So, I have been out of the mcycle game for over 30 years now (just finished my MSF course a couple months ago). Having a bike now, and digging out my ~35 year old HJC helmet, first off, is this thing still usable?

Secondly, and more importantly, what does the membership like in newer helmets? Back in the day (80s, 90s), Bell, HJC, Shoei, were all that was available. These were all DOT rated.

Looking around for a new helmet now, and I see a lot of names I have never heard of.

I am looking for a closed chin/face style helmet. I see Bluetooth is all the rage now, and wouldn't mind having that option, but am not locked into it. I also see "hybrid" styles that allow the closed face, but open up the whole face part of the helmet, when lifted. Of course, price helps. I am not looking for the $49.99 helmet, but also, am not willing to spend thousands. Somewhere in the $2-500 range seems adequate. This is for a street bike.

So, what do my friends on the forum think? Any and all suggestions welcome, please.

Thanks!

Arai...

Seriously, get the best helmet you can afford that fits your melon! As the saying goes, 'If you've got a $50 head, then get a $50 helmet'! They all fit a little different, depending on the shape of your head. I've tried on helmets I didn't like, and I've purchased/worn Bell and Shoei, but the Arai fits my head the best. As a result, it's really comfortable, and fits me so well that I'll probably never buy another brand.

If you haven't tried on new helmets lately, you should probably avoid buying one online, and find a good shop that has a variety for you to try on. I would get one that carries a Snell M2020 certification.

I'd replace the older helmet, internals, glues etc break down with heat and age.

I have the HJC Modular for a full face, it's nice to be able to open the front for fresh air and for ease of putting on and taking off.

It has the compartments for BT or a hard wired set such as found on many large touring bikes like HD Ultra Road Glides, Goldwings etc.

BT equipment that can connect to your smart phone is a good thing for getting GPS instructions, music, even phone calls, some allow intra bike comms but everyone has to be on the same system. Sena, J&M, Nolan and Cardo have good systems on the market.

Also have a HJC half helmet, it has a drop down shield that works great for blocking off wind and light rain, and being tinted helps significantly.

The Helmet shop has all brands, at all price points as well as the BT systems, can advise and install everything for you.

https://www.helmetshop.com/

I'd highly recommend a modular helmet.

With that in mind and your price point try out the Bell SRT.

You really need to try on a couple different manufacturers to ensure a good snug fit.

You can always add bluetooth capability down the road.

Cheers~

Helmet?

You just need loud pipes.



FWIW I was wearing an Aria when I sailed over a stopped car at 60. Saved my life. Buy a new helmet.

Another vote for a modular. Replace it every three years.

Shoei RF-___ if I were buying a new lid today.
My dad had an RF1100 & a RF1200 and they're light and comfortable. He had a transition vison on the 1200, handy to not need to carry sunglasses.

Find your local Cycle Gear, or similar, and try on multiple. Nothing worse, and potentially dangerous, than an ill-fitting helmet. Try on multiple & see what fits your head shape best. Walk around the store with it on for a bit & let it settle to make sure there aren't any pressure points.

My helmet is a Scorpion modular. Got it from a coworker that hated it. The drop down tinted visor is nice, but it's a bit heavier & does had a pressure point that gets a bit uncomfortable after a couple hours.

Ah yes, Arai. Thanks NH, I had forgotten them.

Yep, I am replacing this helmet. A lot has changed in 30 years. I am reading positive notes about the modular style. I also agree, seems like Bluetooth can be added, if I want it.

Thanks for the link HRK, I definitely need to research those units.

Otherwise, my takeaway so far, is these no name helmets are not recommended. Stick with the big names. Am I correct in that assessment?

I feel certain you need a new helmet. The old one will have deteriorated, and new ones will be better and more capable.

quote:

Originally posted by bigpond73:
Ah yes, Arai. Thanks NH, I had forgotten them.

Yep, I am replacing this helmet. A lot has changed in 30 years. I am reading positive notes about the modular style. I also agree, seems like Bluetooth can be added, if I want it.

Thanks for the link HRK, I definitely need to research those units.

Otherwise, my takeaway so far, is these no name helmets are not recommended. Stick with the big names. Am I correct in that assessment?

In general you will get better quality with the bigger names shoei/arai, but that is not a blanket statement. Go with whichever has the shape that fits your head best.

Built in bluetooth is not necessary as after market is good quality and easy to install. Buying built in severely limits your options.

Modular helmets can be convenient but will offer another point of failure if for some reason you are in a wreck. It is a plastic hinge that can fail. I've was some years ago by a medical professional that they had seen multiple instances of modular helmets failing during impact. If you HAVE to have it sure, but for me I won't chance it.

Getting a photochromatic faceshield and using the pinlock visor insert with my Shoei has been the best investments for me.

I currently use a Shoei RF-1400 and recommend it over my last one which was a GT-Air II or whatever they call it.

I would replace helmets based loosely off of manufacturer suggestions as the materials can break down. But I wouldn't treat it like an oil change. It doesn't turn to paper mache on a certain date.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: OttoSig,

I wore an Arai when I had a bike.
They make them to fit different shape heads and they are quality and have good parts availability.
Don't buy a cheap helmet unless your brain isn't worth much to you.

Also don't forget quality outerwear. Lot's of progress has been made in clothing in the last 30 years. That's another area to not go cheap or focus too much on style over safety.
I used Motoport brand jacket and pants. They zip off easily when you get to your destination but have excellent protection.
Materials explained here.
https://www.motoport.com/motoport-dictionary/

You need a new helmet. Your old one is long toast even if it looks fine.

Helmets are only good for about 5 years to actually do what they are supposed to do and protect your head.

If you are stuck in the under $500 market, you are only going to be able to afford a polycarbonate shell helmet, which is functionally fine, but not as nice as a fiberglass shell.

For under $500 I really like Bell.

Over $500 there are great options like Shoei, Arai and Schuberth. It depends on how they fit your head.

I have a Shoei RF-1400. FWIW, it's both DOT rated and Snell 2020 rated. From what I've read, the new ECE 22.06 standard is safer than Snell as ECE 22.06 is based on protecting from angular momentum (Snell 2020 is based on dropping an object on it twice) so if I were buying today I'd be looking at a AGV K6S.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
Shoei RF-___ if I were buying a new lid today.
My dad had an RF1100 & a RF1200 and they're light and comfortable. He had a transition vison on the 1200, handy to not need to carry sunglasses.

I have the Shoei transition face shield in my RF-1400. It's pricey, but worth it.

I used to ride a dark tint face shield, and have to flip it up when I got in a shady stretch. Also, felt compelled to get home before dark as I didn't want to ride in the dark in a tinted face shield. The transition face shield changed all of that.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: tatortodd,

I will echo the get the one that fits, my melon likes a larger wider fit on the modular style, the HJC fit best, some of the others were way too tight and uncomfortable

Echo the get the BT set separate from the helmet, find the one you like and have it installed.

Arai, shoei, and Schuberth are some of the best on the market. One of the three will fit your head shape. It’s unlikely all three will fit well.

Retire your old helmet, it’s pretty much useless for anything other than decoration and stories.

Buy the best helmet you can afford. The difference between a $300 helmet and a $600 helmet might seem like it just costs twice as much, but you get more than twice the value.

They may fit and feel similar in the showroom, but the better helmet will hold up longer. A year from now the padding will hold up. The visor won’t yellow, the hinge will still work. You’ll be able to get replacement pads, or custom fit pads.

It’ll be quieter, which directly contributes to fatigue.

It’ll handle sweat better, the material won’t break down as easy.

You’ll end up replacing it less often (5 years) instead of two to three.

If you spend your money on one thing, make it your helmet.

Forgot about Schuberth. When I was haunting the local BMW dealer, I tried on a few & really liked how they felt.

I like my modulars and I have bluetooth in my main helmet. It's nice to answer a call if it's necessary. I was riding one time when my DIL was in an accident and called me for help. I heard the phone ringing in my pocket and pulled over. Glad I did. The bluetooth resolves that. Plus I can listen to tunes if I wish.

Arai fit the best for me...

I ride with a Shoei GT Air II but it is a bit above your price range and less you find it on sale.

it fits me very well.

I have a Shoei. I used to have an HJC.

DOT is the lowest level of certification. Snell is better and, apparently, the ECE even stricter.

I've heard the same thing about modulars from EMS people, that they can fail with impact. I personally would not wear one.

Depending on what you're riding and how you're riding it, wind noise is more or less of a problem. The Shoei is pretty quiet due to a smaller opening on the bottom. Note that a quieter design may flow internal air less well, which means a warmer helmet and possible more visor fogging. Using a chin curtain inside the helmet also helps with noise. This is one of the really most noticeable differences between my HJC and Shoei, where the HJC was quite noisy both in letting outside noise in as well as airflow noise around the helmet.

In southern Colorado you may tilt towards wanting a quieter helmet that happens to be a bit warmer, as you won't be riding in Florida like conditions.

There is something called "Pinlock" which is a plastic insert that attaches to the inside of the visor. They work quite well at stopping fogging, though I've struggled to get it properly sealed on my Shoei. On the HJC it worked great and was easy to install. Note that it may not be legal after dark in some places as it does dim the visor a little bit.

The adventure helmets with the sun visor will catch the wind at highway speeds and be very annoying.

Helmet makers say 5 year life for helmets due to material aging. I would not trust a 35 year old helmet!