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Helmet recommendations ?

11K views 41 replies 26 participants last post by  scrambler4me  
#1 · (Edited)
When answering the helmet poll the other day, It dawned on me, I hadn't slapped on the ol' Nolan N100 for some time.

I chose it over my Bell Pit Boss, because it was only 10c, and my open face was not making my face happy. AND, I went from a neckid T100 to a Tiger with a small window, so the aerodynamics were totally different.
The seat is in the lowest position.

Now, here is where it gets interesting....I was considering a taller windscreen, as I had notice a bit of turbulence/buffeting....not 1993 ST100 stock windscreen type of buffeting (sorry about the obscure reference, but anyone who has owned one knows of what I speak) but just enough to ponder a bit quieter ride. Short jaunts of 50km or less it seems tolerable...it was the longer hauls that concerned me.

I digress...I noticed a drastic reduction in noise/turbulence and buffeting with the Nolan...even with the front flipped up! So...being that I am just shy of 6' tall, I find the STOCK screen pretty much ALMOST ok. So maybe if I bought a helmet made in the last decade...as in lower profile and lighter, I can just put away new screen Ideas?

Any similar experiences and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I do not want to spend over $350.00 CDN, and I want another flip-up. Full face all the time, is not going to happen..been there done that.
 
#2 ·
The only thing I can recommend is just trying on a bunch of different helmets til you find the one that fits your head shape the best. Unfortunately you won't know how it'll do in the wind until you get on the bike with it and by then if it doesn't perform well it's too late to return. People will probably recommend what has worked for them but since everyone is built different, even if they are the same height/inseam ect, what works for someone else may not work for you. Good luck on your helmet search though, I've been considering a new helmet lately due to my helmet being a couple years old and the vent open/close mechanism has failed so the chin vents don't close anymore. Although having just spent a bunch of money on panniers, camping gear and a new windscreen I'm having a hard time justifying spending 400-700 on a new lid. Although if I did I would be taking a hard look at the Nexx XD1, it's super light and looks cool.
 
#17 ·
Although if I did I would be taking a hard look at the Nexx XD1, it's super light and looks cool.
It is and it does, but I have a Nexx XR1R that I barely used because the inside lining basically just got weird.

It was really comfortable when I first purchased it, lining felt really plush, cozy and comfortable.

But over time the lining seamed to stretch, sag and got odd. It seemed to require more and more effort to put on as time went by, having to kind of stuff and tuck loose lining and it caused hot spots.

I know I could buy another liner and cheek pads, but at the rate it deteriorated, I don't know that there is value in it.

Hopefully they have improved upon the quality of the lining materials since the XR1R, but it has left me a little gun shy about trying another NEXX helmet for the money.

I think Arai and Shoei both use higher quality materials for the lining and take a lot more care in the detail, but perhaps NEXX has caught up since the XR1R.

If anyone really wants to over pay for a helmet, NEXX makes the Touratech Dual Sport helmets for them and Touratech will be happy to sell you one at a premium! :D

Edit: Actually I believe both NEXX and Schuberth both makes models for Touretech.
 
#3 ·
I hear ya...same ol same ol. I'll not order one online unless I've tried one on in the store first...assuming the online one is cheaper.
But fitting isn't riding, and the last time I checked, stores are not keen on allowing you to blast down the highway, tags a-flappin' to "try before you buy"...typically get a song and dance about "hygiene" or "helmet stretch "...ya, whatever *sigh* You can try a pair of shoes on before you buy..but not helmets.
 
#4 ·
Well, if you like the Nolans, why not stick with them. I'm currently on an N-104 and really like it, especially with the new N-Com B5 system. Plus one nice thing about the Nolans
is that you can get replacement pads for it. I have a medium N-104, but I swapped the medium cheekpads out for small and now it fits a whole lot better. If you go by the whole
5 year thing, I'll be looking at a replacement next year. I've already decided on the N-104 EVO.
 
#6 ·
I agree that helmets are basically a must for trying on. That being said, I recently picked up a Kabuto (Formerly OGK) Ibuki modular and it's fantastic. Aerodynamics are excellent, no more turbulence riding at 70+mph like I endured with my last Scorpion modular and HJC full face helmets. It's extremely quiet, well constructed and the price was right at less than $250. If you have a local retailer that sells them I would definitely add the brand to your list.
 
#7 ·
Thanks Sapper...after you posted this, I went on my usual fixation to find out every single detail, and read every review about the Ibuki modular.
I want one. And do you think anyone here sells one? Can I try before I buy> Nope...nadda...zip. Perhaps I can do the old "fitting guide" (which never seems to work lol) and check the return policy, as they do sell them online here.
 
#11 ·
Too bad, I was fortunate to have an authorized Kabuto dealer right in my town. They did not sell the Ibuki but I got a decent idea of sizing. I'm an intermediate oval and have previously worn size Large HJC CL series, Size XL Scorpion EXO-900 and now wear a size Large Ibuki. I don't know what your online shopping options are in Canada but I would say the size Large fit very similar to a size Large HJC CL-17. I wound up buying the Ibuki from 2wheel.com for $238 after $10 of 2 wheel cash for registering an account. Not bad considering the quality and it's original price of $449.

I sell the Kabuto Avand II. Check out the weight and venting if you have any up your way.
I'm amazed at how lightweight the Ibuki is.......it made my EXO-900X feel like it had lead weights hidden in the liner. I'm definitely a fan of Kabuto products!
 
#8 ·
Schulberth are good too. On the expensive side but I love my C3.
Best lid I've ever bought. Light, quiet and great aerodynamics.
Some people have complained about water getting inside but I've not had that problem.
It certainly rains here so if it was going to happen it would have by now.
 
#13 ·
Which helmet to get is in my opinion a very subjective issue. I know price is always a consideration but you've heard this before... "you get what you pay for." Since my noggin is going to be encased in this brain bucket I want to give it the best protection I can for my money spent. That being said, I personally would not go on the cheap when it comes to helmets.

I have 2 Arai helmets that I wear depending on what bike I'm riding. I have an RX-Q and a XD-4 and I am very happy with both of them. They fit my head well in that they are snug, and I find them comfortable and quiet. They are well ventilated too which is a major consideration.

I know there are helmets more expensive than Arai and some cost less...I feel for my personal protection the money spent on my Arai helmets is money very well spent.

Bob
 
#14 ·
I was getting a new screen for the Tiger Explorer but had to get a new helmit first.

Always rode with a Nolan and the 102 was leaking. Bought the 104 and didn't have to get a new screen. Just under 6' and no buffeting at all since. Just my .02 as I wear glasses the flip ups are all I use. The lady of the house bought a Shoie flip up and swears by it. I can't find one that fits my head.
 
#15 ·
Well, the quote I always remember is "$40.00 helmet..$40.00 head."

But that is subjective once in the realm of "real" as in DOT and SNELL ratings. I doubt a $1,200 Schubert will factor in, after all the crash data is in, have the investigators sitting around the water cooler, mulling over the question...that too many of us contemplate..."well gee...ya know? ...if that poor victim had not being wearing a cheap $400.00 brand X he may have survived." I'm fairly confidant, in 2016, the rupturing of important internal organs plays more of a part in fatalities that all but the cheapest buckets. It's been a while since the Hurt report has been out:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurt_Report but most of it is still valid.
 
#19 ·
I swear it is all voodoo lol....after 2 weeks of being off the Bonne, and onto the Tiger, many preconceived notions are being tested.
I thought for sure the stock screen would not be up to the task of keeping wind pressure off my core, while not being horribly noisy.
I assumed my "old" Nolan N100 would not be as quiet as the newer models...now Im not so sure on all counts.

My 6' body is mostly legs, as I do not seem to suffer as other tall folks do. The wind hits my helmet exactly where it was designed to, and creates no or little buffeting...dependant on truck traffic and weather..but still in worse case scenario (for us country bumpkins who enjoy mostly deserted backroads) of 105-110 kph and with a brisk headwind/semis in convoy sailing past from the other direction, I doubt an aftermarket screen would make enough difference for me to appreciate.

So, for now, the screen stays, and If I can find a decent Nolan convertible here in Canada for a good price, I may retire my N100...but for now it stays.

And finally, I always wear those soft foam earplugs...the good ones that come in multipacks. They block enough that you can still hear danger, and are so comfy, you forget they are in.
 
#21 ·
Just a quickie...
Noticed this thread, and had a bit of a read.
Can't think why no-one has mentioned the Shark Evoline..
I am onto my second, and love them. During that time have had a 2012 XR, followed by a 2015 XRX, and I can't fault the Evoline.
Big advantage, can be flipped over, and totally legal to ride in the 3/4 mode. Also has an internal sun visor (think a few do that these days), 5 year warranty etc. Minimal weight difference to other fullface. Have just returned from a 3,600km round trip, and the helmet was great.
Not sure about equivalent noise, must admit that has never really worried me, with any helmet (been riding lots of years....)
Thought I would mention it....
 
#22 ·
Thanks so much all for the guidance and help in my search.

I went with the Chiefs' recommendation, and got a very good price on the 104 EVO :))
I ordered it online, because it was free shipping and was told if I measured right, it will fit...fingers crossed.

I'll post my impressions once I et a few KMS of clean air, on the super-slab with it. My measure of a helmets', perceived quietness, is judged, and keep in mind this is just me, I'm not speaking to anyone else experience...is the noise level, on a windless day, which are hard to find in the maritimes...but early morning, on a weekend, on a deserted road. Traffic just adds to buffeting and noise of course, and that is it.
I am fortunate enough, to live far from any major cities or big towns, so, for me, it is not a hard task. I get, that for you city dwellers, you need to do some riding to get away from "bad air".

Luckily, I still have my old N100 to do a comparo with. I also have a newer Pit Boss, but we won't go there..will we ;-)
 
#23 ·
I have had AGV and a couple of others which work for me. Shoei and Arai are no good for me-I put these guys on and my nose practically juts out below the chin bar, and I can barely see out the visor. Basically just get one that fits-I've never noticed a great deal of difference in wind noise with any helmet.
 
#27 · (Edited)
Nolan 104 Evo road report.

Ok...I had to order the Nolan N104 Evo...I trust and Like the Italian product :) It came in 2 days, fits like a glove, quiet, all the features work well and are glove friendly...HUGE field of view, comes with the antifog screen insert, and the internal screen is better than I thought I had read it was supposed to be...maybe it was another helmet review...i'm easily confused at my age ;-) ...but it is dark enough, and comes way down past the middle of my nose, so no glare from underneath. Loving it so far!

Off for another 2 hr "test" ;-)

It was comfy...my wee noggin all nestled in. Again, great visibility, and outstanding tinted shield. The only niggle I could find, is that the airflow button/slider thingie on the top of the helmet makes a slight noise at highway speeds. Since I live on Canada's left coast, I normally rarely see temperatures exceed 30c, and most days its 20-28c during the summer. I have never had a scenario, where I've wished someone would invent a helmet with vents for the top of my skull. But, I do understand, that the majority of the motorcycling community, do see wicked temps into the 40c+ range...and get stuck in traffic etc. Me? I'll tape it shut lol.
 
#28 ·
I also have Nolan N-104 and i love it. I looked at numerous helmets and read just as many reviews and next time, i'm just going to go to the store and try them on. All the reviews i read were different for same helmets. One would say noisy and uncomfortable and the other very quiet and comfortable and this is about the same helmet.
My nolan n-104is more noisy on my upright Honda but on the Ducati where i'm leaning over is pretty quiet. I also tested my friends Schubert and it is not any quieter riding in upright position
 
#30 ·
The best thing that I like about N104 is the periferal vision, it's my bigger than any other helmet I ever had and that was my deciding point plus it helps that flat black with red pin striping makes for a beautiful helmet. I do no like the retractable sun screen as it doesn't cover my eyes completely but rather a bit more than half so I'm kind of looking through the bottom edge. Removable insides are also great for washing