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CVO Technical => Riding Gear => Topic started by: Hondo2doc on August 27, 2018, 05:24:06 PM

Title: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: Hondo2doc on August 27, 2018, 05:24:06 PM
Ok so I have been on the search for the perfect helmet for seems like forever. I can’t believe in 2018 not one helmet manufacturer makes say a 3/4 helmet with a retractable full face shield. I have searched every where for said beast and no luck. Yes, I’m sure it would take some creative design. I’m surprised there isn’t a demand for this type of helmet that you can cover up on the fly.

Additionally in doing lots of research it looks like the DOT helmet rating might not mean squat. Outdated standard with no oversight. Where as Snell or the ECE rating is far superior, from what I read. I really don’t have any first hand facts. From some study I read something about motorcyclists leading with their face in crashes. But again I really don’t know the validity of that.

Now full face helmets. I’m considering one. Only from a safest helmet point of view. They seem to offer the best protection. I have never worn one, not even tried one on. They appear to be large and bulky. Additionally I live in south Florida, that’s the 80 degrees at 6 AM in the summer South Florida. So full face looks hot from the outside.
I don’t see a lot of Harley riders with full face. Seems like most sport bike riders only wear a full face. I have read that even high end full face helmets with great ventilation doesn’t work that well behind a fairing and windshield.

I currently wear a Nexx helmet and I like it. The external face shield really hugs the helmet so up to about say 60 I can ride comfortably with it up. After 60 gotta drop it to avoid the wind smacking me around.

So does anyone know of any company that makes a retractable full face shield? And I would greatly appreciate hearing from any one that has made the half or 3/4 transition to full face. Thanks.


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Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: CVODON on August 27, 2018, 06:36:11 PM
Always wore full face, since my first Bell Star in 1972. Bought a new Shoei 3/4 when I started riding in central Florida in '99 due to the heat, but soon figured out it was not any cooler than a full face modular with shield open and a whole lot less safe. I went down on my face a long time ago, still remember it, had it not been for old full face helmet I would have been a mess, actually wore the helmet chin bar thru while sliding down the road.
Currently we wear Shoei Modular with the integral sun shield  and pinlok anti-fog insert and wouldn't consider anything else. Also I ride a bike with fairing/windshield and I see no problem with a full face behind the fairing. And when it starts to rain, I can ride on, no problem
Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: JCZ on August 27, 2018, 06:50:32 PM
Ok so I have been on the search for the perfect helmet for seems like forever. I can’t believe in 2018 not one helmet manufacturer makes say a 3/4 helmet with a retractable full face shield. I have searched every where for said beast and no luck. Yes, I’m sure it would take some creative design. I’m surprised there isn’t a demand for this type of helmet that you can cover up on the fly.

Additionally in doing lots of research it looks like the DOT helmet rating might not mean squat. Outdated standard with no oversight. Where as Snell or the ECE rating is far superior, from what I read. I really don’t have any first hand facts. From some study I read something about motorcyclists leading with their face in crashes. But again I really don’t know the validity of that.

Now full face helmets. I’m considering one. Only from a safest helmet point of view. They seem to offer the best protection. I have never worn one, not even tried one on. They appear to be large and bulky. Additionally I live in south Florida, that’s the 80 degrees at 6 AM in the summer South Florida. So full face looks hot from the outside.
I don’t see a lot of Harley riders with full face. Seems like most sport bike riders only wear a full face. I have read that even high end full face helmets with great ventilation doesn’t work that well behind a fairing and windshield.

I currently wear a Nexx helmet and I like it. The external face shield really hugs the helmet so up to about say 60 I can ride comfortably with it up. After 60 gotta drop it to avoid the wind smacking me around.

So does anyone know of any company that makes a retractable full face shield? And I would greatly appreciate hearing from any one that has made the half or 3/4 transition to full face. Thanks.


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Have you looked at the Nolan N44?    It's a 3/4 helmet with a removable chin bar.

Factory web site....   http://www.nolan-usa.com/products/n44e-solids.html


And a YouTube video from RevZilla....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-knbDkTOjy4
Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: FlaHeatWave on August 27, 2018, 11:39:16 PM
Check out the Shark Evoline 3, "the ball and chain" and I love them...
Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: GKroadking on August 28, 2018, 04:02:53 AM
I did go with the French Roof Boxxer V8 since 5 years now and upgrade soon to its new Boxxer Carbon.

Like the functionality/usability as of a Jet-Helmet and Full-Face  8)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhP5TzUtiBc&vl=de
Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: bigC on August 28, 2018, 11:12:44 AM
x2 on the Nolan N44. I ride with a N44 helmet now and it's my favorite helmet of all time. I normally just use the chin bar on the interstate or when it gets cold out, and only put the shield on when raining. I like the way the chin bar/shield is angled down. That downward angle helps keep rain out of your neck area of your rain suit. I have replaced the liner once. My current helmet is a few years old. When I replace it, I plan on getting another N44. The newest version is the N44E.
Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: TraumaSlave on September 01, 2018, 08:33:04 PM
I am an HJC fan. I like a little more room between my face and the chin/shield. I really like my modular.
http://www.hjchelmets.com/modular/#.W4svDikpA0M
Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: old_bikes on February 13, 2019, 09:05:44 AM
Check out the LS2 Valiant.  The chin bar goes all the way back like the Shark or Boxer.  It's been comfortable for me on long rides.  I typically ride with it open but like that I can drop the chin bar and visor if there is rain or I get tired of killing bugs with my face.  I had to modify the foam inner liner to fit Sena speakers, but got it to work.  It has the jet fighter shade, and is not too noisy.

https://www.ls2helmets.us/modular/valiant
Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: Ironhorse on February 13, 2019, 10:16:41 AM
If you're looking for a 3/4 helmet with a face shield that retracts all the way INSIDE the helmet, like a fighter pilot sun visor, the answer is no. All the motorcycle approved helmets that I know of that have full face visors all "flip up" and do not retract in.

I was using the Arai XJC, 3/4 with flip up shield till I grew out of it (loss weight). Now I am back to just a regular Arai 3/4 with a snap on visor for the sun, and a snap on bubble for rain. At night I use goggles with the straps over the helmet.

I think design and weight are what limit motorcycle helmet manufacturers from making a full face shield that retracts all the way inside the helmet.

But I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: bakon on March 16, 2019, 07:08:35 PM
Shoei neotec II   modular.. Can ride with open so it's like a 3/4 and a full face.  Quiet when closed up. Only used a year so far but much better than the Bell revolver it replaced
Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: roadrunner on March 16, 2019, 10:56:15 PM
For the nolan 44, any preferred vendor?

Cheers

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Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: lyn.husen on March 17, 2019, 07:12:36 AM
Check out the Schuberth M1 helmet, the shield is removable which turns it into a 3/4 and it still has the short aviator half shield that drops down. I have been wearing one for a couple years now. Keep the removable shield in the saddlebag in case I need it.


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Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: bigC on March 17, 2019, 07:39:15 AM
For the nolan 44, any preferred vendor?

Nolan has discountiuned the N44. So if you can find one, it might be marked down. The N44 is being replaced by the new N70-GT. You can preorder the new helmet from Nolan or also at Revzilla, haven't tried anywhere else yet. Both sites are showing it at $329.00, which is about $60.00 cheaper than the N44. I have been talking to Nolan about this helmet and was told the new helmet should be shipping in early April.


Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: CVODON on March 17, 2019, 05:07:58 PM
Try the Helmet Shop in Daytona Beach. I have bought all mine from them for the last 20 years. Never been asked to pay retail. Went in last week and bought new cheek pads for my Shoei that is almost 4 years old and they were able to get them and ship to my home in 3 days. Good guys, also do a big online/internet/Amazon business.
Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: iski on March 17, 2019, 05:42:44 PM
Try the Helmet Shop in Daytona Beach. I have bought all mine from them for the last 20 years. Never been asked to pay retail. Went in last week and bought new cheek pads for my Shoei that is almost 4 years old and they were able to get them and ship to my home in 3 days. Good guys, also do a big online/internet/Amazon business.

X2 for Helmet Shop in Daytona.  Have done business with them for years - helpful, reliable, good discounts.
Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: roadrunner on March 17, 2019, 08:09:25 PM
Thanks all, and for the n44 update!

Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: roadrunner on March 26, 2019, 02:27:49 PM
Looks like the helmet shop is not selling the new Nolan helmet.

Anyone using the Nolan helmets and are you getting a size up or not?

I am curious on fit, Nolan LG is 24" and XL is 24.4" (I am right at 24", oval head shape).

I spoke to Nolan support and they said that their padding inserts are not as thick as others manufactures so there is less breakin (up to 10% according to Revzilla).

I wore a LG CX1 Shoei flip up that was to tight that it gave me a headache (paul puma!) and after 18 years (sitting in the closet) fits fine now.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: LV76 on March 27, 2019, 08:12:13 AM
Check out the Schuberth M1 helmet, the shield is removable which turns it into a 3/4 and it still has the short aviator half shield that drops down. I have been wearing one for a couple years now. Keep the removable shield in the saddlebag in case I need it.


X2 on the M1 have been using for a few years, Spring, Summer & Fall, had the J&M wired headset installed when new, really like the helmet. I use the C3 Pro when riding winter months, J&M wired headset installed also.
Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: roadrunner on March 29, 2019, 08:00:58 AM
Preordered the Nolan 70-gt from Revzilla, they  allow returns as long as you leave all the labels on.

Not supposed to ship until early April.



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Title: Re: Helmets, Helmets, Helmets???
Post by: winkjr on May 08, 2019, 12:13:13 AM
I just got the simpson ghost bandit. I rode with it today and so far so good. feels good in the wind. It was 80 plus today in jersey so not terribly awful. this is my first full face for use on  a harley. I was just getting tired of the wind in my ears. I actually ordered from a place in the Netherlands called chromeburner.com I saved about $180 by doing this. On their site its called the VENOM though. After research I realized thats some kind of trademark issue there. but its the same helmet.