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: King Orry on February 23, 2018, 19:30:15

Title: Helmet Adventures
Post by: King Orry on February 23, 2018, 19:30:15
Hello people.. Got to a question re Adventure Style helmets.

I’m due a new helmet, and like the sun shade option the peaks of the Adventure style helmets offer.
I do like Arai’s, and have ‘nearly bought’ an Arai XTour on a couple of occasions, but baulked each time at the price. £450+.
Any recommendations.?  :shrug: (other than, ‘stop being a tight wad’).
Title: Re: Helmet Adventures
Post by: SimonW on February 23, 2018, 22:36:19
Take a look at the X-Lite X-551. It's a quality lid and a bit cheaper than the Arai. https://www.webbikeworld.com/x-lite-x-551-review/
From £312 at Sportsbikeshoponlinecominternetshopping dot com or whatever: https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_cat/1795. Other places might be cheaper.
Title: Re: Helmet Adventures
Post by: James59 on February 24, 2018, 17:45:35
I have an Arai X4. Certainly, it is a good helmet and the peak is great in the low winter sunshine. It is very expensive, as you rightly said. A helmet is one area I will not compromise on as I know from experience how vulnerable the head and neck is. It is very comfortable and a quality bit of kit. There are many other very good helmets, I like the Shoei Hornet, but set a budget and see what you are comfortable with.
Best wishes.
Title: Re: Helmet Adventures
Post by: Freddyfruitbat on February 24, 2018, 18:04:53
Unnecessary quote removed

I really don't know why more helmets don't provide for detachable peaks as standard fittings - as I've got older I've found my eyes adapt much more poorly to the dreaded low winter sun, and I've had one or two truly buttock-clenching moments when I've been taken unawares by it at speed and momentarily been 100% blinded.  I've taken to using a strip of duct tape along the top edge of my visor these days, which helps but is far from ideal.  Thinking of buying another (peaky) helmet especially for winter rideouts.
Title: Re: Helmet Adventures
Post by: Kikken on February 24, 2018, 19:18:06
Unnecessary quote removed

I keep a roll of electrical insulation tape in my pocket for this use - usually I use two or three strips slightly overlapping, and fold the left end so I can tear it of easily if needed.
Title: Re: Helmet Adventures
Post by: James59 on February 24, 2018, 22:22:12
Unnecessary quote removed

Great idea.
Title: Re: Helmet Adventures
Post by: King Orry on February 27, 2018, 22:08:53
Thanks for the feedback chaps.
I’ve employed the strip of tape on the top of my visor for a while now too. I first added it as my ride home from work was eastward bound, and in winter after nightshifts, the low sun was a real pain. A strip of tape does a pretty good job most of the time. Try it.
The other great addition is a photochromatic Pinlock, ace piece of kit. Got my last one from the Arai service stand at the rear of the TT Grandstand for £20, bargain.
R-kid has an Arai with the added Pro Shade sun visor, says it works well without ever feeling it’s about to fly off.
I quite like the Bell MX9, looks like a decent option, but will probably keep my eyes pealed for a reasonable priced Arai Tour-X.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Helmet Adventures
Post by: pegemc on February 27, 2018, 22:14:50
Can vouch for the Bell MX-9, its a great looking helmet and comfy too. Bought mine from Sportsbike shop £99.99 few weeks ago. Got the greyish one with the Hi-viz detail, although it did look more black in the pics it still looks the biz.
Title: Re: Helmet Adventures
Post by: Mark Shelley on April 01, 2018, 11:53:39
I have had a couple if Tour X and still own one. I have also owned an X-Lite X551 for a few years and prefer the X551.
Title: Re: Helmet Adventures
Post by: King Orry on April 01, 2018, 12:13:25
Wifee bought me a strange looking Easter Egg..
It’s not what you’d call a ‘reserved’ paint scheme, but at £99 (inc free next-day delivery from Sportsbikeshop) it’s got to be worth a try.

:auto-dirtbike:
First impressions are pretty good.  :thumb: