GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: hambonee on February 17, 2010, 02:52:55 PM

Title: Helmet recommendation
Post by: hambonee on February 17, 2010, 02:52:55 PM
Hey all,

I have an HJC CL-15 helmet. Problem is that it is heavy as heck and very very noisy at speed plus it fogs like crazy! I know no helmet is perfect but the CL-15 isn't exactly a high end helmet.

I am looking to buy a new full face helmet that is lighter and quieter than what I have. Plus, maybe, it will fog up a bit less too and I can keep my old as a spare.

Any recommendations? The Shoei RF-1000 seems REALLY light (3.2 pounds) or possibly the HJC FS-15 Carbon Fiber helmet..again barely 3 pounds. I would prefer Snell rated and under 300 bucks. Both the Shoei and the Carbon fiber one are 275 on motorcycle superstore's site.

Any advice or recommendations from experience? I hear Scorpion helmets are nice also..

Thanks!

Doug
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: jeremy_nash on February 17, 2010, 03:37:40 PM
for a new helmet, you will definatly want to try some on at a local dealership.  research the ones you are interested in, including price.  most dealers will cut you a break (some more than others though)   and you get to try it on first, to be sure you wont have to return it for a comfortable one. if prices are close, or you can talk the dealer down some, then get it there. if not, then rest assured it will fit you well when it comes in  :thumb:
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: remo2k9 on February 17, 2010, 04:22:43 PM
rjay striikers comfy , reduces noise , looks mad =] i bought it for 180$ AUD when it was on sale original was 220 i think
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: BaltimoreGS on February 17, 2010, 04:23:04 PM
If you get a SNELL rated helmet pay attention to what year it is, the 2010 standard has had a major revamp over the 2005 standard making the helmet transfer less G force to the head (hopefully reducing trauma).  Last month's issue of Motorcyclist magazine had a review of the currently available 2010 SNELL helmets.

-Jessie
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: centuryghost on February 17, 2010, 04:29:05 PM
I have a Shoei RF-100 and LOVE it! I installed a fog city on the visor and it works pretty well. You really need to try on helmets, they have different shapes for different heads. I just happen to have a shoei head.

I previously had a Scorpion ex700. Good helmet with excellent anti fog properties. You would think that with the price of a Shoei you would get  a fog-free visor. Nope.
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: remo2k9 on February 17, 2010, 04:53:31 PM
Quote from: centuryghost on February 17, 2010, 04:29:05 PM
I have a Shoei RF-100 and LOVE it! I installed a fog city on the visor and it works pretty well. You really need to try on helmets, they have different shapes for different heads. I just happen to have a shoei head.

I previously had a Scorpion ex700. Good helmet with excellent anti fog properties. You would think that with the price of a Shoei you would get  a fog-free visor. Nope.
lol ture that ! :L shoei ... why are the so damn expensive?! :technical:
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: centuryghost on February 17, 2010, 04:57:29 PM
Quote from: remo2k9 on February 17, 2010, 04:53:31 PM
Quote from: centuryghost on February 17, 2010, 04:29:05 PM
I have a Shoei RF-100 and LOVE it! I installed a fog city on the visor and it works pretty well. You really need to try on helmets, they have different shapes for different heads. I just happen to have a shoei head.

I previously had a Scorpion ex700. Good helmet with excellent anti fog properties. You would think that with the price of a Shoei you would get  a fog-free visor. Nope.
lol ture that ! :L shoei ... why are the so damn expensive?! :technical:

Quality construction.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: mister on February 17, 2010, 08:02:26 PM
Quote from: remo2k9 on February 17, 2010, 04:53:31 PM
Quote from: centuryghost on February 17, 2010, 04:29:05 PM
I have a Shoei RF-100 and LOVE it! I installed a fog city on the visor and it works pretty well. You really need to try on helmets, they have different shapes for different heads. I just happen to have a shoei head.

I previously had a Scorpion ex700. Good helmet with excellent anti fog properties. You would think that with the price of a Shoei you would get  a fog-free visor. Nope.
lol ture that ! :L shoei ... why are the so damn expensive?! :technical:

Difference in construction methods. Difference in construction materials.

RJays Striker = Molded Fibregalss and blah blah
Shoei = Carbon graphite Composite Blah blah blah

Shoei likes to say... our helmets can survive TWO impacts. One as your head hits the deck and the other is the life saving one as your head maybe comes into contact with a gutter or tree or whatever. The competition, on the otherhand, have helmets whose integrity MIGHT fail after the first impact.

Then there's the.... how much is your head worth... argument. $100 helmet, $100 head... and blah blah blah.

I see it like this....

#1: Don't crash.
#2: They both meet the Aust Standards for impact
#3: If I crashed and needed the 2nd impact protection - which only assumes the other helmet doesn't give it to me, and it still might - then I think I will have other issues to be concerned with. (Like wearing a hard hat on a construction site, if something big falls on me I'll be squashed but my head is protected DOH!)
#4: I don't want to be the one to find out the "2nd impact protection" MARKETING was just that... marketing. They might even do it. But unless I can see HOW it is done it is just marketing.
#5: They both meet the Aust Standards for impact.
#6: Using non-common materials doesn't mean it really Costs more than other methods. But is can certainly allow a company to Justify To Consumers a Much Higher Price as we don't know the raw materials cost.
#7: They both meet the Aust Standards for impact.
#8: Just cause it's a Shoei doesn't mean it's comfy.

For my latest helmet I tried on Heaps. Aria, Shoei, RJays HJC, M2R, etc.. My head was getting annoyed at me.

End result... RJays Striker

Of course, if you're on a Gixxer, then you Have to Look The Part, right? I mean, what would the other SuperSport riders think at Starbucks if you rocked up on a RJays? So... because of your dumbass need to Impress someone you don't even know, you opt for the most expensive Shoei you can buy that has the biggest "Shoei" written across the front of it.

Think Hogs riders.... what would other Hog Riders think if I wore a full face and not an open face? Oh, better get the open face so they'll think good things of me.

Back on track...

Just rest assured Remo that the Striker has met the standards for crashing - like all helmets do, regardless of the $ tag on them in the shop.

Also understand this.... people, on some level, Want to spend more $$$. And will do so as long as you can convince them (give a reason why, that they accept).

So... the $1,500 Shoei helmet vs the $150 Rjays. Does it really costs tens times, plus plus plus, the money to make the Shoei? Or is it an Inflated Price which is Justified as "Better Construction" and "Better Materials. How is "Better" defined?

Also remember, not all Shoei helmets cost $1,500. Some are around $500. Does that mean the $500 Shoei is the same as the $150 RJays with the inflated price being just for Name?

Just ride knowing that regardless of helmet, it MUST meet certain standards. And that all available helmets meet those standards regardless of the brand name written on it or the $ amount written on the tag.

Michael
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: BaltimoreGS on February 17, 2010, 08:25:44 PM
Quote from: mister on February 17, 2010, 08:02:26 PM


Shoei likes to say... our helmets can survive TWO impacts. One as your head hits the deck and the other is the life saving one as your head maybe comes into contact with a gutter or tree or whatever. The competition, on the otherhand, have helmets whose integrity MIGHT fail after the first impact.



That's actually the big difference between the SNELL 2005 and 2010 standards.  For the 2005 and older standard the helmet had to withstand an impact in the same spot twice.  To do that the helmet had to be made of a harder material which meant more G force was transferred to the brain.  The Hurt report and other smaller studies found that it was unlikely for a person to hit their head twice in a typical street accident.  Most times there was just one impact with another object that stopped the forward motion.  The 2010 standard does away with the 2 impact test so the helmets now transfer less G force to the brain (closer to the European safety standard).

Now if you do more track riding the old SNELL standard is probably better because you are more likely to go bouncing across the pavement possibly striking your helmet multiple times.

-Jessie
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: glynnd89 on February 17, 2010, 11:04:57 PM
I am getting my HJC CS-R1 paradox full face helmet. not to be confused for the snowmobile helmets.  Um it was on close out on BikeBandit.  Pretty much to replace the ultra cheap helmet i bought last year just because i needed one.  So cheap, didn't have a brand, so I don't know where to get a new face shield, as it now has a 3 in gouge right in my line of sight.  It was like 68 bucks shipped.
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: remo2k9 on February 18, 2010, 06:47:06 AM
Quote from: mister on February 17, 2010, 08:02:26 PM
Quote from: remo2k9 on February 17, 2010, 04:53:31 PM
Quote from: centuryghost on February 17, 2010, 04:29:05 PM
I have a Shoei RF-100 and LOVE it! I installed a fog city on the visor and it works pretty well. You really need to try on helmets, they have different shapes for different heads. I just happen to have a shoei head.

I previously had a Scorpion ex700. Good helmet with excellent anti fog properties. You would think that with the price of a Shoei you would get  a fog-free visor. Nope.
lol ture that ! :L shoei ... why are the so damn expensive?! :technical:

Difference in construction methods. Difference in construction materials.

RJays Striker = Molded Fibregalss and blah blah
Shoei = Carbon graphite Composite Blah blah blah

Shoei likes to say... our helmets can survive TWO impacts. One as your head hits the deck and the other is the life saving one as your head maybe comes into contact with a gutter or tree or whatever. The competition, on the otherhand, have helmets whose integrity MIGHT fail after the first impact.

Then there's the.... how much is your head worth... argument. $100 helmet, $100 head... and blah blah blah.

I see it like this....

#1: Don't crash.
#2: They both meet the Aust Standards for impact
#3: If I crashed and needed the 2nd impact protection - which only assumes the other helmet doesn't give it to me, and it still might - then I think I will have other issues to be concerned with. (Like wearing a hard hat on a construction site, if something big falls on me I'll be squashed but my head is protected DOH!)
#4: I don't want to be the one to find out the "2nd impact protection" MARKETING was just that... marketing. They might even do it. But unless I can see HOW it is done it is just marketing.
#5: They both meet the Aust Standards for impact.
#6: Using non-common materials doesn't mean it really Costs more than other methods. But is can certainly allow a company to Justify To Consumers a Much Higher Price as we don't know the raw materials cost.
#7: They both meet the Aust Standards for impact.
#8: Just cause it's a Shoei doesn't mean it's comfy.

For my latest helmet I tried on Heaps. Aria, Shoei, RJays HJC, M2R, etc.. My head was getting annoyed at me.

End result... RJays Striker

Of course, if you're on a Gixxer, then you Have to Look The Part, right? I mean, what would the other SuperSport riders think at Starbucks if you rocked up on a RJays? So... because of your dumbass need to Impress someone you don't even know, you opt for the most expensive Shoei you can buy that has the biggest "Shoei" written across the front of it.

Think Hogs riders.... what would other Hog Riders think if I wore a full face and not an open face? Oh, better get the open face so they'll think good things of me.

Back on track...

Just rest assured Remo that the Striker has met the standards for crashing - like all helmets do, regardless of the $ tag on them in the shop.

Also understand this.... people, on some level, Want to spend more $$$. And will do so as long as you can convince them (give a reason why, that they accept).

So... the $1,500 Shoei helmet vs the $150 Rjays. Does it really costs tens times, plus plus plus, the money to make the Shoei? Or is it an Inflated Price which is Justified as "Better Construction" and "Better Materials. How is "Better" defined?

Also remember, not all Shoei helmets cost $1,500. Some are around $500. Does that mean the $500 Shoei is the same as the $150 RJays with the inflated price being just for Name?

Just ride knowing that regardless of helmet, it MUST meet certain standards. And that all available helmets meet those standards regardless of the brand name written on it or the $ amount written on the tag.

Michael
i c, i reckon shoeis helmets the same Jst +1000$ for the brand name :L
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: erbilabuc on February 18, 2010, 12:39:06 PM
Arai or Shoei. You are talking about better warranty, better fit, better aerodynamics, better noise reduction. Sure if you want to say that they protect your head better then thats fine but 3 years down the road only one of these helmets is going to perform as good as the day you bought it.

I ran fulmers, KBC and all of the other brands and then I got an ARAI and then I got a SHOEI and will never go back.
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: centuryghost on February 18, 2010, 12:43:01 PM
Quote from: erbilabuc on February 18, 2010, 12:39:06 PM
Arai or Shoei. You are talking about better warranty, better fit, better aerodynamics, better noise reduction. Sure if you want to say that they protect your head better then thats fine but 3 years down the road only one of these helmets is going to perform as good as the day you bought it.

I ran fulmers, KBC and all of the other brands and then I got an ARAI and then I got a SHOEI and will never go back.

:thumb:
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: redhawkdancing on February 18, 2010, 06:33:40 PM
on that note...

If anyone is interested in a medium pure orange Shoei 1100 that I decided was too big for my head, let me know. Had it too long to return, but not long enough to have actually worn for a ride. Stickers still on the shield. Let's make a deal.   
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: pandy on February 18, 2010, 07:04:58 PM
Love my Scorpion. I have both the EXO-400 and EXO-700, and both are equally comfortable. Their sizes are a bit strange, though. I normally wear an XS, but I take a size S in the Scorpions.
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: Pv on February 20, 2010, 03:36:38 PM
I got a Shoei RF-1000 for my first helmet and loved it.  I came to find that I got it a little too big and actually need a medium.  If anyones looking for it in a Large and in white, mint condition worn for about 3 months let me know.
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: PaviSays on February 20, 2010, 03:54:29 PM
I'm running a KBC Tarmac white.  My MSF instructor said something about white helmets and roughly 33% reduction in accidents.  Cops have white helmets, so it makes sense I guess.  Everyone's always on the lookout for cops.

My biggest piece of advice would be go to a dealer and try on multiple helmets.  I tried almost all of them on, then came home with the model and color, and found one at half the price online.
I cannot stress this enough go try some on.

Lastly, something I learned: helmets do adjust to your head.  A fresh, non-broken in helmet may be a little bit tight, but the pads inside the helmet will eventually contour to your face.

You basically want the smallest helmet for your head that won't give you headaches.  Since my large has been broken in, it can actually shift back at times if I accelerate with my head at the wrong angle.  A helmet should not do this.


Would an Arai be awesome?  Hell yes.  But my KBC Tarmac has kept me warm, dry and safe so far.
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: Toogoofy317 on February 21, 2010, 10:50:42 AM
I did a complete review on the Shoei RF-1000 on the Wiki if anyone is interested! I bought my Shoei because it was the only one that fit my head properly. I have a 3/4 helmet that I bought at Pep Boys for riding on my friend's cruiser and OMG the neck fatigue was horrendous after about 30 minutes with my Shoei I can run errands all day!

How much were you thinking for that medium Shoei?

Mary
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: kyle_99_gtp on February 21, 2010, 04:44:43 PM
I've been riding with a CL-15 ever since I got my bike and haven't really had any complaints. Then again this is my first helmet so I wouldn't really know better. My dad has 2 Arai's, he got a new one just a few months ago when he got his FJR, but I know he loves those helmets and the the way they fit/feel. He actually wants to sell his other Arai, it's older and the size is XL, but that's all I know about it.
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: redhawkdancing on February 22, 2010, 07:24:55 PM
Hey Mary...you got mail! 
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: BaltimoreGS on February 22, 2010, 07:29:18 PM
Haven't ridden with it yet but Kay gave me a HJC IS-16 for Christmas.  I really like the idea of the integrated tinted shield.

-Jessie
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: ver4 on February 22, 2010, 07:55:29 PM
I don't mind my ZR1 (or is it Z1R?).  Apparently, it does real well in crash test results.  It's also a fairly inexpensive helmet too.  I think I may have paid less than $100 for it.
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: BaltimoreGS on February 22, 2010, 08:01:48 PM
Z1R- Asian helmet brand

ZR1- High performance Corvette
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: dauphinc on February 22, 2010, 09:43:59 PM
I have an ICON i got for a good price. Check em out. it fits awesomely.
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: ver4 on February 23, 2010, 06:08:44 PM
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on February 22, 2010, 08:01:48 PM
Z1R- Asian helmet brand

ZR1- High performance Corvette
Same thing.
Title: Re: Helmet recommendation
Post by: BaltimoreGS on February 23, 2010, 06:52:53 PM
Sport Rider mag had a short positive review of the Sparx S-07 helmet this month.  They praised it's lightness and compared it to an Arai feature wise.

-Jessie