Helmet Recommendation?

[Cory]

     I'm piecing my safety gear together having started with gloves.  Now, working my way down it's onto the helmet.
     Any recommendation befitting a Moto Guzzi?  My typical theme is minimalism/high quality if that matters.
     Thanks and with a jacket and boots next feel free to suggest those as well if you can.
     Much appreciated.

[Kev m]

     I'm piecing my safety gear together having started with gloves.  Now, working my way down it's onto the helmet.
     Any recommendation befitting a Moto Guzzi?  My typical theme is minimalism/high quality if that matters.
     Thanks and with a jacket and boots next feel free to suggest those as well if you can.
     Much appreciated.

Head down to the RevZilla showroom at the Navy Yard. You'll find plenty of top quality gear, much of it not cheap, but competitively priced.

[Cory]

Head down to the RevZilla showroom at the Navy Yard. You'll find plenty of top quality gear, much of it not cheap, but competitively priced.

[Kev m]

Yup

[RinkRat II]

  Hi Cory,
   Just got an Email from Motorcycle Superstore. They're blowing out a bunch of helmets.... worth taking a look
        http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/107/mngr/motorcycle-helmets.aspx?sale=1&SiteID=em_Promo_Clout_Str_2017_10_05_AEJ_15_15_9_BC0_000_Heros_L1X_Helmets_L1X_Helmets_39664999&e=cGF1bGNvbnlAYW9sLmNvbQ==&M_ID=39664999&R_ID=327689471&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_content=2017.10.05.Helmets

        Paul B

[Edgar]

Although modern and not “befitting” of a guzzi, I use a shoei gt air. Pricey but worth it and you feel the difference compared to others. Also the RF-1200 is a nice one. I like that the GT air has a drop down internal visor, and they come in solid colors so you’re not stuck picking some funky or loud graphic.

[Bonaventure]

I can comment on what saved my arse when I went down hard in February.  Nolan N104 modular.  Depends however on your head shape.  You should determine if you are round, oval, long oval, etc.  Different brands can tend towards certain head shapes and I chose Nolan because they fit a medium oval head shape well, and they are quality.  I replaced the accident damaged helmet with another N104, and N104 Evo in silver this time.  Added a Nolan NCOM B5 bluetooth intercom thing which connects to my android phone and will read me turn-by-turn directions running on google maps in nav mode.  I was wearing a Firstgear mesh-tex summer jacket when I crashed and it held together well but natre of the wreck was no sliding on tarmac or that would not have worked out as well with mesh tex (ran off road and high sided).  Same with gloves, they are still good to go just some minor abrasion  Firstgear Kilmanjaro's. 

I just bought a pair of SIDI air 3/4 height boots in August on clearance and they are quite stout, I believe they would protect decently in a mishap. 

A word on minimalist helmets.  Had I been wearing a half helmet or 3/4 open face I might have lost some teeth or worse, I am not sure.  The chin bar area of the N104 had scuffing, as did topside rear and rear.  Have missing memory from point of starting to come off to point of coming to senses on my back in the weeds, so no ideas on the scuffs but suffice to say I am all about a full face or modular helmet with the face section locked down. 

Maybe some folks will chime in about fiberglass shell helmets instead of poly.  My neighbor who no longer rides swears that a fiberglass shell is the best because it absorbs more energy thus passing less on to be dealt with by the interior materials, than poly does.  I've no idea on that.  My take is that fit is more important than shell material. 

[H-E-ROSS]

I am on my second Bell Bullitt , the first one was crash tested! After wearing a half helmet for years I decided I would feel a little more comfortable with more protection. I was glad I made the switch. After my get-off, the chin bar was well scuffed. Others have complained about wind noise, but with the exception of whistling with the visor up, at speed, it is far more quiet than my half helmet ever was.
The visibility through the large opening is unrestricted. Fit and finish with leather trim is very good. If you wear a long oval this hat is probably not for you however.

[mojoe]

I am using  Nolan N87 and find it top notch, have had Cabergs, Shoei etc and this one does me well.
It is Full face not sure if that is what you are after.

[charlie b]

Fit.  When I shopped Itried on just about everything.  The Nolans did not fit me.  I got lucky and snagged a Schuberth on closeout.  It fit me perfectly.  Had Shoei, HJC and Bell's over the years.  The all required a little foam work in the forehead area after a while.

For brands I looked at everything I could find to test fit.  Shoei, Nolan, Shark, HJC, even the cheap Bilt stuff.

And, I have to admit that I think the Schuberth is worth the extra money.  But, most of that is because it fit me so well.

[kingoffleece]

As kev said, you're close to Revzilla.  Fit is most important, by far.  Chances are a few different brands/models will fit well and you'll have options.  If not, you'll know that, too.

I'll avoid the half/full helmet debate but will suggest you look at one of the very few (as) scientific as can be reports called The Hurt Report.  There is a easy to read graphic drawing of a helmet with percentages of impact all around the head.  It's quite telling as to where the highest incidents of impact are.  All crashes are unique but the odds suggest a few areas over others.

You may also want to inquire with your family Dr. about what happens when a relatively mild force is applied to the human chin in a slight upward manor.

[Kev m]

I'll avoid the half/full helmet debate but will suggest you look at one of the very few (as) scientific as can be reports called The Hurt Report.  There is a easy to read graphic drawing of a helmet with percentages of impact all around the head.  It's quite telling as to where the highest incidents of impact are.  All crashes are unique but the odds suggest a few areas over others.

You may also want to inquire with your family Dr. about what happens when a relatively mild force is applied to the human chin in a slight upward manor.

I don't think you avoided it.

I'll add that our family doctors (two close friends, one a former coroner as well, and both of whom have spent a decade working in ERs), took up motorcycling after they were empty nesters. They spent some time studying the Hurt report and a number of other related statistical reports, BOTH wear open face 3/4 helmets.

[Cory]

I don't think you avoided it.

I'll add that our family doctors (tell close friends, one a former coroner as well, and both of whom have spent a decade working in ERs), took up motorcycling after they were empty nesters. They spent some time studying the Hurt report and a number of other related statistical reports, BOTH wear open face 3/4 helmets.

You got me thinking about open face.  That's what I had when racing and had a few very violent mishaps with only shoulder and hip damage.  A "funny" side note to the shoulder injury was that my initial thought was how my arm got out of the sleeve since it was all contorted and then noticed a hand at the end of the sleeve.  A body cast for 6 weeks ensued and a near heart attack for my mom.

[kidsmoke]

You got me thinking about open face. 

Nolan N44 gives you the best of both worlds, and it's Italian!

[Kev m]

Nolan N44 gives you the best of both worlds, and it's Italian!

The chin bar is removable?

HMMMMMMM, I really should think about that. Could be handy on a tour if a day (heavy rain) comes along that I want the face shield and chin bar.

[twowheeladdict]

     I'm piecing my safety gear together having started with gloves.  Now, working my way down it's onto the helmet.
     Any recommendation befitting a Moto Guzzi?  My typical theme is minimalism/high quality if that matters.
     Thanks and with a jacket and boots next feel free to suggest those as well if you can.
     Much appreciated.

The first thing you need to do is figure out what size you will take and what shape your head is.  Helmets range from almost round to narrow oval.  When you find one that fits well you will love wearing it.  Some, you will immediately know they don't fit.  Others, it will become apparent that they don't fit after 30 minutes to an hour. 

Since the V7 is a retro style bike, there are retro style helmets that will continue the look if that is what you are after.  Bell makes a Full Face "Bullitt", and a 3/4 helmet with retro styling.  Builtwell is another.

If you find you head leans more towards the narrow end then LS2 helmets or the pricy Arai helmets have you covered. 

Check out ICON Elsinore 1000 boots for a classic look, but modern protection.  I have a brown pair.  https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/icon-1000-elsinore-boots?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=4580909039109076|410|pg2844124|9c01f508-51ed-403f-964b-c01d4103e9e8&utm_campaign=PLA-Icon-Products&utm_content={CriteriaId}

[kidsmoke]

The chin bar is removable?

HMMMMMMM, I really should think about that. Could be handy on a tour if a day (heavy rain) comes along that I want the face shield and chin bar.

It is. this came in real handy during the kentucky rally. Temps in the 90's, I needed more air, and with bags on the bike, it was a hassle free conversion.

My only beef with this helmet is that with a ratchet strap and a removable chin bar, there's no way to lock it to the bike. (d rings or chin bar each allow for this)

You could still do it, and I have, given that the typical thief is an fleeting opportunist and probably isn't familiar with the helmet and it's features.

[Kev m]

It is. this came in real handy during the kentucky rally. Temps in the 90's, I needed more air, and with bags on the bike, it was a hassle free conversion.

My only beef with this helmet is that with a ratchet strap and a removable chin bar, there's no way to lock it to the bike. (d rings or chin bar each allow for this)

You could still do it, and I have, given that the typical thief is an fleeting opportunist and probably isn't familiar with the helmet and it's features.

 

That sounds great, I'll have to check it out.

I'm currently wearing a Shark 3/4 most of the time, and it has a small pull-down visor which, when combined with a neck wrap CAN get me through a storm, but a FF conversion would be perfect!

Thanks!

[kingoffleece]

I imagine doctors who ride do all kinds of things-and use everything under the sun-just like the rest of us.
Reminds me of a surgeon who was a good client of mine-and smoked like a chimney.

When I ran tech and gear seminars for our local Triumph shop I invited a Dr. to address our group.  In addition to some very revealing information about skin grafts it was pointed out that the two bones at the top of the jaw under the ears are prone to move back and up with the right angle of force with catastrophic results.

As I said, or thought I said, not my place to tell OP what to do or use, or anybody else.  I think it's a good thing for all of us, the collective "we", to have as many facts as possible with the goal of making the best possible individual decision.

Not starting anything-we're just chatting, as we might at an event, yes?

[roadscum]

Helmet style is a very personal thing, pick the one you like. Then try on as many different helmets, of the style you like, as you can get you hands on and your head into.
Buy the one that's most comfortable. Nut'n worse the wearing a 30 minute helmet on a 4 hour ride.   

Paul

[Kev m]

I imagine doctors who ride do all kinds of things-and use everything under the sun-just like the rest of us.
Reminds me of a surgeon who was a good client of mine-and smoked like a chimney.

When I ran tech and gear seminars for our local Triumph shop I invited a Dr. to address our group.  In addition to some very revealing information about skin grafts it was pointed out that the two bones at the top of the jaw under the ears are prone to move back and up with the right angle of force with catastrophic results.

As I said, or thought I said, not my place to tell OP what to do or use, or anybody else.  I think it's a good thing for all of us, the collective "we", to have as many facts as possible with the goal of making the best possible individual decision.

Not starting anything-we're just chatting, as we might at an event, yes?

Absolutely, just chatting.

And yes, there are or WERE doctor's who smoke.

I'm citing two individuals who don't smoke, don't drink, both run marathons and study martial arts, who are honestly even among the many doctors I know two of the smartest people I've ever met. Knowing what they know they did a risk assessment with more information than most of us have and came to the conclusion that 3/4 helmets were acceptable. Granted, sober, conservative, touring type riders on non-sport bikes and factors like that might have played into their analysis.

I mention them to counter the unknown risk averse or risk taking influence of the doctor you have mentioned, to show balance and suggest the issue isn't black and white.

[Testarossa]

[perter]

Helmets are a personal choice and depends on head size and shape. I have a BIG head and especially long so it's hard to find full face helmets that fits. Either they are too narrow or they are like a trashcan and rattles around.

The best helmet I've ever got and still use is a LS 2 396. Quality is outstanding, there are 3 ventilation channels, integrated sunscreen, pinhead visor and even a small inflatable balloon in each chin side to make sure the helmet sit tight. I got a bargain and paid 100€ for it in Germany which is about 110 USD.

And yes, it's Chinese... but still an oustanding quality

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb0x-6x8IfM

https://www.fc-moto.de/en/Brands/L/LS2/FF396?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9pqFsOPc1gIVHYGyCh3dEAF2EAAYASAAEgK-WPD_BwE

[mojoe]

Yep and Doctors have been known to have tad more whisky than is good for them either.
But just goes to show we can all, even professionals, give advice even if we don't use it ourselves! 

[Cory]

Happened to be driving by the Naval Yard (from DE) and stopped in RevZilla.  They really are super knowledgeable. 
My head is a medium/long oval which narrows it down a bit, but all of the high-end helmets seemed a little claustrophobic.  Will stop back when I have more time and just go with the first one that feels natural even if not highly rated.
On a side note - decided on the V9 Roamer.

[Kev m]

Happened to be driving by the Naval Yard (from DE) and stopped in RevZilla.  They really are super knowledgeable. 
My head is a medium/long oval which narrows it down a bit, but all of the high-end helmets seemed a little claustrophobic.  Will stop back when I have more time and just go with the first one that feels natural even if not highly rated.
On a side note - decided on the V9 Roamer.

Yup, the showroom is very convenient.

Still awesome on the smallblock. [emoji56]

[Edgar]

Happened to be driving by the Naval Yard (from DE) and stopped in RevZilla.  They really are super knowledgeable. 
My head is a medium/long oval which narrows it down a bit, but all of the high-end helmets seemed a little claustrophobic.  Will stop back when I have more time and just go with the first one that feels natural even if not highly rated.
On a side note - decided on the V9 Roamer.

Remember the helmet will break in and fit much better

[Chuck in Indiana]

I imagine doctors who ride do all kinds of things-and use everything under the sun-just like the rest of us.
Reminds me of a surgeon who was a good client of mine-and smoked like a chimney.

When I ran tech and gear seminars for our local Triumph shop I invited a Dr. to address our group.  In addition to some very revealing information about skin grafts it was pointed out that the two bones at the top of the jaw under the ears are prone to move back and up with the right angle of force with catastrophic results.

As I said, or thought I said, not my place to tell OP what to do or use, or anybody else.  I think it's a good thing for all of us, the collective "we", to have as many facts as possible with the goal of making the best possible individual decision.

Not starting anything-we're just chatting, as we might at an event, yes?

Eldo Jon has 3 full face helmets hanging in the garage. All are *heavily* scarred on the chin bar. I'm just chatting, too, but that's good enough for me.

[Kev m]

Eldo Jon has 3 full face helmets hanging in the garage. All are *heavily* scarred on the chin bar. I'm just chatting, too, but that's good enough for me.

I've crashed 3 times and never touched a chin or bar on the ground.

You may notice that a chin bar protrudes much more than a chin, might be a factor too.

[twowheeladdict]

No one would argue that a FF helmet does not provide the best protection in a crash. 

I prefer the convenience of a modular helmet because I wear glasses and I can put on the helmet without removing my glasses. 

Today I had a very enjoyable 300 mile back road ride while wearing a DOT Vega half helmet.  Other than the small towns I went through I probably encountered a dozen vehicles during the ride.  I was riding behind a large windshield.  I do prefer no windshield and a FF helmet though.

My observation over the years is that the more gear someone has on, the more risk they are willing to take while riding.  They also tend to low side more often as well. 

Today, I never exceeded the speed limit so any vehicle (tractor, cotton bale truck, car) that I encountered around a blind curve was a non-issue.  My sport bike friends would have been using all their skills and the capabilities of their bikes to avoid a situation. 

I also find that the further I travel from home the more gear I usually wear because I want to be prepared for all weather and traffic conditions.