3/4 or Modular
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 307
Likes: 506
From: Saskatchewan Canada
I rode for 35 years with a half helmet and thought I loved it. This summer my wife and I each got a Simpson Mod Bandit modular helmet on a whim. What the hell was I thinking going all those years in a half helmet? All the bugs, the stones/gravel from passing cars, the rain, the hail. Never again I tell you! To be honest, a big part of the decision was when a fellow went down on a poker run we were on this summer. His face hit the pavement, not good.
I never did much riding with a 3/4 helmet other than when I was a kid. But other than being a little quieter than the half, I cant see it being much different. But let me tell you about the Mod Bandit. First of all I love the styling, classic Simpson style. It is extremely comfortable. Visibility is great. The visor opening on these is huge, peripheral vision is great. It's much more quiet, yet lets enough sound in so I can hear the stereo. not much louder with the front open either. I thought it was going to be very hot. But once you're moving the airflow through the helmet is sufficient to keep you cool. If you're not moving just flip the front up. That's also an awesome feature for when you need to take a drink, have a quick chat, get gas, or whatever. You don't need to take the helmet off like you would with a full face.
I still wear my half helmet around town, but anything other than that it's the Mod Bandit.
If you want my opinion, go with the modular. It will give you the best of both worlds while still offering better protection.
I never did much riding with a 3/4 helmet other than when I was a kid. But other than being a little quieter than the half, I cant see it being much different. But let me tell you about the Mod Bandit. First of all I love the styling, classic Simpson style. It is extremely comfortable. Visibility is great. The visor opening on these is huge, peripheral vision is great. It's much more quiet, yet lets enough sound in so I can hear the stereo. not much louder with the front open either. I thought it was going to be very hot. But once you're moving the airflow through the helmet is sufficient to keep you cool. If you're not moving just flip the front up. That's also an awesome feature for when you need to take a drink, have a quick chat, get gas, or whatever. You don't need to take the helmet off like you would with a full face.
I still wear my half helmet around town, but anything other than that it's the Mod Bandit.
If you want my opinion, go with the modular. It will give you the best of both worlds while still offering better protection.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,884
Likes: 912
From: South La.
I've worn them all. Right now, I've got a polo for quick trips around the house, and an HJC carbon fiber modular. The mod really makes long days in the saddle more tolerable and less fatiguing. Even when it's hot, I'll wear the mod to and from work. My head's not in it long enough to become miserable. On trips to Sturgis from S. Louisiana, it's freak'n HOT the first day, but I don't think it matters that it's a mod. The mod does help with keeping the sun off my face tho.
Years ago we got caught in a hail storm, and I was wearing my polo. That **** hurts when it's bouncing off your face at speed! By the time we got stopped, it looked like we all got shot up with bird shot.
Years ago we got caught in a hail storm, and I was wearing my polo. That **** hurts when it's bouncing off your face at speed! By the time we got stopped, it looked like we all got shot up with bird shot.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,089
Likes: 9,485
From: central NC
Finally talked myself into buying anything other than another half helmet. I bought a bunch of winter gear this year to ride more year round and the weak link was above the neck. Finally settled on a Shoei Neotec II, for the fit as much as anything.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,603
Likes: 22,446
From: North Carolina
I have several helmets including the following:
Bell Pit Boss 1/2
LS2 Rebellion 1/2
Shoei J-Cruise 3/4
Schuberth C3 Pro - Modular
Bell SRT - Modular
I like them all, but the Bell is my latest addition and I absolutely love it. It is not super light but it is balanced in a way that it wears much lighter than it is. The shield in nice and has one single lift point right in the middle for easy left or right hand control. The chin vent and top vent are very easy to use even with gloves. I find the build quality to be as good as my Schuberth which says a lot. It is very comfortable. I especially like the drop down visor. It is easy to use, clears my prescription glasses and is very large, or full coverage. People always ask about noise. It is noisier than by Schuberth. At low speeds say 55 and below it is a non issue. At 65 + it becomes apparent. I wear ear plugs (MotoSafe) all the time and with them I hear my stereo and the other noise is not a problem. With out ear plugs It will roar at higher speeds.
I rode in the Bell this last weekend for 183 miles between 23 and 28 degrees and the Bell was a very warm and comfortable helmet. The best part is I got it on sale for $379.00. I am funny about helmets. I cannot bring myself to pay $500, $700 or more. My limit has always been $400 and I have easily found good quality on sale or close outs for that price range.
Bell Pit Boss 1/2
LS2 Rebellion 1/2
Shoei J-Cruise 3/4
Schuberth C3 Pro - Modular
Bell SRT - Modular
I like them all, but the Bell is my latest addition and I absolutely love it. It is not super light but it is balanced in a way that it wears much lighter than it is. The shield in nice and has one single lift point right in the middle for easy left or right hand control. The chin vent and top vent are very easy to use even with gloves. I find the build quality to be as good as my Schuberth which says a lot. It is very comfortable. I especially like the drop down visor. It is easy to use, clears my prescription glasses and is very large, or full coverage. People always ask about noise. It is noisier than by Schuberth. At low speeds say 55 and below it is a non issue. At 65 + it becomes apparent. I wear ear plugs (MotoSafe) all the time and with them I hear my stereo and the other noise is not a problem. With out ear plugs It will roar at higher speeds.
I rode in the Bell this last weekend for 183 miles between 23 and 28 degrees and the Bell was a very warm and comfortable helmet. The best part is I got it on sale for $379.00. I am funny about helmets. I cannot bring myself to pay $500, $700 or more. My limit has always been $400 and I have easily found good quality on sale or close outs for that price range.
Last edited by Cosmic Razorback; Dec 26, 2022 at 11:50 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
I wore half helmets for 15 years , decided when I took my first trip into western Canada , I'd go with a modular HJC , have never worn anything but after that . Mine doesn't have a chin bar , just a flip up visor , which is good for drinking or vaping while on the go . I find it to be a bit noisy , but it works , I can live with it , next one I buy will be a much better quality one .
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 660
Likes: 352
From: Colorado
I'm due for a new helmet to replace my Pit Boss half helmet. I love the half helmet freedom but after getting caught out on the highway in a really bad storm with nowhere to pull off, the safety of a face shield is more of a necessity than an option on this Road Glide. Even with the 15" Freedom shield, my visibility was zero.
When the weather started getting cold here I broke out my really old, really cheap half helmet for my rides to work in the morning. I didn't hate it but the visibility sucked. I really had to move my head a lot, even just to see the instruments. Again, this is a CHEAP helmet, so I know almost anything would be better. I wore this until the visor literally snapped off one morning so I grabbed my wife's HJC 3/4 and off I went. I actually didn't mind this helmet. Her old one was really noisy and buffeted really badly but this one is fairly quiet and more comfortable. I never got a chance to get out on the highway or a longer ride though before the weather turned and I had to put the bike away.
I'm debating between getting a 3/4 with shield or going to a modular. I was looking at the Capstone II/HJC I90 and then saw the I100, which let's you flip the chin bar all the way back. Debating the pros and cons of higher weight and less airflow vs the more open feeling of a 3/4.
Who's is riding with either style, especially on a Road Glide with a touring sized shield? Do you ever ride a modular with the chin bar up? I don't think I'd go to a full face because I want to be able to take a drink, talk more easily, and potentially open up for more air on a hot day.
I might keep the half for quick trips in town but it'll depend on how comfortable I get with the new one.
Any input is appreciated.
When the weather started getting cold here I broke out my really old, really cheap half helmet for my rides to work in the morning. I didn't hate it but the visibility sucked. I really had to move my head a lot, even just to see the instruments. Again, this is a CHEAP helmet, so I know almost anything would be better. I wore this until the visor literally snapped off one morning so I grabbed my wife's HJC 3/4 and off I went. I actually didn't mind this helmet. Her old one was really noisy and buffeted really badly but this one is fairly quiet and more comfortable. I never got a chance to get out on the highway or a longer ride though before the weather turned and I had to put the bike away.
I'm debating between getting a 3/4 with shield or going to a modular. I was looking at the Capstone II/HJC I90 and then saw the I100, which let's you flip the chin bar all the way back. Debating the pros and cons of higher weight and less airflow vs the more open feeling of a 3/4.
Who's is riding with either style, especially on a Road Glide with a touring sized shield? Do you ever ride a modular with the chin bar up? I don't think I'd go to a full face because I want to be able to take a drink, talk more easily, and potentially open up for more air on a hot day.
I might keep the half for quick trips in town but it'll depend on how comfortable I get with the new one.
Any input is appreciated.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,406
Likes: 8,247
From: Inland NW
If I am leaving overnight or longer, I bring them both. I have a Shoei Neotec in the bag for bad weather. I love my CF skull cap otherwise.
It sucks to have to carry a helmet, but so worth it to have that FF when the weather turns to ****, and also so worth it to have my 1/2 on the rest of the time.
It sucks to have to carry a helmet, but so worth it to have that FF when the weather turns to ****, and also so worth it to have my 1/2 on the rest of the time.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 721
From: Ontario, Canada
I ride a 2020 RGL with a 15" Freedom Touring windshield and own 3 different helmets...one of each.
Bell Pit Boss 1/2 helmet for hot summer days when not venturing too far. Usually day trips around home.
An HJC IS-33 II 3/4 helmet that I find myself wearing most of the time. Unfortunately HJC no longer makes this helmet but it's the same as the Harley Maywood helmet. Mine came with a Peak Visor and this is the configuration I were mine virtually all of the time. New ones don't come with the visor but it can be ordered. I see GP Bikes (Whitby, ON) and FortNine are showing they have some. It does have a drop down sun visor and I find this sufficient. If not, remove the peak visor and install the face shield. As I said, this is my go-to helmet. I really like the Shoei RJ Platinum-R and almost got it. It's a quality helmet but doesn't have the drop down sun visor. I may get one yet when it's time to replace my current 3/4.
Picked up a Simpson Mod Bandit modular about a year ago from Gastown Supply (Canadian Distributor in BC). I haven't worn it as much as I thought I would. Spring & Fall cold weather for sure. It is real convenient to flip up the chin bar for sure to have a drink of water, have a talk, or when fueling. I do ride at slower speeds with the chin bar up...like around town and such. Even speeds up to highway speed is doable with my 15" windshield. The one little complaint I have is that with it all closed up, the wind noise is a little louder than I was expecting.
As an aside, I have all 3 helmets set up with Cardo helmet speaker and mic so I can just move my Cardo PacTalk Black to whichever helmet I'm wearing that day. Can't say enough good about the Cardo PackTalk...love it!
Good Luck
Bell Pit Boss 1/2 helmet for hot summer days when not venturing too far. Usually day trips around home.
An HJC IS-33 II 3/4 helmet that I find myself wearing most of the time. Unfortunately HJC no longer makes this helmet but it's the same as the Harley Maywood helmet. Mine came with a Peak Visor and this is the configuration I were mine virtually all of the time. New ones don't come with the visor but it can be ordered. I see GP Bikes (Whitby, ON) and FortNine are showing they have some. It does have a drop down sun visor and I find this sufficient. If not, remove the peak visor and install the face shield. As I said, this is my go-to helmet. I really like the Shoei RJ Platinum-R and almost got it. It's a quality helmet but doesn't have the drop down sun visor. I may get one yet when it's time to replace my current 3/4.
Picked up a Simpson Mod Bandit modular about a year ago from Gastown Supply (Canadian Distributor in BC). I haven't worn it as much as I thought I would. Spring & Fall cold weather for sure. It is real convenient to flip up the chin bar for sure to have a drink of water, have a talk, or when fueling. I do ride at slower speeds with the chin bar up...like around town and such. Even speeds up to highway speed is doable with my 15" windshield. The one little complaint I have is that with it all closed up, the wind noise is a little louder than I was expecting.
As an aside, I have all 3 helmets set up with Cardo helmet speaker and mic so I can just move my Cardo PacTalk Black to whichever helmet I'm wearing that day. Can't say enough good about the Cardo PackTalk...love it!
Good Luck
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,055
Likes: 1,942
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
I have the Schuberth C3 Pro modular for my FF helmet, otherwise I wear a half for the majority of my riding. I use the modular for all cold weather riding and I bring the modular on my trips just in case of any inclement weather. The Schuberth is one of the lightest and quietest around, although the newer C5 is out now. I have the plug-in comm system with the Schuberth and can pair with my phone or talk to other riders, as it has built-in speakers and mic. I've had the modular for quite a while, so ready for an upgrade, and can't beat the German quality.
If you want quiet, then the Schuberth is your option.
If you want light, then I would say the AGV Sportmodular is it.
The Shoei Neotec would round out the top 3 for me.
I sometimes ride with the chin bar up. I ride mostly solo and, on the long trips, I can go through the drive-thru and order a quick meal. I've been known to eat while I'm riding.
If you want quiet, then the Schuberth is your option.
If you want light, then I would say the AGV Sportmodular is it.
The Shoei Neotec would round out the top 3 for me.
Originally Posted by LazySundays
Do you ever ride a modular with the chin bar up?
Last edited by RKZen; Dec 26, 2022 at 03:45 PM.