Helmet advice for the person who had a helmet stolen [Archive]

James Deuce

18th April 2009, 19:55

So. Before I go and get another bleck XR-1000, anyone with a Shoei head got any suggestions for other helmets that I should check out? How about that crâbon fibré HJC thing?

My HQ-1 is superb. No aerodynamic lift or buffeting, washable liner, passable anti-fog when combined with the breath guard (you can get pinlock visors for them now), and O so comfortable to wear all day.

Only bugger with it is the wind noise, but ear plugs fix that.

jrandom

18th April 2009, 19:57

Only bugger with it is the wind noise...

Mm. XR-1000s are pretty bad for that too, y'know.

I might 'ave to try an HQ-1 on fer size.

riffer

18th April 2009, 20:01

Well I recommend my Multitec of course.

It's a bit noisy but. But the included Whisper kit comes in handy come winter time.

AllanB

18th April 2009, 20:02

He used the 'N' word...............:Oi:

There are some scum out there unfortunately. I'll never understand the stealing of another persons goodies.

Do thieves get pissed off if they are burgled?

I have a HJC and like it - good value as well. I had a look at those CF HJC's - nice helmet. But I have a policy of wearing a helmet with bright graphics for safety reasons.

Check your insurance excess - it may be worth claiming a new lid & gloves under your contents insurance - this covers clothing.

James Deuce

18th April 2009, 20:05

HJC not noisey

Noise is generally due to a combination of factors, but noise reduction on a race helmet like an HQ-1 isn't a priority.

YellowDog

18th April 2009, 20:21

Hey JR, sorry to hear your bad news. Right on your door step eh! I can see why you are angry.

I got a great pair of gloves from Quasi. I have two HJCs and one Nolan flip helmet. Once you get used to a flip helmet you are unlikely to want to go back to a full-face (except on the track). I got my Nolan for less than half the NZ store price from eBay.com, but I am sure you will conclude your informed decision once you have done the rounds.

Don’t discount the new Givi; the efficiency of the air vent system is like nothing else I have seen.
Good luck.

_STAIN_

18th April 2009, 20:42

How about that crâbon fibré HJC thing?

I have HJC Carbon, unusually noisy helmet, and yes I always wear plugs. Is a race helmet, very drafty, dries the eyes. Fell that the Carbon may be more echo'e than Fiberglass. It was the only one in the current range that suits a round eye head. Not a nice touring helmet, looking for something better.

YellowDog

18th April 2009, 21:01

Anyhoo, this flip-front idea interests me. Anyone want to comment at greater length on their experiences therewith?
It may take a while to get off the N-word. For what it is worth (and as a foreigner I don't know too much) I understood the NZ term Nigger to refer to a specific brutal gang member affiliation and has nothing to do with skin colour; hence the Kiwi term nigger = not a nice person and worthy of such a gang?

Anyway back to the Flip-up helmets, the gimmick phase has long since passed and they have now proven themselves to be serious players. I have had my Nolan N-102 Comm for almost 2 years. There are all kinds of accessories available for it; particularly of interest to me was the in-built headset compartment so you don't leave a dent in your head.

They now claim to be as strong as a full face helmet (I doubt if they are) but the convenience of being able to get fuel without removing your helmet and ride at slow speeds with the flip up, make it very versatile.

98tls

18th April 2009, 21:09

It may take a while to get off the N-word. For what it is worth (and as a foreigner I don't know too much) I understood the NZ term Nigger to specifically refer to specific brutal gang member affiliation and has nothing to do with skin colour; hence the Kiwi term nigger = not a nice person and worthy of such a gang?

Anyway back to the Flip-up helmets, the gimmick phase has long since passed and they have now proven themselves to be serious players. I have had my Nolan N-102 Comm for almost 2 years. There are all kinds of accessories available for it; particularly of interest to me was the in-built headset compartment so you don't leave a dent in your head.

They now claim to be as strong as a full face helmet (I doubt if they are) but the convenience of being able to get fuel without removing your helmet and ride at slow speeds with the flip up, make it very versatile. Have read a few articles on the new ones and the testers did indeed like them,the old one i still have was bloody noisey but that aside it was convenient.

_STAIN_

18th April 2009, 21:10

Anyhoo, this flip-front idea interests me. Anyone want to comment at greater length on their experiences therewith?

Flip-fronts have crap safety standards, manufactures cheat to get around these. The mechanism takes away reasonable side impact protection, where majority of impacts happens. If you have a $10 head you won't need a quality helmet....

jrandom

18th April 2009, 21:13

Groovy. So:

- The crâbon fibré HJC is draughty and noisy. No go. Which is good. I didn't really want to buy that helmet anyway. Too many bad memories.

- The non-crâbon fibré HQ-1 ($50 cheaper than the XR-1000) is awesome.

- Flip-fronts are heavy, but also kinda awesome. And presumably the Multitec is the current knee plus ultra of flipfronts?

Further comments?

Does any brand other than Shoeis and HJCs fit Shoei heads?

McJim

18th April 2009, 21:14

I tried a Shoei on once - fitted like a helmet should - however was too much for my modest pocket.

I have an HJC as seen in my profile pic. It's doesn't try to tear your head off when you exceed 200kph and the wind noise is so negligible that I don't need ear plugs. The visor comes with an anti-fog film as standard (Star Wars I think) and a huge breath guard.

Vent controls are easy to operate even with winter gloves on.

It cost less than $400 from memory....

MsKABC

18th April 2009, 21:15

Well I own an HJC HQ1, as did my husband before he replaced it with a Shoei XR1000. But I wouldn't give you an opinion on either because I think you're a disgusting cretin. :finger:

3umph

18th April 2009, 21:16

I have a HJC FS10 carbon...

it has the flip down shades built in...

it is a bit nosier BUT... it is a different pitch noise... as on the daytona with carbon pipe I use to get a ringing in my ears on a long ride with my HJC clsp but with the carbon I do not.... I dont wear ear plugs

The only downfall I have with it is the lack of really good ventilation and on stinking hot days it gets quite stuffy...

Its light and easy on the neck in those windy conditions as well

jrandom

18th April 2009, 21:19

What about Schuberth? The C3 looks promising. Who sells Schuberths in Auckland?

NZsarge

18th April 2009, 21:19

Stop pissing about, go and buy another Shoei, that's provided you were happy with the fit.

James Deuce

18th April 2009, 21:31

jrandom

18th April 2009, 21:33

HQ-1 is Carbon Fibre matey :)

Oh? The Motomail website appears to list separate HQ-1 carbon and fibreglass models.

speights_bud

18th April 2009, 21:38

So. Before I go and get another bleck XR-1000, anyone with a Shoei head got any suggestions for other helmets that I should check out? How about that crâbon fibré HJC thing?

I've got me a Shoei Xr-1000 now too, i was a little suprised with the wind noise, but they got good stability at 280km/h or so :dodge:

NZsarge

18th April 2009, 21:42

Yup, great helmet. And right now I'm still leaning toward just replacing it with another XR-1000. But, y'know, sometimes change is good. And the Shoeis are pretty noisy.

So is my Arai but i'm not about to change coz a little noise when plugs will sort it, oddly I quite like the fit of Shoei's too but money aside... Arai RX7 GP all the way baby!

James Deuce

18th April 2009, 22:21

Oh? The Motomail website appears to list separate HQ-1 carbon and fibreglass models.

The range must have expanded. The other thing is it's very light and actually weighs what is says it does with everything in and on the helmet.

madbikeboy

18th April 2009, 22:28

Well I own an HJC HQ1, as did my husband before he replaced it with a Shoei XR1000. But I wouldn't give you an opinion on either because I think you're a disgusting cretin. :finger:

I second that.

It's funny, IRL, you're actually not that much of a fucktard.

So, I have the Carbon HJC (whatever the fuck it's called), earplugs sort the noise. It is a physically large helmet, but it's really stable at higher speeds, and it doesn't do the chime walk that my top of the line Shoei does. I had an Arai, liked it better. Hated the salesguy who was an ass when I tried to replace it, you and he might be related or part of the same mutual admiration society. Anyhow, bought the HJC as a cheapie spare, but I reach for it 9 times out of 10 now. The clips for the visor system are kind of fiddly in comparison with an Arai.

Back to the physically large bit. I think the idea that more distance between shell and multiple absorbancy layers is a good thing. Your brain shaking around causes it damage, something that you're obviously afflicted with already. The longer the spread of that deceleration period during an impact, the less g forces the brain gets exposed to. Hence chosing the HJC or an Arai.

I don't like the Carbon weave, there's a fast bucket racing woman who has a carbon one that has graphics, it looks 1,000,000 times better.

But, ultimately, it's pretty much useless advice. You'll make the wrong decision, based on ego, and then mock everyone else for their poor choice. Perhaps a Nolan? $99 sounds commensurate with the value that your fan club places on you.

Kind regards, MBB

pritch

19th April 2009, 07:51

I had a flip-up Shuberth (BMW Series 2? - the golf ball one). I always thought it was noisy and blamed the seams on the side.

When I got the XR1000 I thought that was noisy too. So is the AGV GP Tech, possibly more so, but neither the XR1000 nor the AGV seem as noisy as the Shark S500. All highly subjective of course.

Maybe we should just slow down? :whistle:

riffer

19th April 2009, 07:52

LOL you really can stir them up Dan. Despite having the word explained to them a lot of people still can't get over one interpretation (their one, not yours) of it.

Back to flip fronts, how much does your chin stick out? On the Multitec, my chin just touches the front of the helmet. Only helmet that's ever done that. I would suggest those with slightly more manly chins than mine may suffer.

Here's some reviews:

Schuberth C2 Flip (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/schuberth-helmet/schuberth-c2.htm)
Schubert J1 (http://www.webbikeworld.com/schuberth-j1/)
HJC IS-Max Flip (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/hjc/is-max/)
Shoei Multitec (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/shoei/multitec/)
Nolan X-Lite X-1002 (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/nolan-helmets/x-lite-x-1002.htm)
AGV Miglia (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/agv-helmets/miglia/)
Nolan N102 (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/nolan-n102/)
HJC Sy-Max II (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/hjc/sy-max-II/)

Every one of these helmets meets or exceeds the DOT (US reviews) and/or ECC22.05, provided the flip front is done up.

I would thoroughly recommend a flip front. As I wear glasses it's great to have a helmet I can put on with my glasses still on. And as for not having to take it off in shops, etc, it's great.

The Multitec comes with the full whisper kit, and a clear and tinted visor with pinlocks and anti-fog inserts as well.

jrandom

19th April 2009, 07:55

Back to flip fronts, how much does your chin stick out?

A fair bit. To date, I've had issues with it smooshing into the front of the helmet on everything but Shoeis. I guess that'll be something to watch out for with the flip-fronts.

Ta for the links!

Swoop

19th April 2009, 09:25

So. Before I go and get another bleck XR-1000, anyone with a Shoei head got any suggestions for other helmets that I should check out? How about that crâbon fibré HJC thing?
Fucking noisy!
VERY light, but bloody noisy.
Also, you get cold ears. There is airflow in places where there shouldn't be.

vifferman

19th April 2009, 09:50

Dan,
The Arai Corsair is usually a good fit for Shoei wearers, as it has a different shape than other Arai models and is more oval like a Shoei shell. It's more expensive than an XR1000 though.
(No - I don't have one; I have an XR1000. I did try one on and found it to be a very goos fit, but couldn't really justify the extra $$ it cost over the Shoei.)

jrandom

19th April 2009, 09:57

So anyways. What's a 'hemet'?

:laugh:

Just had the contents insurance claim accepted, so that's a step in the right direction. Now, to borrow Mully's spare lid and go shopping...

YellowDog

19th April 2009, 11:29

So is my Arai but i'm not about to change coz a little noise when plugs will sort it, oddly I quite like the fit of Shoei's too but money aside... Arai RX7 GP all the way baby!
Well yes, you won't get any arguments here however the Arai is a very big ticket item. Only for those who keep their brains in their heads and not in their under pants :)

Bonez

19th April 2009, 11:48

Well yes, you won't get any arguments here however the Arai is a very big ticket item. Only for those who keep their brains in their heads and not in their under pants :)The head is in the underpants.

Pwalo

19th April 2009, 12:09

I really like my XR1000, and don't find it particularly noisy with ear plugs. It's easily the most comfortable helmet I've had the pleasure of wearing.

3umph

19th April 2009, 12:25

A fair bit. To date, I've had issues with it smooshing into the front of the helmet on everything but Shoeis. I guess that'll be something to watch out for with the flip-fronts.

Ta for the links!

me too... the HJC fs10 carbon i have no problem with and heaps of chin room

kiwifruit

19th April 2009, 13:14

I found the HJC carbon fibre helmet really light and really noisy. Fit was good... i'd have one.

vifferman

19th April 2009, 13:31

I really like my XR1000, and don't find it particularly noisy with ear plugs. It's easily the most comfortable helmet I've had the pleasure of wearing.
Same here, except I found the ambient noise (engine, road and traffic noise, etc.) with the XR more than with my three previous AGVs. Wind noise was on a par or slightly lower. Others have said a whisper kit or chin curtain cuts out a lot of wind noise, which makes sense, as if I stick one hand under the base of the helmet, there's a dramatic decrease in noise levels.

Hitcher

19th April 2009, 20:54

The Shoei whisper kit fits on an HJC.

The best thing I've done recently to improve helmet noise is buying a nekkid bike. Seriously.

Bonez

19th April 2009, 21:48

The Shoei whisper kit fits on an HJC.

The best thing I've done recently to improve helmet noise is buying a nekkid bike. Seriously.Open face helmet and googles will be next.

Ixion

19th April 2009, 21:51

Don't get me started. I have been trying. You can't get them anymore - open face with goggle clip, that is. Except for uber-expensive ones like Davida. Why does the market never work to supply a demand.

Seriously, open face is FAR quieter than full face. When full face came out everyone hated them cos they was so noisy.

vifferman

20th April 2009, 09:14

The best thing I've done recently to improve helmet noise is buying a nekkid bike. Seriously.
True. :yes:
That's because the windshield on most faired bikes directs a focused and higher-velocity stream of air towards the rider's head and shoulders. Your lower body is subject to less wind, but any bits of you that aren't protected by the fairing usually get more wind.

Pwalo

20th April 2009, 09:59

The Shoei whisper kit fits on an HJC.

The best thing I've done recently to improve helmet noise is buying a nekkid bike. Seriously.

I can understand that. The SV seems better with a double bubble screen.

mangell6

20th April 2009, 12:03

The Shoei whisper kit fits on an HJC.

The best thing I've done recently to improve helmet noise is buying a nekkid bike. Seriously.

I agree. My XR1000 is so quiet on Bumblebee (FZ1-N) compared to the wind noise on the Mantis(FZ1).

Can only put it down to the clear air that you get when you don't have any sort of fairing.

Do need a new helmet to match the bumblebee though :innocent:

vifferman

20th April 2009, 13:25

The SV seems better with a double bubble screen.
The double bubble screens usually push the centre part of the airstream a little higher than standard screens. Sometimes this makes them noisier, as the air is directed at the helmet, rather than upper chest area.

Pwalo

20th April 2009, 13:34

The double bubble screens usually push the centre part of the airstream a little higher than standard screens. Sometimes this makes them noisier, as the air is directed at the helmet, rather than upper chest area.

I guess it depends how tall you are. I'm 168 on a good day and it works ok for me. I can pretty well tuck down behind the screen if I want.

Mikkel

21st April 2009, 11:01

A fair bit. To date, I've had issues with it smooshing into the front of the helmet on everything but Shoeis. I guess that'll be something to watch out for with the flip-fronts.

When I went to buy my first proper helmet I tried on a lot of different brands and models - and it's not long ago so it should still hold true.
One of my main concerns was that I quite easily could touch the chin guard by pushing my jaw forward - not good.
The two only helmets I found acceptable in this regard were the XR-1000 and a rather expensive Arai (which was super nice of course). I doubted that the Arai was ~$600 betterer than the Shoei and bought the XR-1000. For the record I use a medium sized XR-1000 so I dunno how that would compare to yourself.

The whisper kit does help quite a bit on the wind-noise, but I still ride with my earplugs in if I'm going out on the open roads. That's no more to do with the wind noise than with the voices of the huey and the banshee though.

pete376403

21st April 2009, 17:36

jrandom

21st April 2009, 19:02

When I went to buy my first proper helmet I tried on a lot of different brands and models - and it's not long ago so it should still hold true.
One of my main concerns was that I quite easily could touch the chin guard by pushing my jaw forward - not good.

Me too. Same problem.

The two only helmets I found acceptable in this regard were the XR-1000 and a rather expensive Arai (which was super nice of course).

And again, although I didn't find an Arai that fit. The Raid II fits me nicely as well.

For the record I use a medium sized XR-1000 so I dunno how that would compare to yourself.

I take an 'L'.

I'm going to go to Motomail on Thursday evening and test-ride an HJC HQ-1 and the XR-1000 back to back. They're about the same price, so I'll buy whatever's nicest.

In the meantime, Mully's spare helmet (a 'THH') is proving surprisingly pleasant.

Ixion

21st April 2009, 19:10

http://www.fulmerhelmets.com/Product/openface.html

Goggle clip, dude, where's the goggle clip. That's all important. N those peaks would need to be removable, otherwise how d' y' LIFT the goggles?

Mully

21st April 2009, 22:27

I'm going to go to Motomail on Thursday evening and test-ride an HJC HQ-1 and the XR-1000 back to back. They're about the same price, so I'll buy whatever's nicest.

Do they let you test-ride them?? It's been a semi-regular concern of mine that one that fits nicely in the shop may be a right bastage on the road. I know Shoei advertise dealers that will let you have a road test, didn't know if anyone else did.....

In the meantime, Mully's spare helmet (a 'THH') is proving surprisingly pleasant.

Apart from the cooties (sp?)

Saw you leaving my building this morning (CPO) - you cycled away before I clicked (I'm legally retarded before my first coffee)