One thing which has not been mentioned is their use as a performance aid.
Years ago I rode without earplugs and once just before a ride was given a pair to try. Popped em in and off we all went with me at the front for a change ( I always went at the back cos I was the slowest and got in everyones way )
We all arrived at our destination and as I was taking off me helmet and removing the aforesaid plugs I was greeted by the others with such comments as '' You got a rocket up your ar*e today or something? and '' That's the fastest I've ever seen you ride!''
It would seem that subconciously I was using the sound of the engine as a barometer of my speed and was using more revs than normal to achieve the same sound level.
So there you have it guys - Ride to the race track with no earplugs in and put them in just before you go on the track and beat everyone else!
