Time for a New helmet

[haikman]

Thanks for all of the input. I ended up buying the Nolan N103 black graphite and added the Scala rider G4. I liked all of the features and we will see when I pick up the bike next week how I like it.

 

[tomatocity]

I wish I could get one of those BYE Tenere helmets but can't find them anywhere.

http://www.byehelmets.com/en/prodotto_tenere.htm

Looks like no USA release.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I was sort of a cheap helmet buyer for years. I did make sure the certs were both dot (duh) and more importantly, Snell. When I bought my FZ back in 2004, I was enticed into both trying and buying a Arai. I'll never go back. I currently have a Corsair V, and even my lovable but somewhat numb wife exclaimed:" It is so comfortable that I could barely tell I had it on, and the shield is so good it seems like it is open when it is closed." Nuff said. If she notices it, it is real.
so: keep in mind that Arai makes both different helmet shell sizes and head shape interiors. Prior to that Quantum f that I bought in 04, most helmets didn't fit worth a hoot. I have an odd shaped head, it seems. The Arai's fit very well. The big thing is try more than one style, to find which fit fits. Their website explains which is which. I repeat: my Bell Moto 7 feels like a cloth wrapped Brick in comparison; sad to say. I was a big Bell buyer/fan for years, and they used to be the best of the best. I buy Arais now. I have the Moto 7, it isn't bad, but it is no Arai. Nothing would make me happier than Bell start making helmets back in the USA, and become a serious competitor to Arai. But good and great speak for themselves.

I've also got an Arai Corsair V and while I love the fit and feel, hate the helmet. Those big vents are too damned fragile in the winter ($28 to replace), the shield retention is archaic, and replacement shields cost too much. But the biggest thing is noise. The helmet was fit for me by an Arai factory rep and I've worn a lot of helmets, so fit is not an issue. The problem is with those big vents, which were developed for racing and marketing. They make so much noise that I can't even hear music with earbuds plugged in.


I got a Shoei Qwest this summer and have found it to be a far better helmet for MY needs. The bad is that I need to take the chin curtain off in rain or it fogs, even with anti-fog goop. But the venting does work fine (nothing vents as much as the Corsair or Shoei X series) and this is easily the quietest helmet I've had. They made the shape and vents for a rider sitting more upright, as we do on the Super Tenere, plus the area near the ears was widened specifically for installation of speakers.


As for others, here's a source for helmet reviews: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm


And intercom reviews: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-intercoms/

 

[doggrell3000]

i like the arai xc ram helmet . it is a bit noisy and not as safe as a full face model . but for an open face helmet it feels great on my head and i can see much better than i can inside a full face helmet . beautiful women are all trying to see my face when i cruise by on my black triumph bonneville ( sorry no super tenere yet ) so the open face helmet really gives them a thrill ( especially when i flash a subtle smile at a stop light then take off with a wheely ) . i'll probably break my neck . but that's ok because i have two . i have a very large arai xc ram helmet due to having a very big head . my wife also wears an arai xc ram helmet . she rides the bonneville ( passenger seat ) and thinks i am a lousy driver . she will take over the triumph and ride it by herself when my raven super tenere arrives . my wife is not only lovely but smart and a better motorcyclist than i will ever be .

i tried to include a picture of the arai xc ram open face helmet but i can't figure out how to make a picture appear inside my post . anyway , it's black like all my other gear - and bikes .

 

[Kevhunts]

I got a Shoei Qwest this summer and have found it to be a far better helmet for MY needs. The bad is that I need to take the chin curtain off in rain or it fogs, even with anti-fog goop. But the venting does work fine (nothing vents as much as the Corsair or Shoei X series) and this is easily the quietest helmet I've had. They made the shape and vents for a rider sitting more upright, as we do on the Super Tenere, plus the area near the ears was widened specifically for installation of speakers.

Did you find the need to change the cheek pads on the Qwest?

 

[Checkswrecks]

Did you find the need to change the cheek pads on the Qwest?

Nope

 

[bloke]

i now have a sena and im happier with that than the scala

 

[stevepsd]

Love my Shoei X-11 and Arai XD3. Fit perfect for my head, quiet, nice interior.

Soon to add the Sena SMH-10.....

I am always reminded of the real, original Bell Helmets (not the Chinese ones you buy today - different company who bought the name) advertising of the late 70's......"If you have a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet"; wish I could find the ad copy....here are some old ones though http://youtu.be/X3pygHd6dhk

Whenever I replace my perfectly good helmets (no more than 5 years old) I think wow...$500 is alot to spend on a helmet...until I think about the potential consequences....heck the difference in price between cheap and expensive is less than your medial insurance deductible if you have a unfortunate accident....

 

[~TABASCO~]

I finally ended up with a Shoei Multi tech.. fits great (my head),,, Love it !

 

[Tremor38]

Shoei X-11 w/ Sena SMH10.

I damaged my second X-11 in a crash with no injuries to my noggen. The first one I bought got too big when I lost 50lbs. I ended up giving it away.

I bought an X-11 here in Japan but made the mistake of not leaving it on my anglo-shaped head long enough. I get a pressure spot on my forehead. I was thinking that all X-11s are the same, but I guess what county you buy it in really does make a difference. Even helmets like the Arai profile, which fit me well from stateside vendors, fit all weird and tight here, and are more round when it comes to internal shape.

 

[MortiisMachine]

I just sold my arai tour x 3 and am now running a shark vision r, early days but so far so good. Internal sun visor works very well and field of vision is excellent.

 

[newventurer]

I also have the Shoei Qwest - Love it- quiet, light, use the Scala G4 with it. It did take some customization to fit the Scala G4 on the helmet.

Looks great with the Blue bike - Blacks, sorry.

 

[Kevhunts]

I also have the Shoei Qwest - Love it- quiet, light, use the Scala G4 with it. It did take some customization to fit the Scala G4 on the helmet.

Looks great with the Blue bike - Blacks, sorry.

I tried on a Qwest in my size and it fit well except the cheek pads were too thick. I wish they would let you order one with the cheek pad size of choice instead of forcing you to buy an additional set.
I was planning on a all white unit but the blue & white looks nice!