Helmets - Dual Sport

[Swagger]

I've been using the Arai Tour X3 and find the lid to be more comfortable and less noisey than other high end Arai full face products. I've commented before that I sit well within the bike (with std screen) and as a result do not seem to suffer from the buffetting issues experienced by others.

 

[macca]

Just got in some long motorway miles on mine using a hornet. Stock screen was ok for me at normal uk m'way speeds and produced significantly less buffeting than my old xt660z tenere did, which used to fairly rag my head around when tramping on. Overall though I'd rate the Arai TourX over the Shoei as the aria peak is better at shielding the sun (a problem in the uk winter when it sits low in the sky) and i'd say has perceptibly better quality than the shoei. I had an original tourX from 2002 and binned only recently due to helmet shell age, but my year old hornet is forever having to be put back together as trim /lining gets dislodged in day to day use and I regularly need to tighten peak screws as it loosens and starts creaking annoyingly. In my perverse helmet usage fettish I've just bought a Peltor open face rally helmet (with intercom) of ebay and one I shot out a face shield to go with enduro gogs I'll be trying it out (though maybe not in our current subzero temps), got it off ebay as these are silly prices new (but its hardly worn and is tip top condition)

 

[keeponriding]

Some points to consider: Already mentioned is protection, if it has been dropped (from as little as 4 feet), it may have lost it's protective abilities....main reason not to leave your helmet on a bike seat....if it has been dropped, replace it.

The other is fit; For whatever reason, I find HJC helmets fit my head. I own two...and a poor fitting helmet does not give the protection. Can you buy via the internet? Sure...but, remember...fit is crucial. And yeah, sure...go to the local bike shop and try them on...then buy on the internet...but!....the guys in the bike shop need to make a living too and you're paying a premium for the fitting and sales help, which is hard to get over the internet I also think we owe it to local guys to do some local buying).

I have a HJC Sy-max II.....great protection, fit and ventilation. And too darn loud. The wind noise is so loud, I go back to my HJC half helmet.....which brings me to hearing protection. I've tried bunches and my left ear canal is larger than my right, and I haven't yet found anything to last a day (either they are uncomfortable, like the ones I had an audiologist make for me) or they don't effectively reduce the noise...and don't sell hearing short.

Sorry for being pedantic...part of my background running MSF courses.

 

[pqsqac]

Have you guys ever heard of the Schuberth C3? I checked it out at the DC bike show very impressive helmet German technology but pricey 699.00. BMW sells Schuberth helmets under the BMW name. Here is a link with a review. They also make helmets for F1 drivers.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/schuberth-c3/

 

[Spider]

I've had a C3 for about six months (bought in the UK). It is well made, very lightweight, very quiet but good airflow, the shield (and the sunshield) are very clear optically. It is a little tighter at the same size as my Shark and my Caberg, and a little shorter from front to back. So best to try one on before buying. But if you can get past the price (I don't think I paid quite that much), it is a great helmet.

I had an original Schuberth Concept (C3 ancestor) and it saved my head when a truck ran me into a wall.

G

 

[MortiisMachine]

Have you guys ever heard of the Schuberth C3? I checked it out at the DC bike show very impressive helmet German technology but pricey 699.00. BMW sells Schuberth helmets under the BMW name. Here is a link with a review. They also make helmets for F1 drivers.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/schuberth-c3/

i tried one of these on but it just didn't fit my head. have herd good reviews about them though. myself i'm going to try a arai tour x3, both that and the hornet fit me but the arai seems to fair better in reviews.

 

[Swagger]

.... Have you guys ever heard of the Schuberth C3? ..... They also make helmets for F1 drivers ...

Schuberth pride themselves on the quietest helmets on the market. They don't fit me as well as Arai ... they are extremly well constructed. BTW the F1 lids are built by hand for the the likes of Michael Schumacher, I read somewhere that they cost many 10's of thousands of dollars each

 

[pqsqac]

Spider if you don't mind why only six months with the C3 was it something with the helmet and what did you move to after after that? Thx

I've had a C3 for about six months (bought in the UK). It is well made, very lightweight, very quiet but good airflow, the shield (and the sunshield) are very clear optically. It is a little tighter at the same size as my Shark and my Caberg, and a little shorter from front to back. So best to try one on before buying. But if you can get past the price (I don't think I paid quite that much), it is a great helmet.

I had an original Schuberth Concept (C3 ancestor) and it saved my head when a truck ran me into a wall.

G

 

[keeponriding]

Ever since I first saw this posting, I've been eyeing the Schuberth C3; However, the $700 price tag (here in the US has given me pause.

Comments anyone on the Shoei MultiTec modular helmet as a cheaper option? Yet, still being as potentially quiet.

 

[MortiisMachine]

Just orded a Arai Tour X3, will let you know what I think once I have tested it out.

 

[stevepsd]

They make the XD3 in my favorite color:

Competition Accessories is running a great sale on these right now. $449 for the new-for-2011 Fluorescent Yellow. http://www.compacc.com/p/Arai-XD-3-Solid-Helmets/1210002

Ordered mine yesterday and it arrived today. It's great!

 

[MortiisMachine]

I went for Frost Black myself, that colour does look good though.......

 

[pqsqac]

I agree that $700 tag is harsh. I did contact Scorpion about their 900 series transformer helmet. It is a full face modular and 3/4 helmet all in one. It also has the built in sun visor and inflatable cheek pads. I can pick one up for 200.00 since I receive a 25% discount for being a rider-coach. I also run their 700 Exo helmet which has served me well since 07. I have dropped it a few times so it's time for a new one. Scorpions are sort of on the heavy side of the spectrum and allow some wind noise in but for the price a very nice helmet.

Ever since I first saw this posting, I've been eyeing the Schuberth C3; However, the $700 price tag (here in the US has given me pause.

Comments anyone on the Shoei MultiTec modular helmet as a cheaper option? Yet, still being as potentially quiet.

 

[switchback]

Ever since I first saw this posting, I've been eyeing the Schuberth C3; However, the $700 price tag (here in the US has given me pause.

Comments anyone on the Shoei MultiTec modular helmet as a cheaper option? Yet, still being as potentially quiet.

I don't have a Multitec but 2 others in my family have them and love them. I have tried on most including the Shuberth and find the Shoei most comfortable.

I also like the Scorpion but it is known to leak water bad around the shield and is also on the heavy side.

In MCNs recent test the Scorpion and HJC came out on top.

If you look at the Sharp helmet testing in the UK the Nolans come out on top in the impact tests and face shield latch mechanisms.

 

[k woo]

I have one of the early Arai XD's. I like the looks and visor. Great fit like all Arais. Vents better than a street helmet with more room around your face for airflow, so a nice hot weather helmet or slow-speed helmet. Never used it with goggles, but nice to have the capability.

But.... I think it is noisier than a good street helmet and at really high speed (90 mph+) the helmet is not nearly as aero and has a tendency to flop from side to side with wind gusts - it "weathervanes" a little more in the prevailing wind and gusts. And removing the shield is a total PITA.

So the slower you tend to ride and the hotter/sunnier it is, the more dual-sport helmets take sense (duh). But there are tradeoffs and dual-sport helmets are not as good high-speed street helmets IMHO.



- Mark



Were you riding with a good windshield?

 

[markjenn]

Were you riding with a good windshield?

Stock FJR shield. I take my Multitec on FJR rides, my XD on Wee-Strom and DRZ rides.

- Mark

 

[pqsqac]

Just ordered my Scorpion Exo 900 Transformer helmet $202.46 check out the video. The helmet weighs 4lbs 1oz I picked up white for better visibility on the road.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWDWIlQKzao&feature=player_embedded#

 

[keeponriding]

And I just ordered the Schuberth C3....am supposed to receive by Monday with temps going back up into the 50s with sun all week...perfect time to try it out.

 

[pqsqac]

Man awesome helmet come back with a review when you can.

And I just ordered the Schuberth C3....am supposed to receive by Monday with temps going back up into the 50s with sun all week...perfect time to try it out.

 

[keeponriding]

That I will. UPS says helmet will be delivered Monday....I may have a "doctors appt" Tuesday afternoon.....