GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: zenn on May 19, 2008, 10:31:29 AM

Title: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: zenn on May 19, 2008, 10:31:29 AM
Rode in to work today, 1 hour on the interstate I84 to I684. Wind was brutal.
Anyway, I notice my helmet (HJC CL-SP) is way noisy when leaning forward at higher speeds. If I sit up higher and hold my head up and back, the way I would be sitting on a cruiser the wind is more tolorable. But at 60-65mph and up, if I lean in a bit over the handlebars, it gets so loud, and the helmet start to rattle around like a bobblehead.
Gonna start using earplugs for the commute.
 
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: Jerka on May 19, 2008, 10:38:11 AM
I know a lot of guys who wear earplugs on the highway.  I'm in the market for a new helmet too and the Scorpion EXO 400 has great reviews...it is supposed to be pretty quiet.  I would also make sure that you helmet fits correctly too.  Maybe it is too loose in the cheeck pads and allowing wind up to your ears.  I don't know...
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: astroaru on May 19, 2008, 10:48:02 AM
Rattles? I had a cheap helmet that I borrowed from my friend a couple of months back and it was the bottle neck while traveling on the highways. At any speeds over 55 mph it would start to rattle and It was so damn uncomfortable. Had neck pains then!  :2guns: If I turned my head to check my blind spot, it would be a big deal to turn my head back straight.  :laugh:

I upgraded to a shoei helmet. Got a good deal of a used one on craigslist. It is a real pleasure now. No problems even at 85 mph. Good circulation, great fit and comfort.  :cheers: to shoei.
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: zenn on May 19, 2008, 10:59:59 AM
Quote from: astroaru on May 19, 2008, 10:48:02 AM
Rattles? I had a cheap helmet that I borrowed from my friend a couple of months back and it was the bottle neck while traveling on the highways. At any speeds over 55 mph it would start to rattle and It was so damn uncomfortable. Had neck pains then!  :2guns: If I turned my head to check my blind spot, it would be a big deal to turn my head back straight.  :laugh:

I upgraded to a shoei helmet. Got a good deal of a used one on craigslist. It is a real pleasure now. No problems even at 85 mph. Good circulation, great fit and comfort.  :cheers: to shoei.

Anything over 60 and i'm fighting the wind all the way.
If I turn my head, feels like my head will snap off my neck.
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: lewismug on May 19, 2008, 11:32:58 AM
I have a KBC TK-7 and the wind noise gets to me too.  If I shrug my shoulders while riding, the noise disappears completely though.  When I'm riding around 80mph, the helmet slips back on my head allowing my nose to touch the inside of the front.  I probably need a new one as well.
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: ben2go on May 19, 2008, 12:45:39 PM
I have the noise issue but my helmet is tight on my head.When I turn my head it to feels like my head is coming off.I like modular helmets with the flip up face and inner day time shield.Anyone have experience with these types of helmets.I think the helmet I was looking at was HJC.
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: pjm204 on May 19, 2008, 01:03:46 PM
I recently bought an HJC AC-12 and it is somewhat noisy, not too bad though. At the same time I bought my girlfriend a GMAXX GM68S and it seems to be an awesome helmet, I recommend it.
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: wreckhog on May 19, 2008, 01:23:56 PM
I have a Suomy, a Shoei and a KBC, and the best helmet and tightest (Suomy) is the loudest. The quietest is the KBC, but since I hit the ground in it, and took out a quarter size piece, I can't use it for anything where quiet matters. I think that it has something to do with head fit. I will say that if your helmet moves when you are riding, it seems too loose.
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: beRto on May 19, 2008, 01:31:11 PM
Quote from: wreckhog on May 19, 2008, 01:23:56 PM
The quietest is the KBC, but since I hit the ground in it, and took out a quarter size piece, I can't use it for anything where quiet matters.

Are you sure this helmet is still safe to use?!  :icon_confused:
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: darb85 on May 19, 2008, 01:31:59 PM
im a big fan of the scorpion line of helmets.  they are sweet
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: Villager on May 19, 2008, 02:27:27 PM
I have a Caberg Trip Double Visor flip-up helmet, below. I liked the idea of being able to have it open face, but in practice I still feel like I should take it off when paying for petrol, and it's not great for riding open-face as the extra wind resistance makes you feel very unbalanced above 40 mph. However, you CAN remove the front visor section completely which would resolve this issue.

It's fine up to about 65. Beyond that there is *some* noise and drag if you turn your head, but I'm pretty comfortable with that after a few months' use. It's a little loose; if I had the right size I'm sure these issues would be much resolved. Recommended if you can find somewhere to try it on first. Quite a practical choice, but it's certainly not as sturdily constructed as a bona fide full-face helmet.

(http://www.helmets4u.co.uk/images/tr%20met%20black.jpg)

(http://www.harpersraceshop.co.uk/usrimage/104_revo_open.jpg)
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: birdman on May 19, 2008, 02:34:09 PM
Your helmet should be snug to your cheeks.  Keep the strap snug, high speeds will lift many helmets up and be uncomfortable if not restrained. 
Noise, I have yet to find a really quiet helmet for the highway. 

Big issues
Removable liners and cheek pieces you can wash by hand.
Space enough to put on glasses if you wear them or use sunglasses behind the visor.

Cycle gear has a real nice return policy I hear.  Try a couple.
I did test fit a Scorpion EXO 700 and it was an excellent fit with plenty of ear space, nice vent layout and decent price.

One thing to watch is if you can pop the visor open for extra air without it being unbearably loud or whistling.

Shark RSF 2i is my helmet of choice right now.
Cheap, AFX, FX-10, not bad overall.
tough=Simpson, louder than hell.
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: Ronin on May 19, 2008, 03:14:48 PM
I love my Scorpion EXO700..it's fiberglass and kevlar laminate.Vents good and sheild removal is a snap.Very cool looks. :thumb: :cheers:
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: erbilabuc on May 19, 2008, 03:26:21 PM
just go with an ARAI. best money you will ever spend.
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: wreckhog on May 19, 2008, 03:57:55 PM
Quote from: beRto on May 19, 2008, 01:31:11 PM
Quote from: wreckhog on May 19, 2008, 01:23:56 PM
The quietest is the KBC, but since I hit the ground in it, and took out a quarter size piece, I can't use it for anything where quiet matters.

Are you sure this helmet is still safe to use?!  :icon_confused:
It is not, but I like it and use it for dual sporting, which for me is 90% 1st and 2nd gear.
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: wreckhog on May 19, 2008, 04:02:08 PM
Quote from: birdman on May 19, 2008, 02:34:09 PM
Your helmet should be snug to your cheeks.  Keep the strap snug, high speeds will lift many helmets up and be uncomfortable if not restrained. 
Noise, I have yet to find a really quiet helmet for the highway. 
Helmets break in. If you sweat a lot, the acids are supposed to really break down the material. I guarantee you that a year old Large will be looser than a new Extra Large.
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: Jon The Buddha on May 19, 2008, 04:59:59 PM
Another vote for the Scorpion!   :thumb:
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: Ry_Guy on May 19, 2008, 05:08:29 PM
Just don't buy a Shell helmet. My visor flips up at high speed when I turn my head  :icon_confused:
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: mojonixon on May 19, 2008, 07:15:06 PM
I have a Scorpion EXO 400, and a EXO 700, I also own a Vega Altura. I would have to say my Scorps are the most quiet, but the Vega has better ventilation. Are you riding a F model? If you are try a different windscreen, I think someone makes a touring windscreen which directs the air over the helmet, I have a F model with the stock screen and the windblast seems to hit right at the base of the helmet,
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: 08GSSteve on May 19, 2008, 08:03:17 PM
Because everyones head is different like a finger print so is helmet selection.  I love the Shoei and the HJC but in saying this the HJC fits my head better than the Shoei hence the reason why I own 2 HJC's.

Try on several different helmets to find a good cumfy fit.  Don't buy that 600 dollar shoei just because your mates say that it is cool to own a shoei when it feels like crap on your head.

I have never been one for ear plugs as you want to hear the engine talk to you as well as listen out for car noises horns etc.  If you have to wear ear plugs select a 20db plug instead of a 70db or 90db block plug.




Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: Tang on May 19, 2008, 09:05:47 PM
what ever u get don't get the walmart one

its hugh

noisy

and heavy!

and i still have it and use it :-(
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: astroaru on May 19, 2008, 09:21:11 PM
Quote from: Tang on May 19, 2008, 09:05:47 PM
what ever u get don't get the walmart one

its hugh

noisy

and heavy!

and i still have it and use it :-(

wow! thanks for the eye opener. Never knew walmart sells helmets too. I have had enough with walmart now  :2guns: I would not definitely trust a walmart product to save my head  :laugh:
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: Tang on May 19, 2008, 10:08:13 PM
lmao it was cheapest helmet i could find in a jiffy lol

i had to have it for the MSF class

i'm saving up money for a new one

but def. not walmart one lol
Title: Re: Maybe I need a new helmet (recommendations)
Post by: pbureau69 on May 20, 2008, 07:50:21 AM
walmart sells BELL helmets..

Scorpion EXo700 is the most comfortable for me and the quietest

KBC VR-2 Is best vented, a little noisy but nothing terrible. Great for daily drive

KBC FFR Flip-up Helmet, Padding after 2 years is basically hard as rock, noisy has heck, but I can smoke cigarettes in 20MPH Traffic :) <rarely use it now... was thinking of getting new padding for it...>

Icon Alliance SS : Nice helmet, poor ventilation, great winter riding helmet (keep shead warm) not very noisy.

My suggestion is check the Scorpion EX-700 or if your thinking of double lenses (smoke glasses) to check out the EXO-1000 as well.

Cheers