Author Topic: Let’s talk about helmets  (Read 8852 times)

Offline MGrego

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #30 on: May 22, 2019, 11:58:45 AM »
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.

Offline not-fishing

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #31 on: May 22, 2019, 12:01:07 PM »
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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Offline Fulton_Cali

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #32 on: May 22, 2019, 12:06:32 PM »
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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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #33 on: May 22, 2019, 12:12:03 PM »
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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Offline Rick in WNY

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #34 on: May 22, 2019, 12:54:34 PM »
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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Offline Ncdan

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #35 on: May 22, 2019, 01:00:17 PM »
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.
« Last Edit: May 22, 2019, 06:21:53 PM by Ncdan »

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #36 on: May 22, 2019, 01:18:36 PM »
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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Offline Diploman

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #37 on: May 22, 2019, 01:40:14 PM »
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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Offline LowRyter

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #38 on: May 22, 2019, 02:14:33 PM »
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.
John L 
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Offline Gnirwin

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #39 on: May 22, 2019, 02:56:39 PM »
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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Offline Lannis

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #40 on: May 22, 2019, 03:00:58 PM »
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 ....

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Offline Tusayan

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #41 on: May 22, 2019, 03:47:23 PM »
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.

Offline Guzzistajohn

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #42 on: May 22, 2019, 04:54:09 PM »
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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Offline Scott of the Sahara

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #43 on: May 22, 2019, 06:26:35 PM »
He was probably thinking helmets...

Offline mechanicsavant

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #44 on: May 22, 2019, 07:30:44 PM »
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.

Offline stubbie

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #45 on: May 22, 2019, 08:08:37 PM »
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.

Offline Siamese

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #46 on: May 22, 2019, 08:33:31 PM »
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.   

Offline Gusable

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #47 on: May 22, 2019, 08:46:48 PM »
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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Offline Ncdan

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #48 on: May 22, 2019, 09:00:31 PM »
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.

Offline Gliderjohn

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #49 on: May 22, 2019, 09:27:45 PM »
From NcDan:
Quote
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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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #50 on: May 23, 2019, 06:34:55 AM »
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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Offline Milosh

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #51 on: May 23, 2019, 08:09:01 AM »
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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Offline jpv7

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #52 on: May 23, 2019, 08:31:46 AM »
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.

Offline roadventure

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #53 on: May 23, 2019, 10:19:20 AM »
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).
dave
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Offline roadventure

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #54 on: May 23, 2019, 10:20:40 AM »
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.
dave
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Offline roadventure

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #55 on: May 23, 2019, 10:25:35 AM »
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.
dave
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Offline Gusable

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #56 on: May 23, 2019, 02:35:34 PM »
Are the mg lowers you speak of the “evt” lower fairings?
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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #57 on: May 23, 2019, 03:41:35 PM »
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

Offline JC85

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #58 on: May 23, 2019, 04:09:20 PM »
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.
« Last Edit: May 23, 2019, 04:19:11 PM by JC85 »
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Offline Tom

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Re: Let’s talk about helmets
« Reply #59 on: May 23, 2019, 04:23:50 PM »
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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