Need advice/opinions for motorcycle helmet
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Past few years I’ve been running an HJC carbon full face helmet… So much better than the other helmets I’ve seen/used. The carbon is super light and comfortable + super safe.
I'm sure there are tons of other companies that make this kind of helmet so not necessarily HJC, but I'd basically recommend some kind of carbon full face helmet…. Actually, that BULLITT CARBON helmet Giles and Graeme were talking about would look awesome with a classic looking bike like an Indian Scout.
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Oh man. I love you guys. So many good choices to think about. Hmm, now that I think about it, screw you guys! so many good choices to think about.
But that Bullitt carbon tho… love the leather coated magnet.
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I have the bell star carbon and could not be happier with it. I have had a lot of helmets and this is by far the best one I have ever had. The transitions lens is sweet. Super light, fits perfect(for my head). I would recommend anybody at least check it out if they are getting a higher end helmet. I use it on my fxr and my shovelhead and would ride with it on any other motorcycle regardless of type. Well, except dirt, I like arai mxpro for that.
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This is the transitions lens. No visor swaps, ride until dark with no problems.
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I've got a three helmets, but really there's only one I wear these days. First one I got was a Shoei GT-Air, which is an amazing helmet, it's super comfortable, pretty quiet, and has an internal tinted visor that flicks up and down with a little slider. It cost many hundreds of dollars, and is exceedingly safe. I wore this when I rode my Ducati, and if I'm going on a long ride or commuting I occasionally wear this as I have my Sena bluetooth mounted to it which is handy.
I also bought a Bell Custom 500 in matte black, which looks cool and has great visibility, but there's the issue of possible major facial trauma and that means I don't wear it much (they're cheap though).
After I sold the Ducati and bought a Bonneville, I pretty much exclusively wear a black Bell Bullitt, with a flat black face shield. It is no doubt an inferior helmet to the Shoei in many ways, but it is safe enough, it looks cool, and it has great visibility. With the flat visor they are not quite as retro, just a damn fine classic looking helmet. For anything slightly retro or cruiser, I think they're really hard to beat.
The Gringo is available overseas (not here in Australia), if you want something cheaper and don't need a hinged visor, but having not tried one I can't comment on their quality or otherwise.
Whatever you do, make sure you try on whatever you're going to buy, and walk around the shop with it on for 10 minutes if you can. Being distracted by a poorly fitting or uncomfortable helmet while you're riding is a recipe for disaster.
Cheers,
Matt -
Bell helmets are epic stuff! …
Another cool helmets with a classic look & bubble visor option (and div. safety norms)
--> www.70s.it -
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So many cool helmets. Still on the fence. But great things to consider. Do you guys wear earplugs when you ride?
On a different note I did buy some gloves. I picked up the Icon 1000 rimfire gloves.
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@HeavyGenes I always wear earplugs when riding. It's better than going deaf.
My suggestion would be to go to a local dealer, try on all the lids that you've shortlisted, and a few more, and see what fits best. For example, I love the Bell Bullitt, but it doesn't fit my weird cranium. Nor do the Sharks I listed either.
If you're really struggling then take a look at the Bell Custom Fit programme. They don't offer it for the Bullitt, but I'd be willing to bet it's in the pipeline.
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So many cool helmets. Still on the fence. But great things to consider. Do you guys wear earplugs when you ride?
On a different note I did buy some gloves. I picked up the Icon 1000 rimfire gloves.
Only when I don't wear a helmet
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Urban Rider have a whole lot of interesting full face helmets.
The DMD Racer, particularly in the aged stripe finish is cool.
The Premier Trophy is another retro styled lid.
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There are a number of good manufacturers now. Some note-worthies are: shoei, arai, agv, shark, mjc, bell.
You're main considerations may be (in order of importance):
- Budget
- Fit
- Features (e.g. flip chin, sun visor, anti-fog pin-lock, ventilation, removable-washable liners etc).
- Style
I use my bike every day, all weathers, so the helmet choice and clothing is critical for me (pin-lock a must). Most makes have have vents, pin-lock, chin-curtains, breath guards. Fewer are distinguished by sun visors, fewer still by flip up chin guards.
I have owned both Aria and Shoei. I have recently replaced my Shoei xr1100. I had intended to consider a flip-up chin and I really liked the idea of a flip-down internal sun visor as well.
I tried on all the above manufactures and found all comfortable (except MJC which I couldn't get an ideal fit for me personally - but otherwise a nice helmet) and Shark less so.
At the end of the day, irrespective of what anyone thinks about particular a brand or model, I can't stress enough that you simply cannot do better than finding a retailer with a good selection and comparing them yourself.
For example, despite the fact that I arrived at a shop recently with the intention of getting a helmet with all the bells and whistles on, I walked out with a Shoei NXR (called RF-1200 in the states) (which is not a flip-up and has no internal-retractable sun visor either) and even so, was just as expensive as those with. The reason I unexpectedly came away with something that doesn't have either of those features - I discovered that there are always compromises (i.e. weight and bulk). The NXR simply has a fantastic compact shell and light weight that I could not overlook - and having tried them all, this suddenly became the winning factor for me - something I would never have known if I had not been able to do a comprehensive hands-on comparison.
Hope that helps.
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So many cool helmets. Still on the fence. But great things to consider. Do you guys wear earplugs when you ride?
On a different note I did buy some gloves. I picked up the Icon 1000 rimfire gloves.
Yes, I wear earplugs while riding. I am a rider. I had joined a lot of competition but I used to wear earplugs for the safety purpose. Not only earplugs I use a jacket, helmet, gloves, boots so that I can ensure the 100% sefety while riding.
Please visit a couple of websites and get more information regarding hearing protection.https://www.bigearinc.com/the-best-motorcycle-ear-plugs-and-how-to-choose
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i've been looking at the AGV pista R for the longest time. just ask @Graeme . i really like that diffuser at the back. i think they'll be good at speed. not happy with the HJC i have at the moment. but i only bought it because of the iron man graphics..
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@louisbosco you'll have to upgrade when you get the S1000RR.
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been looking at a cheaper alternative. the honda super hornet 900.. @Graeme
