Helmets Helmets, specifically Nolan N104 & Sena

I'm in the market for a new helmet. I do a lot of miles and want something fairly quiet, and most important, comfortable. I apparently have an oval head as my Scorpion EXO900 helmet is tight at the forehead. I had to do a bit of clearancing but it needs more. Otherwise it has been comfortable.

I used to have a Nolan N100 many years ago (bought in 2002) and really liked it, but for the lfe of me I can't remember if it fit better than my Scorpion or not. Question 1- is the Nolan more oval than the Scorpion EXO900?

I have a Sena headset and have no interest in the Nolan bluetooth system. Reading the long N104 thread I saw conflicting reports about the Sena SMH10 fitting the Nolan. Some say it won't fit, some have used it without a problem. How well does it actually work? I remember I had to trim the inner plastic of my N100 a tiny bit for the Sena clamp to fit. I'd probably just use the foam tape to secure it.

I'm torn between the N104 and the N104 Evo. Is there $55 worth of improvement in the EVO?

Visors: doing long distance riding I have times when I ride with either just the clear shield up, or the entire face shield up if I'm eating/drinking. I read some reports that the clear shield doesn't stay up at highway speeds. Is it the same for the EVO? And how well does the chin bar stay up?

I'm looking at other helmets as well, but for now the Nolan seems to have great bang for the buck.

If you have an oval head then Shoei Qwest is what you want, my wife has a Nolan 104 and it hurt her in the forehead. I bought her a new Shoei Qwest and she is happy, I too have the same helmet and it is great. What size helmet do you wear? I have the N104 wife used and it is like new.

The Qwest isn't modular. I like the Neotec, but it is almost twice the price as what I'm looking at. I'm not saying it isn't worth it, and I'll check them out, but I'm not in a good position to spend that much.

My Scorpion and old Yamaha (made by Lazer) helmets are both 2XL.

The reason Nolan went to the 104 EVO is because the N104s were cracking below the hinge. There are pics somewhere on this forum of that happening. That makes it "worth it" to go with the EVO.

Helmet for helmet the N104 is much larger externally than comparable helmets, set it next to a Shoei and the difference is obvious.

I have not used the N104 but my Dad and I both had N103s. Once we upgraded to the Neotec we could never go back. I still use my N103 as my everyday helmet and when I switch to the Neotec I am always amazed at the difference.

I will say that Dad and I both miss the quick release buckle of the Nolan.

I've gotten used to the D-rings of my Scorpion. I missed the quick release at first but don't worry about it now. I saw one example on here of the cracking, but haven't heard of any others. If it is a semi-common issue I would go with the Evo, or another brand. I'm hoping to have time to stop at a shop tomorrow and try on a couple brands.

More leg Egg Head... lol
Yep... Neotec. Suck it up. Protect that melon and be comfortable.

There is no longer a 104 (plain) being made. The 104 has been replaced by the Evo. Any 104 now is warehouse stock.
The cracking was my helmet, a one off problem they said. They paid shipping to have it sent back and replaced the helmet. I have not heard of anyone else having the same issue.

Yes, you can use the Sena. Using it with the clamp you will need to dremel part of the collar, not wanting to take a chance and void the warranty I used the tape and it has held through everything. I did need to add a bit of tape to make up for the indention in the helmet around the collar. Use 3M VHB.

But I wouldn't think the 104 is oval, more round.

I have had my 104 for three years and like it. I have a big, long oval head and the XXL fits me fine. I like the big eye port, the easily changes shields, the internal sunshade and the quick connect strap. I do not like the wind noise, but is fine with ear plugs. It is also just physically big, just like my head!
My next modular will be a Shoei Neotech because it is quieter.

I stopped at MOM'S in Manchester and tried a couple helmets. I really like the Neotec but also the HJC RPHA was nice too. I might watch for a deal on the Neotec. I want to try on a couple Nolans to compare.

The Cabergs are getting good reviews and they get the Sharp's 5 star rating...

I bought an N104 this winter and have not been able to ride with it, so I can't speak to how quiet it is or isn't.
The N104 has a lock that keeps the chin bar in the up position, so riding with that up should be no problem.
I really think I will like the large view port. Its much bigger than my old Fulmer. The helmet is really big! but it fits my big head.
I had a XXL Fulmer full face that I have worn for several years. After a few hours, I would get some forehead pain and if I wore a doo rag, it had to be real thin. I bought an XXL HJC Symax III last year, but it became unwearable after 1/2 hour due to forehead pressure. So I guess I have a big oval head.
I got a XXXL N104 and its very comfortable. I do not expect any comfort issues with this helmet.
I plan to mount my Sena with tape and see how that goes. If I have a problem with it, I will dremel into the trim and mount it with the clamp. Can't bring myself to do that with a brand new lid tho.

JQL said:

The Cabergs are getting good reviews and they get the Sharp's 5 star rating...

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Unfortunately we can't purchase Cabergs in North America....well we can but they will be shipped from a retailer from outside the continent. Downside is that if it doesn't fit it's expensive to return. You are right about the Sharp rating, they do extremely well....and they are relatively inexpensive.

I have two N104s, both fitted with SENA and they are just fine. Originally I bought Nolan bluetooth for both but now they rest on shelve.
N104 is much- much quieter than N103. Had 103 and because of noise I upgrated. I never use ear plugs and don't feel that I need them. with music on, Escort radar warnings and GPS "talking to me" I really dont hear much outer noise.

Mark

I'm looking around for a Nolan retailer so I can try one on. I appreciate all the feedback.

maximark said:

I have two N104s, both fitted with SENA and they are just fine. Originally I bought Nolan bluetooth for both but now they rest on shelve.
N104 is much- much quieter than N103. Had 103 and because of noise I upgrated. I never use ear plugs and don't feel that I need them. with music on, Escort radar warnings and GPS "talking to me" I really dont hear much outer noise.

Mark

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That is good to know. I found (and still find) the N103 to be extremely noisy. I call the N103 "My Nolan Noisemaker 103". As I idle down my driveway it is already whistling. That is aggravating.

The only place in NH that I know of that sells Nolan's is MAX BMW in Hampton. I have the N104 with the N-Com B4 and really like it. I still think the N104 is a little too noisy,, but an improvement over the N103 which I also have. My wife has the N-90 with a Sena. The universal intercom feature allows us to talk between different bluetooth brands. MOM's is a nice shop but really doesn't have a large selection of anything. You might also try RocketMoto, Adam shop is somewhere near Merrimack.

nhdiesel said:

I'm looking around for a Nolan retailer so I can try one on.

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If you find a dealer, consider trying the Nolan N91. I bought one from Revzilla two months ago for $215 shipped. It's slightly quieter than the N102 it replaced, but I haven't used it enough to give it a fair review. Here's a webBikeWorld review.

Good luck.

Redfish said:

That is good to know. I found (and still find) the N103 to be extremely noisy. I call the N103 "My Nolan Noisemaker 103". As I idle down my driveway it is already whistling. That is aggravating.

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It was huge improvement going from 103 to 104! N104 is much quieter, and I don't even use ear plugs. That's why my 103 was sitting on shelf. 104 has bigger visor opening so the view is better as well. I'm very satisfied with N104.

Mark

Just purchased the EVO N-104 and love it. Compared to my Scorpion EX-900 it is far lighter, has better visibility and more comfortable. The Scorpion always hurt my forehead and on long rides sometimes it gave me a slight headache. I also purchased the Nolan bluetooth device that plugs right into the side of the helmet. I would say go with the EVO...

I just came across this thread and would like to make an observation. The Scorpion exo900 that I purchased in Septmber/14 was purchased at a clearance event not far from where I live. I had been watching and comparing for some time and was waiting for it to go on sale as I had discovered it is a discontinued item. It is replaced with the exo900x which is advertised as fitting a different head shape.(This info taken from last years memory bank and is subject to errors and omissions). You may decide to check out the new Scorpion if you were satisfied finish of the prior.