Helmets, Full that slip up
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
RE: Helmets, Full that slip up
there are so many different helmets in the world that it can make on dizzy trying to decide. Yes, there is the traditional way of going to the nearest bike shop and finding one that works the best (I have had the best luck with sportbike shops for the best selection). OR you can get online and look at the European ones. I have been doing some research for a new helmet and am probably going to get one that is ECE compliant. It may not be DOT approved, but I think that if it meets ECE and SNELL, it should pass DOT.
From what I understand there is no list of DOT helmets, just a honor system for the producing company to say that they believe it passes DOT standards. ECE helmets are required to pass the ECE standards, as well as go through random testing on their lots of production helmets.
From what I understand there is no list of DOT helmets, just a honor system for the producing company to say that they believe it passes DOT standards. ECE helmets are required to pass the ECE standards, as well as go through random testing on their lots of production helmets.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: S.F. Bay Area, CA
RE: Helmets, Full that slip up
I have an HD modular flip up that I found at my local dealer. I usually ride with a half helmet locally but I bought this to wear when touring for cold and rain. It's very comfortable for me. As others have said the best helmet is one that fits your head. For me this rules out buying online or from a catalog. I have found that helmets of the same brand, model and size don't always fit the same so when I find the one that fits right I buy it. I found this HD modular at my local dealer but if you want to try different brands and models find a shop that just sells accessories. They will usually have a wider selection than a motorcycle dealer and different brands fit different shaped heads. Good luck.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 342
From: Virginia Beach
RE: Helmets, Full that slip up
I have a Shoei Mulitec and a Nolan N100E.The Shoei wins hands down. Better fit, comfortand quality. It is more than 200 dollars more than a Nolan though. I tried the Vega at my local honda dealer and its fit and finish were reflected in its price(129.00). I found the vega to be a poor choice for a helmet. Since DOT approval is wide and far, not all DOT helmets are the same. Its your head and the choice is yours!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
RE: Helmets, Full that slip up
I see you live in Seattle WA - http://www.motorcycleshows.com/ Nov 30-Dec2.... This show will not only show you tons of great bikes... It will have the Reps from both Arai and Shoei... When protecting your Brain - do NOT try and go cheap. both these are top of the line makers but they both fit differently... At theshow will be experts there that can fit you and show you all the differences - I did this Last Nov in CA - decided what I wanted, then went on line and bought from FL and saved a Ton of $$$. If a helmet does not fit right - it will not only hurt - it will do more bad than good... alot depends on how your head is shaped - we are all a little different. I have been riding since 96 and I have been a FireFighter for 34+ years.. I wear a Full Face 98% of the time..
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 2
From: Broadview Heights, OH
RE: Helmets, Full that slip up
I bought a Nolan N102 off E-bay a while back for $189 delivered, which I thought was a great price. I made sure to buy the new model that's Ncom compatible (I'm thinking of getting the bluetooth kit to work with the Zumo). I do get a little buffeting from the flip down sun visor (I have an 8" shield on my SG), but overall I'm very it's not too bad and I'm happy with the helmet.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
RE: Helmets, Full that slip up
Try the GMAX44 great price, good fit, light weight. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...aspx?P=0&F=211
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
RE: Helmets, Full that slip up
Just for grins... I pulled out my Visa statement and found I bought ours back in April, 07 from http://www.helmetshop.com/index.asp?url=IND Now I went with Shoei X-11 full face, Black... total to our home herein CA for Two was $876.69. Top of the line and feel great. I went to their web site and saw a higher price - Called and taled to "John" I ask if there was an increase since last April - was reminded that those were posted prices because of Shoei and Ariai rules... Always call - posted price was $529 - called price was $423.
You can find cheaper lids - thats your choice... We ride a lot and we wanted not only saftey we want comfort... I Used Arai for 10 years, just switched to Shoei X-11 - Both work well....
Still say, go to the show in a few weeks - great place to try them all with factory reps to help and not some min wage person at a M/C shop that may not know **** about anything....
You can find cheaper lids - thats your choice... We ride a lot and we wanted not only saftey we want comfort... I Used Arai for 10 years, just switched to Shoei X-11 - Both work well....
Still say, go to the show in a few weeks - great place to try them all with factory reps to help and not some min wage person at a M/C shop that may not know **** about anything....
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Helmets, Full that slip up
The good helmets cost a bit, but in the long run are worth it. In an unrelated/semi-related vein, I was talking with a mountain climber about his boots in a class I was taking with him. I mentioned that $500 seemed like a lot of money. He said yeah, but he felt his toes were worth more than $50 each. Thinking about it that way, spending a bunch of money on protection for your head is well worth it.
