Nolan N103 flip face Helmet

[Tank]

After reading about the N102's that have generally positive reviews on this site - I started looking at Nolan flip face helmets.

The upgraded model (The 103) arrives at the distributors (Eurobike Wholesale) this week and will be in shops with a RRP of $599.

Looks like it addresses the majority of shortfalls with the 102 - Details are on the nolan.it website - but for me I love the fact that they have moved the sunglasses inside.

Now - just to be nice to the missus as she is shouting.

Are there any other flip face helmets that people would recommend over the Nolan?

[James Deuce]

Ooooo cheap 102s soon!

[The Pastor]

Woah i'd be keen to get my hands on one of those! The problem with the 102 was the external sunvisor gets coverd in bugs n shit. And the disasembly / reasemably was way to freeking hard!

[The Pastor]

And it looks like they fixed both of those problmes!

[Griffin]

I am real keen on trying one of these out, I was just about to commit to buying a Shoei Flip Face because I didnt particularly like the external visor on the Nolan but if they have moved that inside then it would be well worth looking at. Are there any other highly respected brands that do Flip Face Helmets?

[P38]

And the best upgrade has been to the Bluetooth Kit.

AD2P Stereo sound via Bluetooth. :2thumbsup

[riffer]

Well...

it's only four days old but I'm loving my Shoei Multitec.

$699

comes with full whisper kit, clear and tinted visors with pinlock system anti-fog and has the most beautiful deep metallic flake glossy paint on it.

*sigh* it's yummy... :love:

<img src=http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/shoei/multitec/shoei-multitec.gif>

Review here (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/shoei/multitec/).

[gunnyrob]

wonder if blue tooth compatible with N102?

[P38]

wonder if blue tooth compatible with N102?

Gunnyrob

N-102 was manufactured to be fitted with a Basic kit (speakers & microphone boom) and a Bluetooth Kit.

I have this set up in my N-102 and it works great.

It all just clips into the helmet

I use my Garmin Zumo 550 GPS as a hub and connect the celly to this via bluetooth.

The GPS then connects via bluetooth to the helmet.

Music, Directions, In comming calls, Out going calls all hands free and not a wire in sight. :yes:

[NighthawkNZ]

After reading about the N102's that have generally positive reviews on this site - I started looking at Nolan flip face helmets.


Love my N102... but will be upgrade to N103 when I can :)

[Flatcap]

I'm not convinced about the internal sun visor - the external one is good to flip down while wearing sunglasses when the glare is bad, then flip back up.

That one doesn't look like it moves at all....I assume it would be the same as wearing sunnies...?

[heyjoe]

These Nolan flip up helmets are quality helmets. Have owned a N100 and now have a N102. Good finish, comfort and solid metal mechanisms. A tad on the heavier side but that is a small sacrifice for the quality. I'd be keen to see the new one some day.

[riffer]

I'm not convinced about the internal sun visor - the external one is good to flip down while wearing sunglasses when the glare is bad, then flip back up.

That one doesn't look like it moves at all....I assume it would be the same as wearing sunnies...?

Internal visor is a pain in the arse I reckon. I wear prescription glasses and have the transitions lenses in them so they automatically go dark.

The Nolan's a bloody nice helmet though. If I wasn't so in love with the Shoei brand I'd have jumped at one. I hear the Nolan fits the same Round head shape as the Shoei.

One thing to consider in Nolan vs Shoei Multitec is the front to back dimensions. In the Multitec it's very small. My chin hits the front of the helmet when I yawn. If you have a Clutch Cargo chin forget the Shoei.

[Flatcap]

I hear the Nolan fits the same Round head shape as the Shoei.

One thing to consider in Nolan vs Shoei Multitec is the front to back dimensions. In the Multitec it's very small. My chin hits the front of the helmet when I yawn. If you have a Clutch Cargo chin forget the Shoei.

I can confirm the Nolan fits a round head shape well. I have a huge fat noggin and it fits like a glove.

My chin hits the front though, although I have a jaw like David Coulthard (but flabbier)

[Griffin]

Well just to let y'all know, went down to my local bike shop today and tried on the Shoei multitec that had been ordered in for me and it is blardy lovely... however, the guy in the shop said they could have a Nolan 103 in by next Wednesday so Im holding out till I can have them side by side for a good comparison :niceone: Have to say... if I hadnt known about the Nolan 103 I would have walked outta that shop with the Shoei... comes with heaps of extras (as in post above) and is a lovely looking bit of kit.

[riffer]

I still reckon you'll go for the Shoei. :oi-grr:

[Griffin]

Well without comparing I couldnt put money on that. Re your comment about the internal visor... are you sure it doesnt go up? I kinda pictured that it did.

[Horse]

Internal visor is a pain in the arse I reckon.

I've got an HJC FS-MAX with an internal sun visor. Frankly, it's the shiznit, I'd expect one as standard on any future helmet I buy.

On the HJC the sun visor goes up and down, controlled by a slider on top of the helmet. I presume it's the same on the Nolan. The visor's great for riding on a day with broken cloud, put one hand up to slide the visor down when the sun comes out, slide it back up again when the sun's gone. Particularly good on sunny winter days when the low sun means big chunks of the road in shadow at all times of the day.

I can see an N103 in my future.

EDIT: BTW I wear glasses - no issues with the internal visor.

[Pogo2]

just brought a N102 only to find out here that the N103 is due any day....bugger!

Anyhow really happy with mine. I do wear glass and I do wonder if the internal shade would get in the way of the glaases. Mind you alot of Nolan wearer wear glasses by the sound of it. Regardless of where the VPS is, it certainly makes it easier on the eyes especially when riding into the sun in the evening. Now that I have VPS I really would like some sun to get maximum benefit. Spring is on the way!

[Tank]

Well without comparing I couldnt put money on that. Re your comment about the internal visor... are you sure it doesnt go up? I kinda pictured that it did.

Yep - Im sure that it does go up.

[Tank]

just brought a N102 only to find out here that the N103 is due any day....bugger!


Not due any day - they are here. Mines at the shop and Im stuck here unable to get there until next week grrrrrr

[denill]

Gunnyrob

N-102 was manufactured to be fitted with a Basic kit (speakers & microphone boom) and a Bluetooth Kit. I have this set up in my N-102 and it works great.It all just clips into the helmet. I use my Garmin Zumo 550 GPS as a hub and connect the celly to this via bluetooth.
The GPS then connects via bluetooth to the helmet.
Music, Directions, In comming calls, Out going calls all hands free and not a wire in sight. :yes:

Are there any radar detectors that transmit the warning beep via bluetooth??

[Tank]

Well - I went to collect my N103 from cycletreds today - and I'm most disappointed.

I take a MED sized helmet. But once I tried closing the flip face - it hits my chin before closing. I have to pull my chin right back in order to get it closed.

Its not wearable.

Struggling away with the pain of having the helmet on - it fitted everywhere else well - just not the chin - so it was the right sized helmet.

I tried on a N102 for comparison (also a MED) and there is certainty more room in the front of the older helmets.

So if you find your N102 tight in the front - don't even think of getting the 'upgraded' model.

The flip down sun shield is now internal - but it dosnt come anywhere close enough. It comes 1/2 way down into your vision and is really off putting. I tried a HJC with the same feature and found it better on the HJC.

Anything else? - finish was very good, although I think that that the front wind dam seams more plastic on the 103 from the 102. The latching mechanism had a solid clunk to it and felt secure - and seems better (safer?) than all the other flip faces that I looked at.

So - after looking forward to this new helmet I ended up ordering a Shark RSR2 instead.

[Griffin]

Geez... Im sposed to be going to check out my potential new Nolan 103 tomorrow... ben looking forward to it all week but now Im hoping Im not going to be dissappointed. Thanks for the review Tank... I will let you know my thoughts once I check it out.

[Swoop]

That is a bugger!

The internal visor only coming part-way down is also a concern.

[Griffin]

Well the decision has been made... I now own a beautiful Matt Black Shoei FF Helmet :2thumbsup

The Nolan 103 is a nice helmet... and I didnt suffer the same issues as Tank with regard to the chin being too close or the visor position. I just found that the Nolan wasnt as comfortable as the Shoei - a mix of general fit and material comfort (didnt like the finish material used inside helmet).

The Nolan is also a lot bigger in shell size and kinda looked 'too' big (I was trying a medium in both brands) although with the face up and the sunvisor down I did look pretty blardy cool :woohoo: even if I do say so myself.

The visor DOES retract up in to the helmet via a slide switch on the Left side just above the intercom cover... I found it came down to a suitable level that I would have been happy riding with - face shape is everything! However when it came down to it I can put sunglasses on - I cant replace comfort with something outta my pocket. Therfore Shoei wins :first:

In fact... if Shoei could design an internal sunvisor into their FF helmets it would be THE helmet to own.

Anyway - IMO, pros of the Nolan = internal retractable sunvisor, chin strap locking mechanism (ratchet type - very easy).
Pros of the Shoei = Comfort ++, shell size & shape, comes with extras inc. whisper kit, chin curtain (N103 has one fitted), spare (tinted) visor.

Both helmets utilise the pinlock anti fog system :Punk: and both have good catch/release mechanisms for the Flip Face. Another down with the N103 was its finish detail - the screws that hold the front to the helmet are glaringly obvious (helmet matt black - screws silver) two each side :no: where as the Shoei has a cover over their attaching screws which means the whole helmet is one colour. Good on ya Shoei

[riffer]

Mwahahahahaha

Another converted to the Shoei FF fold.

We're taking over people... :whistle:

Your points are very good there Griffin. The Shoei just oozes quality. As for the ratchet lock system, I hate it. Double D-rings all the way for me mate.

And the Shoei is sooooooo comfortable.

[Griffin]

I dont mind the ratchet idea - seemed to work quite well and certainly saves a few seconds. Not sure how it would fare in a crash that put strain on the mechanism... thats where the double D's have it :yes:

[James Deuce]

I prefer the sunshade on the outside.

As for it getting covered with bugs, as previously documented by me, (taaa daa) the brilliant thing about the VPS is at twilight in Summer the bugs go mental. When it finally gets dark enough that the VPS is impeding vision, you just flip it up and voila, perfectly clean clear visor for night riding.

[Sparky Bills]

Well the decision has been made... I now own a beautiful Matt Black Shoei FF Helmet :2thumbsup

The Nolan 103 is a nice helmet... and I didnt suffer the same issues as Tank with regard to the chin being too close or the visor position. I just found that the Nolan wasnt as comfortable as the Shoei - a mix of general fit and material comfort (didnt like the finish material used inside helmet).

The Nolan is also a lot bigger in shell size and kinda looked 'too' big (I was trying a medium in both brands) although with the face up and the sunvisor down I did look pretty blardy cool :woohoo: even if I do say so myself.

The visor DOES retract up in to the helmet via a slide switch on the Left side just above the intercom cover... I found it came down to a suitable level that I would have been happy riding with - face shape is everything! However when it came down to it I can put sunglasses on - I cant replace comfort with something outta my pocket. Therfore Shoei wins :first:

In fact... if Shoei could design an internal sunvisor into their FF helmets it would be THE helmet to own.

Anyway - IMO, pros of the Nolan = internal retractable sunvisor, chin strap locking mechanism (ratchet type - very easy).
Pros of the Shoei = Comfort ++, shell size & shape, comes with extras inc. whisper kit, chin curtain (N103 has one fitted), spare (tinted) visor.

Both helmets utilise the pinlock anti fog system :Punk: and both have good catch/release mechanisms for the Flip Face. Another down with the N103 was its finish detail - the screws that hold the front to the helmet are glaringly obvious (helmet matt black - screws silver) two each side :no: where as the Shoei has a cover over their attaching screws which means the whole helmet is one colour. Good on ya Shoei



Im glad your happy with what you got in the end :Punk:

Hope we can help you in the near future.

[Muppet]

Have a look at this re: N103

www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349660

[NighthawkNZ]

Well without comparing I couldnt put money on that. Re your comment about the internal visor... are you sure it doesnt go up? I kinda pictured that it did.

Yes it goes up...

[Pogo2]

Well - I went to collect my N103 from cycletreds today - and I'm most disappointed.

I take a MED sized helmet. But once I tried closing the flip face - it hits my chin before closing. I have to pull my chin right back in order to get it closed.

Its not wearable.

Struggling away with the pain of having the helmet on - it fitted everywhere else well - just not the chin - so it was the right sized helmet.

I tried on a N102 for comparison (also a MED) and there is certainty more room in the front of the older helmets.

So if you find your N102 tight in the front - don't even think of getting the 'upgraded' model.

The flip down sun shield is now internal - but it dosnt come anywhere close enough. It comes 1/2 way down into your vision and is really off putting. I tried a HJC with the same feature and found it better on the HJC.

Anything else? - finish was very good, although I think that that the front wind dam seams more plastic on the 103 from the 102. The latching mechanism had a solid clunk to it and felt secure - and seems better (safer?) than all the other flip faces that I looked at.

So - after looking forward to this new helmet I ended up ordering a Shark RSR2 instead.

Sorry to hear of your bad experience. In a kind of perverse way your experience makes me feel a bit better about my N102 purchase a few weeks ago. I was a bit disappointed that the 103 was going to be available as I brought the 102. Re the space for the chin, my chin would always touch the helmet when I extended my jaw in the N100. But with the N102 I certainly have a bit more room.

[Griffin]

Have a look at this re: N103

www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349660

Aw why didnt I think of adding all my own extras to make the Nolan a better helmet? Those velcro dot things really set it off :crazy:

[Swoop]

Motomail will be getting their stock "in a week", so goodness only knows how long that will be.

[Pogo2]

I went into Holeshot to buy my Nolan. I asked the guy when he thought they maybe getting the 103 in stock. He said that the agent/rep had not mentioned anything about them so they could be 6 months away. The guy also said they were trying to get rid of their 101's so the 103 would not be in in the near future.

The day prior I surfed an american website and they did not list the 103. It did sound reasonable cos I thought the americans would get the 103's first. So I buy a 102 and then read here that the 103 is here and is on sale. So I guess stock is drifting into stores now.

[Mystic13]

I'm looking forward to trying the 103's.

There are other helmets with visors;

Motomail have the Givi, HJC and of course the 103's. The new HJC is also out on Wednesday at Motomail. Apparently the same helmet with a much better mechanism. I want visor that I can drop to various heights. HJC currently don't do that. Maybe Wednesday they will.

and AMPS have the Schuberth.

My requirements for a helmet include the visor. It's just so damned useful.

As for service and after sales service. You can't beat Motomail. So I'd buy of them first. You get to really know a retailer when things go wrong and these guys have been great.

[Papa Bear]

Can anyone please tell me who stocks these 103's in Christchurch? Very keen on having a look.
Seems to be very mixed reports on how good/bad these are.

[NighthawkNZ]

Those in Dunedin I was told that Honda Otago will be stocking them and possibly MCR

[Griffin]

Can anyone please tell me who stocks these 103's in Christchurch? Very keen on having a look.
Seems to be very mixed reports on how good/bad these are.

I believe you can go to any 'good' bike shop and ask that they order one in for you to look at. Most will oblige a request from a potential customer. If you dont like it they can either choose to stock it or return it to the supplier. (thats what Motomart Lower Hutt did for me anyway)

[MaxCannon]

I just got the Givi H401 from Motomail

Tried on the HJC FS10 and didn't like the fit. The visor was also a bit too high up in my field of view.
Also the sunvisor mechanism is on the back of the helmet and it felt pretty flimsy to me.
Disappointed because I can get HJC from a friend at mates rates.

Also tried the Nolan N84 - cheapest of the lot, good quality fit and feel but the visor is right in my sight line.

Really liked the Givi. Light weight, firm fit and quality finish.
The visor beats the other two hands down IMHO
Comes down a lot further and appear to be a darker tint.

I don't ride with glasses ( I weat contacts) but I tried it on with my glasses and there are no issues hitting the sunvisor.

I'd have to say - don't but off what you read on the web - go try one on.
All three were a large but the shaping of the HJC didn't suit my head at all.

[MarkH]

-Bump- no posts in this thread for 4 weeks?

I am thinking about getting a better helmet and relegating my current helmet to spare for pillion status.

The Nolan 103 looks pretty decent for the price and has some pretty nice features. I might have to pop into Motomail and try one on for size/comfort. It is probably also a good time to switch to plain white - apparently the studies show that you are less likely to be in a accident with a white helmet. Option to connect to my phone in stereo would be pretty cool - my phone has bluetooth and plays MP3s (and has an 8GB memory card). Internal sun visor is also a big bonus. But if this helmet doesn't fit my head well then I would not consider buying it - comfort first!

[Griffin]

It is probably also a good time to switch to plain white - apparently the studies show that you are less likely to be in a accident with a white helmet.

Personally I think these "studies" are flawed. You will probably find that rather than a proper study being completed (where by equal numbers of black, white and inbetween colours of helmets are trialled with all riders pushed out on to the street in similar conditions to see if an accident occurs)... that instead each accident that has occurred has had the colour of the helmet noted.

The problem with this is that black helmets are by far the most popular choice of solid colour helmet available... therefore, in any group of motorcyclists hit by a car, the likelihood of a higher number of black helmets being noted is increased, purely due to their popularity.

The truth is, if a driver isnt going to notice your bike, your bulk, your lights or the noise from your debaffled muffler... then he/she aint gonna notice your white helmet. End of story.

[Swoop]

The Nolan 103 looks pretty decent for the price and has some pretty nice features.
I tried one on yesterday at the Motomail sale.
Personally, I found that the field of view was more restrictive than the Shoei I was comparing it with and the weight was surprisingly heavy.
Yes, there is all of the actuating gizmo's for the flip front and also the visor retraction system, but I will stick with the "old fashioned" technology for now.

[shafty]

-Bump- no posts in this thread for 4 weeks?

I am thinking about getting a better helmet and relegating my current helmet to spare for pillion status.

The Nolan 103 looks pretty decent for the price and has some pretty nice features. I might have to pop into Motomail and try one on for size/comfort. It is probably also a good time to switch to plain white - apparently the studies show that you are less likely to be in a accident with a white helmet. Option to connect to my phone in stereo would be pretty cool - my phone has bluetooth and plays MP3s (and has an 8GB memory card). Internal sun visor is also a big bonus. But if this helmet doesn't fit my head well then I would not consider buying it - comfort first!

Prolly the dumb questin of the day Mark, but how do you upload music to your phone? Does it involve stupid telecom fees? I think my phone has the capability, but I'm still 'smarting' from a ridiculous Telecom bill for trying the Internet on it when I first got it. I've since seen Fair Go talk about Telecom charging access rates of 47 times the cost of traditional braodband, on mobiles. PM me if if prefer so I don't hijack the thread.....

[shafty]

Personally I think these "studies" are flawed. You will probably find that rather than a proper study being completed (where by equal numbers of black, white and inbetween colours of helmets are trialled with all riders pushed out on to the street in similar conditions to see if an accident occurs)... that instead each accident that has occurred has had the colour of the helmet noted.

The problem with this is that black helmets are by far the most popular choice of solid colour helmet available... therefore, in any group of motorcyclists hit by a car, the likelihood of a higher number of black helmets being noted is increased, purely due to their popularity.

The truth is, if a driver isnt going to notice your bike, your bulk, your lights or the noise from your debaffled muffler... then he/she aint gonna notice your white helmet. End of story.

I used to think, for a long time actually, how the hell can a white helmet stick out, any more than the bike itself, lights etc etc

Then it dawned on me this winter while driving the cage....and I saw a riders head (only) visible above the roof of a car - ie a line of traffic coming towards me, and 2nd or 3rd in line was a bike, in wet darkish winter daylight. THATS where you need bright colours! I'd recon some flouro (flouro yellow as in eye catching Police yellow) would do it.

Knew a Guy killed years ago, who was following a car (Lets call it Car "A")closely. Another car coming from the oncoming direction was waiting to turn right once Car A passed, and collected the bike which was not seen behind Car "A". Fatal.

Tragic. Only a young fella, and careful Rider, but didn't didn't have any road presence.

My 10c worth

[MarkH]

Personally I think these "studies" are flawed.

You might be quite right - but I doubt I am putting myself in any greater danger by wearing a white helmet. So maybe it helps, maybe it doesn't and it would cost me $0.00 extra on my helmet purpose to try white.

BTW
I have seen a guy on a motorbike with a white helmet and my first thought was - wow, that helmet really stands out.

[MarkH]

Prolly the dumb questin of the day Mark, but how do you upload music to your phone? Does it involve stupid telecom fees? I think my phone has the capability, but I'm still 'smarting' from a ridiculous Telecom bill for trying the Internet on it when I first got it. I've since seen Fair Go talk about Telecom charging access rates of 47 times the cost of traditional braodband, on mobiles. PM me if if prefer so I don't hijack the thread.....

I have a Nokia N95, I connect it to my PC with a standard 'USB' to 'USB mini' cable and I copy the .mp3 files from drive C to drive F (or whatever). Then on the phone I start the music player (one button) and play whatever I like. I can also select any mp3 on the phone to use as a ring tone or text message tone or individual contact ring tone. I use a Star Trek Communicator chirp for my incoming text notification.

Some phones will not be any where near as easy to copy mp3s to.

[zeocen]

How are you guys feeling the inside visor? I was snooping around in Cycletreads, looking at Shark helmets but the Nolan N103 did catch my eye so I threw it on and it all seemed to fit pretty well, but the thing I had concern was with the inner visor, it was at an almost 'acceptable' level but the wedge in the middle for the nose bridge made looking through it get some sort of double vision because it was further from my eyes than glasses, etc.. is this an issue when riding?

I've also got an N95, how much are the 'extras' to get music via phone -> helmet?

[MarkH]

I might have to pop into Motomail and try one on for size/comfort.

I popped into Motomail today and tried on a Nolan 103. I have an HJC CL-ST size L which is a nice snug fit. I tried the Nolan size L and it felt loose, so I tried a size M and it fitted quite nicely. My chin was nowhere near hitting the front of the helmet and the tinted visor came down to a nice location without touching my nose. They confirmed that they had the 103 version of the N-COM basic kit (that's the one with stereo phones + mic). They didn't have the helmet in white but ordered it and will have it on Wednesday. They don't have the type 'N' cell phone connection lead which is a new one and the supplier wont have it till November. :wait:

I liked the helmet, it fitted well and was comfortable. I think the flip-up design is handy and I really like the built in retractable tinted visor. I also have a need for the N-COM kit. :mobile:

I might order the type 'N' cell phone lead from overseas and buy the rest from Motomail. I could opt for the bluetooth kit instead but that is $400 :argh: so the lead would be a little cheaper.

Since my spare helmet is a snug fit on my head I now have a new criteria for girls I date - I will avoid dating any girl with a head larger than mine. :D

[MarkH]

I've also got an N95, how much are the 'extras' to get music via phone -> helmet?

You would need the 103 version of this: http://www.motoretail.co.nz/product.cfm?ID=5595 fitted into the helmet and then add the correct lead which probably costs the same as this:http://www.motoretail.co.nz/product.cfm?ID=5593

If the 103 basic kit is a little dearer than the 102 version (maybe $100 or so) and the lead is $30 then you are looking at $130 or so total for wired or $500 total for the bluetooth setup. http://www.motoretail.co.nz/product.cfm?ID=5597

[Belsh]

If i can add my 2 cents in, i have the N103 and have got the Bluetooth kit to go with it but if i really thought about it in the first place i would of only just got the standard kit as really when are you going to use the bluetooth you cant answer your phone while riding as the caller can only hear the wind and noise, oh and it has its hazards doing that as well (go figure). and using it to communicate with other riders with bluetooth aswell has the same effect so really the only time you can talk to others is while stationay or going at a very slow speed so in saying that it really is a bit of a waste of money. Positive side to the helmet is that i think the visor is great one flick and the visor is out of the way, and vice versa, a good comfortable fit really.

[Mr Triple]

I've got the 102 and thought I'd go and have a look at the 103 on the weekend. Called into Sportzone in Ch-Ch to have a look as this was where I got my 102 from. The guy there said they were shit and sent them all back. He reckoned they were too soft in the center right above the visor. I would like to see one for myself tho

[laRIKin]

I've got the 102 and thought I'd go and have a look at the 103 on the weekend. Called into Sportzone in Ch-Ch to have a look as this was where I got my 102 from. The guy there said they were shit and sent them all back. He reckoned they were too soft in the center right above the visor. I would like to see one for myself tho

I wondered if you or I should say this.
I was with Bent51 at the time as I was trying to see if I could find a flip top to fit me.
I couldn't as my chin was near or pressed against the helmet on all of the flip tops.
The HJC (the older style) was the best fit for me.
Still could get my chin to touch the front, bugger it.

[NighthawkNZ]

I've got the 102 and thought I'd go and have a look at the 103 on the weekend. Called into Sportzone in Ch-Ch to have a look as this was where I got my 102 from. The guy there said they were shit and sent them all back. He reckoned they were too soft in the center right above the visor. I would like to see one for myself tho

I love my N102.... was thinking of upgrading....Bugger I was hoping to get one when Honda Otago got them... hmmmmm ummm well I still want to see one for myself.

[MarkH]

Well today was a good day!

My Givi windscreen arrived and I managed to fit the sucker without TOO much sweat. Then Motomail rang and told me that my helmet was in. So I rode into the city and found I could travel along the motorway at 100kph with my visor up without much wind in my face. I also found out that my engine DOES actually make a noise about 80kph, I just hadn't heard it previously due to the wind on my helmet.

Then at Motomail they fitted in my N-Com basic kit into my new Nolan 103 helmet. They don't have the correct wire for my cell phone yet, it seems that it is a brand new addition from Nolan - I can't even find one listed anywhere on the internet. I did grab a multimedia wire so I could listen to some music while riding.

The Nolan 103 helmet:
I found it more comfortable than my old (LOL - 2 weeks old) helmet and at 1725gms it isn't much heavier (old helmet is 1600gms). The retractable sun visor works well on the road - I moved it up and down a few times for the sun, the rain and then the sun again (LOL - Auckland weather). My peripheral vision while wearing this helmet was good. Comfort was good. My chin was well within the helmet, those that have a problem probably look a little like Jay Leno. Overall I rate this helmet :2thumbsup

Also:
With my new windscreen I think I could answer the phone while riding as long as I wasn't going too quick. I can move the mic up inside the helmet just in front of my mouth where it should pick up my voice just fine. For those on bikes that let much more wind hit the helmet it may not work nearly so well.

Remember:
YMMV - never buy a helmet just because someone else likes it, you need to try it for yourself and decide if it suits you!

[Grub]

When are you going to use the bluetooth you cant answer your phone while riding as the caller can only hear the wind and noise, oh and it has its hazards doing that as well (go figure).

Hmmm, not sure what's wrong with yours but we've had our N102's a year now and ...
- The phone quality is better than in the car, absolutely no noise, wind or otherwise.
- The Nokia 3220 phone has bluetooth and its set up to answer on headset and to communicate via bluetooth. It rings twice then answers in the helmet - brilliant.
- Dialling out is as simple as one push on the big helmet button and speaking the name in your contacts list.


and using it to communicate with other riders with bluetooth as well has the same effect so really the only time you can talk to others is while stationay or going at a very slow speed so in saying that it really is a bit of a waste of money.

Again, you have something badly wrong. Nasty and I have toured for a year using the bluetooth comms bike to bike
- clarity is perfect up to and including 140kmh. Migh be ok more, haven't tried it.
- There is a volume control, Nasty has hers right up, I have mine on the power-up default ... and that's while wearing ear plugs
- If you don't wear earplugs, that's the problem. All riders in all helmets should wear plugs.
- reception gets scratchy in clear line oof sight after about 100m

The Nolans are the best things we ever bought and operate trouble-free. If yours aren't doing that, you need to take them back and get it sorted.

[JayRenner]

hey man how much were the individual parts?
will it conect to an ipod?
do you have to buy the communicator seperatly after the headset?

[MarkH]

hey man how much were the individual parts?
will it conect to an ipod?
do you have to buy the communicator seperatly after the headset?

For the 103 I paid at Motomail:
Helmet $540
N-Com Basic Kit N103 $85.50 (this is the 2 speakers inside the helmet & the Mic)
N-Com Multimedia Wire $26.10 (One end plugs into the helmet, the other is a standard 3.5mm jack - should plug into iPod or similar)
The helmet is normally $600, actually the items might have all had 10% off. The Motomail special runs till Sunday.

Grub has bluetooth - another $400 :eek5:
I might buy the correct wire as soon as I can get one for my phone - $30 instead.

[JayRenner]

so about $1000 each helmet. for bluetooth and helmet. Do you still have to get the communicator on top of that though?

[Divot]

I brought a Schuberth helmet after trying the Nolan 102. I am extreamly pleased with hte helmet, It fits well and very quite when the visor is down. I had speakers and microphone fitted by Tony from Challanger Motors to match the Harley sound system.

I will soon be buying another for the wife.

Have hear that the Nolan speakers are crap.

My Vote is Schuberth.

[Horse]

Is that the C2?

[Swoop]

I had speakers and microphone fitted by Tony from Challanger Motors to match the Harley sound system.
Tony is a damn good bugger!
Strongly recommended.

[celina]

Hi All,
I presume it's the same on the Nolan. The visor's great for riding on a day with broken cloud, put one hand up to slide the visor down when the sun comes out, slide it back up again when the sun's gone. Particularly good on sunny winter days when the low sun means big chunks of the road in shadow at all times of the day. I am very pleased with the thought and don’t feel like adding anything in it. It’s a perfect answer.
bluetooth motorcycle intercom (http://www.bikeintercom.com/products/ridemate.htm)

[Downloaded]

Is probably a bit late to be adding to this thread but I bought the N103 and I wish I had saved my money. I like the shape and general fit, the internal visor is brilliant (I wear glasses underneath with no problems) but the wind noise is hellish. I have started wearing good earplugs but can still hear howling on the motorway and whenever I get to around 95-105km/h I get wind popping (Like in a car with all the windows up and someone cracks the back window and you get the pressure popping). This is a killer, I cant figure out where its coming from and it only happens about 70% of the time. Visor up or down, vents closed and open, I have tried all the basics but cant figure it out. So disappointing.

[denill]

Surprised to read that. Ours are great.

Maybe it's caused by the bike. Screen or fairing?

[Pogo2]

I've always worn earplugs when I ride. However on the odd instance where I haven't I have found the noise in a 102 a bit disconcerting. Great with plugs -but not without them. I think that I would prefer the internal visor as the external one gets covered in shit when not in use then when you do need it its dirty.

[denill]

Made a mistake and didn't get the Blutooth stuff. Although the hard wire works OK, it gets into a bit of a tangle.

What would the deal be to upgrade to Blutooth?

[MarkH]

Made a mistake and didn't get the Blutooth stuff. Although the hard wire works OK, it gets into a bit of a tangle.

What would the deal be to upgrade to Blutooth?

Same as for any other upgrade - spend more money. AKAIK you have to buy the basic kit anyway, then add a cable or bluetooth. If you have spent money on the hard wire setup then the only extra you have that you wont need with bluetooth is the cable, but that would be good to have as a backup anyway.

I went with hard wire & I can hook up to my GPS to hear the directions while riding, it works pretty well. I would prefer the convenience of wireless, but I don't want to spend the money.
http://www.motomail.co.nz/eStore/Style/NOBLUTOOTH2.aspx
It's a bit to pay for the convenience of wireless IMO.

[denill]

Yeah, we hook up to the Garmin with a wire also.

Have emailed Eurobike and asked what's the go. Will let you know the reply.

[denill]

Have emailed Eurobike and asked what's the go. Will let you know the reply.

The reply:

Each helmet will need a basic kit, which you appear to have, you will need a blue tooth kit in each helmet to go wireless. Available through your favourite motorcycle shop. Part# NS NCBLU2 Retail $495.00 each.

[LostHornet]

When I bought my bike, a naked 919 Hornet, I purchased the Nolan N102. Loved the ability to keep it on but still walk into a shop to buy stuff, esp. petrol!
1 of d 1st things I did was to buy a Baehr from Tony at Challenger Motors. I installed it myself, including the speakers etc into the helmet, and run solid wires for connections.
The result was ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT, and from peeps I've spoken to, miles better than buying the Nolan Kit.
The thing is, you can now get a wireless/bluetooth unit (approx $500?) to plug in which solves the connectivity problem. (I was gonna do that b4 the bike got stolen - 'nutha story!)
My wife and I listened to radio, as we rode, spoke to each other at 160k's, and had no issues with the system at all.
Helmet noise is another thing - I too wear plugs, but have adjusted my volume, which doesn't affect hers!
As for the N103, I picked one up, and put it straight down because it liooked and felt like a piece of plastic crap that was manufactured in China.
Schuberth was gonna be my next one!
Go to challengermotors.co.nz to check out the Baehr and talk to Tony.
You WON'T be sorry!