I agree with this statement here. From what I have noticed the "dual sport" helmets like the Hornet and XD3 have a much better field of vision when sitting upright on a bike. My go to street helmet is an HJC rsp10 nice light helmet, quiet and comfortable but the field of vision is slightly confining. I have a low cost AFX dual sport helmet that is great for off road days or shorter trips. Much better field of vision..But I do need to upgrade it in the future as it is a little noisy.JohnB said:I bought one of these (Shoei Qwest): http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/helmets/shoei/qwest_airfoil_motorcycle_helmet.html
This is a killer price for this helmet. It's designed for a more upright riding position like the Tenere or other touring bike. I'm going to try it out tomorrow.
+1 Arai Signet-Q very comfy for long ridesTmax said:you have a choice: either a full face helmet that fits perfect, or one thats quiet with no wind noise,,, you can't have both!
fits perfect: Arai Signet Q
quiet-no wind noise: any Shoei
A lot of good helmets discussed so far. If coin is an issue, that unfortunately rules out the premium branded helmets. I do a lot of long distance touring, sometimes to the extreme of having the helmet on my head for 20 hours at a time, so comfort and versatility is important to me. I started with Arai decades ago, and they do make darn fine helmets that fit various head shapes. But about 11 years ago, after 5 years of the current full face while doing more long distance riding, I realized that I wanted the flexibility of a modular helmet. I changed to a Shoei Multitec, which is another quality helmet and while more round shape, still fit my oval head well. That helmet is 6 years old now and about to be retired.jaderider said:Indeed Shoei is great. Would if coin would allow.
Sizing is a valid issue for sure. I found the LS2 to be fairly true to size. A Large in Arai or Shoei fits me, so does the Large in the LS2. Because of the rounder shape of the Shoei, it's possible for me to squeeze into a Med, but it puts the chin bar very close. I'm on the top of a Med and bottom of a Large in the sizing guides. FWIW, the LS2 sizing chart seemed spot on for me, directing me to the Large, which fit me best. If you've got a cloth tape, measure your head and compare that to some of the sizing charts to see how it matches your experience. A regular tape measure will do, it's just easier with the cloth tape.snakebitten said:Nice write-up Eric. Thanks.
And you have a lot of credibility on this subject with me.
Further advice needed though. Even at those low-risk prices, I'm concerned with not being able to size properly with an unknown brand if purchasing online. Other brands I can try on at a brick & mortar location, regardless of where I buy.
The real issue is that some brands I'm an X-Large. With some, I'm an XX-Large. Did you find the LS2's sized on the optimistic or pessimistic end of the range? In other words, did you find them a bit tight, or loose, compared to the same "sizing" of other well known brands?
Example, I have a new (goodwill purchase with a dealer) BELL Revolver Evo. In X-Large it is almost too small. (Hate the helmet. Visor not designed to be open beyond 40 mph. Very weak detent design) I have a Scorpion EX500 that HAD to be purchased in XX-Large. (Love this helmet. Wish it was just a bit quieter. But is much quieter than modular helmets)
Great thread guys!
You can have both! I went to the international motorcycle show in Minneapolis in February with a main goal of trying a variety Arai helmets on for use the new Tenere since no one had carries them in my area. I had my heart set on an Arai since their reputation is unquestionable, I had never owned one before and thought the XD 4 looked like a great helmet. I tried every Arai model on in various sizes trying to find a helmet and struck out. The mediums were too big and moved about and the smalls had pressure points that would have been unbearable in a short period.Tmax said:you have a choice: either a full face helmet that fits perfect, or one thats quiet with no wind noise,,, you can't have both!
fits perfect: Arai Signet Q
quiet-no wind noise: any Shoei
I have several Shoei helmets but have not tried the Multitech or Neotec. I will have to give one a try next time I'm in the market for a new helmet.toompine said:Loving my Shoei Neotec ::012::
Have historically worn Arai and loved them. Tried the XD3 to get an "adventure" feel and it was good but not quiet. I bought as a quick test, one of those inexpensive Built modular helmets and fell in love with the concept. I was about to buy the Shoei Multitech when the Neotec came out.
I have worn it now for about 15,000 miles and love it. The shape fits my head, it is pretty quiet (better than my Arai's) love the flip down sun screen and the modular flip up factor is the only way to go. Never have to take it off at gas stops, can flip it up to eat on the run or even to sneeze ('cus doing that in a full face helmet is bad)
Never will go back to a fixed full face unless I am racing. Shoei Neotec +10 ::26::
Just for info, your picture is NOT an N-104, I'm guessing its a 103.jaderider said:Thanks for all the thoughtful feedback. After much thought I just pulled the trigger on the Nolan N104
Also got a great review in web bike world http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/nolan-n-104/
Post up when you get it and have a chance to try it out. More input is always a good thing. I hope it fits your head shape well. One of the reviews talks about wind leakage at the visor, but I've not noticed any at all and none of the people I've met with LS2s have either, so hopefully that was just an early teething problem.snakebitten said:Just ordered the LS2 in Blue. (never bought a colored helmet in my life. I'm expanding my horizons)
Sold the Revolver Evo for 1/2 what I paid a week ago. (college kid)
So maybe the wife doesn't roll her eyes too much when the Amazon box gets opened.
I think I have like 8 helmets in the closet. I can't throw them away for some reason.
Thanks again Eric. Nice price for a decent looking rig. I only need a good year out of it. By that time I've spent a full hot Texas season spoiling it.