Ducati Monster Forum

 I am in the market in buying a new helmet after my old one went down the road!

I am asking because the last helmet I had was an exspensive unit which was comfortable but very susceptable to wind noise.

What do you lot wear and how do you rate it as compared to your exsperiences with other helmets you have owned.

Thanks in advance Rob [thumbsup]

I wear a Shoei XR1000, it was the only helmet that fitted me properly-which is a bit of a bugger when it's also one of the most expensive in the shop [roll]

I've found it really comfortable even on long rides, it is prone to fogging a bit when it's really cold and I generally have the visor cracked slightly on those days, haven't noticed wind noise as an issue but  I can only compare it with dirt bike helmets so take that with some caution ;D

I currently wear one of those "Craft" helmets from Aussie Street Fighter. Love the look but its expensive for what it is and extremely noisy. 1 year on and its starting to fall apart already.   [roll]

The best helmey I've ever worn is from the Arai brand. Fits my shaped bonce perfectly and although dear, internals can be replaced and the cheek pads etc come in different thicknesses to suit your face. [thumbsup]
I've raced with a "Quantum" as well as using them on the road. got 3 years out of the last onebefore it started to get a bit loose. And that is averaging 18 to 20,000k's per year.  ;D

I'll be going back to my Arai.

The important thing to remember is some helmets WONT fit your head well. That should be your first consideration, the style/colour etc comes after the. Shop around and try as many different brands as you can. Buy a plain white or black (cheaper  ;D ) and then get it painted with a design of your choice (Special airbrushers know what to use on the lid so it doent screw the shell up) and it'll work out cheaper than one of the original bought design helmets.  ;)

Rob, first things first, do you know which ones fit your head?

they come in all shapes and sizes - and you'll need to know which fit first before anything else.
Go to a helmet superstore, with the intention of spending an amount of hours trying on helmets.

Then narrow it down to the other factors
- how noisy it is
- how much it costs
- what it looks like
- how heavy it is
- other ergonomics - visor ease and types
- ventilation and the like
- does it have removable parts for cleaning / washing

As a general rule:
- the more vents the noisier it will be
- Arai's are noiser than a lot - cause of the ventilation and the visor "pods" on the side

When it was time for a new helmet after the goldFiSh naming ceremony incident, I tries on Arai, Shoei, AGV, Nolan, HJC and a few others, and I concluded that the Arai was the best for my head.

It also turned out to be one of the noisiest, but this is overcome with plugs.

To me, ventilation was key, I wanted lots of airflow, and the Arai gave that - if I was riding mostly in a colder climate, then maybe that would not be as important as other factors...

Note that you typically get what you pay for - check out the difference between the $400 AGV and the $800 AGV - same maker, quite a different lid.

Anyway, try heaps on. Hopefully you have a reasonable budget due to the insurance claim, so the money should not be a deciding factor.

there you go - Dragon beat me too it!

Yeah Rob, what they all said. It comes down to what fits your bonce best. I found the Shoei TZR a good one for my current helmet. It is not too noisy - only hase ventilation in the chin piece and a vent on top. It does fog a bit in colder weather like Ollie said.

+1 on dragons advice  for the plain colours - much cheaper. Even better, try to get a "last years" design or colour. The same helmet but at a discount  [thumbsup]. I found the Helmet Warehouse to have a good range, and they were willing to put up with me trying everything on, over and over.

Cheers, ducsport

I've just done this recently.

Had five lined up at MCAS to try on and also had the help of their helmet expert, Wilson who is very knowledgable.

Lined up were : Arai Corsair RX7
                       Shoei XR-1000
                       Shark RSR-2
                       AGV GP Tech
                       Schuberth (BMW Branded here)

After a couple of hours at MCAS I came back to the Arai, noise aside (as Goldie said) it was the one that fit my head best.
It was a bonus that it was on sale as it was last years grafix. What I did get out of the whole fitting was that I had been wearing a size to big for two years.
If budget is not a concern then buy whatever fits your scone, cause there is not point in wearing a lid that you really
like cause it goes with your bike if it doesn't fit.
I was dying to buy this Shark lid, even had two sizes ordered in so I could decide on it but it didn't fit.....

(http://www.bikebiz.com.au/contents/media/shark09-helmets-rsr2vplus-indy-green-side2.jpg)

(http://www.bikebiz.com.au/contents/media/shark09-helmets-rsr2vplus-indy-green-front.jpg)

Thanks guys for the info. [thumbsup]

I have been trying on some at a few shops but selection is limited and the sizing from brand to brand is so varied. ???

I have found quite a few models have a small shell where I put the lid on and the front touches my chin.

The Shoei TZR range is a nice fit around the nogin but again too close to the chin.

I don't mind the AGV but havn't seen one I like yet. I tried on a Arai today and yes that was perfect but wrong colour!

Graphics well I like this to be minimal.

All I can say about the bike shops I visited is 'stop pushing KBC' I am not after a budget helmet.

Any idea what Shark helmets are like?

the Shoei XR1000 is being replaced VERY soon.....which is interesting, thought they'd do the x-11/x-sprint first and then filter the technology down....apparently the shape is similar...so if you're a xr head....might be worth waiting (is that what you currently use?)

can't comment on anything else...I tried on at least 15 helmets....I'm a Shoei x-11 head unfortunately.

like Matty's list....recon they'd be the 1st set to try....I've tried em all except the schuberth properly (they didn't have my size at BMW when I went in!) but damn fine helmets.

Dos has a shark.....DOS.....ride report!

I agree with all the comments about having to try them on and see which model and brand best fits your head.  I really wanted the Ducati helmet made Suomy but it didnt fit me..... So ended up with the Arai RX-7 Corsair.  Fantastic helmet.

Bret

Mine is an Arai Vector. Chose the Arai because it was the only brand that fit my melon. Even then it was too tight for my chin but (as Dragon says) I got the smaller chin pads & that fixed that issue. The big problem that I was unaware of is the wind noise. It's really bad and Sh1ts me no end. What I have noticed is that sometimes at speed I lay on the tank with head down. When I do this the noise reduces - a lot. I reckon they're meant to be used on a racing style bike, not the upright riding position of the monster - my 2c.

Wayne

I wanted the Ducati helmet made Suomy and it fitted my melon perfectly so is the one I use....  [thumbsup]

Wind noise is okay (I do wear ear plugs though and my open pipes are loud)....  8)

Also tried the Arai Ducatie helmet but just didn't fit....  [bang]

Seems as though you might be looking for an Arai.

I went to MCA Liverpool today and tried on alot of the helmets. The one that fitted me the best was the Arai Vector.

The Shoei TZR helmet was too small in the chin area. The AGV helmets were very nice but they had a limited selection in store.

One down looking for the Shark and AGV.

I know it will be a trip for you but best place for brands and stock is MCAS City.
See Wilson, he is very good and will give you all the time you need.
That's who helped me pick my last one, even got me in the Shark I posted and I didn't buy it and only tried it on for 5 secs
and knew it wouldn't fit my head.

I can't say what you should buy. I can only say what I went through buying one last year.

I have an old mans helmet (prob because I'm an old man). Its a Nolan flip front. N102 I think. Its a lot quieter than my old AGV. Most of the noise with helmets seems to come from the gap under the chin. The Nolan has a piece that fits closely to my neck that can only be achieved by having a flip front. Its not totally quite but the wind noise is easily blocked out with earplugs, unlike the AGV which had more of a roaring sound.

Prob not for everyone but I find it warm and reasonably quite which I value more than the looks.

Let us know what you end up buying and why.

Just for the record, a friend of mine (who has an Arai head) has just bought himself a BMW helmet - they are on sale for  $399 at Pro-cycles as they are no longer being imported. No fancy colours, but they do have some fair looking solids.

I have a Shoei head, and tried one on today, oddly enough, it fit quite well, though the placing of the chin strap is something I found awkward. Will be trying again later this week, just in case I can get the chin strap to work properly for me. For $399, it's a hell of a helmet.

Z...

Ninja edit - the BMW logo is small, at the back of the helmet (about the size of a lady bug) and easily removed ;)

However it's difficult to turn off the recording that whispers in your ear "you are the best, you do own the road"

Might as well add in my experience. After Jukie unintentionally dismantled her helemnt on an Ozmo ride about a year ago I used it as an excuse to upgrade my relatively cheap helmet too.

Similarly to Matty I went down a size (although different brands) based on the idea that the smallest helmet you can cram on your head is the right size ... and once it is on you hardly notice it. It is a smaller shell and lighter than the previous helmet and made a huge difference in riding comfort. It is a Shoei (XR I think) and is well ventilated. However it is not without its problems.

Being such a good fit it is a little more difficult to get on which results in earplugs being dislodged and ears being relocated to my shoulders - this doesn't add to the comfort level. Helmets generally are a noisy place to be and it is wind noise rather than the 'tweety birds' that have me wearing earplugs. So to get around the inconvenience of the helmet relocating my ears I wear either a balaclava or head sock which allows the helmet to slip on easily ... but it reduces the cooling effect of the vents.

I also have and use the chin curtain which is meant to reduce wind noise but honestly I can't really tell the difference. The most effective thing (other than earplugs) I have used to prevent wind noise is a neck warmer as it is soft and fills all the void space. Also I think a lot of wind noise is not just generated by the helmet but also the top of your jacket. So the combination of earplugs, head sock, neck warmer tucked up into the chin curtain make the helmet quite a quiet place if only my riding companion didn't have such a noisy bike ...

Thanks Zee I will be up that way tomorrow. For that price I can't go wrong & the plain colours are fine.


Spider have you got a hammer, that will f#@k that little voice! ;D

dont worry about spider he hears little voices all the time  ;D

oh, that is frickin rich, a bloody TASMANIAN is telling ME about being weird...."Hello Pot, this is kettle here, just a quick call to let you know that you're black!".

Weirdness is the second greatest export of Tasmanian behind wood; and the two are intrinsically linked....the deeper you go in the woodlands...the weirder they are!

now...back to helmets!

now now we have had this conversation be for and was proved the further north you go the weird gets worse , as for the wood chips you show me another renewable resource that employs as many as ours does , and if you dont agree with wood chipping dont use any paper simple  [thumbsup] 

Now now Spider be nice.


Bazz can't help it he lives in one of the best places in the world for motorcyclist! [thumbsup]

tsk, tsk, tsk. Bloody Humans and politics. Cant help themselves ??  ;D  [roll]  [cheeky]

Along with other things that seperate us from the apes (Err some of us anyway!!  [roll] )I wonder if politics is another??  [thumbsup]

I have the Shark RSR2 in black. Very nice helmet. In fact I like this colour combo Matty. Might have to go and check it out.

Yeah it looks wicked in real life. I really wish it fitted my head cause the colours looked killer on the Monster.

Weirdness is just a myth we promote to keep people away. It seems to be working. We don't want just anyone down here clogging up the good roads. Now back to helmets......

I tried on some more helmets today and the best fitting helmet is the Shark RS2R. I like the extra thick visor and no pods too. [thumbsup] The visor system is pretty cool too.

Now does anyone have some idea where I can find a web site with the colour options??


Rob

www.bikebiz.com.au (http://)

The AGV GP PRO helmet is really nice too.

When I brought my Monster, I splashed out with a Suomy helment. Although expensive, it was a perfect fit and lasted well - maybe too long as the top foam slowly became sand in my hair over time and it became noticeably looser near the end!

Looked at options for a new one but decided to get value for money to make more frequent replacement in the future less painful. Currently have an RJay which fits well, is well vented - a little noisy but best of all was on special for $150! Meets the As/NZ standard so no worries there. Graphics are a bit plain, but so what. Bit strange handing over a Suomy for the bin and putting on an RJay.  ???

Looking at the US helmet sites and really liked some of the Bell hements - shape and graphics... wouldn't buy online as I couldn't check fitting, nor did they have an AS/NZ sticker (although they are DOT and Snell certified) - Interesting that nobody stocks them here in Oz??

Not for the road anyways.
RPM Race Gear stock them for road racing, well they used to last I was there.
But they are only DOT/Snell/FIA certified for track racing

Get your self one of these,it's passed the test of time.You may suffer from a bit of wind noise but if its able to deflect a bullet its good enough for me  [thumbsup]

 

(http://www.sillyjokes.co.uk/images/dress-up/acc/hats/historic/german-helmet-big.jpg)

I think I will decline to comment on that one Vince! 8)

It'd look the part on the Harley!

Go on Rob HTFU .....you know you want one  ;)

that and a leather jacket with tassles, HOT!!!!!  [thumbsup]

Only if the fake mustash comes with the deal! ;D

But of course it will.
I think you get chaps also.....
and a  [leo], a Cowboy and Construction worker

looks like they stole the moe of borat [laugh]

I am in the process of buying a new helmet too. I found an Aussie online site and asked them if the helmets they shipped have the AS1698 sticker.
The response is below -
My question is - Do you need the sticker, or is this guy having a laugh?


Hello,

We no longer require an Aust standards sticker as we now acknowledge manufacturing countries standards eg US use DOT , Snell etc. This also applies for competition use.

 FIM is the worlds governing body that sets the standard. Below is an excerpt from Motorcycling Australias manuals to verify this.

Thanks for your enquiry

Gav

 

2009 MANUAL OF MOTORCYCLE SPORT

APPENDIX 1 HELMET APPROVALS & FITTING

29.1.1 APPROVAL LABELS FOR HELMETS

29.1.1.1 Helmets must carry one of the following approval labels, as listed in Rule 01.70 of the FIM Technical

Rules.

a) Europe ECE 22 – 04, ECE 22 - 05

b) Great Britain BS 6658 Grade A & B (All disciplines)

c) USA DOT Federal Standard No 218 / SNELL M95, M2000, M2005

d) Japan JIS T 8133:2000, or

Australia Standards Association of Australia AS1698

29.1.2 International Helmet Standards

Refer also www.fi (http://) m.ch

29.1.2.1 ECE 22 - 05 “P” [EUROPE]

29.1.2.2 The ECE mark consists of a circle surrounding the letter E followed by a

distinguishing number of the country which has granted approval, as follows:

E1 Germany E2 France E3 Italy E4 Netherlands E5 Sweden

E6 Belgium E7 Hungary E8 Czech

Republic

E9 Spain E10 Yugoslavia

E11 United Kingdom E12 Austria E13 Luxembourg E14 Switzerland E15 not assigned

E16 Norway E17 Finland E18 Denmark E19 Roumania E20 Poland

E21 Portugal E22 Russian

Federation

E23 Greece E24 Ireland E25 Croatia

E26 Slovenia E27 Slovakia E28 Bielo Russia E29 Estonia E30 not assigned

E31 Bosnia &

Herzegovinia

E32 Latvia E33 not assigned E34 Bulgaria E35 not assigned

E36 not assigned E37 Turkey E40 Macedonia E43 Japan E44 not assigned

E45 Australia E46 Ukraine E47 South Africa E48 New Zealand E49 not assigned

29.1.2.3 Below the letter E the approval number should always begin with 05. Below the approval number is

the serial production number [Label is on retention system or comfort interior]

29.1.2.4 [JAPAN] JIS 813 : 2000 [Label affi xed inside the helmet]

29.1.2.5 [USA] SNELL M2005 [Label affi xed inside the helmet]

29.1.2.6 [AUSTRALIA] AS 1698 [Label affi xed to the helmet]

For more details consult the FIM Technical Rule Book.

What is the Plods thoughts on that statement from "Gav" ??  ???

Boys?? Girls??  [leo]

As far as I know your lid has to the little silver sticker to be legal.
Haven't read anywhere that things have changed.

Seems a little scam-ish to me Six95, are they that much cheaper?

They are.
They'll be $799 from the Helmet Warehouse in Late September or I can get it for $568 from this internet mob in WA

What helmet are you talking about?

It's a Suomy Vandal

They are no longer imported or sold here, so I would think they are not really legal.
DOT/Snell/FIA regs not with standing, they mean nothing for road use.
I'd be cautious.
Unless of course there is someone who has taken over importation of them, if was NFI who used to bring them in.
As Ducati Worldwide used to have a helmet deal through them, it is now serviced by Arai.

I'd agree with caution......

Remember where you are going to use it. If it's on the road, then you'll want to make sure it complies with all regulatory requirements from the regulators and enforcers, being the RTA, vicroads etc etc in each state / territory.

From there, I'd check with my insurance providers (for all insurances - ctp, comprehensive, life, tpd, income protection, workers comp and the like). It's a pretty typical to have a clause regarding non compliance / illegal use within the fine print, and not wearing a helmet approved by the regulators _could_ be argued as falling into this category... Heaven forbid, if you need to claim on any of your insurance policies, would you want to risk it?

For me at least, that saving is starting to look smaller and smaller....

I totally agree with everyones comments. I was just curious to see if the law had changed regarding the standards labels and I was not aware. I was never going to buy a helmet that is not approved for Aus.
I just got a hold of Shogai imports - they will be bringing the helmets into Aus late September and will only be stocking them through the helmet warehouse in yagoona. Who knows by then I would have changed my mind on what helmet I want to get - Just like women and shoes...........

On another note - I pillioned my wife to PITS on Sunday morning. I got RBT'd in front of Berowra Mobile. The officer looked at the back of my helmet (maybe for the sticker) and the back of the bike for the rego label. I was chuffed to see all the other officers grouping around my bike (pointing and ogling) instead of pulling people over.

So you change your Women and shoes often!  [laugh] [laugh]

Had a similar  [leo] experience a little while back. While meeting Danno in town I pulled up to park in Surry Hills.
As I was doing so there was two young Officers crossing the road 30-40 feet away, they stopped dead and turned
to walk straight over to me.
I was preparing my speech of "nah, nah that's standard" all they wanted to do was  :o at the Ducati.
Great young guys stood and talked for 10 mins before walking into the same burger joint as us to have lunch.

You can't stop the music!.........er sorry couldn't help myself. :-[

Consider it sold.  [thumbsup] [moto]

Vince I think you need to buy one too for your new BMW all terraine bike. That would look perfect.


What can I say ' I know NOTHING!'

now stop taking the piss out of me and tell me what helmet i should buy ! ;D

[/size]

I was looking at the Shark helmets last week and they had a different sticker that did state the helmet complied to the AS1698.

I was suspicious because the  [leo] don't know anything also other than a nice silver label.

And I was told if you use a helmet without a nice shiny AS1698 label you can be booked for not wearing a helmet.

Does anyone know what that costs???

if you are talking about the fine it would be $253 and 3 points