Hi everyone,
I'm in the market for a new full face helmet. I like the one's with the built in sun visor option. Any opinions on manufacture and model would be appreciated. Thanks, Dale
I had a Shoei RF1000 for years. Was looking at getting another. I saw good reviews on the helmet below, and picked one up. I've probably got around 4,500 miles on it, and I like it a lot. I think anyone would be hard-pressed to come up with a better helmet for the cost of this one. It's got tbe sun visor built in, and the Pinlock anti-fog insert is included too. $250. Fits my head fine.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/kabuto-kamui-helmet-solid?gclid=CNj_uKfx-cYCFY81aQodH-0OkQ (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/kabuto-kamui-helmet-solid?gclid=CNj_uKfx-cYCFY81aQodH-0OkQ)
Quote from: dale58 on July 26, 2015, 05:07:53 PM
Hi everyone,
I'm in the market for a new full face helmet. I like the one's with the built in sun visor option. Any opinions on manufacture and model would be appreciated. Thanks, Dale
Before you get too hung up on a particular make and model make sure it fits.
In many cases, depending on your head shape, you don't choose the helmet it chooses you. Some brands favour particular head shapes and don't kid yourself that your preferred helmet will wear in over time if its uncomfortable in the shop, other than some minor settling of the lining.
'
A poor fitting helmet is a real ride killer.
Last time I bought a helmet I went shopping armed with a short list of well researched models only to find I couldn't wear any of them. Some people are blessed with a universal head shape, most of us aren't.
Noel
Quote from: FJ1100mjk on July 26, 2015, 05:57:37 PM
I had a Shoei RF1000 for years. Was looking at getting another. I saw good reviews on the helmet below, and picked one up. I've probably got around 4,500 miles on it, and I like it a lot. I think anyone would be hard-pressed to come up with a better helmet for the cost of this one. It's got tbe sun visor built in, and the Pinlock anti-fog insert is included too. $250. Fits my head fine.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/kabuto-kamui-helmet-solid?gclid=CNj_uKfx-cYCFY81aQodH-0OkQ (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/kabuto-kamui-helmet-solid?gclid=CNj_uKfx-cYCFY81aQodH-0OkQ)
A review of the above helmet. One that I read before pulling the trigger on my purchase.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/kabuto-kamui-helmet/review.htm (popcorn) (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/kabuto-kamui-helmet/review.htm%20(popcorn))
I used Shoei helmets for years and loved every model that I used. About a year after getting my current FJ, I purchased a Bell Vortex. Other members on the forum have the same model along with others that have the 2 higher end Bell models. Everyone has very high opinions of the brand and models. They do not have a flip down tinted visor. The feature that is employed instead is the optional Transitions auto-darkening shield.
I highly recommend the Bell line of helmets.
Cycle gear is where I purchased mine.
Fred
+1 to Noel's advice.
Buy a helmet that properly fits your head. If you have a long oval skull, like my Irish noggin, you will find Arai helmets fit the best.
Don't worry about internal/external sun shades. Fit is most important. if you have ever had the experience of a pressure sore on your forehead happen in the middle a long ride, you will understand what Noel means. Absolute torture. Distracting. Dangerous.
There are some new trick electric sunshades you can add to your clear face shield. Internal sun shades are not absolutely necessary.
The Bell Helmet line (if they fit) Fred mention's above ^^ has the photo-chromatic SOLFX faceshield. A very nice feature.
I have the internal flip down sun shade on my helmet (Shark Brand),but can't use it anyway because it hits my nose. So if you are blessed with a fair sized snoz this my be an issue.
I also found that my cheap brand helmet has less wind noise than my $500 helmet (brands - RJay and Shark- not sure if you have these). I wear glasses too, and not all helmets are accommodating of this.
Mark
I wore Shoei helmets for years. They are an awesome helmet, but they didn't seem to fit me well. I purchased an Arai a couple years ago. It is fantastic, with all day comfort. Arai makes different shapes as well so one can find the one fits their head shape. The problem is that most helmets are sold by people who don't really know the subtle differences.
As others have said before me, " If you have a 50 dollar head buy a 50 dollar helmet". Finding one that fits your head is more important than finding one that fits your budget. My Arai was 500 plus, which is more than I should have spent, however I do not regret it ever.
I forgot to mention in my Ride/Product review last night the "Pinlock" screen.
I know many of you have them but for those that don't, or those buying a new helmet or even a replacement visor for an old one, these things are just plain brilliant.
With the visor closed and locked, you simply cannot fog them up no matter how cold, how much rain or how hard you huff and puff on them.
Many replacement visors for popular helmets now offer "Pinlock Ready" option for a couple of dollars more - GET IT!
Noel
My advice is try a bunch on first. Don't go by test reports or advertisements, features etc.. I have had expensive helmets that hurt my head so bad that I got rid of them in short order. For me Bells are a terrable fit. I have had a couple of them, even extensively modified a new one. In the end they just don't fit my head. For others they are a perfect fit.
Helmets are like shoes. It is something you will or should wear all the time make sure it fits. As Pat alluded to having a painful head ache while riding takes all the fun out of it.
George
As already stated, fit is the most important thing.
A few years ago my wife bought me a helmet for Christmas. At the time I was wearing a fairly new Shoei and was quite happy with it. I never wore that Shoei again...
The new helmet was a modular (flip up) design by HJC. My wife wears a Shoei Multitec modular helmet. Neither one of us would buy a helmet that isn't a flip up style again! We rarely take our helmets off unless we are stopping for an extended period. We can even leave them on at most border crossings, just flip them open. It is amazing how convenient they are.
Some would argue that modulars are less safe than a regular full face helmet. I feel that if I'm in a crash that is serious enough to make my helmet fail, I'm probably going home in a bag anyway.
My HJC has the built in sun visor. I almost never use it. Most of the time i wear sunglasses and prefer to ride with the shield up, unless I'm riding at highway speeds or if its cold or raining. I like the wind in my face.
Derek
Before you get too hung up on a particular make and model make sure it fits.
Noel[/quote]
+ again with Noel.
I just went shopping with pretty much the same requirements as you Dale.
I went to a shop that had all the main brands, and lots of choices within those brands.
Same again as Noel, once I tried all the lids which had the bits I wanted, I ended up going with the one that fit.
So, I ended up with no sun vision, but do have the pin lock thingy. But the helmet is the best fitting for me yet.
Troyskie
Quote from: fj johnnie on July 26, 2015, 09:05:49 PM
Finding one that fits your head is more important than finding one that fits your budget. My Arai was 500 plus, which is more than I should have spent, however I do not regret it ever.
Funnily, the only helmet I could find at he time that fitted turned out to be half as much as I had intended spending. I wanted to spend more but couldn't.
What no one has mentioned yet is flip up helmets.
I had never given them much thought as they always remind me of dorky BMW riders, I could see no real advantage to them and there wasn't much of a selection anyway. However, my riding buddy has had one for a couple of years and as daggy as they look when raised, I have had the chance to observe the advantages of them for a long time and will be seriously looking into them for my next helmet. There is also a much wider selection now as they seem to be more popular.
Just another option to consider (particularly if you smoke or take lots of photos or live somewhere, like here, where you have to remove your full face to get petrol)
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on July 26, 2015, 09:30:04 PM
Quote from: fj johnnie on July 26, 2015, 09:05:49 PM
Finding one that fits your head is more important than finding one that fits your budget. My Arai was 500 plus, which is more than I should have spent, however I do not regret it ever.
Funnily, the only helmet I could find at he time that fitted turned out to be half as much as I had intended spending. I wanted to spend more but couldn't.
What no one has mentioned yet is flip up helmets.
I had never given them much thought as they always remind me of dorky BMW riders, I could see no real advantage to them and there wasn't much of a selection anyway. However, my riding buddy has had one for a couple of years and as daggy as they look when raised, I have had the chance to observe the advantages of them for a long time and will be seriously looking into them for my next helmet. There is also a much wider selection now as they seem to be more popular.
Just another option to consider (particularly if you smoke or take lots of photos or live somewhere, like here, where you have to remove your full face to get petrol)
Noel
I doubt you would go back if you tried one Noel. They are awesome!
Quote from: Derek Young on July 26, 2015, 09:22:05 PM
....The new helmet was a modular (flip up) design by HJC.....
..... Most of the time i wear sunglasses and prefer to ride with the shield up, unless I'm riding at highway speeds or if its cold or raining. I like the wind in my face.
Derek
This is indeed encouraging news Derek, my current helmet, the one that fitted so well is an HJC. Given their modest price it would be great if the modular style was the same fit as the full face. I'm in!
I also like to ride with the screen open and sunnies, even at highway speeds sometimes. I like the wind in my face too.
Noel
I have a Shoei/Bell/HJC shaped head. I can wear any of those comfortably.
My most recent helmet purchase was an HJC Symax II flip-up or modular helmet.
It has/had the sunscreen inbuilt, but I had to trim the notch so it didn't hit the bridge of my nose.
It broke soon after at one of the mount points. :-( I don't really miss it though.
I wear glasses and they have "transition" lenses that get dark if its bright out.
As stated by most others who have replied, get a helmet that fits comfortably.
I'd add to that, make sure replacement visors are readily available as a 2yr old helmet with a scratched visor that you can't find a replacement for is dangerous.
Arnie
I have had full face, open face and now have a modular. Modular is the way to go especially if you wear glasses or want to wear sunglasses. I will stick with modular from now on. Dave
I had a HJC Flip Up helmet on during my get off in Petaluma. The helmet took a good hit to the front top area, deep scratches down the windscreen and into the chin area. It preformed as advertised. But anything is possible. I am with Derek in his opinion. Currently I have a "standard" full face because it was given to me (by a person that it didn't fit) and fits me perfectly but when I decide to replace it I will go back to a flip up mostly because I wear glasses.
George
I love my Bell rs1. Then I found a Bell Star rally red (matches the 86) for $179 @ motorcycle closeouts. If you find a helmet you like that fits good. Check motorcycle closeouts. Might save hundreds of $$. On yah love the star. And the auto darkening sheild (interchangeable with vortex,rs1,and star)
Quote from: giantkiller on July 26, 2015, 11:24:53 PM
I love my Bell rs1. Then I found a Bell Star rally red (matches the 86) for $179 @ motorcycle closeouts. If you find a helmet you like that fits good. Check motorcycle closeouts. Might save hundreds of $$. On yah love the star. And the auto darkening sheild (interchangeable with vortex,rs1,and star)
+1 on this. Most important, find a helmet you like. Comfort is number one. We stop for fuel or other short stops, I don't take my helmet off. I wear a Bell RS-1 with the transitions face shield. I buy the smallest helmet that will fit on my head in the store and let it brake in.
Kurt
I've got an RJays modular and I reckon their great, when you stop for a break you don't need to take it off for a drink, when you pop in to pay for fuel, eat, talk to people etc. Another thing I like is the flip down sun visor, my eyes are at the stage where bright sunshine hurts them and low light or shaded areas with sunnies on makes everything blurry, so instead of stopping all the time to put sunnys on or take them off, I just flick the lever for the visor to suit the conditions.
They are a great invention, two helmets rolled into one, open face or full face, the choice is yours.
Only Schuberth (sometimes Shoei) fits good to my head shape; good for safety and comfort, bad for the purse...
My last 3 helmets have been Schuberth flip-ups (C1, C2, now C3) with included pinlock and sun Visor. Pinlock works fine down to -25°C, only humidity matters. When it is too humid ice-flowers are growing slowly in between the visor and the pinlock. Nice to watch, annoying to get rid of.
No need to mention that wearing comfort and safety are premium class at this Price Level; I wore those Schuberths about 100K Kms each, had to replace the internal padding once or twice. Noise Level is acceptable for a flip up (louder than full face due to the gaps), no noticeable uplift at higher speeds (>200 km/h).
Spare parts are expensive as well...
But the last crash (when I "entered" a motorhome head first through the rear window) convinced me about the stability of this bucket; just a few scratches were the only visible damages.
Cheers Jo
Like many have said : Fit is #1. I own two HJC's, one full-face and the newer one a modular. The modular is a bit noisier, but that can vary also between brands as some are almost as quiet as a full face.
I went to this dealer http://gpbikes.com/ (http://gpbikes.com/) and the salesman -er - salesperson to be PC - was very knowlegeable (and patient). We went through several brands (they had a sale on their whole stock). None of the Shoeis and Arais fit - which is odd cuz I used to own a Shoei. They squeezed my face like in a vise while the back of my head was OK. And these were $400-$500 helmets. I settled on the HJC because it fit the best, and the price was very agreeable ~$200. Once you find one that fits, leave it on for several minutes. Any pressure points will start to make themselves known. Also make sure the salesperson manipulates the helmet for you to make sure it fits snug. Comfort is necessary but a loose helmet is a liability. Sorry - don't mean to be such a nanny.
My modular has the flip-down sun visor. My only (minor) gripes with it, is it does touch the bridge of my nose (which I will eventually grind out-just keep forgetting to), and the gap between my cheeks and the visor is too large letting glare in sometimes. My eyes are quite sensitive to sunlight (a result of baby-blues), so I usually have shades on and I will also use the sun visor in addition if needed, as it is not tinted that dark.
Most manufacturers also explicity state that a modular helmet should never be worn open while riding - no matter what speed - at least my HJC did. They state it is due to potential injuries caused by the front being up and not allowing the helmet to function as designed in an impact - or something like that. Anyhow, I've never seen that stop anyone from doing it (including me). An element of thruth to it, but I think it's more of a legal disclaimer than anything.
On a side note; if you also end up going headlong through a motorhome I would hope you would use the helmet as a planter from then on. Just because an impact may only cause a few scratches doesn't mean the internal shells are intact, as they are designed to fracture to dissipate the impact. Some manufacturers would actually test them if you sent them in (don't know if they still do). That would be worth it if you had an $800 Arai. But for a $200-$300 helmut just put some petunias in it and buy another one. Just my 2.83 cents worth (adjusted for inflation).
Quote from: PaulG on July 27, 2015, 10:03:47 AM
On a side note; if you also end up going headlong through a motorhome I would hope you would use the helmet as a planter from then on.
You are absolutely right. I basically meant the same writing "visible" damages. Forgot to mention, but any helmet has to be replaced after Impact; no matter which price-level it is. Not worth the money for testing, Crash helmets are objects to be displayed in the "remember-me-corner" of the garage/workshop.
Cheers Jo
Quote from: jo-sommer on July 28, 2015, 01:59:42 AMCrash helmets are objects to be displayed in the "remember-me-corner" of the garage/workshop.
.... that reminds me... :scratch_one-s_head: .... time to make some shelf space in my basement .... :pardon:
I use the Bell RS-1 with the transition lens, it fits my mellon great but my only complaint with this bucket is when I am in kookaloo mode and fully tucked down close to the tank my eyes see the top of the helmet so I am forced to tilt my head up even more, this is my only issue with the RS1. I wonder if the other big dollar helmets would be the same, I would like to try an aria or shoei to see if its better when the boiler is on full!