Really, really quiet helmets...

[Toast]

Can anyone recommend one, please?

I'm not too fussed about weight, looks, etc.

I'd prefer cheap over expensive after reading about how the top scientists in the field of head injuries reckon that the Snell safety standards have made many of the flasher brands less safe than the cheapies (but let's not open that debate up here)

I just want a really, really quiet helmet. Moving from my Shoei V-1 or whatever it is (was) back to my first HJC is quite an experience. The HJC seems about as loud with ear plugs as the Shoei without. It's quite uncomfortable.

Pointers to half price sales much appreciated too.

[James Deuce]

No such thing. Wear ear plugs. There are too many variables.

[Dafe]

Push mashed potatoes into your ear canal a few days before the ride. Wrap duct tape around your ears and seal them closed tightly, then order the latest NASA issue spacewalk 5000 helmet. Will work better if you get the matching suit.

[Jantar]

I found the Nolan N27 to be the quietest helmet I've ever owned. Unfortunately they haven't made that model for over 10 years, and my current N101 is good, but not as quiet as the earlier model.
Just try a few helmets and see which ones give the best seal around your head, particularly below the ears.

[Timber020]

My HJC was miles quieter than my older and much more expensive shoei. Just get a walther ppk and shoot a round a few inches past each ear "Bingo!" No more noisey helmet!

[Scouse]

I have recenly upgraded from a Shoei XR1000 to a Arai RX7 and found that the noise level to be a lot more bearable with the Arai the noise is at a lower frequency not so much whistleing

[beyond]

My top of the line HJC is way quieter than my earlier helmet and cuts the air better too, which is important on a naked bike.
But, nothing is safely quiet as the guys mentioned above.

You must wear ear plugs if you value your hearing.
At 100kmh, the noise inside the best helmet is 90 decibels. 85 decibels is the safety limit for fifteen minutes, before hearing damage and consequent loss begins to occur.

Every 10kmh over 100kmh increases the decibel rating by a greater amount.

Without earplugs, you ARE going to damage your hearing. There is no getting around this issue.

[Toast]

No such thing. Wear ear plugs. There are too many variables.

Too many variables? Change helmet...it gets louder in here...that was one variable.

Maybe I wasn't clear originally. I do wear ear plugs with any helmet, unless it's a really short ride.

The Shoei with plugs was quite bearable, but the HJC (CL-12 I think) is shite even with them in.

Beyond, is it the HJC Carbon you have?

[Toast]

My HJC was miles quieter than my older and much more expensive shoei. Just get a walther ppk and shoot a round a few inches past each ear "Bingo!" No more noisey helmet!

What's a walther ppk?

[Jantar]

You've heard of the "Sex Pistols"? Just take away the Sex and the last S.

[Toast]

You've heard of the "Sex Pistols"? Just take away the Sex and the last S.

Fark that took me an embarrasingly long time to figure...cheers dude, got it, it's a gun. Still don't see how that was meant to help me, maybe it'll come to me later.

[saul]

Fark that took me an embarrasingly long time to figure...cheers dude, got it, it's a gun. Still don't see how that was meant to help me, maybe it'll come to me later.

lol:blip: no eardrums:nya: :sunny:

[justsomeguy]

Fark that took me an embarrasingly long time to figure...cheers dude, got it, it's a gun. Still don't see how that was meant to help me, maybe it'll come to me later.

Shattered ear drums = no noise problems - geddit.


I'm quite curious to see what you guys recommend too - My HJC CL-14 is really noisy - even with ear plugs.

[Toast]

Shattered ear drums = no noise problems - geddit.



Yep, get it...

I'm just thankful I'm not the only one running a few feet behind the ball tonight :D I'll put a 'p/t' in there next time.

Actually I just read a few old KB threads...apparently the Shoei Raid series gets good marks for being quite quiet.

[stevedee]

Read in AMCN magazine test, there is a new quiet helmet out called the BMW SportIntegral, the test raves about how light and quiet it is, the reviewer stopped wearing ear plugs. Not cheap though around A$700. I personally think it looks great, and it may be my next helmet when the need arises. Have a squiz at www.motorcycles.bmw.com.au



spd :-)

[Deviant Esq]

Get better earplugs. My lid's noisy as buggery (HJC CS-12), I only put up with it riding to work which is only about 7 or 8 minutes, anything longer and the plugs are in. I've got some really nice multi coned shooter's earplugs, and they cut the noise practically down to nothing. Yet if you stop and take your lid off, you can quite easily hear someone in a conversation. Best thing I ever... err... got given. :innocent:

Mmm, more than one cone....

[Smokin]

Cant say i know alot about helmets but my KBC VR1 is alot quieter than my HJC roadfighter. Ummm does that help?

[Toast]

Get better earplugs. My lid's noisy as buggery (HJC CS-12), I only put up with it riding to work which is only about 7 or 8 minutes, anything longer and the plugs are in. I've got some really nice multi coned shooter's earplugs, and they cut the noise practically down to nothing. Yet if you stop and take your lid off, you can quite easily hear someone in a conversation. Best thing I ever... err... got given. :innocent:

Mmm, more than one cone....

Where can one...erm, procure some of these from?

I've got the Alpine plugs, which are very good, but I must be getting old 'cos I just want it to be even quieter.

[James Deuce]

Too many variables? Change helmet...it gets louder in here...that was one variable.

Maybe I wasn't clear originally. I do wear ear plugs with any helmet, unless it's a really short ride.

The Shoei with plugs was quite bearable, but the HJC (CL-12 I think) is shite even with them in.

Beyond, is it the HJC Carbon you have?

Let me spell it out then:

The variables in relation to how quiet a helmet is:

1. Is your head the same size and shape as mine?
2. Did the auditry sensory centre of your brain develop exactly the same as mine?
3. Is your external shell-like exactly the same shape as mine?

No one can tell anything about helmet noise apart from what works for them. You'd be very lucky (or possibly unlucky) to have exactly the same experience with a piece of equipment built to general specifications as someone else. You'd need to have the same head.

Manufacturers can quote specs like "86dB maximum internal noise", but at what speed did they measure, in what weather conditions and on what bike? Nearly everybody who doesn't wear earplugs when they ride is either significantly deaf so as not to be uncomfortable, or risking long term hearing loss. The major factor in a helmet purchase should be comfort in relation to fit. Everything else will be a compromise.

Arai, KBC, FM, and Nolan's fit me nicely and are quiet for me. I've heard other people whinge about Arai's being too noisy to contemplate, where I find Shoei's, HJC, and FFM either too loose, or too tight, and I find Shoei's incredibly noisy.

[Goblin]

Read in AMCN magazine test, there is a new quiet helmet out called the BMW SportIntegral, the test raves about how light and quiet it is, the reviewer stopped wearing ear plugs. Not cheap though around A$700. I personally think it looks great, and it may be my next helmet when the need arises. Have a squiz at www.motorcycles.bmw.com.au



spd :-)
I have one of these. It is very quiet and nice & light. I thought my shoei was quiet after my ffm but the sport integral is the best I've ever used....only in matt black tho.



easy enough to black out the little logo:doobey:

[What?]

I read a comparo somewhere not long ago, and think someone posted a table of results on this site, so do a search.
The quietest was one of the Sharks (but not all Shark hats were quiet...)

[Toast]

Let me spell it out then:

The variables in relation to how quiet a helmet is:

1. Is your head the same size and shape as mine?
2. Did the auditry sensory centre of your brain develop exactly the same as mine?
3. Is your external shell-like exactly the same shape as mine?

No one can tell anything about helmet noise apart from what works for them. You'd be very lucky (or possibly unlucky) to have exactly the same experience with a piece of equipment built to general specifications as someone else. You'd need to have the same head.

Manufacturers can quote specs like "86dB maximum internal noise", but at what speed did they measure, in what weather conditions and on what bike? Nearly everybody who doesn't wear earplugs when they ride is either significantly deaf so as not to be uncomfortable, or risking long term hearing loss. The major factor in a helmet purchase should be comfort in relation to fit. Everything else will be a compromise.

Arai, KBC, FM, and Nolan's fit me nicely and are quiet for me. I've heard other people whinge about Arai's being too noisy to contemplate, where I find Shoei's, HJC, and FFM either too loose, or too tight, and I find Shoei's incredibly noisy.

Ai'i, point taken.

I always thought that aerodynamics of the was the main factor. I guess fit would also contribute though, because it would determine the angle that the helmet sits at, how that cuts through the air, and how much wind can get under your chin.

I guess everything will be subjective to every person because all of our senses are different too...but I'm guessing that this is normally the least variable factor.

I suppose I've just got to take a few test rides then.

Goblin, how much was your SportIntegral, and from where? I'm quite keen to try that one.

[Goblin]

Goblin, how much was your SportIntegral, and from where? I'm quite keen to try that one.
I actually won some gear so went up to bmw HQ in Dorkland. Last year they retailed for around $800. Expensive I know and if I wasn't so lucky to win the gear I'd have bought a cheaper noisier one. First 1000 km's or so it was so friggin tight it was almost painful to pull on & off but it's good now. I still sometimes use my shoei for short rides and cant believe the difference in weight and noise.

[beyond]

Too many variables? Change helmet...it gets louder in here...that was one variable.

Maybe I wasn't clear originally. I do wear ear plugs with any helmet, unless it's a really short ride.

The Shoei with plugs was quite bearable, but the HJC (CL-12 I think) is shite even with them in.

Beyond, is it the HJC Carbon you have?


It's a HJC AC11. Nice helmet, tight, quieter than any other I have had and cuts the air nicely. Still wear pluggies though. Didn't wear pluggies for a whole year and I was starting to get a ringing.

[Highlander]

Toast, I have some shooter ear plugs that sound like the same as mentioned here, had them about 5 years, cost was in the order of $30-$40 if I recall correctly. They have a diaphragm in them that blocks noise over the rated decibels (80 I think).

Got them from the "Hunting and Fishing" shop in Dunedin but they are a national franchise and I'm sure most Hunting type shops will see you right. Never tried them on the bike though, I have other ear plugs I use for anything further than to work.

[Squeak the Rat]

Ai'i, point taken.

I always thought that aerodynamics of the was the main factor. I guess fit would also contribute though, because it would determine the angle that the helmet sits at, how that cuts through the air, and how much wind can get under your chin.

I guess everything will be subjective to every person because all of our senses are different too...but I'm guessing that this is normally the least variable factor.



Some other variables I've found which renders opinions of others questionable are:


bike setup - eg air flow off a screen
Rider height - position of head in said air flow
Head position - I get different/louder noise if I drop my head slightly while riding


Get a goldwing - should sort you out :p

[T.W.R]

Where can one...erm, procure some of these from?

I've got the Alpine plugs, which are very good, but I must be getting old 'cos I just want it to be even quieter.


Deviant Esq's earplugs are Hoppe's shooters earplugs :yes: cost $19.95 from my local Gun store. they were my backup plugs, their good for muting noise upto around 140-160kmh then you start to get a bit of cyclonic whistle.

MY main pair are a set of E.A.R industrial earplugs, slightly better sound damping & they're connected by a handy cord and they were slightly cheaper as well at $12.95

[Scouse]

Deviant Esq's earplugs are Hoppe's shooters earplugs :yes: cost $19.95 from my local Gun store. they were my backup plugs, their good for muting noise upto around 140-160kmh then you start to get a bit of cyclonic whistle.

MY main pair are a set of E.A.R industrial earplugs, slightly better sound damping & they're connected by a handy cord and they were slightly cheaper as well at $12.95So T.W.R do you swap ear cheese with Deviant Esq

[beyond]

So T.W.R do you swap ear cheese with Deviant Esq


EEEwwww, that's gross mate :( :no: :doh:

[Hitcher]

Another choice of helmet thread. Sigh.

Something else that contributes to helmet noise is screens and the wind chop and buffet they create. And vibration, sometimes enough to blur one's vision.

Buy the lightest best fitting helmet you can afford. I am amazed at how heavy HJCs are.

And on the subject of helmets, has anybody been through Mangamaire recently and admired the fence? I must remember to take the camera, take a photo and post it next time. Classic.

[What?]

Another choice of helmet thread. Sigh..
OK - let's turn it into a whisky thread. Sorted.

[Hitcher]

OK - let's turn it into a whisky thread. Sorted.
Lagavulin 16, Crusaders 0.

[Edbear]

Appreciate the thread! Here I was thinkilng it was just 'cause my Zeus flip-front was a cheapie that it was a bit noisy. Have heard the BMW 4 was good but can't afford it! Guess I'll just keep with the ear plugs.

[cowpoos]

I have a shoei xr1000....fitting it with the whisper kit u get separatly and bingo...no more ear plugs...bloody quiet helmet...



Ps: Mr Hicther your sig is incorrect

[IronicCapers]

James Bond's gun

[Bend-it]

Appreciate the thread! Here I was thinkilng it was just 'cause my Zeus flip-front was a cheapie that it was a bit noisy. Have heard the BMW 4 was good but can't afford it! Guess I'll just keep with the ear plugs.

Is it the one with the 2 vents running up the top of it? Looks like apollo from battlestar galactica's (the original one) helmet?

I've got one too, and it seems to let a whole lot of air in around the mouthpiece too. Good for ventilation and not fogging, but gets abit chilly sometimes.

There's this cool helmet I saw at Sawyer's, with a rear-view mirror!! Such a good idea, and not that hard to design! The screen is on the back of the helmet, made of bullet-proof glass, the image from there is then reflected along the top onto a small mirror above the visor. Brilliant! - Depending on how good looking your pillion is of course... ;)

[XP@]

Web Bike World has a really good article on helmet noise
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/helmet-noise.htm

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-faq.htm

MCN Tests in a wind tunnel, finding the Shoei X-9 the best they tested
http://www.mcnews.com/mcnews/articles/helmet.htm

[T.W.R]

So T.W.R do you swap ear cheese with Deviant Esq

:Oi::finger: Ha :killingme nah, but don't tell Deviant i'd actually been using them in experiments with mice:eek: even had one push back :eek5:

[Edbear]

Is it the one with the 2 vents running up the top of it? Looks like apollo from battlestar galactica's (the original one) helmet



Um, yeah I think so, been a long time since I saw BAttlescar GAlactic, (sic), but it's a cool shade of red. I like the cool air so rarely close the vents.

[Toast]

I have a shoei xr1000....fitting it with the whisper kit u get separatly and bingo...no more ear plugs...bloody quiet helmet...



Ps: Mr Hicther your sig is incorrect

I noticed the other day that by pressing my shoulders up against the bottom of my helmet and blocking that air flow through there, that it becomes super quiet, like being in a car all of a sudden...peeps should try it...

so I reckon Shoei with whisper kit or similar from another manufacturer is the way I'll go.

[Edbear]

I noticed the other day that by pressing my shoulders up against the bottom of my helmet and blocking that air flow through there Interesting. So maybe using a scarf would help?

[Toast]

I noticed the other day that by pressing my shoulders up against the bottom of my helmet and blocking that air flow through there /QUOTE]



Interesting. So maybe using a scarf would help?

Yeah, quite possibly, especially if you stuff it up around the edges of the helmet. I'm surprised more helmet manufacturers don't work on the problem from this angle.

[Macktheknife]

shoulders up against the bottom of my helmet and blocking that air flow through there, that it becomes super quiet, .
This is one of the main areas of noise with any helmet, some things are available to deal with it but the easiest and cheapest seems to be the scarf. (probably with plugs though)
The effect is amazing.

[Macktheknife]

OK - let's turn it into a whisky thread. Sorted.
The Wallace is one of my favourites, 18yro single malt.
its an experience I shall always treasure and I hope one day to find another bottle.

[Ixion]

Interesting. So maybe using a scarf would help?

Yes, a scarf definately helps. But as ever, the problem is that a scarf is more likely to cause fogging. Can't win.

[Oakie]

Earplugs oh yeah!
Bought 3 pair from the local hardware shop for $1.70 all up before our trip to the West Coast. What a bloody difference! Made riding through the West Coast's glorious scenery almost a surreal experience with the only noise being a gentle background hum from the in-line four.

[Edbear]

Yes, a scarf definately helps. But as ever, the problem is that a scarf is more likely to cause fogging. Can't win.




I'll let you know. My helmet's got pretty good vents, so hopefully won't fog up.