It hurts my ears to ride my bike without earplugs. That not wind noise, its just exhaust noise. Funny enough it doesnt bother Lynn when she's on the back and the bike isnt excessivly noisy to passers by either. However i cant ride the monster with my ear plugs in becasue i cant hear the engine! Makes it interesting when i'm swapping bikes though. I've had several hang on moments on the ST!!