Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

helmets

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 5, 2009 | 03:40 PM
  #1  
ky_ace's Avatar
ky_ace
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 858
Likes: 0
From: around
Default helmets

I'm looking to get a couple new brain buckets for the wife and I. Right now we have HJC's and I haven't been impressed. I've been looking into modulars including the Nolan N-102 and 103 as well as the Shoei Multitec. Has anyone got experience with modular helmets and how they perform? I'm not as interested in how it fits because everyone's melon is different.

Later,

BM
 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2009 | 03:45 PM
  #2  
bigskyhd's Avatar
bigskyhd
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
Default

I have a modular, and I've really enjoyed it. Mostly wear it when a. the weather is bad, or potentially bad, b. It's extremely cold c. when I'm running the 4" windshield on my front fairing. All things considered, I think they're a pretty nice to have item. Very convenient to flip up at gas stops, stop lights, when talking, or just short stops when you really don't need to remove the helmet. That Nolan makes a nice helmet.
 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2009 | 03:53 PM
  #3  
JMJOHN's Avatar
JMJOHN
Sponsor
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 65
From: Tucson AZ
Default

The J&M/Nolan N103's are available with J&M's integrated headsets custom installed or just the helmets themselves on the Nolan page at www.jmcorp.com ,,,,,

the N103 is probably the best flip-up style helmet available on the market today ,,,,,

JMJOHN ,,,,, john@jmcorp.com ,,,,,,
 
__________________
JMJOHN,,,, www.Jmcorp.com ,,,, send email direct to John@Jmcorp.com for your HD-Forums VIP Discount Promo Code.
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2009 | 03:54 PM
  #4  
bigdumbnoitall00's Avatar
bigdumbnoitall00
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
Default

i didnt like the modular(hjc) it was heavy noisey and pins rattled. i ended up with a open face nolan n-43 com the intergrated face sheild keeps my glasses dry in the rain it has a sun visor and it doesnt buffet to bad even reliezed i could keep the facesheild up to around 45 mph with no problems.
 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2009 | 03:55 PM
  #5  
bigdumbnoitall00's Avatar
bigdumbnoitall00
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
Default

i bought the headset from j&m but found the helment much cheeper at a vendor show.thats your best bet u can try on a lot of models at the shows the dealers dont carry much so it all depends on the fit.
 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2009 | 03:56 PM
  #6  
1mrbill's Avatar
1mrbill
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Default

We just bought a couple of Bell "shorty" helmets from "The Bell Store" on line. I really like the way they fit and are relatively quiet. Been thinking about a modular, but have made the move yet. Good price online also.
 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2009 | 04:04 PM
  #7  
halfbreed's Avatar
halfbreed
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 231
Likes: 3
Default

I have a HJC Modular and do not like it at all. Big mistake. I should have purchased the Nolan. A lot more money, but we only get what we pay for. Also, I can't remember which one has a metal latch. Check on the Shoie or the Arei (not sure of the spelling) but I believe the stronger metal latch is a plus. They are very convenient. I also only wear my modular in extremely cold weather, or in the rain. The rest of the time it's my HD shorty. I ride a Road King solo, so no need for intercom.
 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2009 | 04:09 PM
  #8  
n8dc's Avatar
n8dc
Stellar HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 45
From: Michigan
Default

We have the harley 3/4 helmets .. they are made by hjc but seem to have a better liner (more padding).. Insurance bought us new ones after the crash so I got the harley ones again.. I keep dropping mine and chipping the paint though
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 5, 2009 | 04:15 PM
  #9  
bigdumbnoitall00's Avatar
bigdumbnoitall00
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
Default

from what ive found all but the most expenesive modulars have issues and even those are heavier noisier, and weaker at the hinge.and awkward when the chinbar is up. so for me it came down to full face or open face with intergrated sheild.
 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2009 | 04:35 PM
  #10  
KoalaCowboy's Avatar
KoalaCowboy
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
From: Metro Denver
Default

I have a Shoei MultiTec and, as bigskyhd said, mostly wear during inclement/cold weather situations. I have worn it 2x for long rides that were pure highway because my former 3/4 helmet (HJC) was okay for comfort, but not as good as my MultiTec.

That said, the quality of the Shoei, IMO, is better than many others.

When I was researching prior to buying, I went to Performance Cycles here in Denver, which has helmets from a lot of Mfr's and I tried on helmets from a variety, wearing the helmet for 30 minutes or so before shifting to the next one. I spent about 3 hours or so trying on helmets and figuring out which helmet really worked best for me.

I bought the Shoei MultiTec because it was, by far the most comfortable and I liked the fit, finish and quality.

As a result, when I was ready to pick up my new '09 Ultra on 3/21, I ordered a Shoei RJ Platinum-R 3/4 helmet for my primary helmet.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:44 PM.

story-0
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-4
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-5
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-9
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE