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Helmets?
Good day,
I am inquiring about motorcycle helmets and their cost. I am currently in Dakar Senegal and it seems as though my choices are limited. I will be looking for a motorcross helmet, something I can fit goggles over. What does a new helmet of this type cost? Thank you |
If you're willing to spend $350.... I'd highly reccommend the Arai VX-Pro. Extremely light, very comfortable, survived an asphalt face plant, and available in muted colors such as silver and white. Top of the line!
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You can get a range from $60-$450
for a good and not too expensive one you should go for O'Neal wf-541 $110 a cheap helmet which exceeds Snell 2000, DOT(US) ,ECE22/04 (Europe) and AS (Australia) safety standarts |
Well, if your selection is limited, go for the best you can afford - if possible, avoid injection molded plastic helmets and go for a fiberglass/kevlar helmet. I've had an adventure in cracking open helmets, and luckily it was a very good helmet. If I was wearing a cheaper helmet, I'm certain I would not be here today typing this email.
The more expensive ones will also have better ventilation to keep you cool. Best of luck, Wright ------------------ Wright Bagwell http://www.geocities.com/wwbagwell/ |
I don't think NOLAN sells any cross-helmets. But if they did I would think twice before buying one. I have a touring-helmet from NOLAN and if its rains longer than 15 minutes my front head gets soaked...
The ventilation on top of the helmet takes in water and there doesn't seem to be a solution. I am thinking about making it waterproof with some waterproof glue. |
Try duct tape instead of glue - at least it's temporary, and you can have the ventilation when it's hot.
------------------ Grant Johnson Share the Dream! at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
I'm planning a trip from UK to South Africa (see http://www.cotgravetocapetown.co.uk ) and I'm looking for a new helmet as my AGV R3 was stolen from my garage last week. Do I go for something cheap (as it may get stolen/damaged during my trip) or a more expensive option? I'm thinking about one of the flip-top, combination jobs that convert from full face to open face, (BMW or Nolan make them) although I seem to remember seeing a MX style one which could use a visor (Arai?)- but can't find anything like this. All suggestions welcome - thanks buddies!
------------------ Fuzzy Duck [This message has been edited by Fuzzy Duck (edited 27 December 2001).] |
To me it's a simple question "What's your head worth?"
Buy the very best helmet you can afford, and look after it so it can look after you. Brand of helmet is personal, but for most long distance touring mostly on-road, the flip front are imho the best, but if you're riding something like a KTM and want to spend most of your time off-road, go for the good mx-style helmets with goggles. Plain white is the coolest, and get one with the best venting possible. Cold head is rare, but sweaty head is common. ------------------ Grant Johnson Share the Dream! at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
Hai,
Be carefull with glue on your helmet. The solvents in glue and tape can weaken the shell of the helmet. This is not nice when you hit the road. Maarten |
Hi Ted:
I have two Arai's, one open face which is a SZ/M and one full face which is a Quantum/f. Both are ventilated, and have a lot of vents on the top, and they are very 'cool' helmets - very comfortable in hot weather. But, the downside of this is that they are both very noisy - I need to wear earplugs when I ride. The Arai's are expensive, but they are lightweight and very comfortable. You can further customize the fit by purchasing different size cheekpads for some of the Arai models. |
I had a look at a Shoei Syncrotec today - a nice flip top helmet, but the vents look small and fiddly - and the top flips quite high, making it difficult to ride with the helmet open. The Nolan N100 looks like a better deal as it is half the price of the Syncrotec and can be ridden open (so they say). I hope to have a look at one of these in more detail soon. I've been told that the local cops use the Shoei Syncrotec as it's such a good lid, light and quiet, it's made of fibreglass and the opening/locking mechanism is simple.
Has anyone used either of these or any other flip-top (or hinged chinbar) helmet for overland trips? If so please post you comments - I'd really like to hear what you have to say... PS Ted - what did you get in the end? ------------------ Fuzzy Duck (I'm quackers about bikes) |
I've used Arai full face and BMW System flip-front, and now have a Schuberth flip front.
For long distance overlanding I love the flip-fronts. For serious off-road, not so good though. You really don't want to ride any distance with the face up - over 20mph the wind drag is bad, and it's not safe anyway. I think the risk of a serious neck injury is high with the front up. But for 2mph work over an obstacle, stopping to talk to someone, quick cooling at a traffic light, it's terrific. And for those of us who wear glasses, or even sunglasses, it's a no-brainer. ------------------ Grant Johnson Share the Dream! at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
Anyone tried the Roof Boxer?
Seems a bit too stylish for our kind of activity, but I love the idea of the face mask flipping around the back - so it can be used as an open face helmet. The only draw-back is the lack of vents, but then with all these features, do you really need vents? Have a look at the website at www.t-child.com and see what you think - click on the 'Roof' button, and then the 'Boxer' button, and check out the animation... Is it a gimmick - or something really practical? PS If anyone is interested there's a place in Nottingham, UK that is selling the Shoei Synchrotec for £140 GBP (half RRP!!!) - email me if you want the details. ------------------ Fuzzy Duck (I'm quackers about bikes) [This message has been edited by Fuzzy Duck (edited 20 January 2002).] |
Hi folks
I've had a look at the Roof Boxer - a nice flip-top lid, but the chin guard was too tight against my chin (shame) and it's a bit expensive. I think replacement visors are a bit pricey too. I've finally bought a Caberg Just One Plus for £99 GBP (very cheap) - it has had rave reviews in a product test conducted by Motorcycle News and fits me well. The ventilation looks reasonable, the flipping chin guard works well and can be ridden open upto 40mph fairly comfortably. The chin guard can be removed and the helmet ridden as an open face type. If you're interested you can get them for only £85 GBP (+ £8 carriage in the UK) from Bridge Road Motorcycles in Liverpool, UK. I've only had it for a day - but I think it's a good, budget-priced lid. ------------------ Fuzzy Duck (I'm quackers about bikes) [This message has been edited by Fuzzy Duck (edited 01 February 2002).] |
I had a negative view of flip fronts from ppl at my local shop and fellow posters on other bike forums. I almost bought the nolan, but a full face HJC felt so much niver on my head for the same price. Safer too , I think. I imagine the flip fronts are louder and not as good in the rain. also they are not the quality of full face helmets. One nice one i am seeing though is the schuberth helme. its 400 bucks i think but boy is it nice and quality - even has a retractable sun shade! its made of carbon fiber. For more discussion of thses modular helmets go to http://boards.gamers.com/messages/ov...sp?name=KLR650 and look under the post "modular helmets".
for 3/4 helmets (moto) i like the fox pilot. they are clearing them out right now for around 100 dollars - it was a 300 dollar helmet when i bought one. ------------------ Ian aka "Maniac" 93' KLR650 [This message has been edited by Maniac28 (edited 14 February 2002).] |
im going to by a roof boxer. its got a massive visor and it turns into a half faced helmet. and the shape is round so good fit and feel. its full faced brother one the mcn product of the year 2001. thats a seriously good recomendation.
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hi,
roof is french (i'm french), the after sales service is so so, said from the buyers and the dealers, the quality too the distribution network is small they look great, i admit but they are noisy, wind water protection is limited i would't recommend |
I have a shoei flip up and i thought i liked pretty well until i tried on an arrow flip up at the interntl m.c show in cleveland I was sold. the arrow is much quieter and is more comfortable, much easier to operate flip mechanism, and has more room in the mouth and nose area, and it will also convert to a 3/4 helmet in about 2min. regarding the schuberth flip up style, in my oppinion very overrated, not as quiet or as comfortable as the arrow and annoying to flip up. the arrow cost me 200
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While we are discussing flip up helmets...
For RTW or equivalent trips, what's best? Flip up or moto style? The flip up has some obvious advantages such as easy stopping to talk, sunglasses, rain etc, but a moto style helmet has many advantages on the dirt (It looks cool at least!). If I go flip up it'll probably be schuberth. How good is it in the dirt? What is the overall verdict? |
I would say for touring the full face conventional type would be best. Reliable, proven, safe, cumfy, quiet, weather protected. I have ridden on the street a lot with a moto helmet and it was miserable, even with my oakley goggles and gator neck warmer!
------------------ :) Happy Riding :) Ian aka "Maniac" 93' KLR650 |
Which is why I like the flip-up for serious long distance. Weather protection AND open face when needed. I think safety is just as good as a conventional if you get a good one - such as the BMW, Schuberth and Shoei helmets.
A cheap helmet is just that, cheap. Feel free to differ. I've used a BMW helmet since 1989, having ridden with full face conventional for many years before that, and wouldn't go back except. For rtw style touring, and for glasses wearers - even sunglasses - they're great! The Schuberth with the sunvisor has me hooked - can't wait to try my new one out! ------------------ Grant Johnson Share the Dream! at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com [This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 18 February 2002).] |
Just my 2 cents on the BMW helmet:
We used System 4 helmets on a one year trip, and although I overall loved it, there is a couple of issues with the chin section. The opening mechanism is now in the centre so you can work it with one hand. This is great but it means longer travel for the arms in there, and we had some problems after a while with dust settling in the mechanism, making opening the helmet a challenge. The plastic spring, or arm, that holds the visor in the half open positions, tends to break. You need to grease the mechanism but at the same time keep dust out, not an easy task. It's very annoying when the visor doesn't stay open. Duct tape used right helps offcourse. Keep the whole thing clean and, if possible, bring some of the small and vulnerable parts as spares. Other than that, it's a great helmet, and after banging my head in the tarmac in Ecuador, I can vouch for the protection as well. Dag ------------------ Dag http://RocinantesTravels.com |
Id really like to try a flip up. WOuld be nice for stopping and chatting. Also be nice when it get 100 degrees. I just worry about wind noise coming thru the joints and water also. maybe it isnt an issue?
------------------ :) Happy Riding :) Ian aka "Maniac" 93' KLR650 |
Nope.
My BMW System 1, 2, and 3 never leaked a drop. Wind noise is a trickier one to quantify, and comes down to much more than through the cracks. As far as the cracks leaking noise, no I don't think so. The BMW system 3 and 4 helmets are considered quiet, as is the Schuberth. And that's in comparison to ALL helmets. ------------------ Grant Johnson Share the Dream! at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
Have to give one big plus for the Nolan system helmets that I didn't realise about untill I looked at other helmets.
You can place that great fog-visor. It keeps your visor clear of condensation under ALL condidtions. I really love it and don't want a helmet without it. But since water seeps into the Nolan I am hoping to find an other helmet in wich I can also place the fog visor. But seems that Nolan is the only one. The visors Schubert and BMW helmets are not prepared. Or do you need to order a complete new visor (inner and outer one)? Has anyone heard of Lazers helmets yet? They are a Belgian brand and supposed to be of really good quality. I have seen one flip up model (system helmet) with a face mask (cover mouth and nose) like in a jet fighter. Only this one was not for the looks of it. It actually differted you breath away from the visor to the outside. Wich means no condensation. This face-mask would also keep dust and other stuff out of your nois and mouth. Has anyone seen it or tried it yet? |
Let's hear it for the Arai RX7. Cooler than anything, thanks to the vents - 6 of them. Plus a lining that removes in 1 second for washing. If it had a flip front too it would be perfect. But it costs a bunch - £400 in the UK.
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you huys have sold me. My next helmet will be a flip style. I like the schuberthe a lot. COurse i just got a new helmet 4 weeks ago, so....well 2 helmets is better than one!
------------------ :) Happy Riding :) Ian aka "Maniac" 93' KLR650 |
hi guys
I have a lazer revolution helmet flip front,double glazed visor,face mask for extreme weather sitting at traffic light with your visor down and no misting up visor or glasses great! removeable lining and the best yet an internal sun visor it has made riding in to winter sun bearable riding in to tunnels brill just flip it up. come the summer take the front off and turn it in to a roof type crash helmet but not sure if it comes a peak I have riden the last 5 months done about 15,000 miles (dispatch riding in london) its the best thing I have had on my head |
Nobby,
Have you used the Lazer already in summertime? How would the facemask be when it gets warmer? |
hi,
i'll definitely go for a schuberth concept Best choice from what the dealers and users say it's just a bit more heavy than the competitors nolan does the xlite which is not bad the flip top (good fibers like carbon kevlar), not polycarbonat)are around the same price, around 2500 FRF here in france shoei does one but not as complete as the schuberth the schubert, apart from the high quality, has a few options/gadgets included of course that really do the difference avoid Roof flip top ! safe travels |
hi
the trip goes well for the moment schuberth concept helmet is so good and confortable safe travels http://vincent.danna.free.fr/ |
All the flip up helmets I've tried dont fit me - too tight on my chin. The BMW system 4 wont even close on my face!
I find this wierd because my head is a normal shape, I dont have a protuding chin. In the end I bought a Shoei full face, always good value. For my trip I am considering buying an MX style hemlet though - what do these have to recommend them over a full face? |
A motocross helmet will be cooler in extreme heat ( and I guess colder in cool weather ) , and of course if you are on a dirt bike will look "rad" and/or "gnarly" .
But when it rains you will wish you had a full face helmet ! |
Just bought an HJC SYMAX Flip up helmet.
I only have about 50 miles on it, but I like it. Reasonably quiet. Got mine in the US for $199.99.....shipping included from http://www.helmetharbor.com Not sure what the current price is... It is a little snug on the chin..... Try one on before you buy! ------------------ http://www.BanditAlley.com |
I buy Airoh Tyger helmet - offroad helmet with visor. I know the glass isn't dust and water resistant (just use tape), but You get the low weight and low price and if You want just get off the visor and You get standart offroad helmet! Just check it. www.airoh.com
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Is there anyone who can comment on the Arai Tour X-2? Thanks in advance.
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German Motorrad magazine openable helmet laboratory tests you can read here:
http://www.motomarket.ee/Muud/motorr...lme_9_2005.pdf It's german, but you'll get the idea in strenght, price/qualty, noise etc. Cheers, Margus |
It's interesting that so many of you think that cost equals saftey--there is no proff of that--if there is show me the study? Look for the snell rateing and if it is missing don't buy it. Open face helmets are not as safe therefore none of them have the snell rating. DOT means nothing. Flip ups are not snell rated because they cannot pass the testing. Use a real snell rated helmet if you like your brains.
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Have a look at a fascinating article on helmet performance published recently in Motor Cyclist at
http://motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/hatz/ It does make you think. John ------------------ Johnefyn |
If you want to develop your neck muscles ride a long way at 70mph with a flipped-up Shoei Syncrotec. Works a treat.
------------------ Simon http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/fitzpatrick |
I have a Nolan flip front , I like it and it's not too noisy .You can ride up to 50 mph with it flipped up without too much wind drag. But as I am sure someone will point out ,from a safety point of view it's not a good idea - but we're human right !
It's a mid priced helmet but seems good quality and if it gets stolen ?- c'est la vie !paying for a replacement isn't that big a deal . Dodger |
Banoi,
I've had an Arai tour-x for half a year now. It's got all the comfort of a road helmet, with closable vents on the top and a visor. Above 100km the peak does start to vibrate a little, but that may be due to my windscreen setup not being optimal. For long distance on-road I take the peak off, takes about a minute. Off-road, you can take the visor off and use a pair of googles. I was riding off-road a couple of weekends ago and this helmet was as good as a full mx helmet, well a little warmer due to all the padding but still heaps better than the road helmet I used to use. |
I understand HJC are bringing out a helmet with the same concept as the Aria Tour X next spring retailing at about £120
Think its called: HJC CL-XS |
Currently I use an open faced helmet riding my Vespa. When I used to ride a motorcycle, I used a full faced helmet. I enjoy the open helmet much more, though I am yet to plant my face into the ground... I did however ride 80 km/h right into a hail storm with the open faced helmet... I really don't recomend it as it was extremely painful. For my Africa trip I am looking into something like the helmet below...
http://www.skutery.net/opisy/akcesoria60.jpg http://www.skutery-tuning.pl//opisy/...airoh_sv55.jpg |
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http://www.bikenet.com/order.asp?Pag...=&product=2822 Does anybody use one of these? If so, how do they rate? |
After posting that about the HJC I found that Airoh also do a similar helmet the "Tyger". The design presently available in the UK looks a but naff but the new line is due end of this month.
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