Triumphrat

R-X · 07-25-2007

Wearing my Suomy Spec-1R for the first time, I felt the helmet was a bit uncomfortable.

Not wanting to immediately return the helmet, I decided to call Suomy here in the United States in an effort to purchase some smaller cheek pads as that was the area that was putting the most pressure on my head.

After explaining my problem to a customer service rep she asked if I would hold the line while she got someone who could further assist me.

The next person I spoke to broke down the "science" of the Suomy fit. He explained that the Spec-1R helmet is designed to fit a bit more snug not unlike the way professional racers wear their helmets (and leathers for that matter). He also recommended that I give it a good 500-1000 miles before I changed the cheek pads. Other helmets I have owned felt broken in by the end of a 200-300 mile day. Not the Suomy! I reluctantly took his advice.

I'm happy to report he was right! After several hundred more miles, the Spec-1R was beginning to feel quite comfortable. Now it fits as though this helmet were made for me. Perhaps the slightly snug fit forced the padding to conform to my head shape. After thousands of miles, these helmets still fit perfectly and there is no lift even at speeds in excess of 130 mph.

The build quality is first rate all the way around. Noise levels are not noticeably lower or higher than either the Arai or Shoei I used to own.

Shields are relatively inexpensive and certainly cheaper than Arai's shields. I like the helmet so much I decided to purchase another one in a different color. I'll wear nothing else now.

As a side note, the gentleman who schooled me on The Suomy fit is the President of the North American division. A super nice guy who definitely knows his stuff. The fact that this guy took the time to take my call and patiently explained how the product works inspired me to write this review. There's a lot of misinformation out there about how these helmets are supposed to fit. It's time to set the record straight.

So the next time you hear some kid or self-professed "gear expert" at the motorcycle shop say "it's a Suomy, order the next size up", ignore them and order your true size.

MVP44 · 07-27-2007

R-X - I too have fallen head over heals with Suomy. The only thing I did find was that the Spec 1r did fit 1 size smaller than the Spec 1r extreme which I bought in a large and my shoei was a med. The spec 1r extreme med I couldn't even get on. Suomy said the extreme uses different cheek and liner pads designed to be more "cushioned" - other than that I think your review is spot on good job.

Aske · 07-27-2007

What kind of head shape do they fit? Maybe you could put it in terms of Arai or Shoei helmet fits?

I always thought the Suomy helmets were cool, but I could never find them locally to try on.

rstover · 07-27-2007

I have a Suomy and like the fit, now that I have new cheekpads. BTW, Arai cheekpads work just fine and are half the price of Suomy's.

What I don't like is the wind noise. Whew, without earplugs it gets downright painful.
Roger

bruce19 · 07-28-2007

Yesterday I got my new Suomy Spec 1R Extreme "Dragon" and wore it for the first time last night. **** this thing is good! Graphics are outrageous and the fit is perfect for me. Any suggestion for what to use to clean that shield?

rstover · 07-29-2007

[ Any suggestion for what to use to clean that shield?[/quote]

No matter what I used on mine I could not get rid of a pesky film... until I removed the shield and washed it in... soap and water! Rinse first to remove any particles, wash by hand, and then dry with 100% cotton only--NEVER use paper products of any kind, including Kleenex. Perfectly clear shield!
Roger

rustbucket · 07-29-2007

Microfiber cloths are the way to go for cleaning/drying a shield.

This little may be the best money I've ever spent on a moto accessory - I've been using it for almost 2 years now: http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/...w-p-16686.html

At home, I'll hand wash the shield with dish soap, and use the cloth in the kit above to dry it. On the road, it's invaluable. I lost it for a couple of weeks, and was amazed at the constant struggle to keep my visor clear of bugs/dirt/gunk.

bruce19 · 07-30-2007

[quote=rustbucket;781021]
This little may be the best money I've ever spent on a moto accessory - I've been using it for almost 2 years now: http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/...w-p-16686.html QUOTE]

This is pretty much like the "Wee Willie" isn't it? That's what I've been using on the road for the past 10 yrs.

MVP44 · 08-06-2007

Aske -
I wear - a Medium in the Shoei RF-1000 and X-11. In Suomy hte Spec 1-R medium fit me great, but the Spec 1R extreme was way to tight and I needed to get a large which fit me perfect. The Suomy Tech rep I spoke to said this was normal due to the upgraded liner and padding in the extreme model - definitely best graphics out there.

BonnieLass · 08-15-2007

Suomy Spec R1 Extreme is definitely for long oval shaped heads, as is the Arai Profile. I wear the same size in both helmets... and have yet to find any other helmet that fits. So if, like me, you can't find a Suomy dealer anywhere, determine what size Profile you wear, then order the Extreme in the same size (keeping in mind that when it arrives you will be convinced that you can't possibly get your head through that tiny opening. My Extreme fits much closer than my Profile but both are comfortable on.