Modular Helmet Thread
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
I have a Nolan 102. Just like the 103 except the sun visor is on the outside. 103 is a better helmet. It is a great helmet in weather. But it's heavy.
My son just bought the Shark. it can be worn both as full face or 3/4. I really like it although the cheek pads are high and tight. Lighter than the nolan.
I would try on both before you decide. A lot depends on your head. I have an bog oval head which is harder to fit. (No jokes guys!)
Helmets are like oil or pipes . . . each to their own.
I actually ride most of the time with an (illegal) ACC 1/2 helmet. And NO, I'm not sending it back in . . . so there.
Steve
My son just bought the Shark. it can be worn both as full face or 3/4. I really like it although the cheek pads are high and tight. Lighter than the nolan.
I would try on both before you decide. A lot depends on your head. I have an bog oval head which is harder to fit. (No jokes guys!)
Helmets are like oil or pipes . . . each to their own.
I actually ride most of the time with an (illegal) ACC 1/2 helmet. And NO, I'm not sending it back in . . . so there.
Steve
I went with the Shark Evoline. I ride mostly in the 3/4 setup. Use both the face shield and the sun visor. While I like the helmet, it does look big (what helmet doesn't), but fits perfect, is not too heavy, and does allow for good airflow. It is expensive. The sun visor is not that dark, at least not in the sun we get in the South and does not cut reflection as much as I would like. I do like having the ability to go full face if desired (like when the bugs come out). Definitely try several on before you purchase. I went with an XL as the L was way too tight (made my lips puff out like i was kissing something :-) If you ever get a June Bug in the kisser, you'll know the taste of spring! Ride safe.
jl
jl
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Front Range
Had the Shoei for 2 years. Don't use it much but it is nice and quiet. Kinda heavy and the chin part is pretty close to my face. Beard whiskers rub a bit but no big deal. The visor and rear vents are nice, and it is Snell rated.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
For the cost, fit and construction, a HJC SYMAX II was my choice. However, there are trade-offs with costs. IF cost is of no importance, I would get the lightest modular with metal latching, chin curtain, adjustable liners(check pads, etc), sun visor, and integrated speakers/mic to plug straight into my Ultra's system.
My HJC does not have a chin curtain, kind of heavy and does not have an integrated speakers/mic setup in the helmet...but, it cost me $165 and fits my head perfect.
My HJC does not have a chin curtain, kind of heavy and does not have an integrated speakers/mic setup in the helmet...but, it cost me $165 and fits my head perfect.
I've tried Nolans on before but no matter what I do, they just don't fit my head and it never seems to change, even after "many" years.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Nolan N-103 Modular Helmet with J&M Integrated Bluetooth - Brand New - for Sale
I have one for sale in the "Gear and Other Items For Sale" forum pages.
Check it out:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gear-...brand-new.html
Check it out:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gear-...brand-new.html
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 832
Likes: 29
From: New England
Hey,
I had the Nolan 102 and tried the 103 what I found was they fit OK on my round head.
I found that they were very heavy and not balanced well. On longer trips it cause pain in the back of my neck.
The external / internal visor is a great idea but I think its poorly executed on the Nolan.
Its way to short and for me the bottom of the visor was in my line of site. It also had some vibration and distortion.
The Nolan was also pretty loud.
I'm currently using and love the HJC IS-16. Its not a flip up but I think they have a flip up version of it.
The HJC is one of the lightest helmets of its kind. It vents very well and stays pretty cool for a full face.
The internal sun visor is way way better then any other I've tried
(and I've tried a lot of them)
Both the external and internal visors are tighter, meaning it doesn't move around and or vibrate even at higher speeds.
The internal visor has 3 stages of adjustment and can be adjusted completely out of your sight line very easily, quickly and on the fly.
Its also A LOT cheaper then the Nolan. That said it doesn't feel or look any cheeper when you look at it or put it on.
I hope that helps.
I had the Nolan 102 and tried the 103 what I found was they fit OK on my round head.
I found that they were very heavy and not balanced well. On longer trips it cause pain in the back of my neck.
The external / internal visor is a great idea but I think its poorly executed on the Nolan.
Its way to short and for me the bottom of the visor was in my line of site. It also had some vibration and distortion.
The Nolan was also pretty loud.
I'm currently using and love the HJC IS-16. Its not a flip up but I think they have a flip up version of it.
The HJC is one of the lightest helmets of its kind. It vents very well and stays pretty cool for a full face.
The internal sun visor is way way better then any other I've tried
(and I've tried a lot of them)
Both the external and internal visors are tighter, meaning it doesn't move around and or vibrate even at higher speeds.
The internal visor has 3 stages of adjustment and can be adjusted completely out of your sight line very easily, quickly and on the fly.
Its also A LOT cheaper then the Nolan. That said it doesn't feel or look any cheeper when you look at it or put it on.
I hope that helps.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
My only complaint with the HJC SYMAX II is the lack of a chin curtain (however, you can buy one) and that the chin piece is very close to my
mouth which makes it hard to situate the mic on the Harley Premium Headset (I had to take the foam sock cover off the mic. It is much nicer than the original HJC SYMAX. Better constructed and I notice quieter with the wind noise. I bought mine through " newenough.com " at almost $50 cheaper than other places that sell it.
mouth which makes it hard to situate the mic on the Harley Premium Headset (I had to take the foam sock cover off the mic. It is much nicer than the original HJC SYMAX. Better constructed and I notice quieter with the wind noise. I bought mine through " newenough.com " at almost $50 cheaper than other places that sell it.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Boise Idaho
+1 on the Shark Evoline. I think it is the only helmet still in production that can be ridden with the chin bar open. After not wearing helmets for years I have been wearing a half helmet. This is my first full face. It is really nice in the winter. My morning ride to work is much more enjoyable now. Just took it on my first long trip and it was great.
I bought the Evoline II. I can't remember all the diferences but the one that got me to spend a little extra money was that the sun visor comes down further. On the Evoline the bottom edge of it came down right into my vision line and was distracting. I didnt' notice if it is darker than the Evoline.
I bought the Evoline II. I can't remember all the diferences but the one that got me to spend a little extra money was that the sun visor comes down further. On the Evoline the bottom edge of it came down right into my vision line and was distracting. I didnt' notice if it is darker than the Evoline.