsership (well, they sent me free filters/tips, but they do that for everyone!).. I'm not dating anyone in marketing, etc
Product link:
Etymotic Research, Inc. - ER•6i Isolator Earphones

__________________
http://davegtravels.com - RTW on a DRZ
All the way south - Texas to Tierra del Fuego in '08-'09

+1 for Etymotic goodness!

I have a set of the ER-6s, they are pretty much permanently attached to my iPhone. I've used them almost every day for 3 or 4 years, and the fact you can replace the filters and earpieces (the foam bit) I'm sure has contributed to their longevity. I recon they'll last a lot longer.

Some people hate how far they go in your ear, but with the foam earpieces they are no different to any other brand of earphone - though you loose some fidelity with foam over the flange eartips.

The fact they are so light and compact means I never travel without them.

__________________
Nick Taylor, a Colorado Mack'em
blog | vehicles

+1
I have been using my etymoyics for almost four years now! I never ride without them.

+1, completely agree with OP, fantastic piece of gear!

I use JVC HA-FX33-GE New In Ear Marshmallow Mouldable Stereo Headphones They come in multiple colours too!

hehe, they are kind of like normal squishy earplugs for blocking out sound, you need to squash them in your fingers and warm them up before putting them in and then they expand in your ear. Sound quality isn't as good as more expensive headphones but road noise is greatly reduced and they are cheap.

Got another pair being sent out to Thailand for me as, after 9 months, they have fallen apart. get them from PCWorld or Amazon. Not seen them anywhere else but I expect they can be bought in most places.

Ride safe,
Ol

__________________
http://www.motorcycleodyssey.co.uk