Topic: Helmets

[alancop]

So what helmets do you guys wear every day? I have a NoLan helmet from days past and it fogs up and gets all hot and sweaty and lets in way too much wind. What do you guys recommend for a nice full face helmet that doesn't fog up and is quiet enough to deaden my open drag pipes?

[Frostyboy]

At the risk of being labelled a smart a$$, may I suggest a muffler might be a cheaper option? It won't do anything for the fogging problem though. 

[trueblue]

At the risk of being labelled a smart a$$, may I suggest a muffler might be a cheaper option? It won't do anything for the fogging problem though. 

+1

[cabrala]

Frosty's right, there is not a helmet out there that's going to keep open drag pipes to a low decibel. Do you were ear plugs while riding? Have you looked into a Schuberth ($700 but quiet and well-built)?

I'm not saying that's your answer but that's surely, IMO, the only bucket that'll perform as close to quiet as you're asking for.

Good luck with it. If you need some fairly in-depth reviews look to webbikeWorld.com or even the RevZilla videos.

-Alex

[alancop]

Oh well thats sad. Yes i wear earplugs. I was just wondering if there was a helmet that could. The other stuff like fog prevention wind noise and coldness reduction, but still have enough ventalation to be comfortable.

[cabrala]

Oh well thats sad. Yes i wear earplugs. I was just wondering if there was a helmet that could. The other stuff like fog prevention wind noise and coldness reduction, but still have enough ventalation to be comfortable.

Check out the Arai Signet-Q which has some noise-dampening foam imbedded in the liner. It'll be something you absolutely need to try on, as this model typically runs a size smaller than normal (I'm a large and fit medium) and has a somewhat different head shape to it. It's still a bit pricey, but what are you looking to spend anyway?

I've been looking into a few modulars, specifically the Nolan N104 which is a good deal at sub-$350. Probably won't cure the drag pipes but would hit on most other criteria.

[alancop]

I fall in the category of "if you have a $1 head, wear a $1 helmet" So I am looking to spend 400ish but if there was a general consensus that a $700 helmet was a better idea, well, I'd rather be out $700 than be dead.

I don't want a modular, I don't want to risk it popping open if I hit the ground hard.  I will check and see if a motorcycle shop sells the arai around here.  I'm 18 and I couldn't live with being disabled for the rest of my life, so I was wondering what you older, more seasoned riders suggested.

[Duke McDukiedook]

As long as the helmet is DOT rated a $100 helmet will protect your head as well as the $700+ helmet will.
The difference is in the build details, how much it keeps wind noise out, graphics and paint, ventilation, how it fits, etc. etc.

I am currently in the market for one but I am looking more in the $300-400 dollar market.
The Bell RS1 and Shoei RF1100 are ones I will be looking at unless someone says otherwise.

I had a $160 HJC CL12 helmet that was okay but a little noisy, I want to step up in price to see what a little more gets me.

[cabrala]

Well Alan I am only 24 and this is my second season of riding...so take all I have to say with a grain of salt

As I continue my research and talk to the guys I ride with, the consensus is to go for fit and comfort above all else. You'll be looking at helmets made with different shell materials; polycarbonate, carbon fiber, organic fibers, injected Lexan, etc. etc. This plays a big role in weight reduction, but if it passes DOT, Snell, or even ECE (Euro standards) you'll be doing just fine. In addition, it is the EPS liner that does the bulk of the work if you're in an accident, as this is the energy dispersing foam that helps cushion the blow. I believe all helmets are using EPS (extruded polystyrene) but I'm not certain.

Beyond this it becomes the land of options; noise reduction, ventilation, comfort liners, washability, adjustability, style. I'd argue the optimum range for quality and features is between $350-$400 (street prices, not MSRP). Shoei, among a few others, is going to be your top-of-the-line stuff and many members here can argue on behalf of their reputation. I'm currently in the phase of finding numerous brands and testing out the various models and styles; being my first helmet purchase and all.

Dukie, the RF1100 was a sweet full-facer. If I decide to drop my modular thoughts, I am aiming straight for that.

[alancop]

Ok, so I was looking around online and found this

This is possibly the coolest helmet I have ever seen. Anyone have experience with one? Comfort, fog resistance ect...?

It's a Simpson Super Bandit N.

[70CB750]

I just got a cheap one - FX-140.  I did not wear full face since 1996 and the progress in feel and fit is amazing. 

Well maybe going from open face to full makes it amazing, but I am happy with it.   The noise is reasonable and the mechanics work well enough for me.  It is modular helmet and the chin part tilts all the way to the back and rests there.  Technically you can ride with it like that - when you are stuck in traffic or going through drive through.

I especially like the buckle - do it and undo it with gloves on - and the overall feel.  I wore it 300+ miles on Godzilla run and it was great all the way.

Oh yeah, wife and kids picked that manly color for me   

[Retro Rocket]

My next helmet...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/bell-star/helmet-review/

[mono]

My next helmet...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/bell-star/helmet-review/

Nice.  What do those run?

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

[alancop]

My next helmet...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/bell-star/helmet-review/

Nice.  What do those run?

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

Looks like 550-600

[dustyc]

I've been wearing a Suomy Apex.  It's main strength is that it's light, but it also has good ventilation.  I did some padding surgery and noticed that it changed the fit around my ears, so I don't think it's fair to comment on its wind/noise qualities.

I rode a 500 with the mufflers cut off and friends could hear me -/+10 miles away.  -Everyone remembers that bike though.

[Retro Rocket]

My next helmet...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/bell-star/helmet-review/

Nice.  What do those run?

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

$540 something...

Here's a pic of it on a rider...

http://www.cyclexchange.net/RacePictures/DSC_0154.JPG

[Rookster]

For the Simpson Bandit, the only motorcycle recommended one is the Outlaw Bandit.  The others are Snell rated for automobile racing not motorcycle riding.  I'm not sure of the difference but the snell auto standards include fire resistance.  If your interested in helmets and helmet ratings you need to read the Motorcyclist test on helmets; Blowing the Lid Off.  It is not the price that determines the helmets ability to absorb impact.  Read this:

http://www.westcoastweasels.com/archives/PDF/Blowing_the_Lid_Off.pdf

Here is a link to a NY Times article written by the same guy (Dexter Ford) that wrote Blowing the Lid Off.  He was subsequently terminated by Motorcyclist for this NY Times article and its potential impact on advertisers.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/automobiles/27SNELL.html

Scott

[Retro Rocket]

Thanks for posting that article Scott, its very interesting. I think its quite disturbing the way Snell dismisses all the other research being done world wide, makes them sound very arrogant and uninterested....

[mono]

[/quote]

$540 something...

Here's a pic of it on a rider...

http://www.cyclexchange.net/RacePictures/DSC_0154.JPG
[/quote]

representing the D ! 

[alancop]

Wow, Lots of interesting info. I am going to look at helmets at my local powersports dealer. Specificly the arai.

[70CB750]

In these days the local dealer has a pile od catalogues and few helmets on display. Internet stores are your best bet.

[cabrala]

In these days the local dealer has a pile od catalogues and few helmets on display. Internet stores are your best bet.

While I somewhat agree, I will also respectfully disagree if you haven't tried on different brands and models. They will all vary in comfort and fit, so if this is your first time buying a helmet you need to go to the dealers and put a few on the noggin'.

Sure most on-line retailers will exchange helmets once delivered and deemed unworthy, but why shell out the cash initially and then deal with the hassle of returning if you know you need variety right now? I say all of this while being in the same predicament as a newbie helmet buyer. Once you find the right fit by all means use the internet machine to get the best deal.

Check out the Bell RS-1 as it is grabbing great reviews and can be found, in certain graphics, at close out pricing.

[Duke McDukiedook]

Well, I pulled the trigger on my helmet at the local Cycle Gear and they did not have any Bells to try on (Or HJC's!! Meh.). The salesperson said their Seven Zero Seven called the Backlash was made by Bell so I decicded to give it a try. I think it came in at $180 and she said it was basically like a Bell Star but it looked more like an RS-1 to me. Got to try it out finally this morning and the fit is pretty good for my roundish head. Noise is pretty good but there was a slight whistle on the top vents but it wasn't too bad.

The Shoeis did not seem to fit my round head well so I passed on the Qwest and the 1100. Plus for that much more money they did not seem a whole lot better constructed than the Backlash. Inserts are removable along with the padding, vents seem decent. The only thing that I wished it had that my old HJC had was a visor lock down. This model does not have one but I am hoping the mechanism will be robust enough to prevent flip up like I had on the HJC when I did not lock and turned my head at speed or in a windy day. Having your visor fip up at 80 or 90 mph is not fun at all.

So far so good with the helmet.

[mono]

i took a little trip over the weekend and checked out some GLX helmets.  i'm liking the 104 model helmets a lot.  the dealer i went to didn't have the color i wanted in stock, but i was able to try one on and get the correct size figured out so i can order online.  it felt very well-made and was DOT approved, and has a look that i like.  kind of modern-vintage, i guess. 

[flybox1]

HJC FS-15 (matte Black)
2 extra shields (silver mirrored, dark smoke)
DOT/SNELL
all for ~$200