Helmets: Full face, open face, flip up?

[Bob Hughes]

What type of helmet do you wear? And do you have an intercom system working in it?

[georgeorge]

I wear a full face HJC and yes I have an autocom. I was a BIOTCH to get it in there, but it's in there.

[RTETR]

Schuberth C1 with Starcom1.

Best helmet for me in 18 years! It's quiet, never fogs up, removable liner and a built in sun visor.

Starcom1 also works great. Powered off the bike with GPS, cell phone, Ipod and wife yeeling at me all at the same time... No actually it has a fader but now and then I do disconnect the wife..:rolleyes: Install was about 15 minutes while getting ready for a 2 week trip.

[bobclift]

I wear a Shoei X-11 full face and do not have sound at the moment. Infrequently, I use my MP3 with earplugs and I like the side benefit of blocking wind noise. I'm just not sure if speakers in the helmet (although more convenient for sure) would produce an unsatisfactory mix of music and noise. So, I'd lean more toward comfortable earbuds myself. Bob

[EASt]

I wear a Shoei X-11 full face and do not have sound at the moment. Infrequently, I use my MP3 with earplugs and I like the side benefit of blocking wind noise. I'm just not sure if speakers in the helmet (although more convenient for sure) would produce an unsatisfactory mix of music and noise. So, I'd lean more toward comfortable earbuds myself. Bob

Ditto.

[Brighteyesue]

I wear a full face HJC and yes I have an autocom. I was a BIOTCH to get it in there, but it's in there.

I have an HJC as well and plan to get Autocom soon. Any tips you amy have would be very appreciated.

[newbluest]

I just got a new Nolan N102 and put a Starcom SH006 headset in it. Because it has slots for the NCOM earpieces, it works really nice as no cutting or dremel-ing of foam is required.

[Imrubicon]

I have a full face HJC also but wil most likely go to a half or open face in June or there abouts due to heat.

[georgeorge]

I have an HJC as well and plan to get Autocom soon. Any tips you amy have would be very appreciated.

Sue there are pockets in the ear positions in the helmet, but the speakers are VERY tight in the pockets and the velcro binds on the fabric making it difficult to insert them into the pockets. A good tip is to put a piece of paper in the pocket, then insert the speaker so that the paper is between the velcro and fabric. Once it's in there, pull the paper out. As far as the wiring is concerned you just gotta shove it up in there as best as possible. Wish I could help more than that. Don't swear too much at it....breathe...count to 10...whatever you gotta do. Then get back at it. It's a ***** to do, but you'll be happy with it when it's done. The speakers do sound good.

[TLTONEY]

My wife and I wear Shoei Multitec's :bow1: with the Autocom system :woo installed.

Trey
:biker:

[Pat Thompson]

Shoei RF1000 full face. I ride solo 100% of the time so no intercom. I do wear my Shure e3c earplugs hooked to my MP3 player in my jacket pocket. Simple but effective. :D

[Bob Hughes]

My wife and I wear Shoei Multitec's :bow1: with the Autocom system :woo installed.

Trey
:biker:


I would love to hear from a real fan what you like so much about the Shoei Multitec. Is it quiet? Comfortable? Convenient?

[BlaSTr]

What type of helmet do you where? And do you have an intercom system working in it?

What helmet? Arai RX-7 Corsair or Shoei Multitech

where? on my head.

RD

[fitenfyr]

HJC SY-MAX with an Autocom.
Couldn't be happier. :D

[Schavlan]

HJC Cl-33 with intercom
I'm very happy with it.

[Brighteyesue]

Don't swear too much at it....breathe...count to 10...whatever you gotta do. Then get back at it. It's a ***** to do, but you'll be happy with it when it's done. The speakers do sound good.

Thanks for the tip and the encouragment to stay calm. :)

[motoman]

HJC Symax Flip-up here. 2 actually.

You'd think that since HJC makes the chatterbox, they would integrate the products a little. Or actually make a chatterbox that works. :rolleyes:

But NOOOOOOOoooooo.

But then of course we might expect Honda to make an ST1300 with a leather saddle from the same quality leather as an Acura... :D

[BigTom]

I just got a cataloge from JMC, they are showing a selection of helmets with their headphones integrated. Looks like I might need a Nolan 102, it comes to $500 and some with premium phones...Jeeze, I paid $10.00 for my first helmet...in 1965:)

Oh, yeah. For you techniphobes, they also show (but not price) their new bluetooth system. A Nolan 102 with full stero integrated bluetooth. Or a stick on for your helmet...

[GRN]

RF1000's (solid Axis Yellow, of course ;) ), Auotocom.

[SteveST1300]

Schuberth C2 a fantastic helmet I use custom ear plugs with built in speakers connected to the Autocom for intercom and Sirus radio. Helmet doesnt fog and the internal sun visor is awsome.:03biker:

[johnSTamela]

My wife and I use Nolan N100E with IMC MIT-100 intercom sets. I highly recommend both.

[tkresler]

I use an el cheapo HJC open face without any speakers as long as it's above 50 degrees out. If it's cooler I switch to another el cheapo HJC 3/4 face without speakers.

When I need tunes, I have Etymotic research ER-6's that I use with an iPod. Simple and effective. I went from San Francisco to Chicago by way of Vegas and Memphis last year with the open face and headphones. No complaints.

Tim

[mister_bill]

HJC-flip up with MotoCom head phones & microphone for 2-way radio. Adapted additional cord to use head-phones only for Zumo - helmet way too noisy to be useful at speed. Tried $40 Sony ear-buds - too uncomfortable. Still looking for a solution. No intercomm - no passenger.

[SteveST1300]

I din't mention it but the combo of custom ear plugs with built in speakers is great It cuts out all the unwanted noise -30db and I can keep the volume much lower than when I had the Autocom speakers in. with the Autocom speakers we had to keep the volume at 8 to hear on the highway with the custom plugs I keep it at 2 or 3. :03biker: No more headaches after a long ride.

[cyrjordan]

I just bought a new Shark RSX Dual touch... wow what a helmet!

[BlkMax]

My wife and I both have Icon Mainframe traditional full face helmets. The Autocomm install was about 15 minutes per helmet. The Mainframe is designed for fitting comm systems, and has pockets in the ear area for the speakers.

[Byron]

Shoei X-Eleven

Have Autocom on the bike for 2-way radio and audio but no intercom per se as no passenger. Instead of cutting into the helmet liner to install Autocom speakers, I cut them off the harness and use an adapter and earbuds.

[Yogi]

What type of helmet do you wear? And do you have an intercom system working in it?


A little of all of the above.

I have a full face with no wiring
I have a Flip with a J&M Headset
I have a 1/2 with a boom mike but no speakers
and I occasionally ride sans lid

[SupraSabre]

I have a Shoei Syncrotec that I installed Autocom speakers in. I had to disassemble the chin/ear areas to install them and I have it so I can attach the boom mike when I plan on using the intercom feature for when my wife rides with me. I also installed the speakers and mike in my Shoei RF900. I haven't tried it out yet for talking, but the speakers work great! :D

I have the Autocom set up in my tank bag with the power coming in through a 12V power outlet I set up in the dash. I can also power my CD player with this set up. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to set up my mp3 player since I have two 2gb SD chips and just one of them holds 34 hours of music. (but the battery keeps dieing on me.):mad:

I have since bought a Multitec and pulled the mike and speakers out of the rf900 and put them in it. The intercom works great, I just need some way of adjusting the volume for my wife (she complains it's too loud, then not loud enough, etc...) with out having to open up the tankbag. I'm thinking of going to RadioShack and getting some dials that will attach to the autocom and put them on the outside of the bag. That way I can adjust it without any problems while riding.

[spd2918]

On my bike I run a CL-Max for the fit, but it has a lot of wind noise (IMO).

On my work bike I use a Shoei 3/4. Somehow I can hear the comm better, maybe because I don't get out on the highway with it.

[fastflyer20]

Having roadraced, witnesses crashes and participated in a few, there is no other helmet than a fullface. If you never need it, fantastic. The structure of a full face is superior to any other style. That is why they are mandatory in almost any form of motorcycle competition. Stick an intercom it it if you like.

I read an interesting statistic that the cruiser group accident rate is increasing. The sport bike segment is decreasing slightly. I hate to see cruisers with 1/2 helmets, or less.

[dhuber]

Off road riding always a full face. Current road helmet Shoei Full RF-R. Once I change the windshield on my ST I'd like to go to a Shoei RJ-Air XL ¾ open. If anyone has a good price on a XL RJ-Air let me know.

[alphafang]

My wife and I have both full face and flip front the both types are fitted up for the autocom 7 system they are Vemar carbon deneem kevlar and Lazer Revolutions I voted full face as we use these most (quieter)

[UNTMatt]

Me: Arai Profile

Wife: Arai Signet

Intercom: Autocom Active-PLUS

When we win the lottery, we will upgrade to the Autocom. We will wear nothing other than full face helmets. There's a reason they are the only allowed...and required....gear on the race track.

EDIT: We have upgraded...but we didn't win the lottery...we just expanded the belt of our credit card.

[steve3b3]

My wife and I have Schuberth C2's without an intercom.

I've got a Sansa and Sony earbuds that I use for tunes. That works nicely.

Steve:04biker:

[John Anthony]

Arai full with audio, most of the time. Arai open, when I get a hair.

John

[DAS]

N 102 - upgraded from a 3/4 about a month ago. Peer pressure does work.

[Itchy]

I've always worn full faced helmets . With the visor down it's like being in your own little environment . It provides protection from the cold , rain , sand and most of all , BUGS .

[wrk101]

Arai Signet XXXL Full Face.

Ever since I slid down the freeway in 1989 with an open face helmet (I-405, San Diego, CA, heavy traffic), I have never worn an open face helmet again. Lesson learned. With a hat size of "8", the Arai Signet is is the only full face helmet made that fits.


bill kramer
waynesville, nc
stoc 973

[v65saber]

Actually I wear 2. A Shoei 1000 and a Nolan 102..

Yes I have a big head, :)

NOOO I don't wear them both at the same time ....:rolleyes:

[killerST6]

I have a Full face Modular Nolan without intercom at this time.

[wescus]

I wear a Fulmer Modus (flip-up) with Baehr system. Passenger has same setup... Intercom,Sirius sattelite, MP3, hands-free phone, TomTom... I don't like to get bored...

[STBNE]

My main helmet is a Nolan N102 modular without intercom although it would take it if I wanted to get that type of system.I also use a Shoei TZ-R full face that does not flip open.I prefer the Nolan as it is easier and more comfortable to use.:)

[tkresler]

I use an el cheapo HJC open face without any speakers as long as it's above 50 degrees out. If it's cooler I switch to another el cheapo HJC 3/4 face without speakers.

When I need tunes, I have Etymotic research ER-6's that I use with an iPod. Simple and effective. I went from San Francisco to Chicago by way of Vegas and Memphis last year with the open face and headphones. No complaints.

Tim

I saw this pole surface, and I thought I'd re-reply. I've switched to a full face, as you can see in my profile. Having worn it thru the summer, I don't think I'll ever wear anything else, except for maybe a modular. Full face is nice, full face with out having to take your glasses off would be even better.

That being said, I love the integrated sunglasses in my Caberg Solo.

Tim

[killerST6]

Tim,
You may want to give the Nolan N102 Modular a look.
It will give you the ability to leave your glasses on while putting it on and taking it off, it also has a built in sun visor you can flip up out of the way when you don't need it.
Works quite well.

[Ed_Grant]

Black Shoei RF1000 full-face. I've been wearing this helmet for a couple of years and really like it. Can wear it all day every day with no hot spots. Visors go on & off in about 10 seconds. Probably replace it with another one in a year or so. Only problem is the rear vent plastic bit fell out so I can't close that vent. Not a big deal though.

[adamk]

Having roadraced, witnesses crashes and participated in a few, there is no other helmet than a fullface.

+1 on that!! When my wife and I had our getoff she slide feet first, face down in gravel. If not for the chin guard on her helmet, she'd be missing teeth and part of her face! You can see pictures of her helmet at the bottom of this page:

http://koczarski.com/Motorcycles/Trips/20040619%20Trip%20and%20Crash/trip20040619.htm#Crash

There's gravel shoved between the outer shell and the inner lining.

[sirepair]

AGV Flyer for me, Nolan Mod for the SO, looking for a youth modular for the munchkin. Any ideas there.

I voted "with intercom" but I have not yet installed one. But hope to soon!

[c-lapier]

Arai QuantumII<solid yellow>. Great venting but noisey; overpriced. Took a while to get used to, my first helmet was a 3/4 that was 2 sizes too large; over 50 mph it felt like it was falling off. I'll probably buy some kind of Shoei next, but I'll always go full face.

[slo~ride]

Both my wife and I have Nikki Hayden limited edition Arai full face helmets. We are looking for a bike to bike comm. system, just havent found what we want yet at a price that we like.

[gegundez]

Good thread. Shoei Multitec.

[birdie_xx]

I can't vote......

How about all of them, with the Autocom.

Right now I use the Arai RX7 (needs to be updated), the Nolan N100E (also needs to be updated), Schuberth C2 - I think the best helmet I've had so far, and the Nolan N42 N-com.

I don't use the N42 on the CBR1100XX, and I don't like the Arai on the ST1100....:cool:

Cheers,

[Speedracer612]

HJC Flip with Autocom

[Shuey]

Was riding with Arai Vector Full Face until last Friday. Went to the Helmet Shop in Daytona and tried on a Shoei Multitec and it was much more comfortable, so bought it.

Shipped the Arai home and wore the Multitec on my 600 mile meandering return trip home. It is much quieter and as much of my ride was in the rain, surprise!, it didn't fog. Got the "Pinock" shield face and two of the inserts. Makes a double pane effect - no fogging. Both shield and face can be individually flipped up and adjusted.

Ease of flipping the face up while stopped at lights also facilitates short conversations with a parallel rider.

5 Stars!

[CARPDM]

With an open face I feel my lines-of-sight are so much better. I have a flip-up but have difficultly looking over my shoulder for lane changing. And, I feel the chin bar blocks my view of the dash. My flip-up helmet is a Caberg.

[EASt]

Just bought a new Schuberth C2. I love it while it is quiet for a flip up I think it is noisier than my RF1000...I think. Anyone agree ?
The internal sun visor is neat,no more wishing I had sunglasses on.

As a side question,how do you other Schuberth owners like your visors and the way they operate ?
I find myself thinking I am going to miss the Shoei quick detach shield and the way it ratchets and has the slight open position setting. Works very good in the rain. As well the Shoei seals tight when closed,the Schuberth less so.

To me,the Schuberth visor seems "loose" and rather vague in it's operation when you compare the two.

Actually had me thinking helmet farkle...I have a couple Shoei s sitting here..Hmmm a C2 with a Shoei visor....Hmmm

Any thoughts anyone ??

No thoughts, but I'm completely torn between the Multitec and the C2 right now. I can't decide. If the Shoei had the sun visor, I'd get that - I'm sick of dealing with sunglasses.

[Mike]

I ride with a Shoei RJ platinum during the warm weather, I really like having a visor and the ease of putting on glasses. In the winter I wear an RF1000 for warmth, When I am on the XX I wear the X-11, very noisy but light and breathes so well that it's not a good winter helmet.

[jdsd-tourteam]

Scorpion EXO-700 full face helmet with a Scala RiderTeamSet intercom.

Seems a tad loud but then I thought my (older) AGV was quiet and I tried it one day and it was somewhat loud too. It does not buffet on the bike - so perhaps my windscreen is the correct height. (I don't know the history of the windscreen as I purchased the bike used. It may be the original as the rest of the bike was bone stock.)

I feel that the first open click of the shield is too much when riding in cold or fogging up weather. I would like it to be just slight gap to allow for just a little airflow to keep it from fogging. I'm constantly open to first click, close, open, close when riding in cold weather.

In hot weather, the venting seems good and I can feel it - esp. when my heat is sweating a little!

Seems to be sized a tad tight. It leaves a big red semi-circle on my forehead (that gradually goes away after a few minutes). After riding all day in it I definitely am ready to have it off my head.

Liner pops out (like most helmet's these days?) Shield seems fairly scratch resistant.

Think it's a good value. Interested in trying something else.

[Rollon]

I've been using a Nolan N102. It is the easiest helmet to take on and off w/glasses I have ever used. Very comfortable for all day use. I also have a new Scorpian EXO-700 that I have only used once. The Nolan is so comfortable and easy to use, I grab it first.

[Last1Out]

I use 2, an HJC CL/Max flip up when club riding, and a Shoei RF 1000 for solo or serious riding. No intercom or speakers, I like the quiet.

[grindz145]

I use a schuberth s1. this sucker is quiet, but totally not worth the money. The visor antifog coating peeled after a day and is flaking off. The front vent actually popped out of the helmet while I was riding and now i have to tape it up so its not obnoxiously loud. However it is really really comfortable, has good coverage for the crappy weather, and is the quietest helmet ive worn. If I were to buy another helmet though, Id prolly go shoei, though I do love the comfiness.. o yeah one more thing the flip down sun visor is awesome but again the anti fog coating makes it so you have to take it out and wash it in soapy water before you can see clearly through it. Not worth 700 bucks thats for sure!

[jac]

hello i need new tires on my st1300 2005 what are the best milage tire on the market they will be change in april 08 for summer season shure il get good advise from stowner.com rider jac. jac1300.@hotmail.com

[jac]

and be the way i where a full face for cool wheater and open small for hot days.jac

[juddspaintballs]

I used to use a cheap flip face helmet until I tested out how well it worked on pavement. The flip face part stayed in place even after taking a smack and slide down Main Street on my chin. Made me believe that flip face can be just as safe...although I'm replacing it with a full face for cost

[EASt]

hello i need new tires on my st1300 2005 what are the best milage tire on the market they will be change in april 08 for summer season shure il get good advise from stowner.com rider jac. jac1300.@hotmail.com

:welcome1:

[Bluecrew]

Full-face with intercom (Baehr Verso XL communications system)

[long2rideST]

HJC CL/MAX Flip-up with Autocom ,Tomtom Rider,Archos605WiFi for MP3's while on road and entertainment/web surfing at motel's,TrickAudio earplug phones.

[uptoblackwood]

Two Shoei 1000's with Autocom headsets installed....easy install and works very well. It's easy to pull the speakers when using earbuds.

Forest

[Chip J]

Me: Shoei RF1000 (full) with Chatterbox NR headset. For speakers to fit me comfortably in this helmet, they have to be placed slightly forward of my ears.
Wife: Arai Vector (full) with same. Comfortable for her.

[02STom]

HJC Symax with Autocom installed. Custom molded earplugs. +1 on the install. I'm looking at the Multitec hoping for a little less noise.

[st11ray]

Arai Quantum w/ Autocom, the wife wears a Shoei FF w/Autocom. I used to wear a Shoei and I think it was quieter than my Arai but overall I like the Arai better. I know it's personal, but I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would ever ride any motorcycle with anything less than a full face or flip-up.

[Bug]

Scorpion EXO-100 (shorty) with a Hondaline headset. It wasn't my first choice - all of the full face helmets I liked didn't fit (me and my fat head!) - but this one is comfortable. And I really like the way the shield slides up and locks inside the helmet when I don't need it. Like I said, it wasn't my first choice, but I learned to like it very quickly.

[sagedrifter]

Nolan N-102 NCom.

[SALTYDOG56]

Greetings from the North East.:bow1:

Did the whole go around thing on deciding on a new helmet this summer.

Wanted the convinence of a flip up and after trying all the flip ups out there. I Bit the Bulit and shelled out the money for the Shoei Multitec.

Its a very well made helmet and the fit is the best of them all,for me. Its not as Quiet as a full face but beter than the Nolan and the HJC.

You can change the cheek pads to help customize the fit.

Shield closes better than most fully tight and no rain gets In. venting works very well on hot days.

I did have a problem with fogging when the temps droped down, You would think for the kind of dough, it cost they would have that figured out.

Can not win them all, In general im very pleased with the Multitec

Sir William

[bluedragon]

I wear HJC full face with speakers for the music player, although I've found the earbuds produce a better quality sound and cut road/wind noise. Course if I spent more than $19 on my speakers they may sound better.

Thinking about getting rid of the full face and open face and getting a flip up, though.