Which Helmet Is Better. : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

concoursefred · 11-10-2007, 05:42 AM

So I picked up my new 14 last week and now its time to get a new brain bucket. The dealer tossed in a "token" helmet which I quickly gave back. It was a P.O.S. Tons of air leaks, poor fit, you know the type.

So I'm going to order a new helmet.

I will tell you that I only wear full face helmets. They have saved my chin more than once.

When it comes to design, weight, ease of shield change, fit, wind noise, venting, what it your opinion is the best helmet on the market.

Throw cost out of the equation. Although some/many may disagree, I don't put a price on something so important.

Bagman · 11-10-2007, 07:14 AM

Have a look at this Helmet, I Have one and it is the best lid I have owned.

Schuberth C2.

http://www.gunsmoke.com/motorcycling..._c2/index.html

Stu..

Clingy · 11-10-2007, 07:15 AM

Cost does not appear to be related to safety from the tests I have seen. Cost will get you better quality and comfort and longer lasting equipment. The best advice I can give is go for the best fit no matter what the price. We all have different shape heads and you will find a make that suits you best. There is little point in someone recommending a make IMHO.

GPz1100 · 11-10-2007, 10:17 AM

I was lucky there is a couple of those 'supermarket' type helmet stores in Houston so I went there and tried on about a thousand different types. Found the ones I liked, read reviews on those and shoped for the best price. In the past I just drove all over kingdomcome to try on helmets. I settled on Shoei Z II. Comfort/fit and quality.

JamminJere · 11-10-2007, 10:29 AM

I really like my Schuberth S1.

chi-gpz1100 · 11-10-2007, 11:58 AM

I too own an x11. Was it worth the $435 I paid for it? No.

The helmet is indeed light weight and somewhat comfortable. However, all the fancy spoilers on it add considerably to more noise.

GTRPete · 11-10-2007, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bagman

Have a look at this Helmet, I Have one and it is the best lid I have owned.
Schuberth C2.
http://www.gunsmoke.com/motorcycling..._c2/index.html
Stu..

I like those schuberth helmets!, we don't get them here, instead, we have the BMW design, apparently both are made by the same folk? I think the tinted visor is a great idea, don't get that in the system helmets. But, one thing I found, no fogging problem, no screen scratching problem, great fit and quality too!

One thing I found, on the previous (BMW) I had, it had a helmet lock which only accepted the d-ring type helmet straps. The schuberth I see has the same belt-buckle type latch. Is there a helmet lock to suit these??? (apart from the bicycle lock/cable)

???

wearing glasses is a pain, havent found too many helmets that allow the frames in without pushing/pulling...
I also wear an Arai XD, was for the dirt work I did on the old GS, but I find (without the peak) it's brilliant in hot summer times, with plenty of venting!!! ( can't imagine how my head would look like if I'd left the peak on riding the GTR

DinoDanny · 11-10-2007, 01:38 PM

The Shoei TZ-R is one of the quietest helmets you can buy. Competion Accessories http://www.compacc.com has a closeout sale on them right now for around 200 bucks. I love mine.

stryder · 11-10-2007, 01:39 PM

I own a Caberg Justissimo which I bought because it accepted a Bluetooth system. I have since removed the Bluetooth due to lack of audio quality and have since fitted a Starcom system. The quality is far better but the lid is extremely noisy over 30mph.....I have to wear ear plugs screwed in tight!!! Helmet sound attenuation has a long way to go and I have yet to find a lid that offers a satisfactory solution.

Flying Kaw · 11-10-2007, 02:32 PM

Fred

I used to be a Shoei fanatic. They do make a fine helmet. I got about 5 sitting on the shelf ...Arai...Z1.... One of my Favs is a Scorpion. But the one I always reach for is this Carbon fiber HJC. I think it's an AC12 or something like that. It's light...quiet...and looks very good...and it only cost $350. This Shoei is a great helemt but the damn thing weighs like a boat anchor...ditto for the Scorpion.

DinoDanny · 11-10-2007, 09:45 PM

I had the HJC AC-12 and thought it was a great hemet but very noisy. That's why I went back to Shoei.

fast911ray · 11-11-2007, 05:29 AM

Of the 12 or so helmets I now own...the list includes Arai, Shoei, AGV, HJC, KBC, Nolan, Scorpion,..my absolute favourite has become the OGK F4 purchased in late August. Light..a mere 1.5kg, or 3+ pounds in USA speak, stunning good looks, fabulous air flow, quiet I guess..that's never been an issue for me..and extremely well made. Best helmet I've owned. Superb quality, made in Japan, 2nd most popular brand there, most popular helmet on racing circuits.

The F4 retails for $500.00, but is being cleared for the F5's arrival. Price reduced to just $200.00.

The really neat feature I like best is it's 'tear off' tinted shield cabability..eliminating the need to wear sun glasses on bright days and quickly converted to clear in seconds. Check em' out..ogk-helmet.com - OGK Helmet FF4 - Motorcycle Helmets

Girevik · 11-11-2007, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fast911ray

Of the 12 or so helmets I now own...the list includes Arai, Shoei, AGV, HJC, KBC, Nolan, Scorpion,..my absolute favourite has become the OGK F4 purchased in late August. Light..a mere 1.5kg, or 3+ pounds in USA speak, stunning good looks, fabulous air flow, quiet I guess..that's never been an issue for me..and extremely well made. Best helmet I've owned. Superb quality, made in Japan, 2nd most popular brand there, most popular helmet on racing circuits.

The F4 retails for $500.00, but is being cleared for the F5's arrival. Price reduced to just $200.00.

The really neat feature I like best is it's 'tear off' tinted shield cabability..eliminating the need to wear sun glasses on bright days and quickly converted to clear in seconds. Check em' out..ogk-helmet.com - OGK Helmet FF4 - Motorcycle Helmets

How is the fit? Did you have to get one size larger as they recommend?

concoursefred · 11-11-2007, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fast911ray

Of the 12 or so helmets I now own...the list includes Arai, Shoei, AGV, HJC, KBC, Nolan, Scorpion,..my absolute favourite has become the OGK F4 purchased in late August. Light..a mere 1.5kg, or 3+ pounds in USA speak, stunning good looks, fabulous air flow, quiet I guess..that's never been an issue for me..and extremely well made. Best helmet I've owned. Superb quality, made in Japan, 2nd most popular brand there, most popular helmet on racing circuits.

The F4 retails for $500.00, but is being cleared for the F5's arrival. Price reduced to just $200.00.

The really neat feature I like best is it's 'tear off' tinted shield cabability..eliminating the need to wear sun glasses on bright days and quickly converted to clear in seconds. Check em' out..ogk-helmet.com - OGK Helmet FF4 - Motorcycle Helmets

Ray,

Thanks for the information. I went on line and purchased a black, green and silver F4 with an extra set of smoke tear-offs.

Nice 993 by the way. I have owned seven Porsche's, so far. I'll pick up a 997 once I finish with my current "project" car in a year or two. I have always tackled German cars, but now I am trying my hand at a British model.

concoursefred · 11-11-2007, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Girevik

How is the fit? Did you have to get one size larger as they recommend?

I did purchase the helmet a size larger, as the seller suggested.
The helmet should be here in a few days so I could let you know then, however they are running out of larger sizes at that price.

GPz1100 · 11-11-2007, 09:13 AM

Congrats! Don't forget to give an update .

fast911ray · 11-11-2007, 01:43 PM

I did go with the 1 size larger as they suggested....it's a perfect fit! Thicker and thinner pads are available to 'custom fit' to your preference. I too went for the green/black/silver [with a bit of blue and red thrown in the mix] version as well. The combination works with all colour bikes and protective gear...other than yellow.! Enjoy guys...I think you'll be more than satisfied.

fast911ray · 11-11-2007, 01:57 PM

Concoursfred...thanks. Its actually a 993 C4RS, and like you, my 7th Porsche. My late wife Carole and I took delivery in Stuttgart, did about 5,000km touring europe, in 8 days. Louis Ruf drove the car when we visited him in Pfaffenhausen..Vic Elford also took a few laps in it..autographed the owners manual even!

I had thought about a 997, but because the 993 was our 15th anniversary present , as well as having been ordered by us [ my wife ] on her 45th birthday, and she died just 14 months later..well, It's with me to stay.

So what Britcar are you working on? Once upon a time I had the same affliction...Jag-U-ar being the particular disease. Still love em'... Few sounds can equal a Type XK150S motor's exhaust note

Although a big [100S or 3000] Healey doesn't suck either..

concoursefred · 11-11-2007, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fast911ray

Concoursfred...thanks. Its actually a 993 C4RS, and like you, my 7th Porsche. My late wife Carole and I took delivery in Stuttgart, did about 5,000km touring europe, in 8 days. Louis Ruf drove the car when we visited him in Pfaffenhausen..Vic Elford also took a few laps in it..autographed the owners manual even!

I had thought about a 997, but because the 993 was our 15th anniversary present , as well as having been ordered by us [ my wife ] on her 45th birthday, and she died just 14 months later..well, It's with me to stay.

So what Britcar are you working on? Once upon a time I had the same affliction...Jag-U-ar being the particular disease. Still love em'... Few sounds can equal a Type XK150S motor's exhaust note

Although a big [100S or 3000] Healey doesn't suck either..

I'm sorry to hear about your wife.

I grew an affection to Porsche's early in life, being born in Ludwigsburg Germany. I have owned everything from a '83 944 to a '01 996.

I am working on a 1974 Jenson Healey. The past owner of my company gave it to me to refurbish. He thought it would be a cool project from my son and I. The car has 24000 original miles and the original paint and interior. The Jenson has always been parked inside so there is no rust and the interior is like new. I plan to change the color from metalic brown to British racing green. I also plan to upgrade the engine with a little more power and some freshened up parts.

I'm also adding on another garage (that will make 4+) to make room for a lift and some more toys.

All I need to do now is work less hours so that I actually have time for it all.

fast911ray · 11-11-2007, 05:23 PM

Jensen-Healey..now there's a name you don't hear very often anymore! Actually, theres an immaculate Inteceptor living not far from me..it's a small world

. Ludwigsburg..near Stuttgart isn't it? I seem to remember it being intertwined in early Porsche history...

A 4+ car garage...ah the luxury

. Once upon a time I had one of those..sad to say it's not a possibility in the development I bought into...restrictions on everything. Can't even park my bikes outside for extended periods....and wih the market being what it is, can't sell either. If I could do it over...

Well Fred, enjoy the project.. I remember that disgusting brown. Triumph Stags, TR6's and 7's were often painted with the nast stuff. Any proper Brit car of that era MUST be BRG..you made a good choice there. And isn't that a DOHC 2 litre 4 in the Jensen?