Helmets New Nolan N43 "Air" Helmet!

jwayden

John Wayden
Joined
Jul 4, 2007
Messages
98
Location
El Paso, TX
Bike
2007 ST1300A
I just learned of a new helmet that Nolan's US distributor says is in the DOT certification process and should hit our shores in early September -- the Nolan N43 "Air"! It supposedly has the best ventilation of any helmet ever!! :hat1:

In my never-ending quest to stay as comfortable as possible in the summer heat, I'm wanting to get myself one of these!!

It also has a unique construction that puts its design somewhere between a 3/4, a modular, and a full-face. Looks like it has a huge field of view... Very unique!

Check out the review and video here:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/nolan-n43/

See comments from CIMA International at the bottom of the review...

So what do you think?!
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I like the ability to go from full face flip front to 3/4 Jet style. I am waiting to see the Givi and Zeus equivalent. Definitely, need to get one of these new styles.
 
I like that new style. Looking forward to trying one on.
 
Sounds like a possible winner. I'll definitely check one hit when they hit the shelves.

John
 
John, if you try it, let me know. I want to know how quiet it is. I'd like to have a modular that ventilates too, if it's quiet. And yellow.
 
I hope it is approved soon for DOT. I am searching for a new helmet and I like the looks and bet it is quite a bit lighter than my Modular Fulmer. Full face protection, Ventilation and anti fog are features that are high on my list.
 
That looks like it might be a winner. I plan to replace my brain bucket early next year and I've been looking at the N-103. Never had a Nolan before, or even tried one on, but I've been hoping to find a match.

The N43 looks like it might have it all, but - it isn't really a 'modular', at least not as I think of them. The chin bar is removable but it doesn't pivot as far as I can tell. I'd never ride without it and to me, the best thing about modulars is the ability to easily get the chin bar out of the way and back with no wasted time and effort. I can't see myself removing the chin bar at the gas pump or when going into a store for water bottles. On the other hand, the screen is huge and goes very low so maybe that would make up for the non-pivot. I guess I'll have to wait and see.
 
river said:
John, if you try it, let me know. I want to know how quiet it is. I'd like to have a modular that ventilates too, if it's quiet. And yellow.

Hi Jim! We haven't seen you in a while... Are you still hanging out in ABQ?

I'm planning to wait until they hit the US and maybe ride over to The Helmet Center in Phoenix and try one on. Maybe they'll let me test drive one if I leave my AGV as collateral.

Wanna come with me? I think October would be a good time, since they're scheduled to hit US shores "...in early September", and October is always a good time for a ride!! :D
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Here's a shot of the N43 Air with a lightly tinted main faceshield:

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And this pic shows all of the different "configurations" for the N43 Air - although I would only use the one in the lower right:

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Here's the link to the youtube "quick review":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuvY-qV67Dw

And although it's in Italian, here's another interesting youtube review of the helmet:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3dt_gs9tx4

I definitely want to try out this helmet once it gets its DOT certification and goes on sale here!
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I bought one 2 months ago while I was in Frankfurt. It is a great helmet, light, and the fit is probably the best I've had. It doesn't have that fishbowl feel like a full face helmet. I got mine through fc-moto.de for 209euro.
 
JB13 said:
It is a great helmet, light, and the fit is probably the best I've had.
Thanks JB -- that's good to know!! Now for a few burning questions:

1. So is it "really cool" in the summertime with the vents open?
2. Is the chin-bar device a hassle to remove & replace?
3. Did you get any spare face shields? If so, are they easy to replace?
4. Did you get a clear or tinted primary shield with the helmet?
5. Does the inside sunshade work effectively?
6. Is it relatively quiet?
7. What do you think about the chin strap design?

I'll probably still wait 'til they hit the States, because I use different helmet sizes depending on the manufacturer, and sometimes between models of the same manufacturer! I'll want to try it on (and hopefully give it a test ride).
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looks cool

review says it flexs and creaks when putting on and taking off

it has a really large visor/shield which in my mind needs a beak to protect it when not being worn, and when the shield is up,

I like a beak on my helmet, blocks the sun and protects the shield...
 
SteveST1300 said:
Looks like they copied what Scorpion did with the EXO900

In terms of its "Transformer" capability -yes indeed! For ventilation (based only on what I've read) - no. I'm more interested in the ventilation aspect than the myriad of "styles" that can be created...

moosulkwanman said:
it has a really large visor/shield which in my mind needs a beak to protect it when not being worn, and when the shield is up,

I like a beak on my helmet, blocks the sun and protects the shield...

That would be a good idea... but based on the "configurations" photo, and how the beak is mounted, it looks like it's either the beak or the main shield.

Still, I'm definitely going to have to try this helmet!!!
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To answer your questions
1. It is cooler, not perfect, still like wearing a helmet.
2.The chin bar is easy to remove and replace, but hard to erplace when it is on your head. You need to see the guides to line them up when replacing the guard
3.I only got the std clear one, it is easy to replace and I carry it only for rain anyway
5. the inside shade works well and is easy to flip with your left hand. I use it frequently as I ride into the sun going and coming from work.
6. I have to say it is not a quiet helmet. In fact, the one gripe I have is that it appears to be very lour over 40mph. I now wear earplugs on most rides
7. the chin strap is great. It's about time. Only drawback is locking the helmet up. Now I have to snake my lock through the small webbing attaching the strap. I figure it's unique enough somebody will want to take it for a test drive without my knowing about it.

It will be worth the wait.
 
JB13 said:
To answer your questions
1. It is cooler, not perfect, still like wearing a helmet.
2.The chin bar is easy to remove and replace, but hard to erplace when it is on your head. You need to see the guides to line them up when replacing the guard
3.I only got the std clear one, it is easy to replace and I carry it only for rain anyway
5. the inside shade works well and is easy to flip with your left hand. I use it frequently as I ride into the sun going and coming from work.
6. I have to say it is not a quiet helmet. In fact, the one gripe I have is that it appears to be very lour over 40mph. I now wear earplugs on most rides
7. the chin strap is great. It's about time. Only drawback is locking the helmet up. Now I have to snake my lock through the small webbing attaching the strap. I figure it's unique enough somebody will want to take it for a test drive without my knowing about it.

It will be worth the wait.

Thanks for the info JB13!! I'm really looking forward to trying this new Nolan out!! :hat1:

As for the noise - I always wear earplugs (or earbud speakers) now - so that won't be anything new. I guess it's hard to move lots of air and still keep things quiet!
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I have been hitting the local shops to try on some Nolan's but no one seems to carry them. Can't even find a Nolan website for dealer search. Anyone know how to find a dealer? Of Nolan helmets that is...:D
 
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