What kind of helmet do you prefer?

[jaderider]

Howdy,
Its time for me to replace my lid. I used to just get standard full face helmets, but in the last few years I tried a motorcross helmet from EVS, and then last year I got the AGV- AX8 http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/agv-ax-8-dual-evo/

Really liked both but on my trip to Alaska, the winds in southern Wyoming almost ripped my head off. In Yellowstone, the wind blew the helmet off the bike and crashed it onto the pavement. So much for that.

So, right now I am looking for a versatile helmet that will be good for long distance touring, with a not so high price (under $300 would be great)

Bottom line is versatility. Thoughts?

 

[JohnB]

I bought one of these (Shoei Qwest): http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/helmets/shoei/qwest_airfoil_motorcycle_helmet.html

This is a killer price for this helmet. It's designed for a more upright riding position like the Tenere or other touring bike. I'm going to try it out tomorrow.

 

[oilfield_trash]

I have a modular helmet, but I find it to be a poor compromise. Full face helmets offer better protection, better fit (Shoei offers five shell sizes in their good stuff), and more comfortable. Ask me again when it's August in Houston. I may want a skull cap by then.

 

[Mzee]

Arai as seen in my avatar.

 

[CDMartin884]

Had a Shoei Qwest, great bang for the buck, but I have an Arai head. So I went with a Vector 2 (Same price range). I also have a Schuberth C2 that I bought new in 2004, its since been retired. I prefer full face to modular, not for any reason other than preference. I would say if you go the route of Arai, contact the Helmet Shop in Daytona Beach, they have the best prices hands down. They can't advertise below UMAP, but I know the silver XD 4 was quoted to me @ $431 a few weeks ago during Bike Week when I was in the shop.

 

[AlsoRan]

I have an Arai XD and it too is not so good in the wind. I ended up using a disc sander to put a 1-1/2" radius on each corner of the visor and it helped. I'm looking at the new Icon Adventure helmet. Tried one on and it's seems really comfortable. Maybe will upgrade to it. It's close to your price range.

 

[jaderider]

Re: Re: What kind of helmet do you prefer?

I have an Arai XD and it too is not so good in the wind. I ended up using a disc sander to put a 1-1/2" radius on each corner of the visor and it helped. I'm looking at the new Icon Adventure helmet. Tried one on and it's seems really comfortable. Maybe will upgrade to it. It's close to your price range.

Sounds interesting indeed. I have been looking at the Speed and Strength S2500. The Joe Rocket also.
I think that something that would allow me to remove the beak easily would be a perfect option. During the summer I do preferr to ride with goggles. It helps with the Texas heat.

In the end, and off road helmet may be the thing.


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[ltft71]

I have an Icon Variant, while you can't wear goggles with it and can't remove the visor, I have been very happy with it. It is cool enough (for a full face) in the Texas heat and with the removable chin skirt it is comfortable in winter temps (teens to 20s). The shape of the visor doesn't catch too much wind, except extreme winds, with the stock windscreen on the Tenere and works even better with a slightly taller windscreen.

 

[talonboy]

I have a Shoei Qwest and a Fly ? adventure helmet. The Shoei is the better helmet by far, but it is a street only helmet. The Fly helmet allows the use of goggles and faceshield. The Fly helmet flow airs better, but is nosier, and the visor does catch a bit of air and vibrate. I prefer the Shoei for street rides, and the Fly for shorter off-road trips.

 

[macca]

I've a Shoei Hornet which is my go to helmet except if I'm going on a long(er) ride of reasonable speed (m'ways etc) then I'll wear my Shoei XR1000.
I've also got a Shoei Multitec flip front lid which I'm less than happy with as it leaks in poor weather and feels heavy on my head and I rarely have felt the need to flip the front when the visor would do.
I do quite fancy the look of the new Shoei GT-Air? apart from the price and I would prefer to have the "seatbelt" fitting over a D-Ring but we no longer seem to get those now in Blighty

 

[JaimeV]

I had the BMW enduro and replace it by the Airoh S4 you can see in my avatar. Cheaper and quieter, very pleased with it

 

[Boondocker]

I can't decide. I have a modular (Shoei Neotec), full face (HJC IS-16), dual-sport (AFX-39), and an MX style (One Industries). I try to wear the helmet best suited to the ride. Daily commuting and touring gets the Modular. The Shoei Neotec is an expensive solution, more than the other 3 helmets combined, and the best quality (and best fitting for me) by far.

If it's a long highway ride followed by dirt tracking, the dual sport helmet is the fitting compromise.

For a mostly off road day (riding my WR250R), I prefer the lighter weight and better ventilation of the MX lid with goggles. I put up with it on the highway. I've been known to put a scratch or two on my dirt helmets, so I don't want an expensive dirt riding helmet.

The HJC full face served me well until I got the Neotec. Now I'm spoiled.

Note - I have a selection of riding gear, including boots. Same rule applies - wear what best suits the ride, not to mention riding the bike that best suits the ride. It may seem expensive to have a variety of and/or specialized gear, but in the past 6 years, where I ride on the average of 6 days a week and 20,000-25,000 miles per year - commuting, touring, and dirt roading, I find it cost-effective to maximize my comfort and protection most of the time.

Good luck with your collection

 

[JohnB]

Rode the S10 to work today and used the Shoei Qwest for the first time. This is by far the quietest helmet I've ever worn. It was windy and I took the expressway (70+ mph) in the morning and this helmet was comfortable, quiet and stable. It seems to be much better suited to the S10 than the RF1100 I use for my Street Triple.
I haven't used the S10 for dirt riding and don't know if I ever will so I cant comment on what helmet I would use for dual-sport riding.

 

[Zepfan]

Shoei Neotec

Crazy expensive and in this case you get what you pay for. Supremely comfortable and QUIET. I ride w/ mod up 90% of the time.

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/shoei-neotec-helmet?utm_source=product&kwd=&adtype=pla&kw={keyword}&gclid=CNea0b7XvLYCFa9aMgodnSsAjg

 

[advswede1981]

I use the following two helmets:

I recently bought this shark helmet at Revzilla for around $340 and find it perfect for commuting and trips around town, especially since it has the interior fold down sun screen and a vary large field of vision.

http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/apparel/apparel_details.php?item=3017&category=riding&group=2&subgroup=

I use the Variant for longer day trips or when I want to look extra "ADV" lol... It has a huge field of vision, very very good ventilation, extremely comfortable, and relatively quiet. The only down side is that I don't like switching out the screen all the time so I only leave the dark tinted one on. If this helmet had the interior fold down sun screen it would be the only helmet I would ever need. If I had to only pick one helmet this would be it.

http://www.acquiremag.com/motorcycles/icon-variant.php

 

[iridemotorbikes]

Shoei Neotec

Crazy expensive and in this case you get what you pay for. Supremely comfortable and QUIET. I ride w/ mod up 90% of the time.

X's 2!!! Had the Shoei Multi Tec then replaced it with a Neotec, just and awesome helmet. Totally different in a good way compared to my MultiTec. Also have a Shoei Hornet, it's nice but is for me any off road only lid, visor at 80-85mph equals no fun..

 

[William42]

Shoei Neotec ::008::

 

[creggur]

Shoei Neotec ::008::

Same here - by far the best helmet I've ever owned, period. I know it's outside your stated budget, but if it fits your noggin, it's so worth the coin. First premium helmet I've bought in nearly 20 years; I couldn't be happier!

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I really like my Arai XD3. My windscreen throws all the air over my helmet so it has never been any problem at all. Love the visor when riding into the sun.

 

[jaderider]

Re: Re: What kind of helmet do you prefer?

Same here - by far the best helmet I've ever owned, period. I know it's outside your stated budget, but if it fits your noggin, it's so worth the coin. First premium helmet I've bought in nearly 20 years; I couldn't be happier!

Indeed Showing is great. Would if coin would allow.


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