Helmets Nolan N104

I did have the N101 and upgraded it to being an N102 (means I swapped the visor seals to the better 102 ones... which was the only difference between those models)
Generally a good lid that I liked a lot for a couple of things, like their genius hinge system or the, back then affordable price, but on the long run wasn't really happy with the following issues:
The visor length 'stretched' within a few months, causing water to leak in at the top seal (even with the improved, neoprene set), so I needed to replace the visor like every 5~6 months, after which it bravely sealed again for a couple of weeks...
And in heavy weather the leaks were bad, actually filling up the space between mains visor and pinlock... felt like radar operator LT Jim "Wash Out" Pfaffenbach from Hot Shots with that... ;-)

On the sides, below my ears the face shield didn't seal properly on the mains shell, so in heavy rain water seeped in, soaking the padding, once that was saturated it continued to my neck and shoulders... (this however could be related to the airflow/pressure conditions behind my Secdem windscreen; lets keep in mind that helmets are designed for being fully exposed to the drag on a naked bike...)

The rim of the mains shell is rather soft and deforms easily, causing the latching mechanism of the face shield to jam up, requiring like 3 hands to get it open again; this happened while carrying, as well as while wearing it...

I also checked out the here referred N104 recently, but was astonished how pricey it has grown by now...
OK, compared to the N101/102 quality to the touch has largely improved (hope the shell is stiffer now and the latching issues are history...), but the Shoei for ~ € 100,- more, felt more convincing to me...
Nolan have also changed their shape, so their N104 does not fit my head anymore, as their predecessor did...

Despite my unique problems are Nolan N series lids overall great helmets, also that spares like hinge covers, vent inserts or visor seals can be obtained at the dealers is a great plus, they also offer sufficient space (from the N103 on their prepared anyway...) to install a headset without major hustle and cutting works.
 
So if there are issues with the Nolan helmets what are the "best" out there. I thought Nolan was pretty close to top of the bin. I've been looking at getting something new and was heading in that direction. What would you suggest that had few if no issues.
 
tercol58 said:
Just got my N104 the pin lock they sent along is yellow not clear is this standard and if so how is it for nite riding?
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Last year I ordered an N104. (Eventually switched to Neotec, but that is a separate post topic.) The pin lock had a yellow peel off protector. It should just remove. The pin lock surface can scratch easily, even when cleaning, so they put that on to protect it.
 
wihardy said:
So if there are issues with the Nolan helmets what are the "best" out there. I thought Nolan was pretty close to top of the bin. I've been looking at getting something new and was heading in that direction. What would you suggest that had few if no issues.
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I've owned a N103 and found I needed earplugs, otherwise I liked the helmet. I now own a Shoei Qwest which is the quietest helmet I've owned. I use the Sena SMH10 headset and the music is good at highway speeds. Here's some great prices: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.co...ries+-+Shoei+Helmets&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=10007

To get a helmet to fit right you'll need to try several types since the shell and foam for helmet lines work differently on face and head shapes like narrow or round. Just avoid the pointy ones ;)
 
T_C said:
In a ST 1300?

Mine fit in both cases.

But after mounting the headset on the side I can now only fit it in the right bag.
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Yup, a 13. I ordered my 104's from J and M, with the Elites head sets installed. I haven't tried the right bag. Thanks. I will move my "possibles" I always keep on the bike to the left and give it a shot.
 
I have a 104 in XXL and it will not fit in the topbox or the sidebag. Anyone know of any fitting options?
 
The sunvisor on mine quit retracting.
The 'nub' woudl pull it down, but when I hit the button to retract it just sat there. I could use my fingers and manually raise it. Felt lots of drag.

Pulled the inside lining and the styrofoam cheek pieces. The slide assembly is loose and the wire cable is free. One screw holds the cover over the spring mechanism. But the head of the screw is is under the visor side hinge. Can't figure how to release the visor cover.

A quick email to Nolan and they said send it back, mechanism is just jammed, we'll replace the whole assembly for free. Since they are only one day (shipping) away I sent it off on Tuesday. They claim a one-day turnaround for repairs. Crossing my finger it is so I have it back by the weekend.

I was almost tempted not to send it in, it is kind of nice basically having a friction stopped sun visor. If I don't want the visor all the way down I could stop it wherever I wanted. But in the end I missed having the instant up without having to raise the faceshield.

Nice they are fixing it promptly and for free, of course even nicer when something works and doesn't need repairs.
But I still like the helmet...
 
My experience with Nolan is that they stand behind their products and provide excellent customer service.
I bought a used N100 years ago and broke the snap off a cheekpad, my fault. I called them for a replacement, they sent me a new one free, shipped free. Been wearing Nolans for touring ever since.
I did not like my N104 when I first got it two years ago plus my girlfriend dropped it in gravel three days after delivery, which did not help. But after I had it about a month I was and still am very happy with it.
 
Mine is still doing well. I need to buy another pinlock. That by itself is incredible. I think if any improvements I could ask for, it would be for a better seal. I can hear air around the flip-up and a stay to keep just the visor up (or a stronger detent). There are many days where I ride with the main visor up, but the interior visor down. I either have to stay under 50 or keep ducked behind the windscreen. Still, I really enjoy this helmet. The interior visor I think is a must for all future helmet. No jamming sunglasses on or removing them mid-ride. So convenient.
 
Just got a notice from motorcyclegear.com that they're selling off their in-stock Nolan N104 solid colour helmets for $269, this weekend only.
 
MajorTom said:
Just got a notice from motorcyclegear.com that they're selling off their in-stock Nolan N104 solid colour helmets for $269, this weekend only.
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That's a pretty good deal and I'm tempted. However, I'll refrain from said purchase.

A couple of things I discovered while trying on the 104 (local Honda dealer):
I'd have to use the optional sticky-tape holder to install my Sena SMH5-FM onto a 104. I'd much rather use the "clamp".
My local Honda dealer has stopped carrying the Nolan (they actually have 104's on their "closeout" tables) - I have a pretty good connection with the Parts Mgr and he states that Nolan has some really bad customer service. Seems ironic that MotorcycleGear has the helmets on closeout too :)

I've been shopping for a new helmet (mostly for a flip-up) and went to a local mega-bike-store a couple of days ago.
I tried them all ... Arai, Shoe, Schuberth, HJC. I really wanted the C3 Pro, but the large was too tight and the XL was a bit too loose. The Arai's and Shoe's, like the Schuberth, just didnt fit right.

In the end, the HJC won - and less $$$ too! I slid a large on and it fit like a glove. I opted for the RPHA-10 (full face), but am going to add the RPHA-Max (flip-up) in a couple days.
 
I was just looking at pordering another N104... I'm not sure mine is going to last...

I love the helmet, but find this disturbing. :eek:
helmet overall.jpg helmet break.jpg

I sent an email to customer service, let's see what they say. I'm sure they will be asking for me to send the lid back to them. Luckily it's a one day shipment.
 
News back from the stateside distributor, Cima. They want my helmet back for an inspection and they have issued the call tag to pick it up. Upon reviewing the pictures the tech said it's been seen on other helmets, but very rare.

Now as far as:
caldercay said:
My local Honda dealer has stopped carrying the Nolan (they actually have 104's on their "closeout" tables) - I have a pretty good connection with the Parts Mgr and he states that Nolan has some really bad customer service. Seems ironic that MotorcycleGear has the helmets on closeout too
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Revzilla is closing them out too. Conspiracy or combination of bad customer service?

Neither... the N104 replacement is here. The N104 EVO : The NEW for 2014 Nolan N104 Evo; New Ventilation, New Liner with 3D cheekpads for an even better fit.
Seems the shops want us to buy up their old stock before dropping the new one in it's place.

As far as bad customer service, I have had two issues and had excellent service. But YMMV, always does.
 
T_C said:
Neither... the N104 replacement is here. The N104 EVO : The NEW for 2014 Nolan N104 Evo; New Ventilation, New Liner with 3D cheekpads for an even better fit.
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My initial reaction was, "I guess Nolan is coming out with a replacement, but if you go to the Nolan USA website, there's nothing listed except the "standard" N104.
I even checked the Nolan Italian website, and no N104 EVO.

However, if you do a "quoted" google search, as in "n104 evo", I came across an "unboxing" video from late 2013. And I've found a UK online store that sells them.
So the N104 EVO must be a "just now coming to US thing", although it's been around.

T_C said:
As far as bad customer service, I have had two issues and had excellent service. But YMMV, always does.
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Yea, I can't speak for individuals, but at the dealer, the parts mgr stated *he* had issues with their customer service. He said something to the effect of, "the amount of effort we've gone through [on behalf of our customers] to get things taken care of just wasn't worth being a dealer".
 
Amazon has them selling from a claimed Italian store vendor. Since Nolan says exclusively built in Italy, that would make sense.

Doesn't seem to be any groundbreaking updates. Maybe more ventilation through the mouth vent. the cheek pads fit me just fine the way they are. See some new paint schemes, but again not ground breaking.
 
If the new N104 doubled as a shovel, that would be groundbreaking. :rolleyes:
 
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