Suzuki V-Strom (VStrom) Owners Club DL250, DL650, DL1000 & DL1050

Oily Rag - Dedicated to Pat, Greywolf. 26/06/45 - 04/06/18 => Clothing => Topic started by: daveywww on April 14, 2019, 14:55:51

Title: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: daveywww on April 14, 2019, 14:55:51
Looking at getting a new helmet, and just wondered what people think/recommend. Just sold my c3 pro, as it was just dreadful. I obviously had the wrong shaped head. I’m currently using an old Shoei xr1000, which feels great. Shoei shape suits. Shoei & Arai etc, are just so expensive. I know it’s important etc etc.....
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Fat Rat on April 14, 2019, 15:15:49
I had the Shoei XR1000 and now the XR1100, both fit my mutant, fishbowl head. I am tempted by the Neotec (flip), from what I can see, the Neotech 2 isn't £300 better than the Neotech 1, so that might be a bargain.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: timangus on April 14, 2019, 16:23:07
I agree with your assessment of the C3 pro, but the C4 is shaped more oval and I have been using one every day for a year now and it feels great. I used a Givi flip front which is surprisingly comfortable and better vented than the C4 but noisier. 
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: daveywww on April 14, 2019, 16:34:09
Thanks fellas.  👍
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: sjrainsford on April 15, 2019, 15:26:21
I've got a Shoei Neotec 1 and think it's a great helmet.  Comfy and relatively quiet in clean air.  But the issue for me lies with how it works behind a screen, it's just not as good.  I get quite a lot of buffetting.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Tusker on April 15, 2019, 18:47:48
Shoei Neotech Flip,,,        :thumb:  great all round touring lid....
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: STORMY on April 17, 2019, 22:41:22
I just purchased a Shoei GT air 2, I can’t really tell you what it’s like on a bike because I haven’t picked it up yet. But I can tell you after trying quite a few it offered the best comfort. Comes with an internal flip down sun visor, pin lock, plenty of adjustable vents, you can crack the visor open slightly and it’s supposed stay there. If you use comms equipment it comes pre-prepared for Senna 2 stuff (I think). But cheap it ain’t, I only have one because the supplying dealer for the bike gave me a hefty discount, and it was the only one that felt right for me. Hope this helps?
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: daveywww on April 18, 2019, 20:17:48
I’ve just got an xr1100. They’re discontinued, but it’s good enough for me. Actually downsized from a xxl to an xl. Who knew. Feels better, snugger, but no hot spots. I think it’ll probably be another Shoei something in a couple of years. Seem a good fit for me.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Munchen on May 03, 2019, 08:12:45
I'm in the market for a new lid at the moment too and narrowed it down to the GT-Air II or the Neotec II.  My current one is Shoei and I'm well pleased with it, just the padding around the forehead is starting to perish.

Never had a flip but it stops jobsworth at the petrol station asking me to remove it, the Neotec may be worth a gamble.  I'd also be able to roll my eyes and stare menacingly at the pump attendant who insists I get off my bike to fill it up - and he'd actually be able to see me.  :roll:

I generally like to ride with the visor up, especially when in built-up areas but I don't like bugs whose dying wish is to land in my eye.  I reckon the sun visor in the GT Air is just the ticket and will make me feel a bit "Stringfellow Hawk".

Just googled "Airwolf helmet" and now I have a 3rd option!  :lala:

https://airwolfthemes.com/airwolf-replica-helmets-by-Steven-W-Stull.html

Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: BigAldo on May 03, 2019, 13:28:41
Have a look at the Scorpion ADX-1 if you're cost conscious. Currently around the £200 depending on the paint scheme. I was able to get one for £50, second hand but unused, so I couldn't not buy it... Particularly after reading the reviews.

ADV style with a flip front, pin lock and the drop down sun visor.  Can be used with or without the peak in place. Did a 7 hour trip on the bike, and really like it.

Increased wind noise over my C3, particularly from crosswinds, but overall an improvement. My preferred warm weather set up is with the Givi Airflow set  just below eye level, and the visor open one click for comfort.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: UK_Vstrom650 on May 03, 2019, 18:18:02
Munchen, unfortunately front-flips won't stop jobsworths asking you to remove your helmet at the pumps, nor to get off your bike...

If the Neotec II is half as good as it's predecessor then it'll be a fantastic helmet 
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Rusty Nuts on May 03, 2019, 19:19:59
True about the jobsworths, unfortunately. Happens to me with a Neotec 1. I didn't know there was a Neotec 2 out. Just looked at it and its dedicated Sena comms, and seen an issue. When touring and camping I charge my Sena 20s under the bike seat via an Optimate usb charger. The Sena SRL2 seems to have the battery permanently housed in the helmet, so this would not be possible. Extension lead from under seat to helmet in tent? Not very elegant. Leave helmet on handlebars? Dew, or even rain when not in Wales. Oh, yes, and prices for helmet and intercom. Bit steep. The p/j is nice, long overdue. And, Munchen, you probably know, but.... The internal sun visor is not safety rated like the main, clear visor.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: UK_Vstrom650 on May 03, 2019, 20:43:13
Good point on the sun visor, although there's an interesting video by FortNine 'testing' (destroying) an original Neotec, and the sun visor stops a dart from gun at close range although not as well as the visor.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Stonec0ld on May 03, 2019, 21:15:11
I've got the Shoei GT Air 1, fits my head, pinlock and sun visor, receptacles for headset speakers. Quiet it is not.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Dave L on May 04, 2019, 07:36:29
Hello,

Now for something a little different, I have a Caberg TourMax. It is an adventure flip front. It has the usual visors and also has a peak which is very useful when riding into the sun which I have to do on my daily commute sometimes. I changed screens to a Givi and this has almost eliminated any buffeting and noise, I can listen to music quite comfortably at the legal motorway speed.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: daveywww on May 04, 2019, 16:06:22
I’ll stick with the xr1100 for a couple of years, then reassess. Been scarred with the tips after the c3 pro, which tried its best to squeeze my brains out. Might go to a shop and try a Neotec. Trouble is, a couple of mins in a shop isn’t enough. It’s only after it’s been on for an hour or so, that yo realise Jove made a dreadful mistake.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Jonbroad on May 19, 2019, 21:09:34
My current helmet is an Xlite 702 GT. It's well vented but I want something  a bit more open. Thought about a flip but current contender is Nolan 720-2 GT.  https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/431870
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: user650 on May 20, 2019, 00:02:27
https://www.infinitymotorcycles.com let you try at home for up to 7 days, saved me from the Schuberth helmet that only hurt after wearing for an hour or more, exchanged for my Shoei GT Air.  :thumb:

7 Day Helmet Exchange Policy

The helmet exchange policy, which in addition to your statutory rights, entitles you to exchange only a helmet bought in store with a valid receipt within 7 days of purchase.

Helmets must not have been worn on the road and must remain in original condition and returned to us with the following: The original box, manual, helmet bag and the visor sticker must still be attached.

Our Aim is to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with your purchase. We allow you the right to try a helmet on in the comfort of your own home for up to 7 days to ensure that it is the correct product for you.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Mooshty on May 22, 2019, 19:35:15
I agree with Dave L on this. I have the Caberg Tourmax and it is a great helmet. This is my third Caberg. It is as safe as the big names being Sharps 5 star rated and is dual homologated so that you can also ride legally with the flip locked in the open position on hot days. Also its just over £200 so I cannot see the point in paying double the price for a name :shrug:
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Leon on May 23, 2019, 15:31:41
I've been using the Neotec for nearly 2 years and around 15k miles and although the fit is good and it's comfortable I am very disappointed with the visor and flip up mechanism and the strap has started to fray. Just seems very 'plasticky'. I loved the Multitec I had before, really great helmet but have not got on with this one. It's now been relegated to my spare helmet and I'm currently using a Caberg X-Trace till I can get myself some time to go helmet shopping again.

I'll probably consider another Caberg as I've always had good experiences with them and I like the look of the Tourmax. If the Tourmax is as good as the Duke I had previously then I think I'm sold.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: welldc on June 15, 2019, 22:28:36
Returning to biking after a (very) long time away, so took myself down to the dealers yesterday to sort out a helmet. I fancied a Caberg flip front.

Well, the staff at the dealers were very patient and helpful.
Caberg - too close to my chin (and I'm not Bruce Forsyth)
HJC - tight around the forehead and cheek bones
Nolan - felt like my head was in a vice
Frank Thomas - very uncomfortable around my ears
Bell - tight on the jaw bone
LS2 - too tight round the forehead

So now we are moving up the price range..........
Shoei Neotec 2 - great fit, comfortable but £500
Schuberth - too tight and too close to my chin

I'm so glad I didn't just order online.
The Neotec was an L and a good fit. Some of the others were 2XL and still weren't right.

Found a Givi flip front that was fairly comfortable (I hope it beds in a little) but needed a 2XL to get the fit. Good value at £125.
Really is a case of different hats for different heads.

PS: Thanks to Tanya at J&S Doncaster for her patience.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: vstroman on December 27, 2019, 16:08:25
Have a notion to get a flip up, can't decide between these 2, anyone any experience with either? price is good.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/319363

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/226185
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Steady Freddy on December 27, 2019, 20:10:10
J&S have a Schubert flip in their sale, £100 off.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: edbailey on February 01, 2020, 21:01:30
I've always had Schuberth, currently got the C3 and I'm well pleased with it.  However I've had ot nearly 3 years so starting to look at other lids and I fancied the look of the Nolan N70-2GT mainly because of the HUGE visor and removable chin piece?
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Hugo Magnus on February 02, 2020, 07:43:50
You should have gone with the Shoei,   lol  I've had mine 7 years and I'm not in any hurry to replace it.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: edbailey on February 02, 2020, 08:51:21
I'm not in a hurry to replace it,  it's just the idea of a lid that can be full face or open sounds pretty good. But also the manufacturer advises replacing the helmet after 4years which I never believed or did until I bought my last one and handed my old one to the shop owner who uses them as examples.

He separated the outer shell to reveal the filling underneath and honestly I nearly threw up when I saw all the cracks and how brittle the foam was and that helmet was about 8years old.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: sillyboy on February 10, 2020, 17:39:53
check the manufacturing date! :icon_wink:
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Domenico on February 11, 2020, 13:54:42
hello! I tried Schuberth C4, C3, AGV Carbon fiber and some others, but Shoei Neotech II fits perfectly to my head.
I decided to own just one helmet at time and invest som money on it. I didn't buy the expensive Sena Intercom and kept my excellent BTX Pro1 by Midland.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: bonne on May 12, 2020, 22:52:25
I have tried a lot, and it came down between Shoei Neotec II or Nolan 100.5

The Shoei is very comfortable, but I liked the features (hinged flip-up, large visor, dual safety on locks etc.) and cheaper price on the Nolan, so I went for that. Also got a B901 intercom.

I am not perfectly happy about it though. The wind noise is quite loud. The pinlock is not working properly and the B901 has been swapped ones a few months after I bought it (couldn't always turn on) Apart from that, the intercom is great. Pairs perfectly with a number of Sena headsets (it is a Sena OEM)

So...
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Darren marsh on May 13, 2020, 15:25:33
Has to be Arai all day long for me
Check J&S out they have the Arai Rebel for £350 ish when I got mine they were £550 ish
However I always budget around about £500
And even though I go Arai I still try them all on as each model fit my strange shape of a head different
My daughter had her pick of helmets in J&S and went for a HJC as it fitted her the best she picked the HJC asto and it was £200
if you look on line they have some good discount on the HJC helmets
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Bigcats30 on May 31, 2020, 20:07:35
DO NOT buy the Shoei Hornet ADV as they are utter useless in wet weather to the point it becomes dangerous as you cannot see as they just steam up (even with pinlock in) as there isn't enough air flow.

Also when you try and 'crack' the visor open to let more air in (like you can on a Arai) its opens a good inch which is just stupid (you cannot crack the visor open) so then the rain gets in

Utterly beautiful and comfy helmet otherwise but utter useless in wet weather

tested competing in the Wales500 last year
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Mr Nick on May 31, 2020, 22:58:03
Interesting: I have an original Hornet & have no misting issues now but there problems initially with the pinlock that came with it. I was considering the ADV version to replace it as & when that comes up but I'll pay attention to that side of it at the time.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Mark Shelley on June 01, 2020, 06:52:27
Having owned Arais for many years, Astros, Tour Xs etc, I went for a Nolan XLite X551 a few years ago. I am now on my second. I prever it to the Tour X. On the bcak of this I also recently bought a Nolan N87 for when I am riding my non Adventure style bikes after reading nothing but excellent reviews. The reviews are correct. It is unbelievable build quality and features for the cost. If you shop around you can pick up last years colourways for as little as £125, which is a steal.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: SimonW on June 01, 2020, 09:37:43
I had an X-Lite X-551 too and wanted another, but it seems something changed on the sizing with the GT range and it no longer fitted. After trying on approximately 1 billion different lids (including Arai, Klim Nolan etc) I settled on a Nexx X.WED2. It's nicely made, with a huge eye port and some nice touches like removable plates to better accommodate helmet cams, extra stick on pads to tailor the fit and an extension for the peak if required.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Brockett on June 01, 2020, 10:46:35
Everyone has a different shaped head. In most cases 'fit' is determined by the safey foam and lining.
Low price almost certainly means low value. The shell may be as good but the lining not so and the more it is worn the more the lining will compress and the fit become sloppy. Higher end helmets with generally fit you for longer.
That said I buy medium to good quality, new old stock because I really don't feel like paying £500+ for a helmet in one go. I  have four helmets and replace one of them every year so I'm not saving money, I'm just not spending it all at once.
It is unlikey we will be able, even if we want, to try on any clothing while this virus is kicking about.
Given the variations in head sizes and shapes and the necessity of getting it right I'd hope the helmet suppliers could come up with a head guage like they do for shoes so people could tell what size and shape would suit them best.

Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: longtom on June 01, 2020, 12:20:10
I use and would recommend a Shark flip-front with ready-fitted pinlock, great bit of kit and good value in my opinion.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Mr Nick on June 01, 2020, 12:25:31
I was lucky enough to try the Simpson Venom in the last few days before the seemingly optional restrictions came into force and found that it suited my head shape, as does Shoei Hornet, Bell X-14 and Caberg Ego. Arai X-4 just didn't fit comfortably: felt too narrow from memory.
I tried a couple of flips and something didn't feel quite right about them, even though I did use an open face with Scott goggles and face mask for a while when I was younger, so it wasn't just the opening front. Horses and spectator free courses as they say.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Dr Evil on July 19, 2020, 17:55:41
I've had massive problems with helmets as I have a weird shaped head and a very tight wallet......
I cannot stick to only having 1 helmet as I like to mix it up from time to  time depending on how I feel.
I have found that only a few manufacturers make a XXL helmet that is actully XXL.

I currently have a Caberg Stunt, Bell MX-9 and a AGV K3 and a LS2 open face

Caberg, excellent. Fairly quiet and with built in sun visor and great chin fastening.
Bell, awful. Noisy, crap old style d ring chin strap and bloody expensive visor replacements.
AGV. bit tight on the cheeks, but very good quality.

I tried on more expensive helmets, but none fitted. In fact I couldn't even get an Arai over my forehead !!

All were under £100 and I would reccommend all of them, except the Bell.....
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Rixington43 on August 20, 2020, 12:56:49
During my first stint riding some years ago I found that pretty much every manufacturer I tried, the medium was a bit big and the small was too small. I ended up with the best option I could find being a small Shoei as plenty of shops told me I had a Shoei shaped head. So, on returning to bikes last year, I decided I probably needed to fire up the Shoei shaped wallet :)
Went to J&S in Notts and tried on several helmets (all flip fronts) from pretty much every brand they had in and was delighted to find that, not only do I now have an HJC shaped head, but that the RPHA 90 medium in that gorgeous (or vile) matt grey and fluoro yellow was on a really good offer and was the best fit I could find. I have always had lids either be tight on the forehead or loose at the temples but this one seems snug all round and the build quality is perfectly acceptable. Removable liner made fitting a headset a breeze too.
On the subject of breeze, the lid is nice and quiet (although I always wear plugs) for a flip front but cooling on hot days is perhaps it's weak point. I have also known people to take issue with the lower spec Pinlock suffering from fogging although I've not experienced that even riding in some pretty heinous conditions.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: MrNorbH on August 21, 2020, 11:19:53
I use and would recommend a Shark flip-front with ready-fitted pinlock, great bit of kit and good value in my opinion.

I actually have a Shark Openline flip-up, not the best build quality to be honest. I expected much better from Shark, the little pulling tab on the locking mechanism broke off after a month, the rubber trim around a bottom of the helmet also came loose. Some of the little red attachment points for the lining broke.. Maybe I just picked up a cursed helmet lol

Anyways, looking to change it soon, going back to full face.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: scatz on October 13, 2020, 22:12:49
Had many bikes, and many lids. However, I have a oddly big head for helmets, and most are uncomfortable  or just do not fit.

The most comfortable helmet I have ever tried and owned was an Arai Quantum. It was like your most comfy sofa to sit in ! The lining in side was soooo plush too. Problem though was noise just was not great. Oh, and was about £500 in 2007 so I dread to think how much the equivalent would be now !

Only other make that fits me well is Shoei, so went for a Neotec 1. Still got it now and love it (about 3 yrs I think so far).

Next time I get a new helmet, I'll try them all again as manufacturers do come up with new shell shapes every now and then. I'll probably go for one of these lids you can flip and still legally ride with (like the wifes LS2 Valiant) if I can find one to fit me !
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: ChrisDL1000 on October 21, 2020, 21:56:51
And don't dismiss the Held Alcatar Dual Sport Adventure helmet. The build quality is exceptionally good and it's cheap at around £100 but it is the best fitting helmet I have ever owned and I've owned a few. I'm not a name snob, it's more important to have a good fitting helmet than it is to have a fancy name. If you have a 'long oval' head then the Held is definitely worth considerin
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Fishtail on March 25, 2021, 09:16:51
Just bought a Shoei Neotec 2 with the Sena intercom, It's really comfortable, I was using a good 20 year old Arai Chaser, which seemed fine until I got the Neotec2. It's like putting a 5 star hotel on your head.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Rusty Nuts on March 25, 2021, 11:13:39
You'll probably find the Neotec noisier than the Chaser.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: aderio on March 25, 2021, 12:46:33
Airoh Commander very pleased, light comfortable and love the option to be able to remove the peak for long road trips.  Installed Freecom Cardo BT headset
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: Fishtail on March 26, 2021, 09:27:10
You'll probably find the Neotec noisier than the Chaser.
Seems about the same, however I couldn't hear the wind noise over the Led Zeppelin.
The Neotec2 is certainly bigger and heavier than the Chaser and has a lot more bits sticking out to catch the wind. The Chaser didn't have anything to stop the wind blowing under your chin, I think this alone cuts out a whole lot of noise so I'd say 50/50 on noise between them.
Only quibble on the Neotec2 is when you put down the internal sun visor, if you are wearing glasses, they steam up especially if you are sitting at the lights. Oh! and another annoyance I hadn't thought of is with the Bluetooth system, the missus calls me every hour on the hour to find out what I'm up to.
Title: Re: Helmet Recommendations
Post by: user650 on March 26, 2021, 15:11:33
Bob Heath visor spray sorted my glasses out  :thumb: