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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Gusable on May 21, 2019, 10:37:57 PM
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my EV touring screen is buffeting my HJC modular cl max 2 helmet. I’m going to try a half helmet I have as an experiment. That made me wonder.... what helmets do you wear? Open face? Modular? None? I’m concerned about the safety of an open face
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When I started riding, a friend who had grown up terrorizing the streets of Paris on a scooter said, "I have crashed at least ten times, and nine of those I landed on my face." I took his advice and have always worn a full-face helmet. I like the screen up, so I wear roofer's impact glasses that double as sun glasses. Cheap (gc) and easy to find. Current lid in an AGV that I am quite happy with, but it is still noisy enough that I need to use noise filters.
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I always wear clear safety glasses on the bike. Just in case visor is up
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I buggerised around with different helmets over the years and ended up with a shelf full of half arsed worthless lids.
Now I have two Arai’s.
The woggy one you see in the shots and another identical one with Pommy graphics. More importantly they fit like a glove and last a hell of a long time.
Dump the crap and get a good one.
Aria if you have a melon head or Shoei if you look like a rescued extraterrestrial from Area 51...
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Started with a full face AGV when the choices then were pretty much AGV or Bell.
I learned 2 things pretty quick that I still stick to even after all these years
Never have so much as a single beer and ride
Always wear a full face helmet (and other appropriate gear)
Came aroound a corner going too quick, inexperienced and reactions slowed by said beer & planted myself on the asphalt.
Half the front of the helmet was ground down. The more critical might say if I had not being wearing a full face it would have improved my looks. :rolleyes:
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Ditch the EV screen and wear full face. The EV screen is a joke.
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If you are getting wing buffeting it’s not your helmet, it your shield setup. You probably need some type of fork lowers to deflect the wind from coming up under the shield or coming over the shield. If you have no shield protection, then, IMO, a full face helmet is your only alternative for any possible protection from the elements.
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When I was young and dumb I wore the cheapest helmet available or none at all. Now that age and common sense has caught up with me I wear a full face modular shoei. Pricey but worth every penny.
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i agree with several of the posters. always full face, i have an hjc at the moment that works very well( have had arai and shoei as well. adapt the windscreen so that it works correctly, recently added lowers to my cali touring screen, all the difference but even when it was buffeting me, i never considered not using the helmet. i will add that a good snug fit is critical. at a rally many years ago, i had an arai that i did not know was too large. with arai, you can change the padding. the seller who really knew what he was doing changed me from an xl to a medium. that quelled a lot of the buffeting problem i was having at the time with that bike. helmets are one of those things you really need to buy in person and not on-line if you want to be sure of the fit, preferably with some expert help.
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When I was younger I rode with an open face and goggles, on the highway always behind a windshield, but at this stage, a full face always.
I made a huge mistake and rode for a few years with an old heavy used cheap full face from kijiji. That heavy helmet caused a lot of problems with degenerating disks in my neck.
I agree that a helmet should be tried on and bought in a brick and mortar store. I bought a Shoei GTAir, the lighter weight, better aerodynamics, hopefully will extend my future potential riding years from zero to ???
fwiw
Kelly
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I wear a full face Shoei 80% of the time. However for a putt down to the coffee shop I wear an open face, there are some really neat retro designs out there.
For eye protection with an open face I love glasses made by 7eye (7eye.com.) They make prescription glasses that seat to your eye socket, keeping your eyeballs from drying out or getting grit in there. There are also perfect for skiing, another activity where it is wise to wear a helmet.
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Some good deals on Shoei GT Airs out there right now, since GT Air II was just released.
Shoei full face has always fit my head shape well (oval front to back).
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Always a full face... and I tend to go with HJC since they fit my noggin just perfectly.
Went to a local brick and mortar store and tried on some of the new HJC RPHA series helmets.
I am saving my pennies because that will be my next helmet, hopefully in the next month or so.
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I always wear full face HJC. My testing with half lid is just an experiment. I had an airhawk pad before so maybe I sat higher. I don’t remember the buffeting before. I like the big screen and it’s staying.
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Fit is everything with a helmet. Even rather inexpensive helmets are fine if they fit, and pass euro certification.
Eldo Jon used to have 3 full faced helmets hanging in his garage with the chin bars partially scraped away.. he said, "you always land on your face.."
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Always worn a full face. Used to be Bell, but for years now it has been Shoei.
And it has to be solid white. In 40 years of riding I’ve always had a solid white helmet. It’s a good luck/Safety thing
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Hi Gusable,
I ride a Cali 1400, not an EV. I have two full face HJC helmets...bright red and white. The point is to be safe and be seen. HJC is a great helmet and is less expensive than the top of the line Shoei, and Arai's. They are great helmets as well, just more $$$. Also, if I'm riding and it becomes uncomfortably warm, I'll open the face shield about 1/4". The HJC has a detent there just for that purpose.
Best of luck with the buffeting issue...I agree with NCDan...it is probably lower deflectors.
Be well,
DougG
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try a couple of rubber spacers between the top bolts and the screen - pushing the screen forward slightly, this will steepen the angle of the screen and push airflow higher. i did that on my Cali 1100i and could ride at 90mph with my helmet flipped open and no buffeting. I am 5'11'
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I always wear full face HJC. My testing with half lid is just an experiment. I had an airhawk pad before so maybe I sat higher. I don’t remember the buffeting before. I like the big screen and it’s staying.
Yes, you sat higher in the saddle using the Airhawk and probably the reason you had no buffering was your face was in 'fresh air'. I personally would ditch the barn-door screen and go to a sport shield to get %100 fresh air in my face with no buffering. You would be amazing how how much better the EV will handle without that huge shield. No matter what helmet you use you'll have buffering if the shield is not setup correct or effective.
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Fit is everything with a helmet. Even rather inexpensive helmets are fine if they fit, and pass euro certification.
This. Fit, comfort, and lightness are 95% of what makes a helmet "good" or "bad" for you. Some fit round heads, some fit oval heads, some are light, some not.
I've had 'em all. I have two now, one an older leather-interior Davida "Jet" open helmet and Halcyon goggles for profiling on short rides on the old Brits, and a brand-new Nolan N100-5 modular for everything else, although I realize that I'm just as likely to fall and get hurt on a short ride on a BSA as a long ride on the highway.
I use my own judgment as to when to ride with the modular "up" and when to ride with it "down". The Nolan is full of features that make life pleasant, like a flip-down sunscreen, ventilation, ratchet buckle ... it's light, quiet for a modular, and has good peripheral vision, although not as good as an open-face ....
Only you will know what combination of fit and features makes life on a bike worth living ....
Lannis
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I use a modular. Been using Nolans but recently bought a SCHUBERTH C4 and am very impressed so far. Some pretty good prices out there on them currently.
GliderJohn
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Also.
I tend to respect the opinions of blokes who are prepared to run the risk of removing their face in a crash.
I just engage them when they try to tell me there’s no heightened level to their risk.
Still their decision though.
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A new helmet won't help a buffeting windshield.
You might search the forum, I know one EV owner that cut holes in the windshield.
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I like the shimming idea. space the screen out or away from the bike and try the airhawk again. nice to see yall have good taste in helmets! guzzista= smart fellers..
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Shoei full face. And an armor mesh suit.
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I added a laminar lip to the short windscreen on my 98 EV. It did not eliminate the buffeting but it did reduce it to an acceptable level.
As for helmets; I use Nolan modular. They fit my head better than most others. I do have a HJC 3/4 as well. I prefer the 3/4 for short low speed trips around town on the older bikes I ride. Sort of an image thing.
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Lazer Monaco carbon fiber modular helmet.
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I hate helmets, but always wear one...
Which helmet is quietest depends upon my windscreen setup.
On sport touring bikes (Norge and RT), unless the windscreen is very large, an open-face helmet is quieter, with less helmet buffeting, than my supposedly quiet Schuberth full-face helmet.
On my Vespa with no windscreen, my Schuberth is quietest, by far. But with a windscreen, unless it is the tall shower-door windscreen that you look through, an open-face helmet is quieter.
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If your getting buffeting, try small wind deflectors that mount on top of the windshield.
Amazon has them for $20 on up....
I have one on my B1100, and it has helped a lot.
kjf
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I have always said, if you don't think your head is worth the price of a good helmet you're probably right.
Does that windshield have a little "flip" or spoiler at the top? If so its creating turbulence.
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Changing helmets might not improve the buffeting problem the OP is trying to fix. National Cyle plexistar windshields work great on the California models. Infinite adjustability to combat buffeting.
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I wear an AGV Pista helmet on my Lemans after getting beaten up with a Bell Bullitt.
There's a reason racers wear the helmets they do. They really cut down on the high wind buffett.
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I wear a full face Kabuto, a pretty high-quality Shoei knockoff. I had a Shoei RF-1000 previously and loved it. Like a lot of folks, i started with HJC and at least back then their quality seemed seriously lacking (this was around 2001). On the HJC, the visor mechanism just broke apart after about 6 months of riding, I believe the HJC at the time wasn't SNELL approved, either. When the Kabuto gets too old, I'll probably get another full face Shoei.
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I've been using Shoei Neotec Modular helmets for the last 10 years...excellent quality, nothing breaks, easy to maintain and clean, and quiet, and a variety of nice colors to choose from.
Buffeting likely coming from the windscreen (width and height may need to be adjusted ) or any swirling created from a top box.
The helmet itself should not create buffeting, but it still might be noisy and not eliminate noise.
Getting a great pair of earplugs is critical...I've posted a few times on several good sources (blue silicone or Decibulz) beyond just the foam plugs.
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I have always said, if you don't think your head is worth the price of a good helmet you're probably right.
As an older gentleman who ran a bike shop who'd been riding long before I was born put it...
"A five dollar helmet for a five dollar head."
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Changing helmets might not improve the buffeting problem the OP is trying to fix. National Cyle plexistar windshields work great on the California models. Infinite adjustability to combat buffeting.
Exactly right! I put a plexi fairing 2 on my EV and they work great for protection from the elements and wind.
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I prefer a Full Face helmet and no windshield, or just a minimal shield that takes the air off my torso.
My favorite right now is a Bell Star Carbon Fiber that is very light, comfortable, and aerodynamic.
I prefer modular helmets when touring or running errands because of the convenience. I wear glasses so use fit over polarized sunglasses over them which works well if I am riding with the visor up during those rare times that the bugs aren't out.
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Full-face, IMO, is the only sensible way to go. I like the convenience of a having my full-face in a modular configuration: ease-of-use and convenience are unbeatable. Lazer Monaco modular.
One of the most useful innovations of recent years, in my experience, is the photochromic shield, featured by Lazer, Shoei, Bell and likely others. I can wear normal glasses behind the shield, while the photochromic feature adjusts to whatever level of sunlight/glare is present. Genius. In addition, the photochromic shield obviates the need for a drop-down sun shield, a questionable feature that takes up space with a plastic shield where anti-shock padding should rightfully be: a compromised arrangement. I think the photochromic shield is such a valuable feature that I now won't buy a helmet without it.
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Exactly right! I put a plexi fairing 2 only EVand they work great for protection from the elements and wind.
Mine buffeted like heck. I finally raised it as high as it wold go and angled back and it's so-so. The PF3 is great but not available for the EV now. If I were to do it again, I'd get a PF3 and take a hot gun to it.
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I have the exact helmet the OP has. It's not the helmet. I had to adjust the windscreen on my Kawaski several times to get it right and I have no buffeting on my V9 which is naked. I had a bike a few years back and the windscreen was perfect. My son in law rode my bike one day and he complained about the buffeting. I read recently where the majority of head injuries on a motorcycle are to the lower face/jaw area...Make sure the modular has a good locking mechanism. I recently bought a Shoei full face and will start wearing it when my new face pads come in, it's a bit loose.
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I use a modular. Been using Nolans but recently bought a SCHUBERTH C4 and am very impressed so far. Some pretty good prices out there on them currently.
GliderJohn
Fay just bought a Schuberth C4, half the usual price. Still $350 at that, but just oozes quality ....
Lannis
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I wore mostly full face Shoeis for 30 years but more recently HJC quality has risen to the point that I can’t justify spending more. I just bought a couple of HJC CL-17s for $120 each (total) and the only aspect of the Shoei that’s better to me is the visor ratchet - but HJC’s is still better than Arai’s setup.
I wear bifocal wrap around sunglasses under the visor, except at night, but I rarely ride after dark.
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Riding across the width of Nebraska the other day my mind wandered into thinking about a guy 125 years ago with a team of mules pulling a buckboard on the same old windy road across the sand hills. I wondered if a dude like that ever discussed "buffeting" ???
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He was probably thinking helmets...
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I’m w/ zebra ranger Lazer Monaco CF . Lightest (to my knowledge) modular one out there. Yup 1 herniated & 2 bulging discs in my neck.helmet is 3 Yrs.old & we’re both doing fine.
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I have a Bell RV1 and a MDS Edge (AGV Cheap Brand). There both good but I wear the Bell more often just because I assume that the Bell at $600 is better than the MDS at $175. Just also noticed the Bell made in China and MDS made in Indonesia.
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Nice to see, so far, that no one has said they don't wear a helmet. I'm amazed at how many people I see riding here in west Michigan with no helmets. A third...half?...not sure, but a lot. Yikes.
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All my friends have poked fun at me for wearing all the gear all the time. It is RARE here in Dallas to see a Harley rider in a helmet much less gear. My main riding buddy is 27 and wears shorts and t shirt on his street glide. “ if it’s my time to go it’s my time to go”. Foolish. My cl max 2 is great but noisy. I’ll buy something higher end sometime soon
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I believe in wearing a good helmet, that being said. I’ve investigated two motorcycle fatalities where the deceased were wearing Bell helmets, one full face and one 3/4 Bell. Personally, I still believe one increases their odds for survival if they are wearing good and proper ridding equipment.
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From NcDan:
Personally, I still believe one increases their odds for survival if they are wearing good and proper ridding equipment.
Not only that but may save one much pain and rehab in more minor get offs.
GliderJohn
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Full-face, IMO, is the only sensible way to go. I like the convenience of a having my full-face in a modular configuration: ease-of-use and convenience are unbeatable. Lazer Monaco modular.
One of the most useful innovations of recent years, in my experience, is the photochromic shield, featured by Lazer, Shoei, Bell and likely others. I can wear normal glasses behind the shield, while the photochromic feature adjusts to whatever level of sunlight/glare is present. Genius. In addition, the photochromic shield obviates the need for a drop-down sun shield, a questionable feature that takes up space with a plastic shield where anti-shock padding should rightfully be: a compromised arrangement. I think the photochromic shield is such a valuable feature that I now won't buy a helmet without it.
I have the photochromic shield on my Bell Star. I like it but I still have to wear polarized sunglasses for glare. I like that it keeps me from having to put sunblock on my face.
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After a decade or so of wearing Arai full face, I switched to Shark helmets full face. Way easier to change out shields (I always keep the other in a saddlebag either clear or tinted) and I dislike those side pods on the Arai which are held on with fragile small plastic pieces.
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Wore an Arai profile or Signet for years because of my alien head. Didn't like the shield removal. I have since discovered the Scorpion R2000 which is Snell approved and fits my alien head even better. Soon to be replaced by the 'R1'. Not the cheapest helment but about half of what an Arai is worth. 4 years old now and its holding up very well.
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Having started out on dirt bikes and then continuing riding dirt bikes for the next 40 years I can attest to the fact that full-face helmets are the only way to go if you are interested in protecting your head (and your face, being part of your head).
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I always wear clear safety glasses on the bike. Just in case visor is up
Me too. And with time passing I have been using those with reading magnifiers built into the lens.
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my EV touring screen is buffeting my HJC modular cl max 2 helmet.
If you don't already have them, get the MG lowers that attach below the windshield. Your buffeting problem is most likely from air coming under the windshield and up towards your head around the gas tank. The buffeting has nothing to do with the style or brand of helmet.
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Are the mg lowers you speak of the “evt” lower fairings?
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Im looking at one like this for my next one. Ones I have now are getting worn out....https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/hjc-rpha-70-st-helmet
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I've always preferred a 3/4. I know, I know, I may ruin my face (read to the tune of "you'll shoot your eye out, kid!)" It's a personal choice, and a risk I'm willing to take. I currently wear an LS2 Spitfire. Great fit and a retro look with modern tech. Removable liner, internal vents, ratcheting easy release chin strap, and a drop down sun visor. The drop down visor is great, because I can wear clear safety glasses and flip it up or down on cloudy days when the brightness varies a lot.
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This like an oil/tire/battery thread. :grin: Here's a thought. Do your ride faster with a FF helmet on? :embarrassed:
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This like an oil/tire/battery thread. :grin: Here's a thought. Do your ride faster with a FF helmet on? :embarrassed:
My 74 has had a long life and I try to be kind to her, so I dont go above 70ish, no matter what kind of gear I'm wearing. :laugh:
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When I ride my '75 w/hack. No helmet. 50mph tops and around town. Higher visibility and I have very loud horns.
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When I ride my '75 w/hack. No helmet. 50mph tops and around town. Higher visibility and I have very loud horns.
I do like having a lid on at all times, but again, that's just a personal choice. Probably because I grew up in a motorcycling family, and everyone always wore a helmet. I have my 3/4 for highway trips, and a half shell that I use for going around town.
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I hardly wear my FF. The 3/4 has the same time usage. A 1/2 gets more use of the 3. Motorcycling family too. Knowing my weakness, more helmet protection the faster I ride.