New helmet?

[walton66]

Time for a new helmet and as it was with seats, paralysis by analysis. I have worn Arai for years but last year I got my wife a helmet with an internal sun visor which I would love to have but Arai doesn't make one. What are you folks wearing?

[eddd]

 

My favorite is quite out of the norm, a Nolan N43E Air Classic. This is the European version of the Nolan Trilogy, but with a significant difference in the ventilation system.

 

Link 1

 

Link 2

 

Since you are located in Florida you might really appreciate the venting on the version that you need to order from Europe. Aside from some of the best venting anywhere, it is quiet and very comfortable.

 

 

[RTJohn]

I have a Schuberth C3. I think it's great and will probably get another next year (it'll be 5 years old then). Nolan was a contender, too.

[WestyLancs]

Just changed from Schuberth C3 to a Shoei Neotec.

Similar in a lot of respects, the neotec is probably a slightly better fit for my head,

even if it is very slightly noisier, but the main selling points for me are drop down sun visor,

and ability to ride with the main visor open partway.

On the C3 the visor is designed to shut fully at speeds above 30mph !! (that's what Schuberth told me)

 

Above all, try a few helmets on for fit.

No amount of positive feedback from us, can counter a helmet that isn't the 'right shape' for your hread.

[Tri750]

The C3 is even better now that it's the C3 Pro. The changes addressed the chin strap being rearward too far for chubby faces making it dig into your throat. They moved it forward to accommodate chubby cheeks and turkey gobbler necks.

 

Also, the C3 had a lump of foam padding right above the hairline that irritated a number of people after wearing a while. If you knew wheee the lump was and how to fix it, no worries. But the C3 Pro has the lump removed.

 

Also, the drop down sunshade had anti fog coating that worked but when in the up position, the fumes from the styrofoam reacted to the coating making the sunshade cloud up. You could clean it but it would come back . The problem got progressively worse in time. The updated sunshade has no anti fog and no clouding problem and Schuberth would, and still might replace the clouding ones on a case by case basis.

 

There is a minor styling change on the Pro to appeal to the younger riders making the helmet more modern looking but is strictly for aesthetics. There are still a number of original C3's out there at greatly reduced prices if you look.

 

Schuberth has a reputation for being extremely quiet going down the road modular or not and does ventilate pretty well.

 

Just a side note, on using a Euro helmet, you have to be careful on that. At least in California some insurance companies are requesting that Hospitals retain the helmets worn by patients in motorcycle accidents.

This stemmed from many Cruiser riders using novelty helmets and according to many policies, coverage can be limited or denied if the insured is found to be breaking the law at the time of the accident.

Wearing a non-DOT helmet, not wearing a seat belt, or texting when the accident occurred now comes into play. The insurance companies are using this information to NOT pay some bills.

This isn't a tin foil hat scare tactic. A good friend currently works in a large Hospitals billing department for 20 some years is also a rider and has seen insurance companies limit coverage or attempt to limit coverage for the reasons listed above.

If your Euro helmet safety rating is accepted in the state you live in, then have at it. If not, then it's possible that you may encounter difficulties or at least delays in getting some coverage paid for.

 

[Doug_Baliko]

Just changed from Schuberth C3 to a Shoei Neotec.

Similar in a lot of respects, the neotec is probably a slightly better fit for my head,

even if it is very slightly noisier, but the main selling points for me are drop down sun visor,

and ability to ride with the main visor open partway.

On the C3 the visor is designed to shut fully at speeds above 30mph !! (that's what Schuberth told me)

 

Above all, try a few helmets on for fit.

No amount of positive feedback from us, can counter a helmet that isn't the 'right shape' for your hread.

 

I have a C3 and wear it with the visor open one click most of the time. With the windshield just below eye level I never have a problem with the shield closing. The very early C3's did have a problem with the visor closing, but Shuberth now provides a new connection point free of charge if you call their customer serbice number. Works like a charm.

 

Doug

[DiggerJim]

The C3 is even better now that it's the C3 Pro.

Anyone have a good source for these? I'm thinking I'd like the C3Pro in HiViz. JC Motors doesn't seem to ever have them in stock (in size L anyway - haven't checked other sizes although they have other colors in stock). My local BMW dealer won't let me take it home and wear it around the living room and return it if it doesn't fit right so I need to go Internet with a site that allows returns.

[lkraus]

I've been happy with everything I've bought at Revzilla. Decent prices(not necessarily the lowest), good service and reasonable return policy.

 

That said, I'm not normally comfortable ordering clothing items online without prior experience with the fit. My C3 fits very well, but it is the same size as the C2 I had previously purchased locally. My size 10 1/2 hands sometimes need XL, sometimes XXL, sometimes 3XL gloves, so I would never buy gloves without a trial fit. Any other Schuberth dealers around you? Could be a good excuse for a road trip to another city.

[Huzband]

Shoei X12. Great ventilation but I liked my previous X11 better.

[Sonor]

My favorite site for helmet reviews is www.webbikeworld.com they have great articles on helmets and their reviews are spot on.

 

As for my choice, buy a helmet that fits and is DOT rated. The bells and features above that are the gravy you pay for.

[marcopolo]

I just bought a Shoei GT-Air, specifically to get an internal sun visor. I just tried it yesterday for the first time on the road. I like it, but then again I like Shoei. It flows a lot of air, much more so that my Shoei Qwest. Check out the GT-Air if you want an internal sun visor. I tried on a Schuberth, but I did not like the way it fit. Shoei fits me well, so buy what fits you.

[Doug_Baliko]

If you know the fit then I highly recommend Revzilla.

 

Doug

[Tri750]

Take a book or magazine with you and camp out in the showroom with the helmet on. You'll know in 15-20 minutes or so unless your a novice, which you're not.

We would encourage helmet test rides on the customers bike. It's a lot of money and a helmet great on an RT may be lousy on a GS.

I'm sure you'll show up with clean hair, no cologne and be careful with it.

If you find the helmet to your liking, then buy it. The hi viz, they may have to order from Chcago. The color just hasn't taken off.

Each dealer signs an agreement that the retail price is the retail price on current helmets. Buying online might save you tax, but don't be one of those guys who test fits at the local dealer, drinks the free coffee, then buys it online to save the 7-9 percent sales tax.

[Guest Kakugo]

Arai does make an external sun visor which is available as an option for all helmets: Arai Pro Shade System. It's in Japanese but there are plenty of pretty pictures.

 

If you have problems sourcing it in the US, drop me a PM and I'll give you the name of a superb Japanese vendor.

[sebjones906]

I have just purchased an Open faced helmet to use when on my KLR in the dirt. It is a LS2 and only cost $69. I have looked at every open faced helmet there is and this one is made as well and the has the features of helmets costing $250. I am so pleased I will shop LS2 for a modular helmet for my wife and prehaps one for myself. Go to there website and compare. Currently I am wearing an $400 + Arai and stepped up from a $300 Shoei. There modular helmet is less than half that and I am please with the fit and features of the LS2. I have no stake in what you buy but it is worth hitting their website.

[John in VA]

Arai does make an external sun visor which is available as an option for all helmets: Arai Pro Shade System. It's in Japanese but there are plenty of pretty pictures. ...

 

The Arai Pro Shades are arriving in the USA. I'm a long-time Arai fan (because it's the only helmet that fits me right and the quality is outstanding). I'm looking forward to adding one to my Signet-Q.

 

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/arai-pro-shade-system

 

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/784/18208/Motorcycle-Article/Arai-Intros-Pro-Shade-Visor-System.aspx

[walton66]

I've seen the Arai shade thing online and in a mag but it looks like a hokey add on. Perhaps I need to see one in person.

[sebjones906]

Several LS2 helmets have drop down shades (like air force fighter helmets) built in.

[mbelectric]

I've had a GT Air since last fall.

 

Great airflow, and controllable vents. Very light, absolutely NO buffeting at high speeds.

Another plus is the Sena Bluetooth works well with this helmet.

I decided on this after looking at Schuberth. Didn't want the overpriced com system that integrated with it, and didn't want to glue my Sena on the side of the Schuberth. Liked the fact the flip visor handle location is properly located. Pin lock shield comes with it.

 

Didn't get another Arai. The first accidental brush with a table corner knocked the side panel off , which I had to spc order a part later to repair. In the meantime I had to duct tape the visor partially closed , which was a pisser as I was on a 4 day trip. Never did understand the Arai visor system, WAY too many small parts for me. I can say it was a comfortable helmet though.

 

Do not buy Schuberth if you have an odd head shape .

 

Decide what features are important for you. As others have said, take time and find one that fits in your comfort zone. Personally, I find a local shop to deal with. Internet purchases are difficult with these things.

 

MB >

[g_frey]

A heavily modified Nolan 100E. It has larger air intakes, new channeled airflow through the foam portion and finally, a new lining that is stretchy and highly porous. I also added a visor to the shield for sun protection. Much better comfort than original. Whatever helmet you get check it out for airflow. Actually blow through the openings in the helmet far too many have misaligned foam that actually blocks the air flow. Three of mine so far had this totally unacceptable assembly.

[g_frey]

It is very sad the Hi Vis hasn't taken off. I refuse to ride anywhere without it anymore and I have had ONLY 2 turn left in front of me incidents in last 4 years. Before it varied from about 3 per year up to 5 per year. So 2 compared to 12 or 20 left turners? I am not that enamored of being "cool". Saw a rather sad accident lately: a cool skid-lid black helmet, no impact absorption at all ridden by a throttle to the max stop sign specialist dressed in black jeans, t-shirt, and running shoes. car turns left in front of him, he hits same and flies impressively far over the hood and contacts the road. Concussion, broken bones, and large amounts of missing skin on chin, arms, belly, and legs. He would have been 6 to 10 times less likely to have wrecked if was dressed in HI VIS.

[Fathom]

 

I haven't quite wrapped my head around (pun intended) the hi-viz lid approach, but I did finally break down and pre-order a Klim Induction jacket, which has what I perceive to be a reasonably tasteful amount of Screaming Yellow Zonkers trim bits to (hopefully) capture the attention of those who proceed blithely and without clue through an intersection near you. I'm not ready for the full fireman's / highway road crew gear approach just yet, but it's a step in a safer direction

[Tri750]

Speaking of visibility, after years of seeing and being lukewarm about headlight modulators, heck I even sold them to people who wanted them, I broke down and ordered one for my 1100RT.

Being non-committal male, I brought the light sensor up to my phone/GPS mount on the mirror hole mount and zip tied a tethered rubber brake bleeder cap to it so could "shut it off" as I wanted to.

Next day I was committed to ride to a funeral service 40 miles away on the bike and with the crazy weather we've had, I woke up to overcast and rain. Good test for the light.

I feel like an idiot for not having one of these years ago! Very nice product.

I wanted the tiny Kisan module but I cheaped out and got this one.

http://www.comagination.com/modBike.htm

They even had a reconditioned one that was 52.00 with shipping.

Lots of Police Departments use a modulator and I too have drunk the Kool Aid.

[walton66]

I'm reasonably sure that whatever I get will have a substantial amount of hiviz on it and super ventilation. Thanks for the advice about testing to be sure the channels work. Thinking a little about a modular. Many of my friends use one but I have stuck to a one piece since they came out years ago but I kind of like the functionality of the Shark Evoline. My closest friend just started using one a few weeks ago so I'm waiting for a report.

[kgerry]

i have tried a few different ones over the years... but really love my Shoei Neotec...