Topic: Recs on New Modular helmet

[MCRider]

I've been severly negligent in replacing my helmet. Maybe for the good as I've seen and heard of interesting new advances in the modular helmet area. You know, where the chin piece is hinged to raise up.

Any suggestions, first hand experiences, where to buy, brick and mortar or on-line, etc.?

Between $200 and $400, silver.

[Outboardbill]

There are some really good reviews at www.webbikeworld.com

[2wheels]

I got one last year.  Really nice being able to lift the front up.

Down side of mine.  No SNELL certification or any other, just enough to be legal.
I think it looks a little goofy driving with the front up through town.  But it is so nice to have an open face sometimes.

[Really?]

I have a HJC and am happy with it.  Yes, nice to just flip the front and not have to take the whole thing off.  It does not catch much wind either.

Less than $100.  http://www.motorcyclegear.com/  Used to be called NewEnough.

[seanbarney41]

+1 on the HJC, it's been a good Helmet for the money...however, I tend to disagree on it catching the wind, be sure and put the lid down before accelating over 50 mph

[Really?]

Hah, I wasn't meaning going that fast.

[LesterPiglet]

Last hat I bought was a Caberg Justissimo. I like the "Top Gun" sun visor.



http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/product_images/caberg_justissimo_gt_silver_open.jpg

[Really?]

Oh, the customer service at http://www.motorcyclegear.com/ is off the hook.  When I bought a riding jacket for the missus, for some reason I did not consider the size of her breasts.  Why, I dunno, love those things.  NEway, I called them to get a larger size, they sent it out and I got it next day.  Then I sent the first one back.  They did that with a helmet too but that had nothing to do with breasts.

[MCRider]

I got to go thru all the replies, thanks. Forgot to mention I wear glasses. Does the jaw bar clear them on the way up?

[LesterPiglet]

I wear glasses and don't have a problem with the Caberg.

[Really?]

The face shield and chin fold out and up together as one piece.  It does not slide up.

[IndyFour]

I was contemplating the purchase of a new helmet over the winter and was drawn to the Bell Revolver modular....alot of times the modular helmets look very bulky or too round for my taste, but this Bell had a great look (shaped more like a regular full-face) and the price suddenly came down just about everywhere by about 50% to around $100.  So, I ordered one.  Took one ride with it and sent it back.  The wind noise was terrible....and the fit wasn't quite right.  I guess I know why they came down in price so suddenly. 

At any rate, I would not recommend the Bell Revolver unless it has recently been redesigned.  Seeing some of your riding gear on our fall ride, I'm guessing you are probably looking for something at a higher price-point anyway.

Nolan has some pretty nice modulars that are pretty highly regarded in the touring community from what I've read.  Not sure about specific models, though.

After having to send helmets back due to bad quality or bad fit a few times over the last few years, I've pretty much decided that I'm going to just buy them locally from now on....or at least try them on locally and then buy online.  Locally, my favorite shop for helmets is Cycle Outfitters down on South Madison.

[MCRider]

I was contemplating the purchase of a new helmet over the winter and was drawn to the Bell Revolver modular....alot of times the modular helmets look very bulky or too round for my taste, but this Bell had a great look (shaped more like a regular full-face) and the price suddenly came down just about everywhere by about 50% to around $100.  So, I ordered one.  Took one ride with it and sent it back.  The wind noise was terrible....and the fit wasn't quite right.  I guess I know why they came down in price so suddenly. 

At any rate, I would not recommend the Bell Revolver unless it has recently been redesigned.  Seeing some of your riding gear on our fall ride, I'm guessing you are probably looking for something at a higher price-point anyway.

Nolan has some pretty nice modulars that are pretty highly regarded in the touring community from what I've read.  Not sure about specific models, though.

After having to send helmets back due to bad quality or bad fit a few times over the last few years, I've pretty much decided that I'm going to just buy them locally from now on....or at least try them on locally and then buy online.  Locally, my favorite shop for helmets is Cycle Outfitters down on South Madison.

Thanks Chris, I'll steer clear of the revolver. Yeah I can spend a little more and there is an element of get what you pay for, but I'm still looking for a deal. Wish CO was on my side of town. They made noises at one time of buying Stoughtons on W Washington. But that's all gone now.

Can't stand the dealers. I might have to take some time off and go to CO. They get my tire business, incl mounting, so i don't mind trying on a few helmets. They've also misled me on hard parts before so mixed feelings.

[MCRider]

So I took some time off to drive over to Cycle Outfitters. Bought the Nolan N90:
Nolan N90 Helmet

With my MSTA (formerly HSTA) discount I paid about what the high end online sellers would charge. Out the door for $286.

I got the Silver as in the video. I think I'll get it pinstriped to tie in the colors of Phaedrus. My FJR is already silver and the Hawk is black, and the Burgman is blue. So it won't clash with any of them.

[CycleRanger]

That Nolan looks nice!  Wish they made one that would fit my ginormous head!
I went with the HJC. It's good for the money but I was willing to spend more.

[bert96]

 Back in the days when i had my BMW K1,i had a BMW helmet(schuberth) with flip shin,i really loved this helmet,very quiet and comfortable.



Bert

[LesterPiglet]

That looks like a nice hat.

[SohRon]

Here's one I picked up... Face opens up



It also includes this nifty sun shield that raises and lowers as needed; no more fiddling with sunglasses!




DOT approved & under $100

[MCRider]

Yeah, there is some smokin deals on the "modulars".

[brewsky]

I got the first edition Shark Evo "flip face" and like it a lot.
It was the only one available at the time, but there are competitors now, so maybe the price has come down some.
It is somewhat heavy, (but seems no worse than my HJC Symax), but it is well balanced even when used fully open.
I love being able to use it as an open face when it is hot or full face when not.
Shark-Evoline

[Magilla]

I feel left out.  It seems that everyone on this forum has some type of full face ultra safe helmet.  I have a skid lid mini helmet.  I'm not sure that if offers any more protection than a baseball cap.  It's all I've used for the ast 20 years, rain or shine. 

It never looked out of place when riding Harley's but it looks like I will stand out on my CB. I do have an old school 3/4 helmet painted in a funky heavy metal flake.  Maybe it's time to start using that one?

[MCRider]

I feel left out.  It seems that everyone on this forum has some type of full face ultra safe helmet.  I have a skid lid mini helmet.  I'm not sure that if offers any more protection than a baseball cap.  It's all I've used for the ast 20 years, rain or shine. 

It never looked out of place when riding Harley's but it looks like I will stand out on my CB. I do have an old school 3/4 helmet painted in a funky heavy metal flake.  Maybe it's time to start using that one?

The more coverage, the more protection. The higher price, the more (usually) of the core material, the crush once foam that lines the shell. The rest of the features should IMO make the helmet comfortable and practical so one is drawn to wearing it.

I am a helmet choice advocate. Your choice. I will admit i won't ride with a helmetless rider if I can avoid it, as i don't want to be around to scoop up the goo. I've crashed on public roads many times, scratched the helmet twice, once pretty bad in the face shield area. Would've been my nose. More times than that on the track.

There is a problem with helmets similar to tires. Age. Especially if they see a lot of sunshine. UV rays breakdown the integrity of the shell. 5 to 6 years should be the maximum. Maybe 7-8 if not a lot of sunshine. Never more than 10. Then cut them up so no one else can use it and throw it away.

I hope you decide to get a better helmet. The modulars are gaining popularity as with guys like me with glasses. A traditional full face helmet is a pain as you've got  to feed the glasses in and out the eye port. And with my mickey Mouse ears somethings often not right. Obviously i can make it right as I ride a fair amount in comfort, once its fitted.

Modular is a compromise, as nothing is as safe as a one piece full face helmet. But if its not practical, its not safe either. (Less likely to wear it.) Although for me I always wear it, even up and down the driveway.

But I'm really looking forward to using the modular. It goes on without removing my glasses. The flip up features makes it feel like its off, for talking at rest stops etc, without actually disturbing it. I usually wear ear plugs too (tinnitus) and the open front will allow more sound when i want it.

[MCRider]

Wow Brewsky, That's cool!

[Don R]

I'm guilty of using my NHRA helmet on my bike after it expires cert. I believe they are still superior to some cheap helmets. Hope I am right and don't need to test my theory.  We use an SA cert rather than a SM, I believe the difference is the fire resistance.
 My brother had a wreck in the 60's in japan, his helmet unraveled on impact, his buddy told me you could hold it at arms length by the strap and it would almost touch the ground. He still rides today but deals with the effects of his injuries.

[70CB750]

I wear open face and red baron goggles. Modular is the next one. In previous life I had always full face and didnt like them, feels like batiscaf.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Yeah, I like the fact that the "flip" goes all the way back. How is that for wind noise in full face mode then with the flip all the way back? Definitely looking for something quieter as far as wind noise than the full face AGV Demon I'm using.

Ron mentioned taking crashing in the face shield area. As far as I'm concerned NOW, if you're going to wear a helmet (I do and I don't) you may as well wear a full helmet. I too took a face plant crash with my full face on. Head-on then landed on my head/face. 2 hits in one. The visor and area above it were scratched badly. If I had a bucket or a 3/4 on I'd had AT LEAST a broken jaw. The frontal protection saved me from serious face injury. Of course I like it for the protection it gives from mother nature's elements too. 

[brewsky]

Yeah, I like the fact that the "flip" goes all the way back. How is that for wind noise in full face mode then with the flip all the way back? Definitely looking for something quieter as far as wind noise than the full face AGV Demon I'm using.

Ron mentioned taking crashing in the face shield area. As far as I'm concerned NOW, if you're going to wear a helmet (I do and I don't) you may as well wear a full helmet. I too took a face plant crash with my full face on. Head-on then landed on my head/face. 2 hits in one. The visor and area above it were scratched badly. If I had a bucket or a 3/4 on I'd had AT LEAST a broken jaw. The frontal protection saved me from serious face injury. Of course I like it for the protection it gives from mother nature's elements too. 

In full face mode, it is noisy like every other full face I've used, but no worse than my HJC Symax modular.....maybe a little more so than my old Shoei 700.
I can flip it back and forth while riding over my glasses and that is a plus.
And, like any other modular, you can put it on without ripping your ears or glasses off.
The PROBLEM with it is....... it is so tempting to flip it back and leave it there because you can instantly feel how much more "comfortable" it is to ride with an open or 3/4 vs a full face!
I definately don't recommend buying ANY high end helmet before trying it on AND trying it out on the road with YOUR bike. The helmet brands fit differently and the sizes are not consistent between brands. Also, the windshield (if any) can affect how the helmet does in the "draft".

[Rgconner]

What ever you do, don't try the schuberth c3... You won't want anything else!

I had a Vemar Jiano for three years. Good for oval heads, a little heavy and a little noisy.

It did however do a great job of protecting my head when I was t-boned over the hood of a car last friday. Despite being out for 3 minutes, I had no lasting side effects.

A 3/4 would have left my teeth on the hood, and a skid lid would not have cradled my neck neck when I hit asphault.

If I get enough from the settlement I will likely get the C3. Revolutionary helmet in my opinion.

[brewsky]

I feel left out.  It seems that everyone on this forum has some type of full face ultra safe helmet.  I have a skid lid mini helmet.  I'm not sure that if offers any more protection than a baseball cap.  It's all I've used for the ast 20 years, rain or shine. 

It never looked out of place when riding Harley's but it looks like I will stand out on my CB. I do have an old school 3/4 helmet painted in a funky heavy metal flake.  Maybe it's time to start using that one?

Well the standard sales pitch for high $ helmets is....... "if you've got a $20 head, get a $20 helmet"......and it's usually pretty effective!
There's a lot of controversy about certification standards ie DOT, Snell, Euro etc, but any helmet is probably better than not....most of the time
When I was rear-ended at a stop by an SUV last year, I was wearing a cheap, light open face helmet. My new Gold Wing was totaled and I was thrown forward about 25' from a dead stop. IF I had been wearing a more heavy helmet, could my neck have been broken instead of just sprained? I don't know, but I have wondered!

[MCRider]

Actually, it was $10.    Back when you could buy a helmet for $10. Think this poster is worth any $$

[MCRider]

I feel left out.  It seems that everyone on this forum has some type of full face ultra safe helmet.  I have a skid lid mini helmet.  I'm not sure that if offers any more protection than a baseball cap.  It's all I've used for the ast 20 years, rain or shine. 

It never looked out of place when riding Harley's but it looks like I will stand out on my CB. I do have an old school 3/4 helmet painted in a funky heavy metal flake.  Maybe it's time to start using that one?

Well the standard sales pitch for high $ helmets is....... "if you've got a $20 head, get a $20 helmet"......and it's usually pretty effective!
There's a lot of controversy about certification standards ie DOT, Snell, Euro etc, but any helmet is probably better than not....most of the time
When I was rear-ended at a stop by an SUV last year, I was wearing a cheap, light open face helmet. My new Gold Wing was totaled and I was thrown forward about 25' from a dead stop. IF I had been wearing a more heavy helmet, could my neck have been broken instead of just sprained? I don't know, but I have wondered!

Safety is always a compromise. Some people get killed in their seatbelts. Make your best choice per the probabilities, then roll the dice.

For my money, its always a full face, added weight or no. Face plant, high probability. Rear end, not so much.

[Magilla]

There are a few safety issues with full face helmets.  You have no peripheral vision with them.  This can be a real issue when driving in the city.  The second issue they have is impairing your hearing. If you can't see it you need to hear it.  If you can't do either it's bad news.

The flip side is that although you can see or hear, if you do go down, you will be a lot Sefer with the full face. My feeling is that the majority of the time you are better off with the FF, just as you are with seatbelts. I wear seatbelts in my truck but I wear a skid lid on my bike.  Not sure if that makes any sense at all.

[catsoup]

I hadn't thought of getting a modular until now.

I wear glasses, and the thought of not having to take them off every time I put on or remove my helmet is very appealing. I am already in the market for a new upgraded helmet (currently have a new bell arrow, which is fine, but is heavy and a little noisy), so I will start looking modular now.

Does anyone have experience with modulars that do NOT fit over glasses? There aren't a lot of shops where I live, so I'd like to do as much research as possible ahead of time.

[MCRider]

I hadn't thought of getting a modular until now.

I wear glasses, and the thought of not having to take them off every time I put on or remove my helmet is very appealing. I am already in the market for a new upgraded helmet (currently have a new bell arrow, which is fine, but is heavy and a little noisy), so I will start looking modular now.

Does anyone have experience with modulars that do NOT fit over glasses? There aren't a lot of shops where I live, so I'd like to do as much research as possible ahead of time.

At Cycle Outfitters, the sales dude (doo rag and chain belt) showed me the Nolan first. But he said "before you decide lets finish your due diligence" (he actually used those words). So I tried on a $600 Shoei Modular and a $150 HJC modular. Both were very hard to get on and I think I'd have to remove my glasses. So what's the point? They also had conventional DRings v the Nolan slide clip clasp which is way cool.

So some don't go over glasses well. The Nolan was perfect for me in every way. The clasp mechanism was a real sales point for me. They definitely want to court the touring, sport/touring crowd.

There are quite a few 3rd party videos on YouTube, search on your brand/model. or maybe just "modular helmets".

[brooze72]

I'm on my third year of using a Scorpion EXO1000 Transformer.  The modular is great with glasses, flip up the chin bar, on with the helmet & then lock it down.   The only noise that bothers me is if the shield is open a slight bit, it will whistle, reminds me to seat it properly.  Has an inflatable bit on the back to customize the fit a little & also has small vent on the chin & larger one at the back for ventilation that can both be be closed.  Also has a built in hidden sun visor too.  I also like that you can completely remove the chin piece & shield, then install a visor that comes with it, voila, it's now a 3/4 for when you feel like a liitle facial bug killing!  Full disclosure, I did have an issue with the lower trim piece coming loose in the second year, but it was fixed right up under warranty.  Paid about 275, up here helmets ain't so cheap, I think they're way less now.  I also loved the Nolan, but wouldn't/couldn't pony up that much cash.  Have you  guys seen or heard about the helmet with a built in rear view mirror?  Sounds interesting too.

This one works for me, but as has been said, try a bunch on, it really is the only way to find what is comfortable & fits your head shape.

[750K]

There are a few safety issues with full face helmets.  You have no peripheral vision with them.  This can be a real issue when driving in the city.  The second issue they have is impairing your hearing. If you can't see it you need to hear it.  If you can't do either it's bad news.

The flip side is that although you can see or hear, if you do go down, you will be a lot Sefer with the full face. My feeling is that the majority of the time you are better off with the FF, just as you are with seatbelts. I wear seatbelts in my truck but I wear a skid lid on my bike.  Not sure if that makes any sense at all.

I beg to differ on the lack of peripheral vision, I have the same field of view in my shoei quest as I do with it off. This is looking straight ahead and raising my arm till I loose sight of my hand, no differance with or without my helmet. A full face is definatly quieter than a 3/4 or a beanie, which I would never ride with but to each his own I guess.  I commute all the time with it and visibility is never an issue, I have a Simpson outlaw bandit full face and the visibility is just as great. Although the Simpson helmet is noisy as hell above 80kmh, but I digress seein as this is more of a modular helmet thread...