Helmet suggestions

[fleabag]

Ok have gone with the shoei Neotech 3 with the Sena comms that fit it. Will give you an update after using it

I have the same helmet and built-in intercom. Had it for a couple of years. The only thing that bugs me about the NT3 is the forehead line will pull out as you take your helmet off if it’s hot and sticky out. I learned to keep my thumb there when I take the helmet off.

 

[Scout70]

Interesting you mention a big difference in fit. I recently bought a C3 (discontinued so on sale) to replace a previous C3 and its tighter but not yet broken in so I'm still hopeful about it. What is different in the fit?

This article goes into detail about the difference between the C3 and C5.

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/schuberth-c5-flip-front-review

The C5 is totally redesigned. For me the fit is excellent, but not everyone has the same head shape and the C5 might not be for everyone. I had help from my dealer who got me the best fit.

 

[Shores4now]

Update: it fits really well nice and quite and great air dynamics while riding. The Sena comms and music work well and great sound. Can take calls while running 80 mph with no problem. Top vent has great air flow. Having not noticed much air from the chin vent. The built in sun shade works good and comes down nice and low. My only gripe is I like to leave the shield open just one click, but that’s not possible. It will snap shut pretty much over 40 mph. Haven’t used it in the rain yet

 

[anjumkha]

Shoei Noctec .
Buy from a dealer to ensure a good fit.
Sometimes, they have discounts that beat online prices.

 

[Jeff423]

This article goes into detail about the difference between the C3 and C5.

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/helmets/schuberth-c5-flip-front-review

The C5 is totally redesigned. For me the fit is excellent, but not everyone has the same head shape and the C5 might not be for everyone. I had help from my dealer who got me the best fit.

I was able to try on the C3 and C5 back to back yesterday at the dealer, I have a XXL C3, the C5 is completely different and an XL fit way better, much more comfortable

 

[Petrus]

I know, helmets protect your head etcetera but I am a head case anyway.

Cruising the countryside on a motorcycle for me is being part of the scenery. A full faced helmet (for me the modular flip up concept is much the same) is shutting me off.
I also find them too heavy.

A perspective of safety is that no wind protection on the bike and an open faced helmet combo keeps the speed thus risk down.

I occasionally use a puddin´basin with fudged approval but usually use an open face ´jet´. Old style but high tech fiber reinforced resin by Premier. Good quality, affordable. The vintage theme fits in nicely with the retro R18.
Has a drop down visor but even that I perceive as an extra barrier. I do use it when windy, insect swarms, night riding but otherwise my contrast enhancing archery ´sunglasses´ will do.

Also leaves me with many kms of fuel budget.

Ah, size M, 57 - 58

 

[Gerard]

I've had modular Shoei Neotec helmets for years.
Now with Neotec 3, just excellent equipment for comfort, noise protection and safety.
And the only I can find with XXL size (64cm ...)
I'll never go back from modular.

 

[skidward]

Check out BMWMOA's "Chasing the Horizon" podcast #162. There is an interesting discussion about helmet design and safety.

 

[Petrus]

Check out BMWMOA's "Chasing the Horizon" podcast #162. There is an interesting discussion about helmet design and safety.

Imo it is all rather mute.
The whole safety discussion about helmets is imo out of context and lopsided. Do any of you wear back protectors and airbag jackets per example? And take hi-viz gear. Pfff don´t get me started. Look up Peltzman effect for one. I you think you are visibe you are in grave danger!
The whole thing, riding a motorcycle is a risk decision. The rest is a sliding scale. Personal choices in a context of a great mány variables. No better nor moral positions.

Lost my wife in a motorcycling accident. She hit her head. Head was perfectly ok. She broke her neck. Shit happens; insha'allah, carpe diem, memento mori and I say A3VT = go for it.

 

[anjumkha]

I rode from St Louis to Atlanta in really hot conditions. My Shoei Noctec 2 kept me comfortable with good ventilation. I am sure there are better helmets on the market, but this one proved its merit.
The noise was manageable.

I did not like the Sena. I gambled on a cheapo sold on AMZN. It is called Moman. The battery life is surprisingly good and connectivity is solid. The sound does not drown in the engine roar.

 

[anchovyD]

I rode from St Louis to Atlanta in really hot conditions. My Shoei Noctec 2 kept me comfortable with good ventilation. I am sure there are better helmets on the market, but this one proved its merit.
The noise was manageable.

I second this. I rode from St. Louis to Louisville to Memphis to New Orleans with a Shoei Neotec 3. Was phenemonal, relatively quiet, slippery in the wind and extremely comfortable. Easy to flip the front when cruising around town for the cool breeze. That was my first real trip with the Neotec. Previously just used 3/4 helmets like a Bell 500 with bubble shield, but over the past several years been using a Shoei J-Cruise 2.

I disagree with Petrus. On a road trip a jacket and a full faced or modular helmet make a significant difference in not getting beat up on a naked bike like the R18 Base riding for hours at 80mph. Around town where you're riding maybe 50mph tops, it's a different story but for anything over an hour of interstate riding, jacket and modular = comfort on the level of a faired bike with a windshield, like a Road Glide or Transcont + with mesh you getting cooling air flow. And that's ignoring any safety benefit, that just pure riding comfort.

 

[Hammo]

Helmets are a nightmare to fathom out , i have had many over the years open face , full face etc , do not take what the experts say about noise , this depends on your riding style . Also the most noise on a bike is caused by the wind around your neck , head , and upper body , does your bike have a decent windscreen ? BEST OF LUCK MY FRIEND.

 

[Petrus]

I don´t agree nor disagree, just enjoy a different experience.
All a matter of preference, perception of experience.
Yesterday went out around the village with the puddin´ basin. Sure it´s even more wind but that is a consequence and example of experiencing it more directly.
And about jackets, I went out for some 3 hours ride in longsleeved linen shirt. Yesterday was shorts and T-shirt.

I also have a hard core cabrio and a comfy GT coupé. Just back from the coast, beach, with the latter.

I am done with fast stuff. Have raced motorbikes all over Europe for over two decades. Also done decades of fast wind shielded touring on p.e. MotoGuzzi Spada, BMW K75S and VFR800s. Worn out two sidecar combos year round commuting unshielded.
Now enjoying retired life in the wind on a big bruiser cruiser.
Mind; do take into account where I live. Rather a bit of a difference.

And safety... that is mostly illusion once you hop on a motorbike.
Been involved in research by a national (royal no less ) motorcycle association and the bottom line is that protective stuff is all but useless. The crux is in preventing; in anticipating, riding defensively.
Best example is hi-viz gear: It is not about being visible but about being séén. Again; look up the Peltzman effect. Best ride as if you are naked and invisible.
A sobering perspective is that most car drivers cán not even see, notice you because of fysical limitation and ever increasing dead angles in modern cars add insult upon injury. Ah.. but the electronic drivers´aids. Sure; it´s you life. I assume that I am not registered. Heck even motobike cops painted in dayglo with blue lights and sire on get killed because ´did not see him´....
A politically incorrect aspect of safety research was that loud pipes do save lives. I keep mine standard becaus of the social aspects but there you are.

 

[Petrus]

Helmets are a nightmare to fathom out , i have had many over the years open face , full face etc , do not take what the experts say about noise , this depends on your riding style . Also the most noise on a bike is caused by the wind around your neck , head , and upper body , does your bike have a decent windscreen ? BEST OF LUCK MY FRIEND.

Crucial is design/hight of the wind protection and rides size/seating psoition. When those are incompatible, the resulting buffeting is worse than no wind shield.
A good example was the MotoGuzzi LeMans second half of seventies. Not even a bikini fairing but it was surprisingly effective for the racing crouch the bike put you in. But the Guzzi had their own wind tunnel on the factory premises since early fifties. Hence it was them that first came up with the ´dust bin´ fairings.

 

[BER18 100]

I wear a 3/4 in the summer and a modular in the winter. Happy camper.

 

[anjumkha]

And safety... that is mostly illusion once you hop on a motorbike.
Been involved in research by a national (royal no less ) motorcycle association and the bottom line is that protective stuff is all but useless. The crux is in preventing; in anticipating, riding defensively

Hey Petrus, I totally get where you're coming from. Most rider gear feels like overkill, except for boots, a high-viz jacket, and goggles, which actually make sense. Helmets in summer? They can make riding less fun. In states like Illinois, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Florida, there’s no helmet law, so I love the freedom of riding without one in warm weather.

The real key to staying safe is being visible, keeping your distance, constantly scanning your surroundings, doing head checks, and entering curves at a manageable speed.

 

[Petrus]

The real key to staying safe is being visible, keeping your distance, constantly scanning your surroundings, doing head checks, and entering curves at a manageable speed.

Be aware perception of the pitt fall there: The crux is being séén. Never lull yourself into fééling visible. So yes, be visible but drive like you are invisible.
What I mean with all of what I write in this perspective is most easily understood as having right of way not meaning that you will actually will be given right of way. Being the vulnerable party, best assume you will not.

Protective and hi-viz gear is a sliding scale. A scale depending on how you drive, when, where and your skill/experience.
A parallel with horse riding. Jumping with horse wíth helmet and back protector is more likely to get you serously hurt than just rding without that. The safety gear does not make you safe; yoú do.

Asimple example of sliding scale:
In the north of Europe, riding gear was an easier choice by colder weather, rain etc. You needed to pack yourself anyway, even in summer.
In the south of Europe it is different. You walk about,ride a bicycle in linen short pants and short sleeved shirt. ´Safe´ riding gear is a serious drop in fun experience and iding a bit slower on less frequented roads is a parallel to not jumping.

Lastly two fundamentals which help mé a lot in risc decisions:

1. risc = the chance of a (particular) mishap x the (potential) seriousness of consequences.

2. the kinetic energy of ¡an object is mass m traveling at a speed v is

(i.e. you can change speed with seriousness of consequences)