New Helmet

Message

Thumper · #1 Post by **Thumper** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 10:39 am

I was in a large motorcycle shop Saturday and overheard a conversation between sales and an obvious new biker. I am sure you have at some time been in this position, the conversation was as to what helmet etc and the customer obviously not wanting to take out a mortgage was subject to the, "well what value to you put on your head" routine.
I got me thinking about my own helmet a Shoei RSx or something or other forgotten now it's over four years old ,the only thing I can remember it was nearly £300

, bugger do I need a new one soon ?
So guys what helmets do you recommend and why and what is their shelf life ? I couldn't give a stuff about Graphics or fashion I just want a well made comfortable lid that has good peripheral visibility comfortable and quite at speed, my present helmet is not bad but vibration that blurs my vision at high speed has been the big issue with it.

Cost ? well as little as I can get away with without being silly.

Aladinsaneuk · #2 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 10:47 am

go with what fits, and meets your criteria

I like how shoei look - shame my bonce does fit them well!

Same for most arai helmets as well - but, Lazer fits me well, as does Caberg

So, go to a decent shop, with a good selection and find what fits, and has what you want

Samray · #3 Post by **Samray** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 11:32 am

I agree. The fit is the main criteria, and the main safety factor.

bigun · #4 Post by **bigun** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 12:28 pm

I'd go with the fit thing although I do admit to having had only Shoei if only for the name. My current one cost £450 and is superb.

My girlfriend however bought a Nitro last year (because she liked the graphics) and I have to say it is brilliant and gets cracking reviews in the press. It was £69 reduced from £129 I think and it is easily as good quality as mine. Plus, iridium visor was £30 as opposed to the £60 I paid for mine!

Give a few a shot and go with the comfort thing.

HTh

D-Rider · #5 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 12:47 pm

I've an HJC .... they were selling them off at the NEC 2 or 3 years ago - I paid less than £30 and it seems fine.
I bought another HJC at the NEC for my son just over a year ago. Not quite such a bargain (don't tell the Mrs) at about £80.

Although these were both discounted at the show, HJC do seem to be a reasonable brand but nowhere near as pricey as Arai, Shoei or other such helmets. Dunno whether those brands would give any more protection in a crash but they would certainly cause more damage to me when the Mrs opened the credit card statement!

Anyway, there is a parallel discussion ongoing on AF1 (which is back 'up' now) - maybe this will add some more views :

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/show ... p?t=103610

fastasfcuk · #6 Post by **fastasfcuk** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 1:00 pm

i've got to agree with bigun, the nitro is excellent value for the price and a comfy fit + no noise.

Goldie · #7 Post by **Goldie** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 1:01 pm

Another vote for HJC; I used one for 4 years with no complaints.

...or ROOF, very happy with fit and finish, and noise level. Pricier than HJC but only in the lower Arai/Shoei range.

Gio · #8 Post by **Gio** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 4:45 pm

I've got an Arai, it's nice fit, shite noise suppression tho.

I like AGV's as well, fit very well on me, but its the designs, more suitable for scooter riders methinks (and Rossi reps)

D-Rider · #9 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 4:51 pm

Gio wrote:I've got an Arai, it's nice fit, shite noise suppression tho.

I like AGV's as well, fit very well on me, but its the designs, more suitable for scooter riders methinks (and Rossi reps)

... and how is it for you pedestrians? You really should get a bike to get best use out of it Gio .....

Paulh · #10 Post by **Paulh** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 4:52 pm

I only trust Shoei's - they make a lovely grinding noise when you slide along

Nitro's are gaining a good reputation though - I know a few people who have tested them pretty severely, but they dont fit me

Rickyrock · #11 Post by **Rickyrock** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 4:58 pm

Last one was a Shoei, which was great but had an off and although didn't hit the ground hard it was about 5 years old, so looked at my options and ended up spending £400 on an Arai.

Why did I buy? I loved the design and the fit was great.

Any regrets? Non at all.

What price do I put on my head? Didn't even look at it that way.

FlyingKiwi · #12 Post by **FlyingKiwi** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 5:02 pm

I have a HJC. It does the job.
It's not as good at demisting as my Aaron Slight Rep Arai, which is retired to a cupboard as it's almost 10 yrs old but I can't bear to bin it

Samray · #13 Post by **Samray** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 5:21 pm

Had an AGV that withstood a bigger test than any lid should be expected to withstand.
Replaced it with an Arai which was a even better fit.

#14 Post by **Kwackerz** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 5:36 pm

I have:

An Xpeed, an HJC and a Caberg

Theyre all equally good. Having said that Ive never binned in any of them (force of habit) however I have seen the results of an HJC wearing rider taking a BIIIIIIG spill at Brands @ about 170MPH. It's my preferred helmet of choice since seeing that.

I know Samray's accident and have to agree his AVG was absolutely outstanding and performed beyond it's normal expectancy. He is undoubtedly here purely because of that bit of plastic/ composite.

It's not a case of what price. It's whether it fits firstly and foremost. If that 6 Zillion quid helmet doesnt fit your head, you might as well be wearing a tea cosy.

Firestarter · #15 Post by **Firestarter** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 5:38 pm

I've only had two - a cheap FM that was, well, cheap, and the Shoei I've got now that's great, fits well, is comfortable all day, and really keeps out the wind-noise.

But, I had tried on an Arai, HJC and a Shark RSR before-hand - the Shoei fit best, and I really liked the paint-job, so that's what I went with.