Which helmet? dirt or road?

[Astolat]

Adventure riding what helmet do you wear? I want to do off road stuff to. So what's best to get? :scratch:

[Zukin]

Hi

I am going through the same thing at the moment

I have decided to go for one of two helmets
1 Nolan N102
2. Arai Tour X2

The Nolan one can be seen here (http://www.nolan.it/home.asp) (you may need to change it to English, also it is in the flip face section)
The Arai one can be seen here (http://www.araihelmet-europe.com/site/site2/tourxOR.htm)

The reason I chose these is the full face safety and comfort
I already have an open face for trail rides etc

Just my thoughts

Cheers

[Ghost Lemur]

Been researching this topic (dual sport helmets) a bit.

Besides the X-2 there seems to be quite a few others to choose from with varying pro's and cons.

One of the best (although I haven't seen them here - but have heard there's an NZ distributor) is the Airoh S4 (http://www.airoh.com/ENGLISH/index-eng.html). I found a really good review of it Here (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/airoh-helmets/).

[Transalper]

Have you seen these? (http://www.gizmag.com.au/go/4186/), they have one for about $850 at Canterbury Rides, the BMW/Yamaha shop in Ferry Rd. Christchurch.
It's in the same price bracket as the Arai TourX.

[Motu]

I use a Nolan N70,they are cheap,and the GRex version is even cheaper.They are a visored helmet with a peak.Bellow 100kph in summer I use a dirt helmet.

[Ghost Lemur]

Have you seen these? (http://www.gizmag.com.au/go/4186/), they have one for about $850 at Canterbury Rides, the BMW/Yamaha shop in Ferry Rd. Christchurch.
It's in the same price bracket as the Arai TourX.

Damn that looks hawt.

The peak looks rediculously narrow, although it could just be the angle in the photo. Might have to go take a look in person.

[Motu]

Simpson do an adventure helmet too - now that'd be just the coolest! Not available here.....but you could take the risk and get one on the internet.....

[Zukin]

I think my preference is for the Nolan
Why?
Cheaper than the others I have looked at
The new version comes with N com (Bluetooth setup), which I will use :wait:

Also seems to fit me better and feels comfortable.
I will keep you posted

Cheers

[Wolf]

Until the last couple of threads about adventure helmets I did not realise there were so many to choose from. Years ago when I got my FFM Predator I had seen nothing else like it and didn't see anything comparable for years afterwards.

When I finally needed a new visor I visited all the motorycle shops in Wellington and no on had one. One guy got on the phone to ring around and I heard him say "It's for an FFM Predator..." "Well apparently they did because I'm holding one in my hand" - no big prizes for guessing what the other bloke had said.

I was quite disappointed that when I came to replace the Predator because I could not find another or a similar visored semi-MX helmet (never had heard the term "Adventure helmet").

I'm glad to see there's a range to choose from.

That BMW one needs metallic looking armour and a plasma weapon to go with it.

[Motu]

I've still got my FFM Predator - in black and gold.I couldn't get a visor either,but I used goggles with it off road and dirt track racing...it's had a hard life.

[bgd]

I use a Tour X (assume the 2 is a later model) and rate it. Comfortable, good viz and that peak keeps the sun at bay. Pretty common in the GS community over here.

[Ghost Lemur]

Here's a couple of others I had come across, including the Simpson that Motu mentioned.

Marushin XMoto (http://www.jfmotorsport.de/marushin/hxmoto.html)
Simpson GS3 (http://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/products/product_detail.aspx?cat_id=278&prod_id=4137)

[Wolf]

I've still got my FFM Predator - in black and gold.I couldn't get a visor either,but I used goggles with it off road and dirt track racing...it's had a hard life.
I relegated mine to being a spare for a while until it died of "old age" - it's still out in the shed but I don't trust it to protect my pillions anymore.

[Wolf]

Here's a couple of others I had come across, including the Simpson that Motu mentioned.

Marushin XMoto (http://www.jfmotorsport.de/marushin/hxmoto.html)
Simpson GS3 (http://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/products/product_detail.aspx?cat_id=278&prod_id=4137)
That Marushin looks great - and not just because it was black.

I note the Simpson site says "Wear glasses? No more problems!" Am I to take it that MX googles are no good (or at least a hassle) if you wear glasses? Never bought any so I wouldn't know - last goggles I owned were MkVIII Air Force goggles which are definitely no good with glasses but they're not exactly MX goggles.

[far queue]

I use a Tour X (assume the 2 is a later model) and rate it. Comfortable, good viz and that peak keeps the sun at bay. Pretty common in the GS community over here.
How do you find it at speed for long periods on the road? IE over 100kph for over an hour.

I'm thinking the peak would cause a lot of drag and thus neck strain and it would possibly be a noisy helmet. Do you find this or is it OK?

[Ghost Lemur]

How do you find it at speed for long periods on the road? IE over 100kph for over an hour.

I'm thinking the peak would cause a lot of drag and thus neck strain and it would possibly be a noisy helmet. Do you find this or is it OK?

The reviews I've read about it rate it as a very noisey helmet. But put it more down to the vents rather rather than the peak.

They seemed to have fixed this with the X-2, but getting rid of the offending vents.

[Wolf]

With regard to noise, my old FFM Predator was not particularly noisy - had noisier street helmets with no peak at all (especially the older ones with the lexan visor afixed at the pivot points by a couple of largish screws and washers and retained at the bottom by a couple of domes - none of these new-fangled recessed pivot points and visors that lock into position flush with the chin guard).

I tend to tune out the noise as a constant background sound anyway so it doesn't bother me.

The wind on the peak at 100km/h or higher wasn't too much of a hassle and the ability to tilt my head slightly in the mornings to shade my eyes was a definite bonus.

I'd definitely have another helmet with a peak and a visor - I don't think the BMW one would suit, tho' - it looks so "Galactic Empire Age" that I'd want a nice shiny hoverbike rather than my battered little XT.

[Ruralman]

I use an HJC flip front for adventure riding and I wear sunglasses. You have the option of riding with visor open or closed, the whole front up or down and front and top vents open or closed. You can't put a peak on it.
If you are going to be doing mostly road miles then buy a good comfortable road helmet or flipper and consider buying one of the basic HJC or other dirt bike helmets as well for around $120-150 if you're doing the occaisonal hard out dirt day - it mightn't be as comfortable getting to and from the event if youre riding there but you'll cope. If its a really long road trip then taking the peak off most of them is pretty simple - if its cold then wear a thin balaclava underneath 'cos the dirt helmets don't keep out the breeze.

[bgd]

How do you find it at speed for long periods on the road? IE over 100kph for over an hour.

I'm thinking the peak would cause a lot of drag and thus neck strain and it would possibly be a noisy helmet. Do you find this or is it OK?

It's certainly not as quiet as the RV it replaced but with plugs it's fine. The peak is well vented so provides little wind resistence. On occasion a strong cross wind will catch it but nothing to worry about.

I must have had this helmet 3 years and I do an 80 mile round trip commute every working day. A good percentage of that trip is at 90+ (mph) and I don't notice any strain. The peak is removable but I've never felt the need. The only caveat is that the GS has a big screen so I may have more protection than most, although it doesn't feel like it sometimes.

[vroom]

These are arriving in from Airoh shortly.
38139

38140

[Wolf]

On my bike ride this weekend I paid special attention to the noise of my helmet as I tend to tune such things out and realised that my HJC CL-12 is extremely noisy. Closing the vents did not reduce the noise.

[Ghost Lemur]

These are arriving in from Airoh shortly.
38139

38140

How much is the S4 going to retail for?

[vroom]

S4 will be $395

[mazz1972]

That Marushin helmet looks awesome! Hubby and I are getting the Grex RD1 helmets with the peak. They are still made by Nolan but are now only $199 compared to about $370 when branded Nolan.

FYI to anyone who cares....some of the Nolan helmets have been rebranded as Grex (http://www.grex.it) and Xlite (http://www.xlite.it) (but still made by Nolan), so if you are looking for a helmet that used to be branded Nolan, check their websites. :sunny:

We have a friend with one of these and he says that yes the peak does create drag at faster speeds....but what else would you expect?

We were advised to avoid the cheaper flip front helmets as the hinges and catches aren't so good. Was advised that Nolan was ok tho! :yes:

[Wolf]

That Marushin helmet looks awesome!
It looks predatorial, vicious, wicked and evil - especially in black.


Oh, how I want one!


If I had one I would definitely wire up a couple of red LEDs onto the frame of my glasses so at night I can give dorks who cut me off a "demonic stare"...

[Zukin]

Well I got the Nolan

And all I can say is it is brilliant
I tried loads of them on and this is the one that just felt right!
It is great getting petrol, lifting the chin guard and not having to remove the helmet completely.
The sun visor is fantastic, just like sunnies when riding into a rising or setting sun.
It also acts like a peak, so I will see how that goes when it rains
Really comfortable and quiet when riding at 100km on the open road.
Has the ability to connect to NCom, Nolan's own communication device.
I have to install the anti fog visor (which is supplied with it, and uses the Pin lock system) so that will improve it a bit.

[Ocean1]

Anyone know who stocks the Airoh S4 in Wgtn?

[inlinefour]

Adventure riding what helmet do you wear? I want to do off road stuff to. So what's best to get? :scratch:

I wear glasses so I prefer the full faced helmet with a visor, works for me...

[Wolf]

I wear glasses so I prefer the full faced helmet with a visor, works for me...
I'd like a flip front helmet so it's easier when it comes to wearing glasses, but I've got the routine of putting on and taking off glasses through the front opening of the helmet so well practised these days I wonder how much of an advantage it would be. It was certainly a hassle when I first had to wear glasses while riding but now I get off my bike and wander to wherever I'm heading, mind preoccupied with what I've got to do, and by the time I'm a few metres from the bike my helmet and gloves are off, my glasses are on and I have my helmet looped over my arm by the chin guard - all done without thinking about it.

In the early days my glasses might have been enough of a hassle to spend 600 plus dollars on "fixing", now I can think of other things that annoy me more that I'd rather spend the money on - getting a jacket and leggings with removeable liners so I don't pass out at the lights during summer, for a start.

[mazz1972]

I recently got a G-Rex RD1 full face with peak, as found it a good compromise having a peak, albiet smaller than that on an offroad helmet.

They are still made by Nolan and were called the Nolan RD1, but now rebranded as G-Rex RD1.

However I'm probably not the best one to comment as I'd only ever ridden with an offroad helmet before, and I am finding having a little less peripheral vision rather odd. I don't find it noisy. Hubby & a mate went for an all day ride on Sunday with their RD1's and no complaints.

Gotta say tho, the more you pay the better helmet you'd expect to get. Cost of the RD1 is now $199 compared to $370 when it was still branded as Nolan. So pretty cheap really.

FYI X-Lite is also another Nolan brand.

www.grex.it
www.xlite.it

[Ronnie]

i have a nolan n102 helmet and i find it very noisy, too noisy for comfort. Only use it in town...

[Zukin]

i have a nolan n102 helmet and i find it very noisy, too noisy for comfort. Only use it in town...

Hmmm
I thought they were quiet for a flip face :dodge:
But as I have recently purchased an F650 it does seem a lot noisier :mellow: Maybe it is the screen that buffets your head more??

Cheers

[NordieBoy]

I should be the wind that buffets your head.
Not the screen :dodge:

[bart]

Hell, there's some weird helmets around these days.

I have an Arai from my road riding days, but find a MX helmet with goggles is as good as anything under 100Kmh. The Arai is bloody noisy anyway.

[pete376403]

Getting one of these http://www.motoretail.co.nz/product.cfm?ID=5802
on the recommendation of two of my friends who have them. They say noise is not an issue.

[NordieBoy]

Now that looks the business.
A cheap Arai Tour-X or Airoh Tyger.

Wonder how far you can lift the visor under the peak and if you can wear MX goggles with it...

[windboy]

Hi Fellas,

I spent a good while looking at these helmets and now there are quite a few options. Most of them have been reviewed here (http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm)
under enduro helmets. BMW is quite nice but seems to have an issue with the visor, so does the HJC. Apparently they scratch when on fully opened position (ie goggles on)

I’ve tried on most of them except the marushin, and the Airoh. The arai isn’t what you expected of a top of the range brand.

Sounds to me like the Airoh is the best value (quality/cost). I’m waiting for a shipment of Airoh S4 Colour. The rep will do $270 if I get more than one. Any other takers?

Photos of the Airoh can be seen at their website (http://www.airoh.com/home.htm)

[Ocean1]

I got an Airoh S4 a few months ago, very pleased with it.
The article posted earlier covers it pretty well.

PM vroom for details.

[cooneyr]

I'm seriously looking into a Airoh S4 as a replacement to the GREX RD1. Been to talk to Vroom and they look like they are worth ago. Compared to the HJC (which is suppost to be lower quality by comparison) from what I have seen in tyhe real world and read on web bike world the S4 should be much better.

$270 is definatly cheep but I'm not buying till I try and I have to get the neck brace off first so wont be taking up your offer windy. Hope you find a taker.

Cheers R

[dmc]

I've had an S4 for awhile and rate it, I tried a sh#t load of helmets and its a great helmet and very good for how cheap it is.

[windboy]

I'm seriously looking into a Airoh S4 as a replacement to the GREX RD1. Been to talk to Vroom and they look like they are worth ago. Compared to the HJC (which is suppost to be lower quality by comparison) from what I have seen in tyhe real world and read on web bike world the S4 should be much better.

$270 is definatly cheep but I'm not buying till I try and I have to get the neck brace off first so wont be taking up your offer windy. Hope you find a taker.

Cheers R

Hi Man,

No worries, however it's still a while till the container arrives apparently...

Mind you, the last thing you want to do after you've taken the brace off is to fit a tight helmet...:shit:

So far I've got one taker :Punk:

later,

[Ocean1]

Not quite on topic but does anyone know if the "hat's off" device is getting much uptake in NZ? http://www.hatsoff.info/

[windboy]

Not quite on topic but does anyone know if the "hat's off" device is getting much uptake in NZ? http://www.hatsoff.info/

very clever idea...!

are they making them mandatory in some countries?

[Ocean1]

For competition, yup.
Excellent idea, not expensive and apparently they work a treat. I can see them becoming popular of road use as well, just need to clue up the ambos to look for them and how to use them. You can order on line but does anyone know if there's a NZ distributor?

[Wolf]

Cheers Ocean1, looks like a good idea.

[$CENSLS1$]

Personally I use an HJC CLXS, pretty flashey looking helmet with plenty of visibility :yes:
Comes with a visor that you can fit if you want to and the visor is big enough that it could be removed and you could fit some goggles in there :rockon:

[K slider]

I think my preference is for the Nolan
Why?
Cheaper than the others I have looked at
The new version comes with N com (Bluetooth setup), which I will use :wait:

Also seems to fit me better and feels comfortable.
I will keep you posted

CheersHJC brought one out this year looks good but looks like it may lack side vision compared to my Arai Motard. I dont find the Arai very quiet and the visor gets scratched if the peak is down all the way. the Airoh looks good is it noisy and can you remove the visor only.
Cheers Pete.

[cooneyr]

HJC brought one out this year looks good but looks like it may lack side vision compared to my Arai Motard. I dont find the Arai very quiet and the visor gets scratched if the peak is down all the way. the Airoh looks good is it noisy and can you remove the visor only.
Cheers Pete.

According to webbikeworld (on dial up so cant be bothered to find the link) the Airoh S4 is really quite to the extend of being quieter than a lot of road helmets. They think this is due to the lack of forward facing vents. It is also light at 1350ish grams. Not sure about peak only but can do visor only.

Cheers R

[Ocean1]

According to webbikeworld (on dial up so cant be bothered to find the link) the Airoh S4 is really quite to the extend of being quieter than a lot of road helmets. They think this is due to the lack of forward facing vents. It is also light at 1350ish grams. Not sure about peak only but can do visor only.

Cheers R

My S4 is certainly quiet, has a slight whistle if you turn your head to one side but I hardly ever hear that. They seem to have the ventilation about right, enough for when you're working hard and to manage fogging but not too noticable on the highway. You can remove either the peak or the visor but I leave the peak on even for road trips. Looks better without it but It's good to be able to dip your head to avoid sunstrike.

[cooneyr]

Got my S4 in the weekend from Vroom. Very nice helmet. :yes: I've had it on for a bit around home but no riding yet (still sitting out neck injury recovery time) and I find it really comfortable and light. Also I like the pockets for your ears which make it much more pleasant to wear than my old RD1. Best bit though is the shape of the chin guard means that I can breath more normally - don't have to deliberately blow air down out of helmet to stop my glasses/visor from fogging.

Cost me about $50 more than the new HJC helmet and I'm sure it is a whole heap better designed and built.

Cheers R

[Big Dave]

I got an Arai Tour X last week - beautiful thang.

I'm too sexy for my hat too sexy for my hat......
<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/david_cohen_design/.Pictures/misc2/newgear.jpg">

[warewolf]

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/david_cohen_design/.Pictures/misc2/newgear.jpg">What's with the big sprocket...are you thinking about gearing down the Ulysses?

[pete376403]

Now that looks the business.
A cheap Arai Tour-X or Airoh Tyger.

Wonder how far you can lift the visor under the peak and if you can wear MX goggles with it...

The visor lifts up to sit horizontal right under the peak - you could get MX style googles in there no worries. Better pics of it here

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/hjc/cl-xs/

[ZReX12]

I use the HJC version. Main attraction was the peak to block out the low winter sun as a wear glasses and haven't gotten around to prescription shades.
An OK helmet, certainly better when you get off road than a road hat is.
Biggest gripe is when looking over ya shoulder lane changing etc, the longer nose of the helmet tends to twist the bloody thing on ya head. I bought the same size as my road HJC, which appears to have been a bit of a mistake. In hindsight the next size down may have been a better idea as the tighter fit would reduce the twisting effect.
Also it's a bit on the chilly side on a frosty morning.
But for the price its not a bad hat, certainly for the price you can have an both the adventure and road halmets from HJC for the price of the Arai.

[NordieBoy]

Coming soon to a store near you (possibly)...

Zeus motad/adventure helmet.

[XF650]

Coming soon to a store near you (possibly)...

Zeus motad/adventure helmet.

Do you have a link to more info on that Zeus Adventure helmet?

[NordieBoy]

Not yet but stay tuned.
I like my Zeus flip front and would be keen on this one.

[Edbear]

I'm considering the Grex RD1 retails at $199. Looks good and based in the original Nolan N100 apparently.

[XF650]

Not yet but stay tuned.
I like my Zeus flip front and would be keen on this one.

I'v been pleased with my Zeus flip front too. But since it kissed the gravel last Sunday I'm looking at replacement options.

Has anyone seen a flip-front type adventure helmet I.e. peak, visor, full ventilation & flip front?

[NordieBoy]

I'm considering the Grex RD1 retails at $199. Looks good and based in the original Nolan N100 apparently.

Grex is Nolan.
The chin bar was a little close for my comfort.
Nice but not nice enough to get me to change.
Yet...

[timg]

I'v been pleased with my Zeus flip front too. But since it kissed the gravel last Sunday I'm looking at replacement options.

Has anyone seen a flip-front type adventure helmet I.e. peak, visor, full ventilation & flip front?

Arai Tour X but not a flip up. The only thing that I miss with my Nolan is the peak. I'm thinking of trying one of these to see how it goes. http://www.super-visor.com/ Would'nt be able to use the VPS visor tho. Cheers.

[XF650]

Tim - how do you find the ventilation / air flow around the mouth on the Nolan for adventure riding - do you need to remove that chin guard thingy?

[Edbear]

Grex is Nolan.
The chin bar was a little close for my comfort.
Nice but not nice enough to get me to change.
Yet...


Yup! Knew that they were made by Nolan. Importers are Eurobike Wholesale and Cycletreads have the Grex but didn't have the RD1 last time I was in there to try on. Thought the price was good, though.

[timg]

Tim - how do you find the ventilation / air flow around the mouth on the Nolan for adventure riding - do you need to remove that chin guard thingy?

With a balaclava/neckwarmer/turtleneck etc you can pretty much shut out any draft coming up from under the helmet. Great for cold days but can make fogging a problem with little air movement, although cracking the visor open a whisker cures that. I have left the chin guard on. For the likes of the Waimak ride last weekend, I had the visor open for the slow bits where we were getting ghot & sweaty & balaclava came off tha the first rest stop so pleanty of air from that point on. Front and top vents seem to be reasonably effective too. What size are you? Mines an L. You're welcome to borrow it & go for a ride to see what you think. :scooter: Cheers, T.

[tri boy]

This is my old Nolan N70E. 12yrs old, and about to be retired so a new Grex RD1 can cover my melon.
Hope the quality is still the same. Damn fine helmet.(can't get a white stipey one):(

[tri boy]

So I picked up the new Grex RD1 today. (thanks to John and the crew at Boyds in Hamilton).
The overall design is almost exactly the same as my old Nolan N70. Gone is the top air vent control,(not much use anyway). In comes a new strap buckle. I'm not sure if this is better or a backward step. Time will tell. The fit is comfy and snug. I like these helmets, and since the old one travelled around OZ, and handled India well, I see no need to deviate from a good thing.
How much? Less than $200. That will do me.:yes:

[Wolf]

So I picked up the new Grex RD1 today. (thanks to John and the crew at Boyds in Hamilton).
The overall design is almost exactly the same as my old Nolan N70. Gone is the top air vent control,(not much use anyway). In comes a new strap buckle. I'm not sure if this is better or a backward step. Time will tell. The fit is comfy and snug. I like these helmets, and since the old one travelled around OZ, and handled India well, I see no need to deviate from a good thing.
How much? Less than $200. That will do me.:yes:
John at Boyd Honda ordered my Grex RD1 on appro and I got it for a good price, having ascertained that it fits my gourd properly.

Excellent helmet. Would prefer D-rings to the clip but I've got the adjustment right now.

[Fargin Khan]

I bought one of these from e bay , great helmet. very light and great for on/off road use. Bit chilly in winter , so I use a neck warmer as the breeze gets in around your ears and cheeks. Plenty of vents and ultra light.

[Eddieb]

I bought one of these from e bay , great helmet. very light and great for on/off road use. Bit chilly in winter , so I use a neck warmer as the breeze gets in around your ears and cheeks. Plenty of vents and ultra light.

I was looking a Shoei.com last week and couldn't find any mention of an ADV helmet, can you give more details e.g. model name/number, price paid etc?

[Garry.W]

I was looking a Shoei.com last week and couldn't find any mention of an ADV helmet, can you give more details e.g. model name/number, price paid etc?

I don't think the Shoei Hornet is DOT rated, so wouldn't be sold here - unless you buy one off e-bay.

Check with Whites, they're the importers, but it isn't on their 06 product list.

Cheers
Garry

[cooneyr]

I don't think the Shoei Hornet is DOT rated, so wouldn't be sold here - unless you buy one off e-bay.

Check with Whites, they're the importers, but it isn't on their 06 product list.

Cheers
Garry

Helmets don't have to be DOT rated for use in NZ as long as they meet one of the other standards. The standards are listed on Land Transport New Zealand's website here (http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/road-user-safety/motorcyclists/importing-helmets.html).


* UN/ECE Regulation No. 22: Protective helmets and their visors for drivers and passengers of motor cycles and mopeds (Europe)
* Australian Standard AS 1698: Protective helmets for vehicle users
* New Zealand Standard NZ 5430: Protective helmets for vehicle users
* Snell Memorial Foundation: Helmet Standard for use in motorcycling
* Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218: Motor-cycle helmets***
* British Standard BS 6658: Specification for protective helmets for vehicle users (for type A helmets only)
* Japan Industrial Standard T8133.

*** Because of the lack of a formal certification system for the US FMVSS 218 standard, this standard only applies to motorcycle helmets that have been manufactured and purchased in the USA.


The Shoei Hornet is JIS and MFJ rated (see here (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/shoei/hornet/)). Assuming it is JIS T8133 rated (wBW doesnt say) then your good to go. Check the tags in it and get back to us.

Cheers R

P.S. Interesting - I've just read that all US FMVSS 218 helmets must be marked as DOT and the sub clause as quoted above means they must all be manufactured and purchased in the USA. Am I reading this wrong but doesnt that mean that any DOT helmet made in Japan (am I correct in saying some HJC helmets are made in japan?) can't be sold in NZ????? Surely I've got this wrong somewhere.

[Garry.W]

Helmets don't have to be DOT rated for use in NZ as long as they meet one of the other standards. The standards are listed on Land Transport New Zealand's website here (http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/road-user-safety/motorcyclists/importing-helmets.html).




The Shoei Hornet is JIS and MFJ rated (see here (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/shoei/hornet/)). Assuming it is JIS T8133 rated (wBW doesnt say) then your good to go. Check the tags in it and get back to us.

Cheers R

P.S. Interesting - I've just read that all US FMVSS 218 helmets must be marked as DOT and the sub clause as quoted above means they must all be manufactured and purchased in the USA. Am I reading this wrong but doesnt that mean that any DOT helmet made in Japan (am I correct in saying some HJC helmets are made in japan?) can't be sold in NZ????? Surely I've got this wrong somewhere.

There you go then, I thought a DOT rating was a prerequisite for NZ sales but always the possibility I'm wrong. You'd think there'd be one standard applicable to all helmets given the amount of internet trading these days. I have a new BMW Enduro helmet (and it's great). Good enough to rate for sale in NZ and Europe, but Australians can't buy one there.

[Fargin Khan]

Not available through Whites. I tried to Indent order one but Shoei would not supply Whites with one. The Hornet model I own is called a Glide and tc2 graphic. There are a number of graphic options and also plain colours. I bought two smoke visors from a japanese helmet shop which owed me $125 kiwi landed including shipping. As far as I am aware the hornet is a domestic market Japan helmet only but I have seen some for sale in the uk but the price is more expensive than e bay. The Helmet owes me $950 landed. I paid gst once customs got there paws on it which bumped the price up. Go a size up from what you normally take as the Jap market helmets have a different head profile (more round) than for us egg headed european decendants. It is a great helmet for day to day commuting and for med -high speeds (140 km/h). The peak has plenty of venting flutes and does not catch the wind as bad as I thought it would. The graphics are stunning in the sun with plenty of metallic fleck in the paint and the usual high build quality of the Shoei product.

[Alpha Solo]

Hmmm
I thought they were quiet for a flip face :dodge:
But as I have recently purchased an F650 it does seem a lot noisier :mellow: Maybe it is the screen that buffets your head more??

Cheers

I've got a Grex adventure helmet and ride a f650 GS which has a givi taller screen on it, not much buffering, but then again Im a short arse an have done years without a screen so cant really comment.

How well does the Nolan System work? Much wind noise over the music? I'm pretty deaf already so dont wanna ride all day with the music turned up to 11...

Also anyone tried or read about the Airoh S4 ROUND???? Looks less like a mountain hawk then the S4.

[cynna]

any updates on deals on adventure helmets?

i have been using my old road helmet with no visor and am sick of headbutting branches out of the way and getting wacked in the face. is this what the peak on offroad helmets is for or is it a sun visor?

im planning on doing big miles on and off road so not sure if i should get a road helmet, dirt helmet or something in between

[cooneyr]

Shoei Hornet. Now sold in NZ. It seems it has become the helmet of choice here in Chch. Ventilates really well and doesnt fog (even without the pinlock insert it comes with) on a wet day when breathing hard. Very Comfortable but that is head shape dependent. Wish I'd been able to get one earlier. Only problem, it costs about $700.

Cheers R

[Paladin]

any updates on deals on adventure helmets?

i have been using my old road helmet with no visor and am sick of headbutting branches out of the way and getting wacked in the face. is this what the peak on offroad helmets is for or is it a sun visor?

im planning on doing big miles on and off road so not sure if i should get a road helmet, dirt helmet or something in between

Give the Shoei Hornet DS at try; I love mine. It is seriously comfortable on my head compared to the HJC similar model - guess ya get what ya pay for sometimes! It has the internal padding set up so sunnies are easily slid in and over your ears, kinda nice touch.

The Visor/Peek and Windshield are both easily removed/rearranged so you can have the Peek (but no windshield) with goggles for full-on dirt riding, or the windshield(but no peek) for road riding, or maybe keep both on for adv rides on dirt/seal/gravel combo. Its got good venting too; don't really get a hot head in it!

The only two downsides are its gonna cost you over $600 AND as yet there's no really cool MX style graphics available!

[Paladin]

Shoei Hornet. Now sold in NZ. It seems it has become the helmet of choice here in Chch. Ventilates really well and doesnt fog (even without the pinlock insert it comes with) on a wet day when breathing hard. Very Comfortable but that is head shape dependent. Wish I'd been able to get one earlier. Only problem, it costs about $700.

Cheers R

SNAP!!! Haha!

I paid $636 for mine at Motorad in Welly.

[Wolf]

The only two downsides are its gonna cost you over $600 AND as yet there's no really cool MX style graphics available!
So long as it's available in basic black, that second point is not actually a downside :devil2:

MSTRS provides my cool custom graphics.

[NordieBoy]

any updates on deals on adventure helmets?

i have been using my old road helmet with no visor and am sick of headbutting branches out of the way and getting wacked in the face. is this what the peak on offroad helmets is for or is it a sun visor?

im planning on doing big miles on and off road so not sure if i should get a road helmet, dirt helmet or something in between

Have a look at a Zeus 2100b
$195

[Paladin]

So long as it's available in basic black, that second point is not actually a downside :devil2:

MSTRS provides my cool custom graphics.

Oh ok then! :msn-wink:

[cynna]

thanks for the info

teh shoei is a bit out of my price range at the moment - need boots and a jacket as well

tried a XL zeus on on today but it was a bit tight

anyone know where i can find a stockist of the hjc CL-XS in chch? found a shop that will get me one in but i would like to try different sizes before i buy

[AlBundy]

thanks for the info

teh shoei is a bit out of my price range at the moment - need boots and a jacket as well

tried a XL zeus on on today but it was a bit tight

anyone know where i can find a stockist of the hjc CL-XS in chch? found a shop that will get me one in but i would like to try different sizes before i buy

Wow, i didn't know there was such a big difference in the sizing of the helmets... From a Zeus XL to a HJC CL-XS...:Pokey:

[cooneyr]

....anyone know where i can find a stockist of the hjc CL-XS in chch? found a shop that will get me one in but i would like to try different sizes before i buy

Sportzone will get them in but I've not see stocks of them in any shop. The Zuse 2100b was a strange fit on my head as well. Another helmet to try is the Airoh S4 (http://vroom.co.nz/product_info.php?cPath=21_37&products_id=45). Motoworks have a shop at 9 Lawson St (http://www.motoworks.co.nz/contact.html) A little more expensive and again didn't fit my head shape very well but might work for you.

Cheers R