Wife and I got fitted at a local motorcycle show a while back that had several Arai's and Shoei's to demo. Both of our heads are oval and we ended up with Arai's.
Noggin Protection?
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 481
Likes: 51
Reading into your post, I surmise that you don't want to spend much (because of the non-DOT helmet.) But, you want better protection.
The Bell Vortex is a great choice for a solid helmet that is not expensive. I get them when they are on sale. Recently, RevZilla even included solid black in the sale category. I grabbed another one.
I ride under a 1/2 helmet when temps are around 70* and the trip is 30mi to 40mi, but I have been comfortable with the Vortex on whole day rides with temps in the hi 80s. The Vortex isn't the quietest helmet, but I don't need earplugs.
Let us know what you decide and how you like it.
The Bell Vortex is a great choice for a solid helmet that is not expensive. I get them when they are on sale. Recently, RevZilla even included solid black in the sale category. I grabbed another one.
I ride under a 1/2 helmet when temps are around 70* and the trip is 30mi to 40mi, but I have been comfortable with the Vortex on whole day rides with temps in the hi 80s. The Vortex isn't the quietest helmet, but I don't need earplugs.
Let us know what you decide and how you like it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 788
From: Great State of Texas
I wear a FF Shoei Air GT. It's lightweight, has great ventilation, an internal sun visor and anti-fog pinlock shield. I wear contacts and can't deal with air and debris in my eyes. With this lid I can ride with the shield up and sunshade down without the need for sunglasses. No need for earplugs, although I often wear those too. My helmet is set up with a SENA 20s Bluetooth which I rarely use. I thought initially I would listen to more music on long trips than what I actually do. Awesome helmet but pricey.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,077
Likes: 2,386
From: Camp Lejeune, NC
I wear a FF 24/7. I dont care about looking cool in a 1/2 helmet. The FF protects my head and face, is quieter which helps protect my hearing, and Im much more comfortable on long trips without the wind beating on my face and ears. Plus I have an integrated Bluetooth headsets for listening to music, navigation ques, podcasts, and taking/making phone calls when I need to. Currently I use a Shoei Neotec and will be getting the new Neotec 2 very soon.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,837
Likes: 8,744
From: Edmonton, Alberta
A little-known fact is that there are different models of Arai's to fit different head shapes ranging from round-oval to intermediate-oval to long-oval.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 297
Likes: 25
From:
FF only for me. Have a Nolan street helmet and a Fly dual sport helmet at the moment, both of them due for replacement. Tried on an Arai a few years ago and was amazed at how comfortable it was, planning on buying one this spring when I get a chance to ride to the bike shop and double check sizing.
Getting this one. The visor on these don't grab nearly as much wind as you would think, and it's pretty nice in the morning and evening. At least on my $100 Fly helmet, I'd imagine this would be even better.
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/...caAuyFEALw_wcB
Getting this one. The visor on these don't grab nearly as much wind as you would think, and it's pretty nice in the morning and evening. At least on my $100 Fly helmet, I'd imagine this would be even better.
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/...caAuyFEALw_wcB
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 443
From: SETx
I run a Biltwell Gringo S also. I love it for what it is. I have a feeling I'm going to want more venting when the summertime comes. I'll probably pick up a 3/4 helmet and another good pair of goggles for summer riding.
If youre wanting to stick to a budget and considering a FF helmet, check out Urban helmets. Along the same retro look/lines of a Gringo, but less $. I like their face shield setup, but probably not something I'd want to take cross country. Full disclaimer, I've never put one on my noggin, just looked at them a handful of times.
All things considered, my next FF will be a Bell Bullit.
If youre wanting to stick to a budget and considering a FF helmet, check out Urban helmets. Along the same retro look/lines of a Gringo, but less $. I like their face shield setup, but probably not something I'd want to take cross country. Full disclaimer, I've never put one on my noggin, just looked at them a handful of times.
All things considered, my next FF will be a Bell Bullit.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 756
Likes: 144
From: Burleson, TX
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8,055
Likes: 8,080
From: Canada
A lot of variables to consider and one is what slip-ons are you running and will you wear earplugs? I have a Shoei RF-1200 which I love and wasn't cheap BUT with my RK and no windshield (and the desire to protect my head as much as possible) I have no choice but to have a FF helmet. Problem is the FF helmet amplifies the exhaust drone and is worse than if I had a half helmet and a windshield in front of me. I wouldn't need ear plugs with that combo but wouldn't feel safe and don't like the look of the RK windshield. Ear plugs are a must on my bike with my rineharts and a FF helmet.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 938
From: Up a tree making meth coolaid
Little over a year ago I picked up a CRG "bandit" knockoff. Think I grabbed it off Amazon for around $120 give or take. Been using a 3/4 helmet for almost as long as ive been riding but wanted something for cold weather. Not many ff apealed to me but the simpsons always seemed cool. But 350+ dollars was a little much to invest in something I may have hated. So far its been good to me. Pretty comfortable and doesnt get too hot in the warmer months when ive got some serious miles to kill and want to save on a little bit of fatigue. Fit and finish is decent enough but not great. Only real gripe and it isnt much of one is that the chin straps take a bit more effort to get set up right than other helmets ive had. For the money I wouldnt hesitate to get another when the time comes. And not that it seems to matter to you but it is D.O.T. compliant. And yes they come in regular colors, ive just got a thing for sparkly lids. Maybe it's got something to do with all those flea market helmets I had growing up.