Helmets

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 8:04 pm

Irond Will wrote:
ericalm wrote:
Irond Will wrote:Has anyone heard of an open-faced helmet with some sort of protective cage (as opposed to a mostly-closed helmet)? The modulars on this page sort of come close to what I'm thinking, but would prefer something more like a football helmet - the feeling of wind on your face is sadly missing from every full-faced helmet I've tried, even with the visor up.

I use a 3/4 and just wish there were a bar or cage over my chin for safety.
Aside from something like the Nolan Trilogy, no. Nothing with a cage-like design. I suspect that kind of thing probably wouldn't pass DOT. I think it'd be very difficult to produce a cage that didn't obscure vision and wouldn't bend or shatter on impact.

Schuberth makes a helmet (the J1) that has a simple single bar that wraps around the bottom. Not sure how much good that does. And it's a $700 or so non-DOT helmet.
Ah too bad. I guess I could give the Trilogy a try. Any idea if it can fit in the Buddy's pet carrier when the chinbar is removed?

That Schuberth J1 seems to basically follow the idea I had. Shame about the price and the lack of DoT cert. Was it rejected on safety grounds or just never submitted for approval?

Schuberth only got distribution in the US a couple years ago and I think they're only importing a couple of models. This style of helmet shouldn't have trouble passing DOT. (The way DOT certification works is that companies self-certify themselves than the DOT might test them at a later date.) They're tested as open face helmets. So I think some of the resistance is bringing in something like this at a price point over $300. In the past, luxury open-face helmets have not fared well in the US.

gunsntexas · Post by **gunsntexas** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 8:34 pm

roblinx wrote:My wife likes to call me "Gazoo" when I'm wearing my Nolan N30.

I just bought a Nolan N84 for the upcoming cold weather. Maybe she'll start calling me "Darth".

EDIT: It's a Nolan N20! They need better names.

EXACTLY!! That is why I wonder if the Hawk or the some of the modular in "what appear to NOT be a carved out melon" would be nice. I have a 3/4 Fulmer on order (because it matches my scoot). I am probably going to look like that lol cat wearing a melon pic.

Today was the first day that I have ridden that it was cool. It was like 58 degrees here this morning. Big drop from our 105 norm right now. Anyhow, I could see something full face for me then. (or I guess if I went face first into the street) My problem isn't really the confinement on the face. My problem is catching my ears.

AWinn6889 · Post by **AWinn6889** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 8:43 pm

viney266 wrote:
desmolicious wrote:It's interesting that you read lots of stories about how full face helmets saved the rider, but it's hard to find ones about half or 3/4 helmets saving the rider.

Hmmm.
^^^ Its because all of us full face types ride like we are nuts!, cause we know we are safe! LOL

Yeah, I recomend a full face. Try a few on at your local shops...TRY to buy local, if you ask, those guys can make you some good deals...But, don't be afraid to try a 3/4..Its whatever you are comfortable with. Me, full face Shoei for the last 18 years...I like it not just for the safety in a crash, but to keep me dry in the rain, and the bugs off my face when I pass the cowfields at night

I hope it's not the same one from 18 years ago... you are supposed to replace your helmet about every 5 years max, because the poly-carbonate breaks down (sun damage, etc) and becomes less effective. It is now required that all helmets are date stamped so that the rider can easily know when it's time for a new one. That's why I try not to spend more than $100 on each one.

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 9:25 pm

Years ago, I can remember pulling an old 3/4 helmet of mine back out of the closet and trying it on.

Something popped on one side and I took it off and noticed it had cracked at the corner near the right ear.

I took it outside and took a hammer to it before I threw it away to keep some dumpster diver from "recycling" it.

I'm pretty sure it was over ten years old.

Lil Buddy · Post by **Lil Buddy** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 10:13 pm

Mulliganal wrote:Anyone here have a HJC IS-16?
Also, do any of you folks put reflective tape or stickers on your helmets?

Yes. I like it.
Yes. I put some reflective tape on my old helmet, but not on my IS-16.

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 10:57 pm

I have never heard of a modular helmet. I'm so glad I read this thread! Thanks all.

Just bought one of those modulars in yellow at leatherup. Really great deal and will almost match my 'dijon yellow' Stella.

black sunshine · Post by **black sunshine** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 3:49 pm

how many helmets do you guys have on average? i had my plain black one, but i just got this Fulmer one a month or so ago:

but i kinda want this Sparx one too:

and i also want to get a full-face one for the upcoming coldness. overkill!?!

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 3:58 pm

I'd say it's never overkill to add a full face!

You can add me to the list of folks who once crashed (very minor crash) and after later looking at the chin of the helmet I won't wear anything else now. It was gouged out very deeply. Probably would have meant the loss of my lower lip at the minimum, maybe some teeth as well. I ain't that pretty as it is!

Ironically I was only wearing it because I couldn't find my Evel Kneivel flag helmet that morning!

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 4:00 pm

I wouldn't call it overkill at all.

I think you're very brave to ride anything 2-wheeled in ATL in the first place.

Mulliganal · Post by **Mulliganal** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 5:24 pm

Southerner wrote:I wouldn't call it overkill at all.

I think you're very brave to ride anything 2-wheeled in ATL in the first place.

Man, you got that soooooo right. I got hit by a car in Atlanta while cycling; the woman was texting. I got slammed into while in my car in Atlanta; soccer mom was on her phone and yelling at the kids while running the red light. You can bet your last $$$ I'm being really really careful on my Stella, hence the reason I just purchased a FF helmet and made sure my wife did the same.

black sunshine · Post by **black sunshine** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 5:33 pm

yeah, i had my bad wreck a few years ago - woman decided at the LAST MINUTE to turn left in front of me as i was going straight on Moreland. i think it was her yammering granddaughter's fault. but yeah, i don't trust ANYBODY out here

i've felt more comfortable since going to the weekly scooter meetups though . . . good to know the others out there!

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 5:55 pm

I have 3 helmets. Just tossed my old Vega in the trash and replaced with my new Vega. I also have a Nolan N42 3/4 that I rarely wear. Usually it's only for test rides around the block when I do maintenance (it has a ratcheting latch instead of D-ring so I goes on/comes off faster). So used to the modular that wearing it feels weird. Also used for some passengers who don't have their own.

Then I also have a POS Internet half helmet (from HCI) that I call my "parade helmet." I bought it for guests/passengers but it's so crappy I wouldn't let a friend (or even enemy) wear it. I carved out some of the foam inside so it fit my head and have worn it once, in a parade. I'm only keeping it in case I come up with a crazy parade costume idea some year and need a lid I can glue/paper maché/staple stuff onto.

BTW, my beloved wife wears a 3/4 (the ever-popular Nolan N30 Flashback) when she rides. Odds of me talking her into a full face are pretty damn low. She's one of those who finds them too big and hot and unwieldy and is basically of the attitude that if she has to wear one of those, she just won't ride. As is, she rarely rides so I'm just happy to have talked her into an armored jacket and gloves!

Mulliganal · Post by **Mulliganal** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 6:05 pm

ericalm wrote:BTW, my beloved wife wears a 3/4 (the ever-popular Nolan N30 Flashback) when she rides. Odds of me talking her into a full face are pretty damn low. She's one of those who finds them too big and hot and unwieldy and is basically of the attitude that if she has to wear one of those, she just won't ride. As is, she rarely rides so I'm just happy to have talked her into an armored jacket and gloves!

I think this is where scootering lost my wife. She said "if I have to wear all that stuff (jacket, gloves, proper shoes) to scooter then I'm just not going to own a scooter". I guess she'll just be my scooter babe (or cupcake) for now, or at least until we make plans to go to Greece again and she realizes she still doesn't know how to ride.

Hwarang · Post by **Hwarang** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 6:18 pm

This is mine. I hope that a more stylish helmet will encourage me to wear it more often. I also have a full face.

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 6:46 pm

black sunshine wrote:yeah, i had my bad wreck a few years ago - woman decided at the LAST MINUTE to turn left in front of me as i was going straight on Moreland. i think it was her yammering granddaughter's fault. but yeah, i don't trust ANYBODY out here i've felt more comfortable since going to the weekly scooter meetups though . . . good to know the others out there!

Turning left in front of you is the statistically most probable way they will get you. Happened to my brother when he was riding to class on a Suzuki GT380 (that'll set the date) years ago.

Of course she jumped out and said she didn't see him.

desmolicious · Post by **desmolicious** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 7:07 pm

Southerner wrote:
black sunshine wrote:yeah, i had my bad wreck a few years ago - woman decided at the LAST MINUTE to turn left in front of me as i was going straight on Moreland. i think it was her yammering granddaughter's fault. but yeah, i don't trust ANYBODY out here i've felt more comfortable since going to the weekly scooter meetups though . . . good to know the others out there!
Turning left in front of you is the statistically most probable way they will get you. Happened to my brother when he was riding to class on a Suzuki GT380 (that'll set the date) years ago.

Of course she jumped out and said she didn't see him.

That's how the girl t-boned me last year. "Best" part was later she swore she wasn't moving and I somehow slid my bike sideways into the front of her car.

She was found later to be 100% at fault. But her behaviour unnecessarily dragged out the process.

huskerchic · Post by **huskerchic** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 7:12 pm

WOW! I dig that helmet. How much did that set you back? Everytime I look for a Boxer helmet, it's over $500 bucks.

Hwarang wrote:This is mine. I hope that a more stylish helmet will encourage me to wear it more often. I also have a full face.

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 7:30 pm

Hawang! how much is that one in the pic? Kinda looks like something outta Halo (master chief) or Star Wars lol.... as long as it offers great protection, I'm all for it.

Hwarang · Post by **Hwarang** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 8:06 pm

Hey guys! I bought it off Amazon UK (amazon.co.uk) as they utilize the same account database as my Amazon USA experience. You can go to amazon uk and search for "roof boxer" to check the prices. The cost was ... considerable, but I really don't like how most helmets look. They are all the same, all boring.

And I wanted something that looks a little better for next spring when I take delivery of my 2012 Triumph Bonneville

edit for drum pro: after shipping and currency conversion it was $509.32 ... it was a belated birthday gift to myself and reward for a promotion at work. A total splurge, I admit.

edit #2 - there are two things you should know about roof/boxer helmets.

1. the face guard does not have a metal bar, thus it is less protective than ones that do
2. it is engineered to the EE safety standards but may not be technically legal in states with a mandatory helmet law (MN does not have this law, so I could wear a spaghetti bowl on my head if I chose).

Akaipaps · Post by **Akaipaps** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 8:46 pm

I was thinking Darth Vaderesque.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 9:01 pm

ROOF Boxer, not DOT if it matters where you live.

I know of (in CA) people getting stopped and checked for DOT helmets. Some getting ticketed!

This happens much more when the helmets are novelty style and not clearly labeled with a DOT sticker or the sticker's been removed. I suspect that some LEOs know of certain types or styles of helmets that aren't DOT. Or they use it as an excuse to check someone who's otherwise suspicious, whatever.

Hwarang · Post by **Hwarang** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 9:39 pm

ericalm wrote:ROOF Boxer, not DOT if it matters where you live.

I know of (in CA) people getting stopped and checked for DOT helmets. Some getting ticketed!

This happens much more when the helmets are novelty style and not clearly labeled with a DOT sticker or the sticker's been removed. I suspect that some LEOs know of certain types or styles of helmets that aren't DOT. Or they use it as an excuse to check someone who's otherwise suspicious, whatever.

Yep. If I lived in a mandatory helmet state, I would probably search on ebay for a DOT sticker

... the helmet is designed to EE safety specs, which are somewhat more stringent than the US standards.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 9:40 pm

Plenty of China-esque knock off helmets in Arizona, especially since it's a non-helmet law state. Most of them come from the chopper shops (non Harley certified dealerships) or the many cheap Chinese scooter shops. Nearly all of them are the half helmet or "German" style helmets, although I've seen some HJC and Aria clones recently

Even saw a knock off Joe Rocket Phoenix ballistic jacket for $75 that looked about as well made as a WWE T-shirt from Wal-Mart.

In these cases, this stuff may be worse than no gear...

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 10:05 pm

Congrats on your promotion! It's always nice to be told your doing good! well done! Anyways, $500.00 and some odd change is a bit steep in my case....

AWinn6889 · Post by **AWinn6889** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 10:29 pm

Hwarang wrote:
ericalm wrote:ROOF Boxer, not DOT if it matters where you live.

I know of (in CA) people getting stopped and checked for DOT helmets. Some getting ticketed!

This happens much more when the helmets are novelty style and not clearly labeled with a DOT sticker or the sticker's been removed. I suspect that some LEOs know of certain types or styles of helmets that aren't DOT. Or they use it as an excuse to check someone who's otherwise suspicious, whatever.
Yep. If I lived in a mandatory helmet state, I would probably search on ebay for a DOT sticker ... the helmet is designed to EE safety specs, which are somewhat more stringent than the US standards.

They pull over anyone without a DOT sticker in NY also. Bf's half helmet was offered with or without the DOT sticker, so he got the one without (unaware that it is 100% required, because he doesn't listen to me sometimes, ahem). While it is the same exact helmet as mine, just much bigger, we were still stopped and annoyed by the local Sheriffs because his didn't have the sticker. They let us go without a ticket because our helmets are indeed the same, and have the same identification numbers etc. printed on the inside. So, when we got home we ordered a little three pack of DOT stickers and put one on his helmet when they came in 2 days later, no problems since! E-bay ftw!

Lovelandstella · Post by **Lovelandstella** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 11:53 pm

Here is the helmet I would get if money were not an object.

Mulliganal · Post by **Mulliganal** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 12:11 am

My wife just receive her HJC CL-16 helmet and it doesn't have a quick release latch on it. I see there are a few quick release buckles out there but which would be the best and easiest to use on her helmet?

ravenlore · Post by **ravenlore** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 1:04 am

Hwarang wrote:Hey guys! I bought it off Amazon UK (amazon.co.uk) as they utilize the same account database as my Amazon USA experience. You can go to amazon uk and search for "roof boxer" to check the prices. The cost was ... considerable, but I really don't like how most helmets look. They are all the same, all boring.

And I wanted something that looks a little better for next spring when I take delivery of my 2012 Triumph Bonneville

edit for drum pro: after shipping and currency conversion it was $509.32 ... it was a belated birthday gift to myself and reward for a promotion at work. A total splurge, I admit.

edit #2 - there are two things you should know about roof/boxer helmets.

1. the face guard does not have a metal bar, thus it is less protective than ones that do
2. it is engineered to the EE safety standards but may not be technically legal in states with a mandatory helmet law (MN does not have this law, so I could wear a spaghetti bowl on my head if I chose).

Well, now if I see a guy scooting around town with a helmet that totally looks like the Stig i'll know who it is!! ;-D

desmolicious · Post by **desmolicious** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 1:45 am

Lovelandstella wrote:Here is the helmet I would get if money were not an object.

How much are those? I couldn't find the price on the site...

beastmaster · Post by **beastmaster** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 4:53 am

what r peoples general opinion on arai helemts, i no more money doesnt necessarily mean better , but man these are expensive! was wondering if its worth the investment

Hwarang · Post by **Hwarang** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 5:29 am

ravenlore wrote:
Hwarang wrote:stuff!.
Well, now if I see a guy scooting around town with a helmet that totally looks like the Stig i'll know who it is!! ;-D

Maybe Modern Buddy scooterists need a "reddit-esque" passphrase?

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 8:00 am

beastmaster wrote:what r peoples general opinion on arai helemts, i no more money doesnt necessarily mean better , but man these are expensive! was wondering if its worth the investment

Without a doubt the most comfortable helmet I have ever owned. I only bought it because it was a 75% off sale. Some people complain about the visor system but once you do it 3 times it is easier to change visors than most other brands.

In our climate I really appreciate the visor "eyebrow" vents.

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 6:17 pm

AWinn6889 wrote:
I hope it's not the same one from 18 years ago... you are supposed to replace your helmet about every 5 years max, because the poly-carbonate breaks down (sun damage, etc) and becomes less effective. It is now required that all helmets are date stamped so that the rider can easily know when it's time for a new one. That's why I try not to spend more than $100 on each one.

HAHAHA ^^^ Nope, 5th Shoei in 18 years !....I guess it did kind of read that way...Yeah. You aren't allowed on the race course ( roadracing) if they are over 3 years old now...I agree though, 5 years on the street is about it.

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 6:21 pm

beastmaster wrote:what r peoples general opinion on arai helemts, i no more money doesnt necessarily mean better , but man these are expensive! was wondering if its worth the investment

Its said you either have a Shoei head or an Arai head.LOL Shoei fits me best, so thats what I wear...Worth it? In my opinion, YES, but I am a helmet snob.LOL Are they pricey? yeah...But NOTHING is as comfortable.Especially if you are in it all day.

That being said, will a 150 dollar HJC protect you as well as a 400 dollar shoei? Probably, and to be honest that 150 dollar HJC is DARN GOOD, and better than a shoei from 10 years ago, but is the shoei or Arai better...YES

desmolicious · Post by **desmolicious** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 6:28 pm

A common misconception is that a more expensive helmet will protect you better in a crash than a cheaper one.

The UK's independant Sharp testing shows that this is not necessarily true:

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/home

You can see that there are quite a few 'cheap' helmets which protect you better than many Arais. What Arai does provide is better comfort than many cheap helmets.

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 7:48 pm

desmolicious wrote:A common misconception is that a more expensive helmet will protect you better in a crash than a cheaper one.

It's very difficult to judge a helmet based on price. There are some cheap helmets which are just that: cheap, poorly-made, essentially crap. Others are inexpensive but offer just as much crash protection as much more expensive models.

Standards such as DOT and SNELL may also be poor indicators. A lot of helmets on the market sold as DOT very well may not meet the standards; testing is done on a random basis. Even the updated SNELL standards are hotly debated across the Net. A lot of people have an unerring faith in SNELL, but I'm not among them.

Almost all companies have had helmets that have failed DOT testing for some reason or another; some performance-related, some not (labeling and so on). This sometimes results in a recall but there's almost no way for you to know other than searching for recalls every now and then.

Much of the difference you'll find in pricier helmets is in materials (for the liners), paint and graphics, whistles and bells. They do tend to introduce a lot of new features (internal sun visors, for instance) before other companies, but these usually start showing up on cheaper lids within a year or so.

SO. My advice:
Get a helmet that fits and that is comfortable. (It should feel tight when you buy it, then loosen up a bit as you wear it.) Always try it on.

Never buy a used helmet.

Research a helmet before buying. (http://webbikeworld.com/ great reviews. Check owner reviews on websites.)

If you buy a pricey helmet, do it for a reason (features, comfort, reputation).

If you're trying to save money, check sales and clearance. Last year's models are probably no less safe than this year's, with the differences usually just being colors.

Shop local when possible. If you find the same helmet for more at a local dealer, tell them you saw it online for $XY but would rather buy from them and ask if they can budge.

Avoid off-off-off brands and generics. Some small companies make great helmets. But if you can't find a website for the company, any kind of contact info, distributor info, and the brand is only sold online at places that feature a lot of "novelty" helmets, stay away!

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 8:12 pm

I remember a few years back when I was going to buy a helmet for my son. The had some at Wal-Mart with, believe it or not, the Bell brand name. They had DOT stickers and I'm sure they were genuine but the interior of these helmets was really cheap-looking. The price was way less than $100 IIRC, for a full face.

I passed. We bought him a $250 name-brand helmet (I forget which) at the local Honda/Suzuki shop.

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 8:32 pm

Bell went through a very bad period, selling cheap generic junk via big box stores, Pep Boys, etc.

They've revamped and are trying to rebuild their reputation/ Some of their new lids are GREAT. I looked all over the area for one of these to try on before I bought my new helmet but couldn't find one. Hoping they're at the motorcycle show this year:

(Bell Revolver Rally modular)

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 9:01 pm

That's a pretty smooth modular. I wouldn't have noticed the seam if you hadn't mentioned it.

I would buy a modular but an old friend, the local Honda/Suzuki dealer, wears one all the time and once told me that the last two times he went down, he had the front open.

If I just have a full face, there's no such temptation. And I know what Id do.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 9:47 pm

Southerner wrote:That's a pretty smooth modular. I wouldn't have noticed the seam if you hadn't mentioned it.

I would buy a modular but an old friend, the local Honda/Suzuki dealer, wears one all the time and once told me that the last two times he went down, he had the front open.

If I just have a full face, there's no such temptation. And I know what Id do.

No model/make mentioned? Also, did it break open, or come unlatched? Honestly everyone I have known who wears modulars love them. Two of them have wrecked wearing them and zero issues came up. Heck, even my dad who has his "fancy" BMW logo-emblazoned fancy modular lid got nailed in the helmet with a brick coming off a work truck and suffered no injury

Then again, he's pretty thick skulled in every respect so somehow that doesn't surprise me

Hwarang · Post by **Hwarang** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 10:12 pm

neotrotsky wrote:
Southerner wrote:That's a pretty smooth modular. I wouldn't have noticed the seam if you hadn't mentioned it.

I would buy a modular but an old friend, the local Honda/Suzuki dealer, wears one all the time and once told me that the last two times he went down, he had the front open.

If I just have a full face, there's no such temptation. And I know what Id do.
No model/make mentioned? Also, did it break open, or come unlatched? Honestly everyone I have known who wears modulars love them. Two of them have wrecked wearing them and zero issues came up. Heck, even my dad who has his "fancy" BMW logo-emblazoned fancy modular lid got nailed in the helmet with a brick coming off a work truck and suffered no injury Then again, he's pretty thick skulled in every respect so somehow that doesn't surprise me

Oh man, if he had some video of that, it would be epic. Glad he was ok!

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 10:46 pm

neotrotsky wrote:
Southerner wrote:That's a pretty smooth modular. I wouldn't have noticed the seam if you hadn't mentioned it.

I would buy a modular but an old friend, the local Honda/Suzuki dealer, wears one all the time and once told me that the last two times he went down, he had the front open.

If I just have a full face, there's no such temptation. And I know what Id do.
No model/make mentioned? Also, did it break open, or come unlatched? Honestly everyone I have known who wears modulars love them. Two of them have wrecked wearing them and zero issues came up. Heck, even my dad who has his "fancy" BMW logo-emblazoned fancy modular lid got nailed in the helmet with a brick coming off a work truck and suffered no injury Then again, he's pretty thick skulled in every respect so somehow that doesn't surprise me

Sounds like he was riding with it open! Almost all modulars are clearly labeled (or stickered) with a warning saying not to ride with them open. I only prefer them because of size and fit, but it does come in handy when I need to talk at a stop.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 12:48 am

neotrotsky wrote:
Southerner wrote:That's a pretty smooth modular. I wouldn't have noticed the seam if you hadn't mentioned it.

I would buy a modular but an old friend, the local Honda/Suzuki dealer, wears one all the time and once told me that the last two times he went down, he had the front open.

If I just have a full face, there's no such temptation. And I know what Id do.
No model/make mentioned? Also, did it break open, or come unlatched? Honestly everyone I have known who wears modulars love them. Two of them have wrecked wearing them and zero issues came up. Heck, even my dad who has his "fancy" BMW logo-emblazoned fancy modular lid got nailed in the helmet with a brick coming off a work truck and suffered no injury Then again, he's pretty thick skulled in every respect so somehow that doesn't surprise me

Did his head break the brick?

JHScoot · Post by **JHScoot** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 4:29 am

FF ftw

the key is proper fit and ventilation for comfort that can match just about any style of helmet

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 8:03 am

Syd wrote:
neotrotsky wrote:
Southerner wrote:That's a pretty smooth modular. I wouldn't have noticed the seam if you hadn't mentioned it.

I would buy a modular but an old friend, the local Honda/Suzuki dealer, wears one all the time and once told me that the last two times he went down, he had the front open.

If I just have a full face, there's no such temptation. And I know what Id do.
No model/make mentioned? Also, did it break open, or come unlatched? Honestly everyone I have known who wears modulars love them. Two of them have wrecked wearing them and zero issues came up. Heck, even my dad who has his "fancy" BMW logo-emblazoned fancy modular lid got nailed in the helmet with a brick coming off a work truck and suffered no injury Then again, he's pretty thick skulled in every respect so somehow that doesn't surprise me
Did his head break the brick?

Wouldn't be surprised:P Anyone who lives in Arizona knows the landscaping trucks I speak of and how they are notorious for loads not tied down and beds that are converted into "stake bed" trucks by simply ripping off the rear, laying plywood and ringing the entire thing in 2x4's and chicken wire and calling it a "dump truck". Seems he was behind one of these while on the Durango Curve off the interchange and the truck ran over something in the road (I think he said it was re-tread) and the bounce dislodged some debris, including a few chunks of brick that bounced off the road surface and hit him and his bike. Damaged the aftermarket front fender (which on a BMW 1200c is a small fortune it seems!) bashed up the helmet good, but he was otherwise ok. Said he didn't lose "too much" control, and the rest of the bike seemed ok.

I've hit TWO birds while riding, one with a full face and one with a 3/4 with full shield (thanks to our numerous golf courses where they feed off the grass seeds during the winter re-planting). Thankfully both helmets did their job!

roobot5000 · Post by **roobot5000** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 10:53 pm

I'm looking to replace my current Vega NT200 3/4 helmet after a close call with a car and reading about the benefits of a FF mask in this forum.

Looking to see if anyone has any experience with the HJC CS-R1 FF helmet. Especially the fit (true to size?) and whether it cuts down on the noise level because my helmet is crazy loud.

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 11:02 pm

The CSR1 is pretty true to size, but it is an "entry level" helmet. What does that mean? More open bottom and easier to get into, which makes for a noisier helmet, and it is at a under $100 dollar price point... Find a shop that has the csr1 and the CL16...The CL 16 is 50 bucks more but will provide a better fit and a quiter ride. Go check "em out and see for yourself...Most shops will make you a good deal if you ask.

roobot5000 · Post by **roobot5000** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 11:06 pm

viney266 wrote:The CSR1 is pretty true to size, but it is an "entry level" helmet. What does that mean? More open bottom and easier to get into, which makes for a noisier helmet, and it is at a under $100 dollar price point... Find a shop that has the csr1 and the CL16...The CL 16 is 50 bucks more but will provide a better fit and a quiter ride. Go check "em out and see for yourself...Most shops will make you a good deal if you ask.

good to know, thanks for the heads up!

Mulliganal · Post by **Mulliganal** » Thu Sep 15, 2011 1:58 pm

I went for a ride for the first time with my new HJC IS-16 helmet and boy was it a different ride from my open-face Nolan N30. The ride was so much more enjoyable without all the wind noise and I felt soooo much more secure with a full face helmet. I thought I’d feel closed in, but it was really enjoyable; the only down side is that it does get a bit hot when I’m not moving but the vents cool me off nicely as soon as I start to move.

I also like the flip down internal sun visor on the IS-16, so now I don't have to fumble for sun glasses when the sun begins to set and I get hit in the face with that blinding light; just hit that slide on the top of the helmet and the tinted sun visor comes down - sweeeet. This helmet is also so much more comfortable around my ears and the padding seems to be more sung, but comfortable, all around the helmet.

I picked it up for a steal of a price (didn't pay anywhere near the going $170) so I just couldn’t pass it up, and now I’m really very happy I got it.

I don’t know if my N30 will get much use anymore, perhaps on a few of those 95+ degree days next summer.

My wife also picked up a FF helmet, the HJC CL-16, and she seems to like it also. The only bad part about each of these helmets, CL-16 and IS-16, is that there is no quick release on either of them so I had to purchase an aftermarket quick release.

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Thu Sep 15, 2011 2:47 pm

How are the Z1R helmets? I only ask cos I got It free when I bought my Buddy 170i. along with a free Givi top case.