Lightest full face helmet?

[Gizzit]

Anyone know what some of the better helmets weigh in XL size ?
I was at BBT today and a guy from the Cycletreads stand was showing me the 09 Road Catalogue that has the top range Shark helmet and it was 1290gms ..... but I don't know what size that was .... probably XS or Small.
I tried on a few Sharks today and none of them was as comfortable as my 2 year old Shark S500 Alpha which recently got destroyed.
I tried on a few Nolan's but wrong shape for my head, and the Suomy's weren't a lot more comfortable for me.
Looks like I'll have to go for a new Shoei or maybe an Arai. Anyone got any ideas of the weight of an XL in those brands, ... I'm not up on the latest models. I have a year old Multitec, which is a really comfortable helmet, but a bit heavy for my liking. (buggered neck ... old injury).

Printable suggestions please ..... :whistle:

[James Deuce]

Carbon Fibre HJC.

[trumpy]

Carbon Fibre HJC.

++1.
1350gms for the large size according to the label.

Mine is a large size but is a bit big for my head (should have spent more time trying it on properly)...bugger.
Might be interested in selling it (I have only worn it 4 x) and would be looking for $400 if you're interested. I think they retail for around $950.

[Gizzit]

Carbon Fibre HJC.

What model .... what do they weigh ?

[Gizzit]

++1.
1350gms for the large size according to the label.

Mine is a large size but is a bit big for my head (should have spent more time trying it on properly)...bugger.
Might be interested in selling it (I have only worn it 4 x) and would be looking for $400 if you're interested. I think they retail for around $950.

Sorry mate .... wrong size for me. I'm a fat head XL !!! :shit:

[James Deuce]

The XL HQ-1 is 1350gms. There are 3 Carbon Fibre models in the HJC range to chose from. Go and try them on. They weigh exactly what they say they do.

FWIW a helmet shouldn't be comfortable when you buy it. The cheeks should be really tight, and the forehead really fitting. The rear of the helmet should touch the back of your head firmly down to the nape of your neck.

If it's comfy when you buy it, it will be too loose in 3 months time.

An XL isn't a big head, it's just above average.

[MVnut]

The lightest (and most expensive) is the BMW SportIntegral Carbon, 950g. I use one and it's amazing.

[James Deuce]

I weighed one and it was 1200gms I think they mean the shell weighs 950 with none of the gubbins in or on it. The HJC was half the price and fit my head better so I bought it. I was a bit disappointed that the BMW didn't fit well because it looks fantastic and is really well made.

[MVnut]

Well I admit I haven't weighed mine but if you hold the BMW and HJC they are very noticably different, the Beemer fits me perfect, as does my Shoei which weighs a lot more but is a lot older so I don't use it much. Maybe I will weigh my 1972 Bell and post the result.

[SARGE]

i wear an HJC carbon .. size XL.. 1300 gm according to the label on the back..love it but it is a bit loud

[Tank]

If you like Sharks - there the Shark RSR2 is a nice light helmet - although kinda expensive at $999 (you can get specials tho).

Plenty of great reviews via Google.

[pritch]

Schuberth S1 carbon: 1290 grams including integral sunvisor.

Your wallet will be lighter too :whistle:

[Gizzit]

The XL HQ-1 is 1350gms. There are 3 Carbon Fibre models in the HJC range to chose from. Go and try them on. They weigh exactly what they say they do.

FWIW a helmet shouldn't be comfortable when you buy it. The cheeks should be really tight, and the forehead really fitting. The rear of the helmet should touch the back of your head firmly down to the nape of your neck.

If it's comfy when you buy it, it will be too loose in 3 months time.

An XL isn't a big head, it's just above average.

Thanks for that. I'll have to find a dealer that has a good selection of HJC's. Not an easy thing in Whangarei. Most dealers can't carry a huge range up here.

I have to disagree with you a little bit on the fitting thing. Cheeks tightish ... yes, forehead .... you need to be very careful about, as that doesn't loosen much, and thats major headache territory from my experiences with helmets in the past. It shouldn't be loose anywhere ... or in no time it will be bloody loose .. and useless! It's just an experience thing eh. You know when you put a helmet on if it's going to be a winner or not. I know that some just don't fit the shape of my head ... it's annoying having a hexagonal head !!! lol. :blink:

[Gizzit]

The lightest (and most expensive) is the BMW SportIntegral Carbon, 950g. I use one and it's amazing.

How much ????? and where did you score that from ?
Cheers,
Grant

[Gizzit]

i wear an HJC carbon .. size XL.. 1300 gm according to the label on the back..love it but it is a bit loud

Thanks Sarge ..... yes thats a good weight. My old Shark S500 was a bit loud too, but I always wear ear plugs, so it less of a problem ..... but still a quieter helmet is nicer to use I agree.

[Gizzit]

If you like Sharks - there the Shark RSR2 is a nice light helmet - although kinda expensive at $999 (you can get specials tho).

Plenty of great reviews via Google.

Yes tried a couple on yesterday at Cycletreads. Quite nice, but still heavier than I wanted. I kinda thought if i was going to pay that kind of money for a helmet, it would need to be VERY good all round, and light!! But I respect Shark helmets as being very well made, and safe!

[aahsv]

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-weights.htm#modular

[Gizzit]

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-weights.htm#modular

Thanks. That's good info! Always a wealth of information on that website.
Cheers. :niceone:

[Gizzit]

Just found this page, which gives the weights ....
Some VERY light helmets here!

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

[MVnut]

How much ????? and where did you score that from ?
Cheers,
Grant

$2900 with a spare dark visor, Canterbury Rides

[NordieBoy]

Just found this page, which gives the weights ....
Some VERY light helmets here!

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

They've got 3 of my helmets there...
KBC FFR (flip) XXL 1,750g (wbw XL 1,867g)
Zeus 2100B XL 1,725g (wbw XL 1,680g)
Zeus 508W (flip) XL x,xxxg (wbw XL 1,741g)

[Okey Dokey]

I just weighed my AGV TiTech helmet/tinted visor and it came in at 1500g Just for comparisons sake. I guess if you have a dodgy neck an extra 200g or whatever is to be avoided. Does it make a huge difference, do you think? I would have thought protection from wind resistance on the bike and also aerodynamics of the helmet would also be important.

Not picking a fight here, just wondering out loud.

[NordieBoy]

My KBC FFR feels a lot heavier in use than the Zeus 2100b even though the difference is only 25g.

I had a very light Nolan but the flattish visor ment my neck was worse after a ride than with a heavier helmet.

On-road the percieved weight of the helmet is more about it's aerodynamic qualities. A more aero helmet feels lighter at speed.
Off road/trail riding however as you're hardly ever travelling on smooth roads then the weight of the helmet has more impact and as the speeds are lower, aerodynamics plays a smaller part.

[Gizzit]

$2900 with a spare dark visor, Canterbury Rides

Naaa sorry mate ..... I wasn't asking how much you bike cost .... !!!????
FARRRRKKKKK .... I'm not sure my heads worth that much. I'd better ask my wife .... ??? :pinch: :eek5: lol.

[Gizzit]

I just weighed my AGV TiTech helmet/tinted visor and it came in at 1500g Just for comparisons sake. I guess if you have a dodgy neck an extra 200g or whatever is to be avoided. Does it make a huge difference, do you think? I would have thought protection from wind resistance on the bike and also aerodynamics of the helmet would also be important.

Not picking a fight here, just wondering out loud.

Whewwwww That was lucky den !! I tort i was in for a fight !!!! to be sure !!!

You are right aerodynamics n everything comes into it ...... (well, so I just read on that informative website) but I'd like to have light weight AND aerodynamics !!! lol. Fussy, eh!
Out of interest, what size is your TiTech ? It makes a difference what size helmet you are talking about. They can vary 200gms from XS to XXXL or whatever ...
I also read somewhere on the above site, that AGV has a small sizing compared to other helmet makes, like two sizes smaller ?? Did you find that ?

Not trying to provoke an argument or anything ... just writing out loud! :laugh: :niceone:

[Gizzit]

My KBC FFR feels a lot heavier in use than the Zeus 2100b even though the difference is only 25g.

I had a very light Nolan but the flattish visor ment my neck was worse after a ride than with a heavier helmet.

On-road the percieved weight of the helmet is more about it's aerodynamic qualities. A more aero helmet feels lighter at speed.
Off road/trail riding however as you're hardly ever travelling on smooth roads then the weight of the helmet has more impact and as the speeds are lower, aerodynamics plays a smaller part.

Agreed! So a fibreglassed carboard box, held on with lashings of tape is out then ???!!!! Sorry Nordie .... I must be sleep deprived ! :shit:

I have noticed that my Multitec that I have used the last two days, has been a bit more aerodynamic than I remembered it to be, and hasn't been too bad despite its 1700 odd gms.

[Okey Dokey]

Whewwwww That was lucky den !! I tort i was in for a fight !!!! to be sure !!!

You are right aerodynamics n everything comes into it ...... (well, so I just read on that informative website) but I'd like to have light weight AND aerodynamics !!! lol. Fussy, eh!
Out of interest, what size is your TiTech ? It makes a difference what size helmet you are talking about. They can vary 200gms from XS to XXXL or whatever ...
I also read somewhere on the above site, that AGV has a small sizing compared to other helmet makes, like two sizes smaller ?? Did you find that ?

Not trying to provoke an argument or anything ... just writing out loud! :laugh: :niceone:

I wear a size S, so I guess that would make a difference. There are 2or 3 different shell sizes in the range. I'm not too sure about the smaller sizing, my previous lid was a Shoei size S. That being said, I do find the AGV a better/snugger fit so... is it a smaller size or designed for more oval heads rather than rounder heads.

This is about doing my head in!

EDIT: Since posting this I have recalled that my husband can not pull my TiTech on, although he could wear my old Shoei and currently has a Shoei size S of his own. For what it is worth...

[roogazza]

Well I admit I haven't weighed mine but if you hold the BMW and HJC they are very noticably different, the Beemer fits me perfect, as does my Shoei which weighs a lot more but is a lot older so I don't use it much. Maybe I will weigh my 1972 Bell and post the result.

The Bell weight would be interesting (you must be my vintage ?) I run a Shoei X Spirit that claims to be 1350 in Med size. Gaz.

[Gizzit]

I wear a size S, so I guess that would make a difference. There are 2or 3 different shell sizes in the range. I'm not too sure about the smaller sizing, my previous lid was a Shoei size S. That being said, I do find the AGV a better/snugger fit so... is it a smaller size or designed for more oval heads rather than rounder heads.
EDIT: ... my husband can not pull my TiTech on, although he could wear my old Shoei....

Yes it seems they are a smaller fitting than Shoei. Rossi wear an AGV, ... so they can't be bad, eh !! :)


The Bell weight would be interesting (you must be my vintage ?) I run a Shoei X Spirit that claims to be 1350 in Med size. Gaz.

I can see I'll have to get some 80 grit sandpaper out and lighten my swede down to an M. It will save a lot of problems ! :bash: :eek5:

[Okey Dokey]

Yes it seems they are a smaller fitting than Shoei. Rossi wear an AGV, ... so they can't be bad, eh !! :)

Gosh, this is going from a potential fight to eerily friendly...my TiTech is a Rossi rep from his early motogp days. The design has been a favourite of mine for years, and Rossi is certainly the man I like to see winning.

[Cajun]

I just brought agv ti-tech, to replace my stolen shoei raid II,
run mediums on both, the agv is alot snug fit compared to the raid II, but in turn the ti-tech is also way above raid in comfort.

I personally didn't like my shoei i had.

[phoenixgtr]

AGV's are very comfy helmets. I wish I hadn't got a KBC this time around. When I screw this one, and I know I will, I'm going back to AGV

[Gizzit]

Gosh, this is going from a potential fight to eerily friendly...my TiTech is a Rossi rep from his early motogp days. The design has been a favourite of mine for years, and Rossi is certainly the man I like to see winning.

Ok .. back away from the friendly stuff now .... I'm feeling squeamish now .... :hug: LOL

Yes well ... Mr Rossi is a freak! He's just a natural rider .... completely fearless, and truck loads of skill. I love watching his battles with Stoner and co

I like Rossi'e helmet with the smiling face on it. He's got a 'tweaked' sense of humour. I like it! :)

[Gizzit]

I just brought agv ti-tech, to replace my stolen shoei raid II,
run mediums on both, the agv is alot snug fit compared to the raid II, but in turn the ti-tech is also way above raid in comfort.

I personally didn't like my shoei i had.

Thats cool. The AGV's are real good helmets.
Did you guys get a result with the arseholes who stole your gear ??
I hope they are finding walking without kneecaps a bit of a handicap... :devil2:

[slofox]

++1.
Mine is a large size but is a bit big for my head (should have spent more time trying it on properly)...bugger.

Join the club - just replaced a perfect 6 month old Shoei L helmet cause too big......bloody weird shaped heads.......mummblemumblecurseswear*&%^^$^%(#&^!!

[Gizzit]

It's a bit of a pain in the arse that. I tried on a Shoei XR1000 today in XL and it felt pretty good. I also tried on a Raid 2, and it was in L. It felt quite "firm". I wondered what it would have been like after a few months .... if it had loosened a smidgen, and been "perfect", or I would have found it just "too tight", and been in the same situation you find yourself in. It's hard to judge exactly how things are going to be with a helmet a few months down the line, and it could be a bloody expensive mistake!
I mean it's not like you can walk around in a shop for a couple of hours with it on, ...... or at least .. it's not a common site!! <_<

[Okey Dokey]

Did the helmet feel firm as in snug or firm as in pressure points that will get worse with time? I think if you can distinguish between these two types of firm after say, 20 minutes, that may help you decide. Good luck!

[vifferman]

On-road the percieved weight of the helmet is more about it's aerodynamic qualities. A more aero helmet feels lighter at speed.
True.
Apart from the flip-fronts, there's not a HUGE difference between different helmets. I think my Shoei XR1000 is about the same weight as the AGV XVent, but it feels lighter when wearing it, because the padding's more comfy.
A kilogram and a half of weight on your head is quite a bit, eh? I've had whiplash from a slow-speed sideways fall where my helmet didn't contact the road, but the sideways deceleration gave my neck quite a tweak regardless. I guess every few grams counts, especially at racing speeds.

[Gizzit]

Did the helmet feel firm as in snug or firm as in pressure points that will get worse with time? I think if you can distinguish between these two types of firm after say, 20 minutes, that may help you decide. Good luck!

You are right ... and it takes a little while perhaps to decide if there is actually a pressure point anywhere. 20 minutes wearing it in a shop would be a good step in making a final decision about a helmet.

If anyone sees a guy walking around in an Auckland bike shop tomorrow, wearing a helmet while browsing .... he's not about to do a robbery there!!
Just say "Hi Grant" "How's the helmet trying on going"? :2thumbsup
Cheers.

[Gizzit]

If anyone noticed a bald guy with seriously red rash on his face walking around the bike shops in Auckland yesterday .... it was probably me!
FAAAAAAAARRRRKKKK my face was sore !!!

In the end .... i just didn't buy one. I tried on so many, most were uncomfortable on my head ..... which is obviously a "long oval". There was no way a Large would fit. It was sort of ok across my head, but to tight in the temple region, and after walking around in Red Barron's for a while in a Shoei XR1000 Large, I gave up on Large as a possibility. I would end up hating riding my bike because of discomfort!

I eliminated all the Shark's, AGV, Arai, FFM, Suomy, most HJC's, .... and various other helmets ....
It probably will either be a Shoei XR1000 in XL, .... or perhaps .... but less likely, a HJC HQ-1 Carbon in XL.
Unfortunately I couldn't find a really nice Shoei in my size, in a colour/style I liked. "Murphy" must have been walking along beside me laughing his Irish arse off, as when I found a helmet I liked, it wasn't available in my size !!!! FARKKKK *&^%$@)*!!

I chatted to the sales manager at Whites today, and because the XL is "only just" a bit "less firm" on either side of my head, he suggested larger cheek pads, rather than trying to force myself into a L model. I think it will work.

So ... I either have to wait for a while for stock to come in .... or get from overseas.

[Okey Dokey]

Sounds to me like you made the right call. "Tight in the temple" is a serious recipe for pain. How long would you have to wait for a shop to get one in? If they thought you were going to resort to buying overseas maybe they would try to get the style you like sooner.

[Gizzit]

Sounds to me like you made the right call. "Tight in the temple" is a serious recipe for pain. Surely a shop will get one in XL for you to try?

Strange, I tried both an XL and an L on at my local Honda shop today, and the XL is definitely going to be too loose. I have a Shoei XR1000 in size L here that belongs to the bike shop. They have lent it too me over the weekend to wear and see how it feels, so that's really good service from Planet Honda! (have to give them a plug for that. Thanks Mike!) I'm going to chuck it on in a minute and watch some racing or something on TV !!! lol :laugh:
And yes ... any kind of pain in the temple ... I'm either going to have to get the belt sander out and reduce my forehead to fit an L, or superglue some packing onto the side of my head to fit an XL !! mutter mutter $#^%*! etc .....

[Gizzit]

Finally found the helmet that fits ok .... Shoei XR1000 "Straight TC1" size L.
Weighs in at 1400gms, so not to bad.
Thanks Mike (Planet Honda) for getting it in for me! I like it! :niceone:

[Cajun]

Awsome Gizzat ya finally got one ya like

[Gizzit]

Awsome Gizzat ya finally got one ya like

Yes its bloody nice! I'm a bit tempted to get a cheap plastic for my commuting though. Wouldn't want to replace one of these too often ... feckin dear !!!

These Airoh's amuse me ..... :shifty:

[Okey Dokey]

Success-hooray! Glad you found the right one. I wish you many hours of comfortable motorcycling wearing it.

[vifferman]

And yes ... any kind of pain in the temple ... I'm either going to have to get the belt sander out and reduce my forehead to fit an L, or superglue some packing onto the side of my head to fit an XL !! mutter mutter $#^%*! etc .....
Sounds like it's not the right helmet shell shape for you.
However, given that it takes only a millipede or two of wrongness in shape to make a helmet uncomfortable, you can rectify this fairly readily without sanding your head. Just get a spoon (soup spoon is good), and use the 'bowl' part of it to firmly rub/press the area of the helmet that's giving you grief. It won't compromise the protection of the helmet, but should give you enough clearance that you can wear the helmet comfortably.

[Gizzit]

Success-hooray! Glad you found the right one. I wish you many hours of comfortable motorcycling wearing it.

Thanks Okey ... It will take a bit of breaking in (i.e. a bit of loosening up) and I'm sure it will be ok. :2thumbsup
Cheers.

[Gizzit]

..... SNIP ..... Just get a spoon (soup spoon is good), and use the 'bowl' part of it to firmly rub/press the area of the helmet that's giving you grief ....

Yes I have heard of that one .... I will do, if needed, but will see how it goes.
Cheers.

[Gizzit]

Awesome hot day here in Whangarei. I went for a good ride down through Waipu, Langs Beach, Mangawhai Heads, to Kaiwaka, and back up state highway 1 to home.
The Shoei was very comfortable all the way. My fears of it being just "too tight" were unfounded. It fits very snugly ... !!
It is very light and sits well on my head. No lifting or movement at speed (undisclosed .. on a closed road, of course). It was very quiet. I wear earplugs, but noticed it is quieter than the Shark S500 Air, by a long way. I could get some wind noise by turning my head to the side, but it still wasn't much at all with the plugs in. The air vents work very well! I noticed the air flow from the top vents especially. I have never had a helmet as good in the venting department in the top vents before! This is going to be a real bonus this summer!
With the vents open, and the face shield lifted when coming into a 50K zone, I noticed some whistling and imagine that its to do with the top air vents being open. With earplugs in, it didn't bother me, but I imagine it would be a bit of an issue if you don't wear plugs.
I didn't get any distortion through the face shield, so it is obviously optically correct. It moves open in a nice secure notch movement. It appears to seal well when closed fully.

So .... all in all, I am very happy with my choice. It fits me, and is nice and light, and pretty quiet.
Thanks Mike, from Planet Honda Whangarei!
:niceone:

[pritch]

It appears to seal well when closed fully.

Just check those screws on the side occasionally. More than one of us on KB has had the little screws work loose on Shoei helmets and then water comes down the inside of the visor from the top...

[Gizzit]

Just check those screws on the side occasionally. More than one of us on KB has had the little screws work loose on Shoei helmets and then water comes down the inside of the visor from the top...

Thanks for the heads up on that one. I'll check that out. :niceone:

[vifferman]

No lifting or movement at speed (undisclosed .. on a closed road, of course). It was very quiet.
Yeah, it's very good aerodynamically. It also seems to twist a lot less in side winds than any other helmet I've worn.
I found it less quiet than my last AGV, inasmuch as it lets in more ambient noise (the bike, other traffic, etc.) However, it is very quiet in terms of wind noise, probably due to the smooth aerodynamics and the neatly-finished bottom edge. You can also get a 'whisper kit' for it which makes it even more quiet.

[Gizzit]

Yeah, it's very good aerodynamically. It also seems to twist a lot less in side winds than any other helmet I've worn.
I found it less quiet than my last AGV, inasmuch as it lets in more ambient noise (the bike, other traffic, etc.) However, it is very quiet in terms of wind noise, probably due to the smooth aerodynamics and the neatly-finished bottom edge. You can also get a 'whisper kit' for it which makes it even more quiet.

Yes I have only ridden with it one day ... and I was really impressed. It's my best helmet so far. I like it's aerodynamics and light weight .... and the fit is good and "firm"! I only noticed any noise when I turned my head to the side.

I have a whisper kit that came with my Shoei Multitec, so know how well they work! I'm going to sell the Multitec as I've hardly used it, and it is too big for me.

[Wufnik]

Here is a link the lists helmet weights.

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

[Okey Dokey]

Good to hear that it is the best helmet yet for you. I do like happy endings.

Vifferman, I hadn't heard of that trick with the spoon before; good stuff.

[NordieBoy]

Vifferman, I hadn't heard of that trick with the spoon before; good stuff.

I used a small rubber mallet. Made my old MX helmet actually comfortable to wear and with my new Zeus I did the same to get rid of the "helmet crease" across my forehead that stays there for hours.

[Gizzit]

.... I did the same to get rid of the "helmet crease" across my forehead that stays there for hours.

I just explain that it's the scar from my recent frontal lobotomy ... it tends to stop people starring .... :whistle: