Weigh in on helmets!

adahl · Post by **adahl** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 12:00 am

I just got a buddy 125 seafoam green and I wanna stay safe! Would like some input on helmets, what are you wearin' to protect your noggin?

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 12:07 am

I had a Fulmer full face for many years and just switched to the HJC IS17. It's a great helmet but not as quiet as I was hoping (wind noise). I also rock the Sena SMH FM5 for phone connectivity and even listen to radio through it if I'm in traffic (comedy channel!!!).

ModernMike · Post by **ModernMike** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 1:12 am

3/4 with retractable visor. Most importantly, ghost flames and skulls. Ha! Look into those Mohawk hair pieces you can add on 😉

paracer · Post by **paracer** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 1:18 am

I have a nutcase...

http://store.nutcasehelmets.com/collections/motorcycle

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 2:41 am

I have an HJC CL15. It is noisy, but the chin screen included with the helmet made a big difference. It's getting old and considered the CL or IS17, thanks, Tocsik, for the noise comment.

sc00ter · Post by **sc00ter** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 3:23 am

Nolan Modular (aka flip up) in hi vis yellow. Also has the retractable sun shield and a anti fog insert that actually works. Not the lightest or quietest modular on the market but it fits my head shape (try on before you buy any helmet!) and has been pretty durable. It came with a Ncom bluetooth but I have never used it and have since lost it. A friend bought a Sedici Cycle Gear branded modular helmet recently and really likes it so far. Was $150 cheaper than my Nolan, but like I said, I like my Nolans.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 4:00 pm

I have a scorpion modular and full. Both are great.

I've been hit in the chin with bees/rocks etc, so I won't do anything less. Sometimes during Rallies I'll leave the modular open so I can make cheesy grins.

bedhead_k · Post by **bedhead_k** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 8:18 pm

i rock a bilt techno bluetooth helmet (gloss black). i personally wouldnt pick it out of a show room but the guy that sold me my buddy gave it to me. aesthetically no super stylish and its only dot approved no snell... i def look like i should be riding a sport bike with it on...

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 8:44 pm

GMax 68S full-face, Bell Classic 500 (in orange metalflake) 3/4, with face shield.

bgwss · Post by **bgwss** » Thu Mar 24, 2016 1:00 pm

Helmets are very subjective, get what fits your noggin the best. I prefer Arai helmets full face which tend to be on the high end. I would encourage you go to a motorcycle dealership or accessories store and try on a bunch so you know what you want.

Argee · Post by **Argee** » Thu Mar 24, 2016 8:18 pm

A high % of helmet impacts occur on the chin.

I really like lightweight helmets and good visibility. 1st was an Urban N20 Astro, which ran small. Next was M2r MR10, which ran large or at least more round. Latest is LS2 FF387, which is perfect except that the face shield does not have a "ventilation/de-fog position", i.e. barely opened. I think I can fix this, with a dremel. These all weighed around 3.25 lbs.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Thu Mar 24, 2016 9:54 pm

My personal favorite is the Nolan N43e or N44. Ventilation and visibility are just as good as an open face, but the chin bar provides pretty much the same protection as a full shell helmet. Good face screen and retractable sunscreen. Comes with a pinlock insert. Good selection of colors. Well made. Comfortable. Provisions for an intercom/Bluetooth insert.

cummingsjc · Post by **cummingsjc** » Fri Mar 25, 2016 12:53 pm

Dooglas wrote:My personal favorite is the Nolan N43e or N44. Ventilation and visibility are just as good as an open face, but the chin bar provides pretty much the same protection as a full shell helmet. Good face screen and retractable sunscreen. Comes with a pinlock insert. Good selection of colors. Well made. Comfortable. Provisions for an intercom/Bluetooth insert.

+1 on the Nolan N43 (and I would assume a +1 on the N44 if I ever get a chance to upgrade my current helmet).

ucandoit · Post by **ucandoit** » Sat Mar 26, 2016 3:50 pm

I bought a cheap Raiders DOT approved 3/4 helmet and I like it and am sticking with it. I'm really cautious. I also wear plastic safety glasses. DO Protect your Eyes! Always. BUT, if you can stand the full face helmet, I'd go with that as it protects your jaw, according to the stats. Make sure the helmet is comfortable. It takes some getting use to helmets.

GregsBuddy · Post by **GregsBuddy** » Sat Mar 26, 2016 9:56 pm

Shoe RF1100
Arai Cosair
One head per customer.

skipper20 · Post by **skipper20** » Sun Mar 27, 2016 3:08 pm

adahl wrote:I just got a buddy 125 seafoam green and I wanna stay safe! Would like some input on helmets, what are you wearin' to protect your noggin?

Whatever it is that you buy, make sure it has good eye and face protection. And, most importantly, go to a MC/scooter store and try it on in-person before you buy. It's got to feel just right and buying online will NOT give you that first-hand personal experience. Good luck and ride safe!

Bill in Seattle but wintering in Tucson
'14 170i Hooligan Matte Green
'15 170i Hooligan Titanium (AZ scoot)

paige · Post by **paige** » Sun Mar 27, 2016 10:22 pm

Nolan N103 for several years, just switched to Schuberth C3.

I really liked the modular Nolan for fit and integrated sunshield.

The Schuberth is really light and almost spookily quiet.

You really need to try them on, because you will be wearing the helmet more than any other piece of gear.

babblefish · Post by **babblefish** » Tue Mar 29, 2016 6:30 am

I'd like to be able to afford a Nolan, but since I can't, I bought a mid-priced HJC S-Max modular. Been wearing that with no problems for 8 years. Only washed the liner once in all that time. I know, ewww! Some people complain about the noise, but it's been quieter than any of the other helmets I've had, so I'm happy. Besides, I'm easy to please...
With that being said, I'm currently looking for a new HJC modular because they have a retractable sunscreen, which would be great. I also noticed that HJC is offering an optional "electric shield" for some of their helmets. Basically, it's an electrically powered visor that prevents fogging. That would be really useful for cold weather riding. Currently, my shield fogs up pretty badly unless I stop breathing while I'm riding. But, that doesn't last very long because I usually crash within a few minutes due to passing out from lack of oxygen.

sc00ter · Post by **sc00ter** » Tue Mar 29, 2016 1:35 pm

Their is a insert called Fog City that works very well. Only down side is it is a PITA to install for the first time. Its basically measure 15 times and install once, because if you install it wrong there is no peeling it back and re-trying. But it does work.

Swordsman · Post by **Swordsman** » Tue Mar 29, 2016 3:25 pm

The chin takes approximately 35% of the impacts. Those are pretty high odds to be without a chin bar.

iamryan25 · Post by **iamryan25** » Thu Mar 31, 2016 2:27 am

I really want the Bilwell Gringo full face - so simple.

I've had many kinds of helmets but have to agree that a full face is the best recommendation - I now ride with only a full face helmet - I want to keep my chin and teeth.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Sat Apr 02, 2016 3:44 pm

babblefish wrote:I also noticed that HJC is offering an optional "electric shield" for some of their helmets. Basically, it's an electrically powered visor that prevents fogging. That would be really useful for cold weather riding. Currently, my shield fogs up pretty badly unless I stop breathing while I'm riding. But, that doesn't last very long because I usually crash within a few minutes due to passing out from lack of oxygen.

Have you tried the pinlock insert? It really works.

babblefish · Post by **babblefish** » Mon Apr 04, 2016 4:04 am

Dooglas wrote:
babblefish wrote:I also noticed that HJC is offering an optional "electric shield" for some of their helmets. Basically, it's an electrically powered visor that prevents fogging. That would be really useful for cold weather riding. Currently, my shield fogs up pretty badly unless I stop breathing while I'm riding. But, that doesn't last very long because I usually crash within a few minutes due to passing out from lack of oxygen.
Have you tried the pinlock insert? It really works.

I'll have to look into that, thanks.

And the Fog City insert, thanks Sc00ter.

babblefish · Post by **babblefish** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 5:19 am

Just bought a new HJC IS-MAX 2 Style helmet, chin shield, and pinlock insert. Love the internal sun screen and the chin shield makes a world of difference for keeping out the cold wind. It's a bit quieter than my SY-MAX, probably because all the seals are still new. The chin guard locking mechanism on the IS-MAX is much better as it is all metal vs the plastic used in my old helmet. But, even with the pinlock insert, the shield still fogs up, but only when I'm stopped. It clears up as soon as I start moving again. And no, I'm not a mouth breather, lol. And yes, I made sure the seal was correctly sealed against the shield. The new helmet is bigger than the old even though both are medium size. It won't fit in the pet carrier. Still, overall, I'm very happy with my new helmet.

Ok, nvm...I just realized it's my glasses fogging up, not the helmet shield, lol.

RoaringTodd · Post by **RoaringTodd** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 11:24 am

Sadly my head is so big and oval I can only wear Arai's. I'd rather a $500 helmet and a little pain in the wallet than a $100,000 hospital bill and a lifelong headache.

RoaringTodd · Post by **RoaringTodd** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 11:25 am

By the way people think it's ludicrous when I tell them my helmet cost more than my scooter did. In fact all my safety gear I wear probably could buy me 2 or 3 used scooters.

eamrein · Post by **eamrein** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 3:17 pm

I started with an HJC IS-2.. Wasn't bad, but switched to a Biltwell Bonanza with a bubble shield. Huge improvement in comfort/ wind noise..

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 1:53 pm

RoaringTodd wrote:By the way people think it's ludicrous when I tell them my helmet cost more than my scooter did. In fact all my safety gear I wear probably could buy me 2 or 3 used scooters.

HA!

I cant argue though. Our Scorpions are middle of the road, and some of those were expensive! we were lucky to get my wife's most recent one on sale for $90.

The Arai and Shoei helmets fit me better, and are lighter. I'm just too clumsy to justify an $800 helmet. Next Spring I will be replacing my stalwart helmet. It's fine, just tight. the new Scorpion shell is a little rounder.

ravenlore · Post by **ravenlore** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 7:51 pm

skully93 wrote:
RoaringTodd wrote:By the way people think it's ludicrous when I tell them my helmet cost more than my scooter did. In fact all my safety gear I wear probably could buy me 2 or 3 used scooters.
HA!

I cant argue though. Our Scorpions are middle of the road, and some of those were expensive! we were lucky to get my wife's most recent one on sale for $90.

The Arai and Shoei helmets fit me better, and are lighter. I'm just too clumsy to justify an $800 helmet. Next Spring I will be replacing my stalwart helmet. It's fine, just tight. the new Scorpion shell is a little rounder.

Orly? That information is relevant to my interests.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 11:18 pm

Shoei Neotec is the first FF or modular that I have owned that I can actually feel air movement over the top of my head on a hot day.

I had a Nolan N43 and liked it a lot but it wasn't as cool as the Shoei. Also the Nolan uses the propriety intercom system and it is difficult to mount any other.

Nolans seem to have a different shape than most. They fit me but many people have problems with the fit.

cummingsjc · Post by **cummingsjc** » Tue Aug 30, 2016 3:10 am

BuddyRaton wrote:I had a Nolan N43 and liked it a lot but it wasn't as cool as the Shoei. Also the Nolan uses the propriety intercom system and it is difficult to mount any other.

I installed a Sena SMH10R on my Nolan N43 helmet and it was a relatively straightforward install in my opinion. It was the first bluetooth helmet headset install that I had done at the time. I have done it on a number of other folks' helmets several times since then including two this last weekend and the process was pretty much the same regardless of brand.

JettaKnight · Post by **JettaKnight** » Fri Sep 23, 2016 4:03 pm

RoaringTodd wrote:Sadly my head is so big and oval I can only wear Arai's. I'd rather a $500 helmet and a little pain in the wallet than a $100,000 hospital bill and a lifelong headache.

I'm right there with you. I got a deal on a Profile before they discontinued that line and haven't figured out what to replace it with.

Which model do you wear?

keltick · Post by **keltick** » Tue Sep 27, 2016 1:47 am

I love my Arai, but I do have a Bell 500 which is pretty good.

ScooterDave · Post by **ScooterDave** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 7:45 pm

ModernMike wrote:3/4 with retractable visor. Most importantly, ghost flames and skulls. Ha! Look into those Mohawk hair pieces you can add on 😉

I have a different set of priorities when looking for a helmet.

Nolan N104. Best helmet for the price in my opinion.

ucandoit · Post by **ucandoit** » Mon Oct 24, 2016 11:23 pm

If I just got a scooter I would buy a full face helmet in neon yellow. that's what I wish I had done.

Modern Buddy

Weigh in on helmets!

Weigh in on helmets!

bilt

full face for true salvation

Re: Weigh in on helmets!