07-07-2020, 01:19 PM
2014 DLX for me, lots of 500-750+ mile days on various tours. Vibration has not been an issue. I did use Grip Puppies, but for diameter more than anything else. Generally I had some type of screen installed (National Cycle smaller or barn door models), but wind noise is ultimately the beast that must be slayed. To the commenter above who mentioned it, I recommend you use ear plugs. You get used to it, and I don’t find it to be a hazard in now ~15K miles (two bikes) of Twin Cities MN freeway commuting.
I was at first hesitant on ear plugs, just felt a little out of touch with traffic at the time, relative to my then-new commuting mode. I asked my MSF instructor about it and he said, “Well, look at it this way... if you don’t use them pretty soon it won’t matter. You won’t need them.” That sealed the deal for me and I really haven’t ridden much without foam ear plugs since. Silk scarf on occasion too, to block wind noise leakage into helmet cavity. Cross winds still suck, but more manageable.
I was at first hesitant on ear plugs, just felt a little out of touch with traffic at the time, relative to my then-new commuting mode. I asked my MSF instructor about it and he said, “Well, look at it this way... if you don’t use them pretty soon it won’t matter. You won’t need them.” That sealed the deal for me and I really haven’t ridden much without foam ear plugs since. Silk scarf on occasion too, to block wind noise leakage into helmet cavity. Cross winds still suck, but more manageable.