Helmet Vibrations.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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I have similar issues with my Shark helmet as well. I cannot wear it at all without ear plugs and at highway speeds I couldn't read a road sign to save my life unless I am real close. With my 1/2 helmet though, its no issue. A little buffetting which I am going to try to mitigate with a taller windshield and maybe lowers. But 1/2 helmet with ear plugs solved my major issues.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Edmond Oklahoma
I have similar issues with my Shark helmet as well. I cannot wear it at all without ear plugs and at highway speeds I couldn't read a road sign to save my life unless I am real close. With my 1/2 helmet though, its no issue. A little buffetting which I am going to try to mitigate with a taller windshield and maybe lowers. But 1/2 helmet with ear plugs solved my major issues.
Beary
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 427
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From: Hot Springs, AR
I think the helmets actually move your scalp around on your skull. The smaller and lighter the helmet the better they work around town when you're sitting still idling a lot, such as traffic lights. Easing off on the earplugs helps a bunch but lets in more sound. Foam earplugs resist the booming sound better. Quieting the exhaust works the best. I even considered buying the mufflers that Harley uses on the bikes sold in Japan or Australia but the 2009 mufflers are usable for me. Slip-on fishtail tips did nothing.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 261
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From: Marquette MI.
It's interesting how much difference there can be in helmets. My Fulmer 3/4 helmet works great but I thought it would be nice to have a helmet with a flip down sun visor so I bought a HJC IS33. That helmet had such a vibration to it I could barely read street signs. I felt bad giving the helmet to someone. What I did learn is that I will never buy another helmet without trying fist. Tinnitus sucks.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 210
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From: Augusta, GA
Oh, I agree on both points. I have Tinnitus from working on the flight line around jet engines for 20 years, even with hearing protection. So I'd like to keep what little hearing I have left. As others have stated, ear plugs with the 1/2 helmet (Fulmer AF-81). As I read on Web Bike World, some one stated that the quietest helmet he had was an old '80's Bieffe helmet. But of course, the old helmets had no vents what so ever and fit really tight. I never had any issue with the old full or 3/4 helmets, all American made ...
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 551
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From: Texas
Take a look at the full face helmets. They are really quiet and have good ventilation. The draw back is cannot drink directly from a container while wearing it. And hard for others to hear you speaking. My wife and I both wear full face helmets even during the summer and they are not any hotter considering the protection. Summer heat is always 90+. My wife owned a half helmet and we were in a accident. If she would not have had her full face helmet on, she would have lost half of her face. The chin area was almost worn away, scraping along the pavement. Also we purchased our helmets from a company called Moto liberty, they had a great selection and allowed us to try different helmets/models and even ride with them. IMO
Last edited by jackja25; Oct 26, 2011 at 10:28 AM. Reason: forgot information
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Edmond Oklahoma
I don't ride with anything else, so I can't compare, but my FF is pretty quiet. However, it doesnt fix the resonance from loud pipes and it does catch more air coming from the tank area. I fixed the resonance problem with a quieter stock exhaust. I reduced the air buffet problem with a different shape windshield. I know I can reduce it even more if I install those ugly baffles that attach to each fork strut, which I might do for long trips.
Beary
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Grand HDF Member
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From: Edmond Oklahoma
I have Scorpion and like it a lot, but its getting time to replace it, so I am shopping again. webbikeworld.com has reviews on everything out there. But, remember that those guys review the best helmets and may not have a lot to say about cheaper helmets. That doesn't mean they aren't good, they just have a broader perspective.
Beary
Beary
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Joined: Sep 2010
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No problems with my Nolan N90 & N102 other than they amplify exaust sound ( like every full coverage helmet I 've ever worn. Ride a RKC with a standard windshield. I rode with a half helmet 95% of the time until my deer accident this summer. Just happened to have on my full face that night. I'm alive because of it.