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[spydglide]

The full-face helmet I'm using is 1100 gms. and that's heavy enough.  (of course, it's a cheap helmet that's not even imported anymore that I can find) I'll be waiting for the actual road-tests reports when Porthole and others start using this new Nolan.  spyder

[Midnight Rider]

The full-face helmet I'm using is 1100 gms. and that's heavy enough.  (of course, it's a cheap helmet that's not even imported anymore that I can find) I'll be waiting for the actual road-tests reports when Porthole and others start using this new Nolan.  spyder

Daaaumm Spydy...is that helmet even DOT approved?    You didn't buy that when you were in 'Nam did ya?    The lightest FF helmet listed on the Webikeworld site is 1215 grams, and it's carbon fiber.  If you can get by with a non flip face helmet, you can definitely save some weight.  The mechanism (if it's worth a crap) to allow it to flip up is going to add at least 3-500 grams.

The very lightest Flip Face Helmet out there is here:  http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/lazer-monaco/   It's a great helmet, but only available in Europe...no US distributors that I have found.  One of our UK or French brothers could probably arrange getting one for anyone wanting to try it out.  The weight would be nice on that one.  BUT, it doesn't have the internal sun visor, which is a really nice feature for me.

If you don't wear glasses, and don't need the Flip up (not modular...modular helmets are those where you actually remove the chin bar completely and store it away) for that reason, a regular FF is fine.  I could never go back to a regular FF...I like them fine once on, but it's a PITA to take the glasses off, put the helmet on, feed the earpieces on the glasses into the helmet, etc.  The Flips are the best thing since pajamas with feet in 'em...

[spydglide]

Yep Terry, this is a full helmet size L with a flip up tinted shield.  I put it on and off while wearing my raybans or aviator style glasses (close fit but I can't stand 'fishing the glasses on after putting the helmet on...takes too long).  Name on helmet is KTB and it IS DOT appoved or at least has the DOT letters embedded under the factory paint (spider motif, of course).  1125 gms +/- 25 gms. which is very noticeably lighter.....all that pick it up notice it immediately.  I don't know who imported them, but I can't find any available anywhere, and I'd like to get another one as this one is getting some age on it.   spyder

[Ironhorse]

For some reason I thought the N-104 had a face that flipped all the way over and back like the Shark Evoline.

[porthole]

For some reason I thought the N-104 had a face that flipped all the way over and back like the Shark Evoline.

It does not, but it flips up very close to the main shell

[Midnight Rider]

Yep Terry, this is a full helmet size L with a flip up tinted shield.  I put it on and off while wearing my raybans or aviator style glasses (close fit but I can't stand 'fishing the glasses on after putting the helmet on...takes too long).  Name on helmet is KTB and it IS DOT appoved or at least has the DOT letters embedded under the factory paint (spider motif, of course).  1125 gms +/- 25 gms. which is very noticeably lighter.....all that pick it up notice it immediately.  I don't know who imported them, but I can't find any available anywhere, and I'd like to get another one as this one is getting some age on it.   spyder

Never seen or heard of it...but that's awesome...maybe a thermoplastic shell?

[SneakyPete]

I have never worn or even tried on a full face helmet, but am now considering it because I'm getting wiser (older) and prefer comfort over looks, especially on long rides.  Just last year I turned in my half helmets for summer riding and bought a lightweight 3/4 just because it is quieter.

I really like what I'm reading about this helmet and it's features, but how are they in the summer heat? Is your visibility degraded at all?  Hard for me to pull the trigger on one of these without trying one on first.

[JCZ]

I have never worn or even tried on a full face helmet, but am now considering it because I'm getting wiser (older) and prefer comfort over looks, especially on long rides.  Just last year I turned in my half helmets for summer riding and bought a lightweight 3/4 just because it is quieter.

I really like what I'm reading about this helmet and it's features, but how are they in the summer heat? Is your visibility degraded at all?  Hard for me to pull the trigger on one of these without trying one on first.

I was one of those that was stubbornly resistant to a full face...............until I ended up with a shattered jaw from an accident.   But I always remembered people saying they're actually cooler in the summer than an open face helmet.  Of course I knew better and they were just trying to sell a helmet.  Truth is, a well ventalated helmet is cooler than a half or 3/4 helmet.  The face shields are 200 UV protected and then the sun visor......just keeps the sun and the wind off your face.


Riding across the desert in the summer I sweat a lot less now than I did with my unvented beannie helmet.

[spydglide]

Pete, my take is a bit different than JCZ, but not by much.  Yes, the visiblility is degraded, but that's the thing you give up most.  A good ventilated full is not THAT much hotter, but some due to restricted air flow.  Weight is a factor for fatigue as is wind noise which is usually better with a good full helmet.  Hard for me to use one in the summer, I switch back to a half due to heat.  Hard to hear the tunes with a full helmet on also.  JMHO>>>>>>>>>spyder

[Eagle Eye]

Pete, my take is a bit different than JCZ, but not by much.  Yes, the visiblility is degraded, but that's the thing you give up most.  A good ventilated full is not THAT much hotter, but some due to restricted air flow.  Weight is a factor for fatigue as is wind noise which is usually better with a good full helmet.  Hard for me to use one in the summer, I switch back to a half due to heat.  Hard to hear the tunes with a full helmet on also.  JMHO>>>>>>>>>spyder

Depends on the helmet and how well ventilated it is.  My Shoei Synchrotech is not as cool as my wife's Shoei Multitech on hot days, because they improved the airflow on the newer model.  Not sure about others.  My Shoei 3/4 was hotter on hot days and colder on cold days, but I do miss the open feeling you get using one.  Fair weather at best.

[Midnight Rider]

I have never worn or even tried on a full face helmet, but am now considering it because I'm getting wiser (older) and prefer comfort over looks, especially on long rides.  Just last year I turned in my half helmets for summer riding and bought a lightweight 3/4 just because it is quieter.

I really like what I'm reading about this helmet and it's features, but how are they in the summer heat? Is your visibility degraded at all?  Hard for me to pull the trigger on one of these without trying one on first.

Pete...When I first started riding again in '06, I tried both 3/4 and 1/2 helmets.  It's really hot/humid here in the summer...not unusual to have 95+ degree days with 90% humidity.  Then I got the Nolan N102, mostly because I wanted better communications with my BSR.  What I found out though was that I was actually cooler going down the road in the Nolan than I was in the 1/2 because that blast of hot air coming off the pavement was not hitting me straight in the face, and when I stopped at redlights, etc, I could just flip the chinbar up if I need to get a bit more circulation when stationary.  With the better FF or Flip helmets these days, your vision is really not impaired at all, and on long rides, I'm less fatigued at the end of the day from fighting hot air in my face, wind noise, and watery eyes.  I've even started wearing earplugs on really long rides...it makes a difference.  I listen to my stereo through the headset 98% of the time anyway, so that's not an issue for me, but those with the SG's don't have that option without doing some add ons of some sort.  Around here, I see more and more riders wearing FF helmets, particularly the more "mature" riders.  This new N104 has much improved ventilation, and a HUGE visual opening.

[SneakyPete]

Thanks all for your input.  In addition the the added protection, I like the clear and tinted flip down shield as well as the Bluetooth capability all built into this helmet.  As long as I can pair with my Garmin 550 to receive/make calls and listen to music from same as well as communicate with my BSR, I'm happy.  $700+ for helmet plus Ncom x 2 (BSR) is a big investment in headgear!

[porthole]

Hey Pete - although for a lot of folks it still is cool to wear one, once you get use to it it is hard not wear it.
I still wear my half on occasion, never wear my 3/4 since getting the FF.

Short jump, yeah the 1/2 is easier to use.

Trips though, FF 99% of the time.

I have been on two trips where the temp was 105+. Sure was glad to have the FF then, although, you do need to open it up soon as you stop or as you are slowing down.
With my job I have seen first hand what road rash looks like with a less then FF. I know I'm not much to look at, but I really dislike the idea of parting with the epidermis on the roadway.

Just an FYI for riders that wear glasses, since the shield is a UV blocker your transition lens will not transition with the shield down. As as far a glasses go, best thing I found for riding in the rain is a FF. Nice actually being able to see.

[spydglide]

Thanks all for your input.  In addition the the added protection, I like the clear and tinted flip down shield as well as the Bluetooth capability all built into this helmet.  As long as I can pair with my Garmin 550 to receive/make calls and listen to music from same as well as communicate with my BSR, I'm happy.  $700+ for helmet plus Ncom x 2 (BSR) is a big investment in headgear!

Yeah, you'll think twice about casually walking off to the bar/rest. with it sitting on the seat (oh, forgot you got that new tourpac).  har.  spyder

[SneakyPete]

Hey Pete - although for a lot of folks it still is cool to wear one, once you get use to it it is hard not wear it.
I still wear my half on occasion, never wear my 3/4 since getting the FF.

Short jump, yeah the 1/2 is easier to use.

Trips though, FF 99% of the time.

I have been on two trips where the temp was 105+. Sure was glad to have the FF then, although, you do need to open it up soon as you stop or as you are slowing down.
With my job I have seen first hand what road rash looks like with a less then FF. I know I'm not much to look at, but I really dislike the idea of parting with the epidermis on the roadway.

Just an FYI for riders that wear glasses, since the shield is a UV blocker your transition lens will not transition with the shield down. As as far a glasses go, best thing I found for riding in the rain is a FF. Nice actually being able to see.

Took the plunge and pre-ordered a n104 voyager model in flat black and anthracite with new B4 Ncom, woohoo!