...Plugz Custom Earcitement
When we're out on the open road, sometimes we want to get rid of the incessant wind noise that's not only annoying but also likely damaging to our aural circuitry. Maybe you just want to cut out the loud pipes and wind or you want to listen to your favorite tunes. Sure, many of our bikes have an audio system, but you're still left with the wind-induced ear ringing and having to crank the volume knob to hear your favorite tunes.
We came across E.A.R. Inc., and its multiple solutions to hearing protection and enhancement products. In laymen's terms that equates to generic and custom-made earplugs and music monitors. We had E.A.R.'s Berkley Griles and Hetty Yusavitz set us up with a set of their iPlugz cutom-molded ear monitors. They double as ear plugs to seal out unwanted noise or can be plugged into an mp3 device, satellite radio, or any audio headphone jack.
After an ear exam, Berkley placed mini foam plugs into each ear, then injected mold material into the ear canals. A few minutes later the material hardens, is pulled out, and sent off to E.A.R.'s laboratory to make the finished product.
A week later we received a box that contained our custom-fit iPlugz along with the original ear molds. The molds ensure easy replacement of your iPlugz or for getting different styles or colors in the future. iPlugz are available in a variety of colors. They work amazingly well to cut out wind noise while delivering high-quality, full-range audio. These make traditional earbuds sound like an old transistor radio, they are that good.
E.A.R.'s Generic iPlugz retail for $150 while the Custom-Fit Style are $215.
Keeping Cool With Oil Bud
Many of us are pretty aware of the heat generated by the Twin Cam motor. It's not only uncomfortable but potentially damaging to your motor. At the least, more heat means faster oil breakdown, leading to less protection, and a shorter lived engine. Excess heat also causes pinging (detonation) that can quickly tear up a motor, especially when it's hot outside and you might not have the choice of putting the best gas in your bike.
The Oil Bud is a huge oil cooler that mounts out of sight-under the motorcycle, between the framerails. The included temperature regulator starts to open when oil temps hit 185 degrees and fully opens at 205 degrees. The Oil Bud drops temperatures as much as 35 degrees.
The Machined Aluminum Touring Model retails for $595; add powdercoating for an extra 50 bucks. The Oil Bud fits all '00-08 touring models.