full face helmet ?....... Which helmet did I buy ?

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 4:32 pm

I'm looking to buy a new full face helmet, and was curious as to what brand you have now and why you like it.

I want to protect what little brains I have left. Sad

then next would be comfort, noise and then price ?

Dan

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 4:45 pm

Can't go far wrong with Arai.

I've got a 2009 model Chaser and I love it cos its comfy, very safe, got good venting for when you need it and pretty quiet.

Not cheap tho.

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 6:03 pm

Shoei X-Eleven. DOT and Snell approved. It's light and has good air flow so it stays cooler in the warm weather and de-fogs very well in the cooler temperatures. Opening the vents is very easy with gloves on and ventilates very quickly when all are open. It is a little noisy, especially with all the vents open.

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 6:31 pm

I have a Roof boxer helmet,the part that protects the jaw can be turnd up so its pretty easy to put it on and off.
Wim

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 6:32 pm

got a simpson outlaw(looks good but thats it) but think i am going to get myself a bell daytona for day to day riding... plus the lining is removable for cleaning.

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 7:31 pm

You need to get out and try some on. Try to get to one of the Cycle World Motorcycle shows this winter. There are usually venders that will have everything.

Arai makes a fantastic helmet, but they do have a different shape and wont fit everyone. Plus they are pretty expensive.

I have a Shoei TZ-R that I am very happy with. Comfortable, super light and good vents. It was an 08 model that I bought in 09 for nearly $200 off msrp. So the typical winter months are a good time to buy.

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 7:47 pm

Arai for me the quality is worth the price Shoei never fitted me as well, its best to try them , but remember you only get one head ! so dont skimp !

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 7:58 pm

If it's possible for you, you should try on a variety of helmets at a local dealer/shop to see what brands fit you best....not all makes fit the same. I can't find an Arai in any size that fits me comfortably. Right now, I have an HJC CL-15 (DOT & Snell rated) and a Zox (can't find a model # - DOT only) that I wear.

I bought the HJC online for $79.95 from Motorcycle Superstore or New Enough (can't remember which) and it was a hell of a bargain. It's a vg full face w/removable washable liner & good ventilation.

I bought the Zox locally from a Cycle Salvage store. It has an up/down pivoting chin bar, an inner drop-down sun shield (no need to wear shades under my helmet), removable/washable liner, and great ventilation. Downside is the DOT only rating....but I got it for $179.95 - a comparable Nolan 103 (Snell rated) is $100.00 more.

Ed

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 6:21 am

Yep, get the one that fits you.

Get the real way to test a helmet for fit.

I learned in the Motorcycle Safety Class that I took.

I used to swear by the shoei RF series 200 - 900.

Loved fit, finish, comfort, weight, and venting.

When they changed to the 1000 and the 1100 they changed the inside

fit on the helmet. It nolonger fit me.

I messed around with several different helmets and brands.

I've found tha the Scorpion helmet works for me.

I swear that they found the old shoei helmet inside dimensions and used it.

I have been very pleased with mine that I have a couple of them.

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 8:56 am

Also, Arai and Shoei use the Pinlock visor inserts:
http://www.pinlock.com

They basically create a double-glazed visor that completely eliminates fogging.

Not sure if other brands use them but they work great.
I think you can buy kits to fit them to normal visors.

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 11:30 am

Guys... thanks for all the responses, along with my research and your recommendations I'm going to try and find as many helmets on as I can on and go from there.

I did find this link... http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/19581/ITEM/Scorpion-EXO-400-Rebel-Helmet.aspx

Dan

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 2:54 pm

CjKit wrote:

Also, Arai and Shoei use the Pinlock visor inserts:
http://www.pinlock.com

They basically create a double-glazed visor that completely eliminates fogging.

Not sure if other brands use them but they work great.
I think you can buy kits to fit them to normal visors.

+1 on the pinlock system.

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 3:11 pm

i have one of these and love it. Shark evoline. 69 dollar helmet??....I wonder why racers don't wear them? maybe cuz there's no cars out there with'em?

http://www.shark-helmets.com/product.php?sous_gamme=EVOLINE&gamme=TheSHARKUrbanrange&code_gamme=URBAN%20RANGE&code_sous_gamme=EVOLINE

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 4:14 pm

Grump - That Shark Evoline looks nice. I will look for that as its time for an upgrade.

I have been using an HJC Symax for 9 seasons and it does get a bit noisy on long hauls. It often seems that opening the face at speed would keep the wind noise from resonating in the helmet and could help the ringing effect after 6 hours in the saddle. I don't remember seeing Shark at the NY motorcycle show last year, but will keep an eye out this time.

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 4:20 pm

Peggy and I have the scorpion EXO 1000 This is a 2010 model I have last years model I love it

http://shopping.scorpionusa.com/C55D9C025BA44D11A3713BF0D546303C.asp?cat_id=FBF05AC4DB8843C1B0FF76893F5540D5&pcs_key=CCC7D1EF852B417AAF8168A364A989D0&retpage=%2FF4BD78EED51D4762989F1184B1165B96%2Easp&nm=RPM&spath=&path=Home+%3E+Equipment+%3E+Street+Helmets&sc_id=612E72807EDF48389181DAEB80C5A3ED

And I am getting this one for Peggy for the next years riding season

http://shopping.scorpionusa.com/C55D9C025BA44D11A3713BF0D546303C.asp?cat_id=FBF05AC4DB8843C1B0FF76893F5540D5&pcs_key=3B73410AE2DC4430B7971AFADCCE32A7&retpage=%2FF4BD78EED51D4762989F1184B1165B96%2Easp&nm=EXO%2D900+Solid+TransFormerHelmet%AE&spath=&path=Home+%3E+Equipment+%3E+Street+Helmets&sc_id=612E72807EDF48389181DAEB80C5A3ED

Red CB1100F Joined: Jul 19, 2010 Posts: 6420 Location: Ct

It is a Shoei, cant remember the model because I painted it flat black over the labels. This was originally my buddys helmet but I had to buy him a new one after my dog, tank, rolled it around the garage and scratched it up. So I got a used, spray painted helmet for $260.00. Very comfortable, like it.

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 5:31 pm

kcdaniels wrote:

Guys... thanks for all the responses, along with my research and your recommendations I'm going to try and find as many helmets on as I can on and go from there.

I did find this link... http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/19581/ITEM/Scorpion-EXO-400-Rebel-Helmet.aspx

Dan

Helmets are the most important piece of riding equipment. Sometimes money is tight but there are certain things one should not cheap out on. Very good helmet 300 + verses head trauma 10,000 + I would go for the 300+ JMHO

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 7:38 pm

Maybe I'm a little biased, but then again I'm still here and still riding every chance I get.

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 8:33 pm

My newest helmet is an HJC that has a built in sunshade. For me it's very comfy and I like it a lot so far. I was wearing a Shoei RF1000 when I hit the ground hard after smacking into a deer at about 30mph. I paid at the time over four hundred dollars for that helmet and still wound up in the trauma center with a bruise on my brain. No way to know if a cheaper helmet would have protected me any less but I doubt it. The way the helmet fits you is the most important thing. Try on as many as you can.

David

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 12:07 am

Anybody else use ear plugs inside the full face besides me? I use EAR or Deci-Damp foam units that I get from work, hearing protection is standard PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) at the refinery. Makes those long tours much less tiring. If you've got a loud pipe I find they are a must have (or put the dB killer back in the canister). If your helmet noise reduction is somewhat marginal,..but it fits good, this may be a way to prolong it's use. That said, I believe the standard life span of any helmet is approx 5 years in normal service, without any impacts. This I believe is a recommended change out time (by the manufactures?). It is noted that even if a helmet falls off the table and inpacts the floor there could be un-seen damage that may compromise your protection in the future. Not intending to insight riot here..just passing on some related info. It may be that standards have changed,..haven't looked a Snell, DOT, or the Z rating standards in more then a few years now. For sure,..if track days are part of your plan I believe you need to have the correct safety gear to run the circuits, so keep this in mind when your make your purchase. Typically it seems that safety ratings tend to raise the price of the helmets it seems, at least in some cases.

Related link here:

http://www.cb1100f.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=48752

Thread Jack not intended....sorry bout that.

Cheers.

Tony

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 8:50 am

I always use earplugs on longer journeys to cut down the wind noise.

Not so much because it's irritating but because over time the low frequencies will permanently damage your hearing.

Apparently tinnitus is common among bikers who never wear ear plugs and have been riding for a while.

They do also make a long journey less tiring and far more comfortable.

I know people suggest that even a slight fall means you should replace your helmet but I got knocked over by a cyclist while carrying my Arai and it went skidding across the road.

Sent it off to Arai for testing (for free) and they gave me a certificate confirming that it is still safe to use.

I think that generally speaking if the casing isn't cracked and your head wasn't inside at the time, then the helmet should be ok as the polystyrene interior won't have been compacted.

At least that's what I was told by Arai.

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 11:12 am

TigreST wrote:

Anybody else use ear plugs inside the full face besides me?

Cheers.

Tony

Always even with the helmet

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 3:42 pm

Your pipe is not really the problem, at highway speeds with no windshield the wind noise inside even a good helmet is about the same level as a chainsaw close up.

Take it from someone who hears the ringing 24 hours a day. Go to someone like Big Ear or something similar and get some molded ear plugs. They are more effective and comfortable than generic ones.

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 4:29 pm

I wonder if that's why i don't hear very well any more? tinnitus is so bad now sometimes i hear voices, buzzing and bells ringing. It's the voices that bother me the most though.

MB-5 Joined: Sep 20, 2010 Posts: 26 Location: Seattle

kcdaniels wrote:

Guys... thanks for all the responses, along with my research and your recommendations I'm going to try and find as many helmets on as I can on and go from there.

I did find this link... http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/19581/ITEM/Scorpion-EXO-400-Rebel-Helmet.aspx

Dan

Hi Dan,

I have that helmet and its more than okay. Sizing is a bit on the small side, but the features are absolutely on the 250+ side. I like it ... venting is a bit weak, though. But for that price you'll get an awesome helmet!

Cheers!

Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 2:33 am

TigreST wrote:

Anybody else use ear plugs inside the full face besides me?

I wear earplugs unless I'm just riding a couple of miles in town at no more than 35 MPH. That's my only exception to ATGATT.

Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 2:38 am

I wear earplugs.

Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 12:38 pm

going to take a small trip out of town next week... will be able to find some bike shops and try helmets... looking around the web I found this site with lots of reviews and this very interesting helmet FAQ..... http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-faq.htm

Again thanks for the replies.

Dan

Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 10:40 pm

I've tried the Arai Quantum and hated it. Kept getting crap in my eyes with the shield down. Couldn't figure out why or where it was coming from! Not pleased with their CS either. Was kinda pissed that I ordered a XXL and they put the same size chin strap that was on a small. WTF??? I couldn't even wear a scarf in the cold weather. Then they charged me to put a longer one on, plus extra shipping because they couldn't think of a bigger strap for a bigger helmet!!!

I prefer the Shoei. I have an X-11 and a RF1000. The X-11 has great air flow for hot weather riding plus the better liner, but is really a noisy helmet. That's the air flow part of it, right?

The RF1000 is great, but I don't care for the liner during the hotter rides.

Ear plugs only when I ride the OMT. That freakin' Schule is loud!!!! Shocked

Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 12:36 am

i just bought this helmet...good luck,

RX -Q helmet...

urban black

I spent more on my helmet then the bike...lol