Helmets

maximini

Joined
Jun 13, 2010
Messages
170
I need a new helmet and have had my existing helmet for so long that I am a little out of the know (as usual). Would welcome any comments as to what other Commando riders have as their favorite current helmets.
 
All I can advise on is get the shop to remove the check pading when you try the helmut on, if you buy a fullface, some helmets are very tight around there and can make a slightly to large a helmet feel correct
 
Seems the good helmets are Shoei and Arai. I've had a Shoei RF900 for the past several years, just put an Unapproachable Norton decal on the back. Full coverage is the best...ever get hit in the lip by a grasshopper at 60mph? :(
 
A Black S1R Full Face ($200). It has a liftable face which is really convenient for glasses and a little less claustrophic at stop ligts. More comfortable to put on too. Also have a Black HJC CL-16 full face not as comfortable as the S1R but cheaper. Nice helmets color goes with the bike!
 
Take a look at the Shoei RF-1100, a recent model. This is a full-face helmet with full internal adjustments that provide a firm but comfortable fit. The ear pockets receive speakers to allow for GPS instructions. The helmet is quiet and allows for full ventilation. What sold it to me was the bright signal yellow color that screams "pay attention" to the caged drivers (cars) that seem to look right through us. For the riders among us of the poser persuasion, Shoei offers the usual solid color selections, along with the wierd graphics favored by the crotch-rocket crowd. This is a very safe helmet made by a classy manufacturer at a classy price. I never go on the interstates without it.
 
I have a Schuberth C2, if the C3 is better then it is definately worth considering as the C2 is very good.
 
All I can add is get the right fit, they do break in. I was afraid my new Arai was to small After the first long ride I did with it there was some pain in my left cheek but after that all is fine & it fits great. The next size up may have been to loose after break in. Enjoy.
 
I used to sell motorcycle helmets and here are my thoughts:

Different manufacturers have different "shapes" so try them ALL, personally in full-face I ONLY wear Arai helmets (my head is a "long oval") and nothing else fits right.

If your helmet is uncomfortable you bought the wrong one!

Helmets should be a "tad" tight (better tight than loose)!

I have Pudding Basin's, open-faced and even a leather Aviators "helmet" but for "real" roads it's ALWAYS full-face!!

I know that some helmets are expensive but consider what $500.00 will buy at the ER and helmets suddenly get REAL cheap!

Unclviny
 
You need to find a helmet you are comfortable with, as stated every manufacturer has different models and all of those different models fit differently and have different costs. I have a narrow or oval shaped head and I wear shoei helmets, currently a shoei x-11 and it fits fantastic, but I also wear bell custom 500 open faced helmets which are an 1/8 the cost , an 1/8 the protection, but are actually the most comfortable helmet I have worn. I wore one to barber and back. If you have the same shaped head as I you may not like the shoei, go try on helmets it is personal. Buying online is hit and miss and a pain in the butt if things don't fit and you have to return. Oh and a lot of the time I don't even wear a helmet which upsets a lot of the self righteous safety nuts.
 
I've had an Arai Signet for the past few years, and it is the first "premium" helmet I have owned. I gotta say it fits like it was made for me, is quiet on the road, and the obvious quality of the thing is reassuring.... I have fallen off a motorcycle once or twice, though never on my head. Just the same, like Vinny says, $500 spent on a ER visit or a good helmet, the choice is easy.
 
DonOR,
Arai used to "recertify" helmets and restart the warranty clock if it had a minor fall but it passed inspection and testing by them, I shipped them a helmet years ago because I dropped it and they pronounced it good and gave me a fresh warranty (for free!).

Vince
 
oh yeah, I forgot to add the most important thing; If you want real protection, make sure the helmet you buy has SNELL certification, that means its going to protect your head much, much better than a DOT certified one.
 
I have used an Arai Quantum for the last 12 years, bought it when I used to ride Jap bikes way too fast - it was the only full face I could find where the visor did not come up if you looked over your shoulder at 120mph.
It is quiet (maybe a little too quiet), quality (I know i did 50000 miles + wearing it in the UK, year round, much less in the SC where there is no helmet law, but must have over 70,000 miles in it by now), the vents work well, and I find it extremely comfortable.
Only downside is cost - but I consider it to have been exceptional value.
 
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