ADV helmet quandary

AdvToorer

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Ya, but how do you know what shape head you have? My wife just says BIG.
I bought my first helmet from an Arai dealer. He was trained by Arai to size me up and did a great job in fitting my "alien" shape. It was then I learned I needed a narrow shaped helmet (per webbikeworld's shape guide). A second helmet at a different store also had me wear the helmet in the store for 30 minutes to check for hotspots.
I would not assume higher price will mean more comfort. I now have an Arai XD4 and it is not a great fit for my head but I have not been able to find the "narrow" shape in adv-style helmets.
 

SilverBullet

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I just picked up one of these and all I can say is WOW! This sucker is a value....it's unbelievable that this helmet isn't $300-400. $139....It feels on par if not a bit better in some ways than my Shoei Neotech.

https://www.webbikeworld.com/vemar-kona-graphic-helmet-hands-on-review/

Don't be fooled by the price. It's Italian quality.
Can you comment further on the two con's stated in review? Wind grab/pull and noise. Also is there space cut outs for bluetooth communicator speakers?

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EricV

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<snip>
It’s just my 2 cents but for where you live and what you are riding, get the Bell Mag-9.
This ^^^^

The best helmet is the one you're going to actually wear. For your stated goals, the MAG-9 is most likely going to suit your needs best.

Yes, there are quieter helmets than the Bell you have. All helmets with good air flow and visors are going to be noisier than helmets w/o visors and less wide open air flow into the helmet. There is really no point in you spending $$$ on a helmet if you're not going to wear it correctly. Telling us you fully intend to wear a safety device with the visor open, (i.e. incorrectly), just says you're not willing to go there. So don't bother with the full face helmets.

Maybe try some different sunglasses, paying attention to the temple pieces? Just a thought. Longer temple pieces hit the back of the helmet. Smooth, straiter ear pieces go into the helmet easier. Take the helmet with you to try on potential new sunglasses. And sure, some helmets are simply better designed for eyeglass wearers. Mine has grooves for the temple pieces.

Earplugs. You're not a fan. "Huh?" Get used to saying that "huh?", because as you lose your hearing, you'll be saying it a lot more. Hearing loss is permanent and cumulative. That means every little loss builds on the previous loss and it all just goes down hill from there and you never get it back. The white noise of airflow while riding is similar to industrial hearing loss situations. You will lose the ability to hear the higher frequencies first, and then start missing bits of conversation and having difficulty in crowded rooms, etc.

Go to an industrial supply store, (or online where you can often buy sample packs), and buy a selection of ear plugs. There are dozens of different styles. They sell them individually as well as in boxes of larger quantities. Buy a single pack of several styles and try them to find what works best for you. Then, WEAR THEM.

Again, the best helmet for you is the one you will wear. Just like cameras, the one you actually have with you is the best. It doesn't matter if that awesome digital SLR is sitting on the shelf back home if the shot you want is there and all you have is the point and shoot. Equally, if you crash, it really doesn't matter if you have a $1000 helmet sitting in the garage because it was too hot or uncomfortable. The helmet you have on will be what counts.
 

EricV

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I just picked up one of these and all I can say is WOW! This sucker is a value....it's unbelievable that this helmet isn't $300-400. $139....It feels on par if not a bit better in some ways than my Shoei Neotech.

https://www.webbikeworld.com/vemar-kona-graphic-helmet-hands-on-review/

Don't be fooled by the price. It's Italian quality.
Pay attention to the materials used. There are distinct differences between the reinforced thermo-polymer external shell and resin impregnated fiber shells, (fiberglass and carbon fiber, etc), used on other brands. Understand the difference and how they deal with impacts and abrasion. (check out the amount of helmet flex in your Vemar!)

LS2 is another option for a quality helmet and offers many designs, including hybrid ADV and modular in a similar price range. They typically have ear speaker pockets, eyeglass grooves and many offer drop down sun visors as well.
 

Cycledude

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Well first thing I have to say is I ride a lot more than most folks and since I bought my first Over priced Arai helmet in about 1992 I ain’t bought a different brand since, I’ve been using the XDs for well over 10 years and love them. But getting back to the original post that started this thread I suspect his real issue might actually be the windshield he has on his Tenere, I rode my 2013 Tenere for 37,000 miles before finally switching to a VStream windshield and couldn’t believe the the difference that made, waaaay quieter and way less turbulence !!!
 

7kings

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Well first thing I have to say is I ride a lot more than most folks and since I bought my first Over priced Arai helmet in about 1992 I ain’t bought a different brand since, I’ve been using the XDs for well over 10 years and love them. But getting back to the original post that started this thread I suspect his real issue might actually be the windshield he has on his Tenere, I rode my 2013 Tenere for 37,000 miles before finally switching to a VStream windshield and couldn’t believe the the difference that made, waaaay quieter and way less turbulence !!!
Interesting thought. The question in that case is how to know which size to choose. I'm 6'3" - any suggestions?
 

Cycledude

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Had the VStream Touring windshield on my 2013 which is the tallest and widest one made, I loved it but often thought 1 inch shorter might have been better for me. For my 2018 Tenere I’m most likely going to order the Sport Touring VStream, it’s about 2 1/2 inches shorter than my old one. I am 5’ 11” with a 32 inseam.
 

Wrathchild

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No helmet I have ever tried has anywhere near the airflow through the top vent that my Shoei Neotec modular has. (I am talking with the face closed). It literally feels like a fan blowing down on my head.
 

EricV

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Many of the windscreen manufacturers have a page on their site about how to pick the height that works for you. Vstream Parabellum says on their site:
Sizes: The most common ordering mistake is ordering too low a windshield for your height. Generally, mediums are good for riders 5'7" to 5'10". Over that try a tall first.
Nice write up, though cruiser oriented HERE.

Rifle's How to pick info.

Puig doesn't offer multiple sizes, but does have a separate add on piece as optional.

Cee Bailey stopped offering motorcycle windshields, though some retailers are still selling from stock.

Madstad offers some suggestions on their site.

Edit: Worth remembering is what you want in air flow. I like a little air flow. I have a Vstream Med and they recommend a Tall for my 5' 11", 32" inseam size. But I want some air, their Tall would give great coverage, but not the bit of airflow I want. I'm willing to accept some bugs on my shoulders and being just barely outside the buffeting zone in order to have my helmet top vents actually get some flow. Your needs/preferences may vary.
 

Cycledude

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Ordered a VStream Sport Touring shield for my 2018 today, hopefully I’m as happy with it as I was with the Touring shield on the 2013. Ordered direct from VStream again just like last time, both times the dude I talked to when ordering seemed very knowledgeable about Tenere windshields.
 

bmac

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Interesting thought. The question in that case is how to know which size to choose. I'm 6'3" - any suggestions?
I hate wind noise. I will do anything and everything to eliminate it. First off, ear plugs are a must, at least for me. It took me a long time to find the right ones but the Elvex Quattro do the trick. I didn't wear ear plugs for a many years and paid the price with some hearing loss and tinnitus.

The trick is to find the right combination of helmet and windscreen for the individual rider. They are three pieces to the same puzzle. Everyone is different and suggestions from folks of similar height will be most beneficial.

I am currently using an Arai XD-4 in combination with the stock screen and MRA X-creen on a Madstad bracket. Wind noise is greatly reduced with this combination. In my view the Madstad is a must for the ultimate in flexibility. As a nice bonus it offers a more secure mount for the GPS. The Arai offers fantastic air flow and a visor that I absolutely love. They have many different shell sizes so they don't take up extra space with difference size padding (a must for good aero and reduced wind noise). They fit an intermediate oval head shape.

For reference I am 6'2". If you happen to make it up to the Ocala area you are welcome to check it out.

At one time while I had 3 different motorcycles I wore 3 different helmets for reduced wind noise alone. Now I have two helmets for 3 motorcycles. The XD-4 works on two bikes. I tried all combinations of windscreens and helmets to see what worked. I was lucky to have a good local dealership that allowed me to test many different helmets.
 

Cycledude

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Well I have ridden about 300 miles with the new VStream sport touring windshield , first thing I don’t like is the light tint guess I’m just not the tinted shield type I wish it was clear like my old Touring windshield. The next thing is those curved cutouts for the handgaurds in my opinion they cut out to much and it’s messing up the airflow , if the windshield is in the lowest position that’s about where it works best for me, if I use either of the next two higher positions I get a lot more wind from those cutouts . Some folks have said mirror extenders help improve the airflow and I always kinda wished the mirrors were out a little farther anyway so I ordered a set from eBay , it will be interesting to see if they help. If you search eBay for mirror extenders for Yamaha mt09 that’s what I ordered for $25 delivered. They are coming from Germany and are supposed to deliver October 23- November 7th, wish I could post a link but the way eBay is setup now I can’t get it to work and they are not listed on Amazon.
If I could do it over I would most likely order the VStream Touring shield instead it’s 1.25 inches taller and a little wider and CLEAR , but without actually trying one it’s just guessing if it’s actually better or not.

Let us know how it turns out ,I'm 5'11 also and looking for one !!
 
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7kings

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I hate wind noise. I will do anything and everything to eliminate it. First off, ear plugs are a must, at least for me. It took me a long time to find the right ones but the Elvex Quattro do the trick. I didn't wear ear plugs for a many years and paid the price with some hearing loss and tinnitus.

The trick is to find the right combination of helmet and windscreen for the individual rider. They are three pieces to the same puzzle. Everyone is different and suggestions from folks of similar height will be most beneficial.

I am currently using an Arai XD-4 in combination with the stock screen and MRA X-creen on a Madstad bracket. Wind noise is greatly reduced with this combination. In my view the Madstad is a must for the ultimate in flexibility. As a nice bonus it offers a more secure mount for the GPS. The Arai offers fantastic air flow and a visor that I absolutely love. They have many different shell sizes so they don't take up extra space with difference size padding (a must for good aero and reduced wind noise). They fit an intermediate oval head shape.

For reference I am 6'2". If you happen to make it up to the Ocala area you are welcome to check it out.

At one time while I had 3 different motorcycles I wore 3 different helmets for reduced wind noise alone. Now I have two helmets for 3 motorcycles. The XD-4 works on two bikes. I tried all combinations of windscreens and helmets to see what worked. I was lucky to have a good local dealership that allowed me to test many different helmets.
I have a buddy that lives in Ocala - I might hit you up if I get up that way. For now, I ended up buying a Shoei Neotec II, but I still want to figure out a solution for an ADV helmet. It's starting to cool off a little (very little, but it's something), but as soon as we get into the heat again, I'm going to want to get the ventilation that an ADV helmet provides.
 

squarebore

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I'm a huge fan of full face helmets but the only quiet helemt I have ever worn is a open face 3/4 helmet. I could not believe that most of the wind noise was gone. Didn't even need ear plugs at all. Amazing.

Came to the conclusion the visor and fittings etc made most of the noise.

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EricV

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Glad what you ordered works great! Next guy has more options. ;)
 
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