Motorcycle Helmet

[STUBBORN]

Hi, STUBBORN (down heah!) in NH, there are many people riding motorcycles. A lot of people are not wearing any safety gear at all not even helmets. I started out buying a yellow, (since nobody had a white one in stock) Shoei RF-1400 full face helmet size large from Revzilla.com. I wanted a white one for maximum visibility but everyone was sold out.

I found the Shoei helmet too tight. Revizilla said wear it and it shall get looser, and It did not get any less tight as i wore it around the house watching YOUTUBE, etc. When riding, it pushed my cheeks a lot. It is new and hardly used just siting on a shelf now. This year, I purchased a white YEMA modular helmet size XL from AMAZON. It fits a lot better, it has a quick disconnect chin strap that I find a lot easier than the double D rings, and the entire front face opens up. Great to cool down when stopped. The jet pilot polarized green visor pulls down inside. It fits a little looser than the SHOEI inasmuch as I do not need to unfold my ears when putting it on. Both helmets fit a CARDO PACTALK BOLD comm module. What helmets do you use? Any comments?

 

[dmonkey]

Other than DOT and ECE minimum approval and full face or modular coverage, my personal preferences for a helmet are a pinlock compatible visor to reduce fogging for cold weather riding, and an internal sun visor so I have that available and don't have to deal with sunglasses (I wear prescription eyeglasses) or swapping visors.

I've rocked SHOEI helmets for years, but with the latest generation (RF-1400, Neotec II) I ran into the issue of them fitting a bit too tilted back where the chin bar sits higher than it should in front of my face. The pads really do break in with use, I normally replace them about once a year to re-snug the fit. After totaling my last SHOEI Neotec 2 (it did its job, money well spent!), I decided not to buy another due to the odd fit. For anyone who does fit a SHOEI well though, they're fantastic. You can replace some of the parts, you can send it in for more critical parts to be replaced over the years, and SHOEI will inspect a helmet for free if you mail it to them which is a nice service to have if you've dropped the helmet or had a crash. My Neotec 1 held up great for the 4.5 years or so until it was at expiration age and I retired it for a friend to use for a space art project - helmets have a lifespan, the foam degrades over time and loses its protective capability.

Right now I'm wearing an HJC F70 Carbon which is the lightest helmet I've ever owned and has a HUGE field of view. Really enjoying it for now, but might pick up another modular helmet (AGV Sportmodular Carbon) later in the year for some cross country group riding.

I usually either wear a pair of NoNoise air plugs, or for music and/or GPS directions I'll use noise canceling earbuds that plug into my phone.

On a forum (this one or another one, who knows?) recently I saw this guide for helmet fit which was very comprehensive:

 

[AlaskanTrail]

I ended up buying a Biltwell Gringo S. Looks good, fits well, and I like the retro look.

It was money well spent and I’m glad I bought it. The shipping up to Juneau, Alaska though…. Was not cheap….

 

[STUBBORN]

Hi, Nice Helmet. Lots of accessories on your Trail. Did you make a video of the installs?

 

[dmonkey]

I ended up buying a Biltwell Gringo S. Looks good, fits well, and I like the retro look.

It was money well spent and I’m glad I bought it. The shipping up to Juneau, Alaska though…. Was not cheap….

That's a fantastic looking helmet, and ECE certified! What color did you go with? Would likely be my pick for a retro helmet as well.

Hi, Nice Helmet. Lots of accessories on your Trail. Did you make a video of the installs?

Thanks. No video but I've created threads for some of the accessories like the front rack, GIvi top case, seat, etc.

 

[AlaskanTrail]

That's a fantastic looking helmet, and ECE certified! What color did you go with? Would likely be my pick for a retro helmet as well.

I ended up going with Gloss Black, but mainly because of the limited selection. I was really tempted to buy the Metallic Grape or Metallic Sterling but neither the website for Biltwell or Revzilla had those options in stock.

And of course, I had to get the red baseplate/screw hardware for the black helmet to match the Trail!

 

[Mick In VT]

Just thought I would show off my Arai helmet. The colors go great with the trail, and it is reportedly one of the safest helmets on the market.
I have found it very comfortable, but a little noisy at top speed.

 

[STUBBORN]

Nice! Looks like a red ARAI XD-4 Catch Helmet. Snell & DOT rated. I looked at an all White one from Revzilla. I liked the fact that you can custom fit all the various pads inside it and easily insert a Cardo comm system. Enjoy!

 

[m in sc]

I used to use Nolans as they fit well, particularly the modular ones (n104 etc). but finding them in the states has been an issue for the past 5 years or so. used an HJC maxII, was good, BUT... I got a sena modular helmet last year and its been great.. and I never ever ride w out one. Shoeis and arais dont fit my head well, Ive tried them.

And, ive crashed pretty hard with a modular before.. and they work. saved my face, literally.

Best Smart Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet | Sena

The Sena Smart Helmet combines the best Noise-Control and bluetooth technologies to provide a safe and quiet ride. Explore Sena's Smart Helmet today.

www.sena.com

 

[STUBBORN]

I looked at the various Sema helmets. Since I already bought a Cardo BOLD comm unit for the yellow SHOEI helmet and the Cardo fits on the YEMA Modular helmet, the SEMA would be redundant. Both Cardo & Sema units can talk to your iphone, listen to FM for weather, and any one riding along, as well as to the CB to the 18 wheelers or RV. Both are easy to install.

 

[m in sc]

I get that. I never use the blue tooth to talk, ever, ever, ever. occasionally listen to music when im on a bigger bike on a longer ride. its just nice helmet, period. company that builds them for sena has been at it for over 30 years.

 

[Rackbid]

Motorcycle noob here, so torch me if you must if these helmets suck. First one I've ever bought, but I settled on Sedici Strada II. Got it in grey because that was the only XL that Cycle Gear had in the shop. I think it was $250 and I got an extra silver mirror visor for $15. The grey is growing on me and I like it now. It fits snug but comfortable, and I think it is starting to break in better. The only place I noticed it being "tight" was high in the cheekbones, but that is not a noticeable problem now. I was worried about a full face helmet and the heat in Texas, but I've worn it several times with temps in the mid 90's and not gotten too hot (at least not while in motion). I've got nothing to compare it to from experience, but I wasn't ready to spend $500+ on a Shoei, AND this one was more comfortable for my head in the store.

 

[STUBBORN]

Looks nice. The Strada II is a fiberglass/Kevlar helmet with a drop down sun visor that’s both DOT and ECE rated. Here is an article about Sedici Helmets:
See: https://billyscrashhelmets.com/sedici-strada-ii-full-face-motorcycle-helmet-review/

 

[Msfitoy]

My CT is about as fast as a bicycle going down hill...in other words, maybe 50ish...55 if I have a head start and then I'm hanging on for life because things are getting real sketchy...comfortable speeds around town is around 40...so my head gear is not going to be the same one I'd use if I were on a crotch rocket doing triple digits (with full leather)...for me, this half helmet matches the bike's duty well enough...

 

[m in sc]

45-50 mph crash. your face, do as you wish. But look at my helmet below... also resulted in a fractured wrist and a concussion. Jacket an gloves saved me as well. 1st crash i ever had after 26 yrs of riding. If you think its safe, jump out of a moving car at 25mph see how well you do. yes, that's yellow center line transferred onto the face shield. I have go pro vid of this crash if anyone would like to see what a 'low speed' crash can do. .02

 

[AZ7000']

The best helmet is the one on your head. I’ve worked the emergency department for 20 years and never never had a case where we said “if he/she just had a better helmet”. I don’t know if you can even buy a non dot helmet in the us, $39 on Amazon for dot certified. .

 

[m in sc]

Oh, ive seen open face vs full face injuries. it matters. and a 39 dollar helmet is just asking for it. but something is better than nothing. No helmet.. well then that's just stupid. But thats allowed here as well.

 

[dmonkey]

Having the helmet strap fastened is also key if you don't want to be a vegetable. It doesn't even take 40mph, you can tip over at a stop sign and smack your head hard enough to change your life. Happy to see other riders here gearing up. Head shape is a big deal for fit, there are a lot of nice helmets I would love to wear but they don't come in intermediate oval shape. The Sena ones are among them, excellent bang for the buck if you're already sold on using their comms.

 

[Jitsguy78]

I wear this one on my chopper. I'll wear it on the ct125 when I get it too.

 

[STUBBORN]

Royal M141 Helmet. On eBay. Does it come with a visor? Do you wear safety goggles with it?