Helmets

[Skywagon]

I went helmet shopping this weekend at the local BMW store. I inquired about Schuberth and they said, don't bother we can't get them...especially parts. So the xs display didn't give me much of a chance. I then asked to try on Shoei. They had no larges and one medium in yellow. Ok no thanks. Then the next thing, which they were actually promoting was Vemar. Wah lah...they had it in my size. I grabbed the helmet by the sides and as I always do, spread it a bit to put on. Oh my gosh, I thought I was going to break it. It flexed like crazy. The dealer said no worries. I tried on a couple and noticed they are shorter than my Symax. In other words doesn't come down as far below my chins and on my neck. I suspect that creates wind noise. The dealer confirmed some people had complained about noise. They had one Nolan. It felt short too.

 

Well...Still in search of a new helmet. I guess I will go to CycleGear this week and see what they have. Last time I was there it was about 85% motocross helmets, 10% beenies, and 5% real street helmets. I like CycleGear a lot, but they have shifted their inventory for different riders.

 

What's the deal on Schuberth?

 

[Tony_K]

CycleGear stores in CA have whole walls of fullface lids. Pretty much everything they list on the website in every color, size and style. It's pretty impressive if your looking for something in the lines they carry. Maybe your local store will have updated their stock.

 

Shuberth, like many of the specialty helmet manufactures (in Europe) can't justify supporting the US market. The country is too large and sales too low. It's not cost effective.

[PLW]

Don't give up on trying a Shoei, it's an excellent helmet. Another good option would be a Scorpion EXO700. The overall quality is very good although I believe many people pass them by since they don't seem to cost enough to be a a good helmet. They are however, Snell certified. In my experience, the Shoei is more comfortable in warm weather since it vents better. YMMV, a lot probably depends on the size and shape of the wearers head.

[russell_bynum]

Don't give up on trying a Shoei, it's an excellent helmet. Another good option would be a Scorpion EXO700. The overall quality is very good although I believe many people pass them by since they don't seem to cost enough to be a a good helmet. They are however, Snell certified. In my experience, the Shoei is more comfortable in warm weather since it vents better. YMMV, a lot probably depends on the size and shape of the wearers head.

 

Another vote for the Scorpion. I've worn Arai, Shoei, and Schuberth...helmets costing 3x what the scorpion does. The Scorpion is my favorite. Compared to helmets that cost 2-3x more...It's got the same certifications, removable/washable liner, quick-change faceshield (not quite as quick as Shoei, but better than Arai and Schuberth.), and the faceshield has an anti-fog coating that really works.

 

The fact that it costs so much less is just an added bonus.

[lvnvbiker]

And yet another vote for the Scorpion Helmet, I've had one for a few years and they can't be beat as far as price goes. Check out the EXO 1000, it has a ton of features and air ajustable cheek pads.

[tbloomq]

Russell, Is the Scorpion quiet or quieter than an Arai?

 

Does anyone know if it fits a narrow oval head like the old Arai RXX7, my current helmet, does?

 

Tom

[JDog]

+1 on the Scorpion. I haven't crash-tested the helmet, and don't plan to, but I am totally satisfied with it,

[Sp8er8er]

It must depend on fit. I hate my Scorpion. I can't wear it without earplugs- not even for 5 miles. YMMV

[rob1100r]

I liked my Schuberth C1 enough to keep it for a few years (though it is a bit too loud). Parts are available, just takes a bit of time to arrive from Germany. Motshop.de is a place I have gotten replacement parts for it...But my next helmet is going to be the Nolan N103. It is a Modular helmet with the internal sun-shield... AND you can install their N-com system (read about it!) AND it is available anywhere for less than $400...Parts should not be a PITA to get down the line either!

[BFish]

+1 on the Scorpion. I haven't crash-tested the helmet, and don't plan to, but I am totally satisfied with it,

 

 

same here, but it is noisy.

[greglepore]

Just picked up an HJC carbon here. Pinlock ready, very nice visor mech, and VERY light. Well worth the price (around 350 or so from New Enough).

[RussL]

I'm an Arai guy and have bought my last 2 helmets on ebay (brand new in the box) at a considerable discount over retail.

[Doppelganger]

Scorp 700 here. Coming up on 3 years in Florida. Looking forward to trying the 1000.

[Sp8er8er]

Evaluations- for those who want to do more research:

 

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/helmet-noise.htm

 

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm

 

http://helmetharbor.com/

[wingnut]

My Shoei 900 full face is missing one of the two plastic phillips head screws attaching the face shield mounting bracket to the helmet. Anyone know where to get a replacement? TIA

[Bologna]

http://www.shoei-helmets.com/store/index.php?cPath=36_54

 

[wingnut]

Thank you, Bologna.

 

Looking at your list of past bikes: I owned a '72 CZ 250 motocrosser, too. Then a CZ 400. Had the most fun on the 250 though.

[kinchy]

+1 on the Arai. After dropping $390 for a new SMZ at retail a year later I find another one (silver versus black) for $160 on ebay in the box brand new all stickers and tags etc...

Would certainly like to find another helmet manufacturer that can accomodate my gord head XXL

[Deek]

Don't give up on trying a Shoei, it's an excellent helmet. Another good option would be a Scorpion EXO700. The overall quality is very good although I believe many people pass them by since they don't seem to cost enough to be a a good helmet. They are however, Snell certified. In my experience, the Shoei is more comfortable in warm weather since it vents better. YMMV, a lot probably depends on the size and shape of the wearers head.

 

I use a Scorpion myself when the temperatures drop under 80°F. I wear an AC-3 HJC during the hot months. I noticed the Scorpion is a LOT louder that the HJC - seems like it ought to be the other way around since the HJC is an open face. Odd.

[Bologna]

Those were the days! 4" of travel and WFO through the turns...sounded like you were really going fast until the pro on a Maico or Bultaco went flying past me!

[marcopolo]

Just picked up an HJC carbon here. Pinlock ready, very nice visor mech, and VERY light. Well worth the price (around 350 or so from New Enough).

 

Got the same AC-12 Carbon to replace my Arai last year. I really like the HJC, especially its light weight and the ease of its shield- changing mechanism (light years ahead of Arai in that regard).

[h2000fb]

Ditto Cyclegear. Seems mostly off road related and helmets are hit and miss. How can anyone sell helmets w/o all sizes? I ended up ordering a Shoei Multitech from Newenough.com. Great return policies. I order an XL and XXL check pads just in case. Ended up sending both back and just get an XXL. They were fast, easy to work with, and very reasonable.

 

BTW, the Multitech was replacing my Symax which I love! It was just showing signs of wear. The Multitech has much better ventilation and seem much quieter. JMHO

[Esku]

I'm returning to bikes after a few (sad & frustrating) years away...I pick up my R1150RT tomorrow. I've been looking for a lid to use and I've tried on about 30 over the past week or so. I've decided on the Shoei Multitec as the best fit, quality etc. despite the price (managed to get $AUD100 off the RRP) but it is still $AUD250 more than the Nolan. Saddly the Nolan importers won't bring the N103 into OZ because of certification costs. I'll review and update after a few weeks.

[Silver Surfer/AKAButters]

My Shoei 900 full face is missing one of the two plastic phillips head screws attaching the face shield mounting bracket to the helmet. Anyone know where to get a replacement? TIA

I picked up replacements for my RF1000 at Cycle Gear.

[Sidmariner]

I've been pretty happy with my 3 HJCs over the last few years. I started with a CL-14 fullface, which was really comfortable and then moved to the CL-MAX flip-front. I really like that helmet, although it could be a little noisy. It was nearly perfect for fitting Autocom ear speakers and the foam covered mic.

 

I thought the HJC Symax-II might be a step up from the CL-MAX, and I was attracted by the internal spring-loaded sunshield. I thought it might be competition for my old Schuberth. Unfortunately, the Symax II chin piece is flatter than the CL-MAX and pushes against my chin all of the time. There is absolutely no room for the mic, like there was in the Max. HJC did make bigger pockets for the earpieces, so I do not have to modify the styrofoam. Th sun shield is functional, but it has a wierd curvy shape on the bottom edge which I now find just irritating to look through. Other than that the helmet is very good. The latch mechanism works better than the CL-Max and the helmet is overall more quiet. The price was good through newenough.com, nearly $100 cheaper than the same helmet in Canada.

[lvnvbiker]

I have the N103 right now and can say that I do like the helmet, but was happier with my old N100(1989). The 103 that I have is a bit noisy and I am having some minor issues with it that have me boxing and sending it to the warrantee center in IL. The sunshield is great and it is opticaly clear to my eyes with glasses on and main shield down I get no noticable distortion at all and the bottom edge is far enough down that I dont look thru it. The chin bar is close but not uncomfortably so and if comparing to the Shoei Multitec it is quite similar in distance with enough room for a mic if used. Over all I love the helmet and the issues that I am having are not normal but still annoy me. Issues: Left cheeck pad wont stay put, thye lower male attachment point keeps popping out and lets the neck roll fall free on that side. Easy fix but a PITA when it hapopens every other stop. Sealing rubber on right side of face bar coming loose, again annoying. And the sun visor wants to retract crooked and sticks some times, easy fix again you open main visor and push it up. Still PITA when doing 80 in the rain, and this seems to be an intermitent problem.

The reason I am sending it out is that after paying 300 for a lid it should not be doing this in less than 3 months, and yes I am a bit pissed about having to send it in but I did buy from an E-tailer. Next purchase will be from a local shop, that way I have a person I can speak to up close and get better service I hope.

[SKYGZR]

I may just have to have one of these (although currently have a year old SHOEI MULTITEC), and no matter what, wear earplugs...it's damn noisy out there without 'em

 

 

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[flyingreg]

Well, now that that subject has been thoroughly discussed, who here uses Amsoil?

[DavidEBSmith]

I liked the N100 too, and likely won't be replacing it with the N103. The chin bar is tighter and hits my chin, and the sunshield hits me on the bridge of the nose. Same with the new HJC flip-front. Not to mention, I'm not keen on the idea of having to tote the extra weight of the sunshield mechanism around on my head all day.

 

[Linz]

That new HJC flip front has to be one of the lightest helmets on the market...

 

I tried the Nolan N-102 but my chin was jammed against the chin bar.

 

Linz

[ragtoplvr]

I have the new HJC CL Max flip front. I wear glasses or I would never consider a flip front.

 

In general I do like it, glasses go on much easier, as a rounder it is easy to get on glasses with a chin/neck scarf, something almost impossible with the old full face. Fogging is bad, as with all my helmets. With the sun shield down fogging between the sun shield and visor is horrible and will not clear well. Have to find where I put the anti-fog. When real cold the visor alone is hard to flip up but the flip front works very well, both seem to stay up well. The sun shield is wonderful for this time of year when us commuters have to contend with low sun, I love that feature. It is noisy, no more so than the old Full Face helmet though.

 

It is light, so light I wonder if I can trust it. Seems well made though. Does have metal latching pawl, so should be better about staying closed in accident, I DO NOT plan on testing it though.

 

The inside of the chin bar is hard plastic, if I were to go down I would expect some minor face damage from the plastic, however I am sure it is way better than a 3/4 helmet in a face plant. Trade off for the flip front I guess, life is full of those.

 

In general it is well worth the money, slightly over 200 from New-enough but I suspect I will be continuing to search for that elusive perfect flip front helmet.

 

I will post again this summer with comments about the quality of the venting if no one beats me to it.

 

Rod