Helmets Looking for quiet helmet

Gene

Gene

That's MR CUPCAKE to you!
Joined
Apr 19, 2005
Messages
32
Location
Brunswick, MD
Guys need help with picking new helmet.I currently use a HJC AC-11 which is a great fitting helmet only problem is lots of wind noise. I now use ear plugs and would like to stop using them. Will be installing starcom intercom this week for riding to 2 up. I also don't want to spend a fortune, function over style would be great . Fullface only THANKS
 
I personally would always ride w/ear plugs. I don't think there's a helmet out there quiet enough to keep from getting some hearing damage.

If you install speakers you can still hear the ear plugs

I have a shoei RF-1000 after having AC-11 and CL-14 helmets and the Shoei is just a little quieter. But, that being said, even as quiet as the Wing is with regards to noise I will always wear ear plugs for the longer trips as I'll have a headache if I don't and have experienced ringing if it was unusually windy.

There was a MCN report a while back that rated the quietest helmet.. I'll see if I can find it.
 
Saw a comment, from someone on one of the innumerable motorcycling lists I check from time to time, that claims Shoei told him their quitest helmet is their TZ-R model.
 
I've been blaming my HJC helmet for the noise too. But lately I've been experimenting with my head height. When the windshield is full down (where I typically ride) the turbulent air is hitting at about face level. The ride quiets significantly if I either sit up a few inches placing the wind blast at neck level or by raising the windshield which puts the wind over my head. I think a 2-3 inch shorter windshield would help me greatly. I would still be able to raise the top edge above eye level.

Maybe more customization is in order... :eek:
David
 
What type and where do you guys get your ear plugs ? I think I must have funny shaped ears, because the few times I have worn them, they weren't very comfortable.

Royws
 
One thing I did a couple years ago is buy the sampler pack from aerostitch.

The foam disposable ones keep out too much noise for me and I have to turn the audio up pretty high so I'll use the plastic type that let in just a little more sound.

there are many options.

Here's the pic/link for their disposable sampler pack:


Here's the pic/link for their reusable sampler pack:
 
Schuberth S1 is supposed to be quiet. I use Hearos Extreme plugs. There big so they stay in well. Walgreens caries them.
 
Fred D said:
Saw a comment, from someone on one of the innumerable motorcycling lists I check from time to time, that claims Shoei told him their quitest helmet is their TZ-R model.
Click to expand...

Any high airflow helmet (venting) will not be as quiet as a helmet with low airflow. Even closed most high flow vents still let some noise through. Specifically chin vents. The TZ-R is not a high flow helmet so it is not suprising that it would be listed as quieter than the more upscale RF-1000 (my current lid) or X-11.

The RF-1000 is pretty quiet with the chin vent closed and it you do not use the chin vent then stuff a little foam in the chin vent and it will get even quieter.

Of course quiet also depends on how well the helmet fits your head shape.
 
I use the regular hearos earplugs. I get them at Longs Drugs in the ecomony 40 pack. My local Honda dealer and mom and pop bike shop also carry them in the 16pack with storage tube. The Hearos are a touch more expensive than others but they just go in my ears much easier.

If you think earplugs are uncomfortable then you might be inserting them too far. This would be the case if the discomfort seems deep like near your eardrum. The foam will expend and press against the ear canal, but this is like wearing a watch. You quicky forget it is there.
 
Another determining factor in helmet noise is the material its made from. This is equally important to venting and shape.

Also... different helmets will seem quieter with different bikes. My Arai RX7RR4 is very quiet when worn on a sportbike (basically no windshield) but is very noisy on the ST. It's shape and venting are designed to be leaned further forward.
 
Guys I don't mind using esr plugs to remove noise but how loud will intercom have to be for me to hear it clearly . will this extra volume cause problems.
 
I have an X-11...and an RF900, both are noisy on the ST, the windshield just creates a lot of noise unless you get it up and look through it.

I sometime ride with the helmet shield up as it seems to be quiter that way.

When on my CBR1100xx the helmets are by far quiter than when on the ST.

Just my observation.
 
Helmet

Here is a link to a thread that I recently posted the results of a helmet test in RiDE Magazine.
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12577

Scroll about halfway down the thread on the first page and check it out. Some are very pricey while others are not. I didn't list the price because it was in British pounds instead of dollars. RiDE is a british mag btw. There are listings for decibels for given models as well as a summary. Even in the quietest helmets tested, the author thought ear plugs should be worn. You may be able to google RiDE's website and get more information from the test.
Good Luck,

David
 
I have tried just about every type of earplug I can get my hands on and I have not found any yet that I can wear for more than a couple hours. I have resolved to going deaf.

Curt
 
When you talk about disposable earplugs how disposable? Do you go to the store, throw out one pair and start again? How long can you use them?

Is a Nolan flipface helmet as quiet as a Fulmer afd4? (not the one with the flip sunvisor n100e?) Theres nothing under the chin and its like a wind tunnel there. Cover it up and theres a big differance. I tried an HJC flip, but couldn't keep my glasses on trying to get it on and off.
 
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