I have never been compelled to ride my Banshee with my headphoens............ I am not sure why. I thonk you are correct, that it is generally not a good idea.
The street bike thing is different for me......... I alsways ride with my headphones unless I have a passenger. Of course my Harley is load enough that I would have to wear ear plugs anyway, so it kind of splits the difference. :cool: