Noise
I’m still having ‘issues’ with wind noise and buffeting. I bought a taller Skidmarx screen for the Tiger, which improved things a little, then I moved the screen out from the fairing to kill the vortex created by the screen – which improved things a little more ( I’ve got a neat little trick for doing this, I’ll post it later ), but I’m still experiencing a lot of noise. I might be focussing in on this too much – it’s a new bike to me after all and I am prone to mild OCD during the first few months with a new bike. Either way, I’m sure the noise is worse than it ever was on my R1150GS, and that was hardly the pinnacle of motorcycle aerodynamics.
I think some of the problem may well be with the new Arai Chaser helmet I got with the bike. I’m ‘brand loyal’ to Arai, I’ve always had them because they are made so much better than the rest, are more comfortable and last longer, and so was very happy to get a new, up-range Arai thrown in free with the bike. I normally buy the second up from the bottom of the range of Aria’s which up til now has suited me fine. These hats have the same build-quality and comfort levels as the more expensive Arai’s, but lack the bells and whistles including ventilation, and therefore, spoilers. And there-in, I think, lies my problem.
Today I hit the M4 with my old heavy, vent and spoilerless Aria to test out the theory that the spoilers on the new hat were causing my problems and guess what? Much quieter than the Chaser. Still not perfect, but much quieter.
This poses me a real problem. I really like Arai’s, and my Chaser is a great hat – very comfortable, light, looks good etc, but the spoilers are making it too noisy. So am I going to have to broaden my horizons and try another brand? If so, which brand? Shoeis don’t fit me, and I require the same build quality as Arai. I tried a Schuberth ( which are supposed to be very quiet ) on in a shop once, and it seemed very well built but the problem is that they only make three shell sizes to cover all head sizes, which doesn’t work with me and my small head – making me look like I’ve got my Dads helmet on or something! ( Or Dans, who has an impossibly big head, the biggest I’ve ever seen ). So which way do I go? The other option is that I met a bloke who reckoned he knew people who’d removed the spoilers from they’re Arai’s and plugged the holes with bungs from B&Q. Anyone done this? I’d love to know – please contact me if you’ve done this.