Helmet Shopping - Yamaha FZ6R Forums - International FZ6R / XJ6 Motorcycle Community Forum

Quietwhisper · 06-16-2010, 06:53 PM

I am going to be doing some helmet shopping within the next week here and I was wondering what I should look for in a good helmet.

The current one I have now is just a cheep HJC CS-R1 and I really dont like it. I get a lot of wind inside of it even at lower speeds and at higher speeds the helmet actually wants to lift off my head!! If it wasn't for the strap it would have been gone in the ditch somewhere a long time ago.

Another part of the reason the helmet lifts up at high speeds is because the padding on the inside of it has squished down since I first bought the helmet, and it no longer fits the same as the first day I wore it.

I want something that's going to have good padding in it and less wind/noise. What do you guys recommend? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

**Heineken** · 06-16-2010, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quietwhisper

I am going to be doing some helmet shopping within the next week here and I was wondering what I should look for in a good helmet.

The current one I have now is just a cheep HJC CS-R1 and I really dont like it. I get a lot of wind inside of it even at lower speeds and at higher speeds the helmet actually wants to lift off my head!! If it wasn't for the strap it would have been gone in the ditch somewhere a long time ago.

Another part of the reason the helmet lifts up at high speeds is because the padding on the inside of it has squished down since I first bought the helmet, and it no longer fits the same as the first day I wore it.

I want something that's going to have good padding in it and less wind/noise. What do you guys recommend? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Well, what's your budget?

**JonKerr** · 06-16-2010, 07:39 PM

#1 is to get one that's SNELL approved or better. a helmet that's only DOT approved usually isn't a good idea and you tend to get what you pay for. I had a GMax that was only DOT and it lasted all of a couple of months before it started falling apart. (Search GM68 if you want to see my review of it)

#2 is fit. Find a helmet that when you put it on is quite snug as it will break in. But you want that snug feeling all the way around. You don't want pressure points. Different helmets have different shapes. And even different models within the same manufacturer fit differently. (An Icon Domain 2 fits different than their Airframe)

Once you find a selection of models that fit you, then start looking at budget, weight, quality of the visor, quality of the interior, looks, etc... From there it's personal preference in all honesty.

MikeN02 · 06-16-2010, 10:20 PM

Arai, if you're short on money get a Shoei, if you're even shorter on money get a Shark.

In honestly though Shoei's are one of the popular brands for their graphics style, comfort, weight, and vents.

Blue-Sun · 06-16-2010, 11:06 PM

I like ICON...

Ultimately you want to pick a helmet that fits your head and doesn't give you a headache. Cycle Gear has a 7 day Helmet exchange policy.

Also, go to The Helmet Center - Motorcycle Helmets, Apparel, Parts & Accessories and watch the on-line video's for each helmet that peaks your interest. They compare helmets for round vs. oval heads, wind noise, features, etc. It may help tell you a little about the helmet from the comfort of your computer keyboard.

Here is the video section link...
http://www.thehelmetcenter.com/Motor...iews-sp-9.html

Just my 2 cents...

Detrich · 06-17-2010, 01:32 AM

I'm actually beginning to kinda like HJC more... I 've tried on the Scorpion EXO-1000, but ultimately returned it because I found the opening to be super tight & still too wiggly inside... I've tried on Bell & Shoei in the store too, but they all just fit me kinda weird...

HJC's seem to fit my head better for some reason. I'm currently trying out an HJC IS-16 Scratch, which Home | Helmet Harbor gave very high marks on- despite it being only DOT. It feels very high quality and has the one touch inner sunshield with some nice graphics to boot... I'm really hoping that i find nothing else that bugs me and that this is my new helmet. But, we'll see...

Scratch MC-2 (BLUE) Full Face | Helmet Harbor

MikeN02 · 06-17-2010, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detrich

I'm actually beginning to kinda like HJC more... I 've tried on the Scorpion EXO-1000, but ultimately returned it because I found the opening to be super tight & still too wiggly inside... I've tried on Bell & Shoei in the store too, but they all just fit me kinda weird...

HJC's seem to fit my head better for some reason. I'm currently trying out an HJC IS-16 Scratch, which Home | Helmet Harbor gave very high marks on- despite it being only DOT. It feels very high quality and has the one touch inner sunshield with some nice graphics to boot... I'm really hoping that i find nothing else that bugs me and that this is my new helmet. But, we'll see...

Scratch MC-2 (BLUE) Full Face | Helmet Harbor

Great! That site also features the Scorpion EXO-400 Tsunami that I was looking to buy for a while now..

**mas4489** · 06-17-2010, 05:06 AM

Shoei has a pretty good selection at a descent price.

got an RF1100 myself, you can buy different padding for the inside and different visors, the visors are really easy to pop off and pop on, has 7 vents and a lever to lock the visor down if you wanted to. really like it, great fit.

bjs045 · 06-17-2010, 11:58 AM

I would recommend Arai, Shoei, and the new Bells. I'd stick to 400-500 dollar range. Personally I have the Shoei RF-1100 and I love it. But I'm considering picking up the new Bell Star and getting the new self tinting visor though. As I see it.....THERE'S NO PRICE TO PAY TO PROTECT YOUR DOME!

Arai | Shoei | Bell Star | Bell Vortex

p.s. Oh and test fit them all. Pick one that fits the size and shape of YOUR head.

jspansel · 06-17-2010, 01:53 PM

I have a Scorpion EXO-700 and think its great. Can get them for good prices too. VERY easy to swap the shield on and off.

06-16-2010, 06:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
Quietwhisper Junior Member Bike: 2009 Yamaha FZ6R Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 22 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Helmet Shopping I am going to be doing some helmet shopping within the next week here and I was wondering what I should look for in a good helmet. The current one I have now is just a cheep HJC CS-R1 and I really dont like it. I get a lot of wind inside of it even at lower speeds and at higher speeds the helmet actually wants to lift off my head!! If it wasn't for the strap it would have been gone in the ditch somewhere a long time ago. Another part of the reason the helmet lifts up at high speeds is because the padding on the inside of it has squished down since I first bought the helmet, and it no longer fits the same as the first day I wore it. I want something that's going to have good padding in it and less wind/noise. What do you guys recommend? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

06-16-2010, 07:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
JonKerr Senior Member Bike: 2009 Raven FZ6R a.k.a. "Gretchen" Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Diego (Lakeside) Posts: 2,413 Thanks: 56 Thanked 868 Times in 487 Posts	#1 is to get one that's SNELL approved or better. a helmet that's only DOT approved usually isn't a good idea and you tend to get what you pay for. I had a GMax that was only DOT and it lasted all of a couple of months before it started falling apart. (Search GM68 if you want to see my review of it) #2 is fit. Find a helmet that when you put it on is quite snug as it will break in. But you want that snug feeling all the way around. You don't want pressure points. Different helmets have different shapes. And even different models within the same manufacturer fit differently. (An Icon Domain 2 fits different than their Airframe) Once you find a selection of models that fit you, then start looking at budget, weight, quality of the visor, quality of the interior, looks, etc... From there it's personal preference in all honesty. __________________ 2009 Raven FZ6R / BT-003 Tires / T-Rex Frame Sliders / T-Rex Swingarm Spools / Custombikeparts.com FE / R6S Mirrors / LP Flushmounts / DDM HID Kit / Pro Grip Grips / Pro Grip CF Tank Pad / StompGrip Race Ovals / Pazzo Shorty Levers / GYTR Tinted DB Windscreen / R6 Header & GYTR CF Exhaust / DynoJet PCV / Marthy Maps / K&N Intake / Driven Lightened Sprocktes / EK Chain / RaceTech Suspension / MFW Vario Offset Pegs / EBC HH Brake Pads / Goodridge SS Brake Lines My Vimeo Page

06-16-2010, 10:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
MikeN02 Senior Member Bike: 07 YZF R6 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,964 Thanks: 276 Thanked 326 Times in 212 Posts	Arai, if you're short on money get a Shoei, if you're even shorter on money get a Shark. In honestly though Shoei's are one of the popular brands for their graphics style, comfort, weight, and vents. __________________ RIP 07/31/10

06-16-2010, 11:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
Blue-Sun Senior Member Bike: '09 Yamaha FZ6R Join Date: May 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 171 Thanks: 13 Thanked 32 Times in 23 Posts	I like ICON... Ultimately you want to pick a helmet that fits your head and doesn't give you a headache. Cycle Gear has a 7 day Helmet exchange policy. Also, go to The Helmet Center - Motorcycle Helmets, Apparel, Parts & Accessories and watch the on-line video's for each helmet that peaks your interest. They compare helmets for round vs. oval heads, wind noise, features, etc. It may help tell you a little about the helmet from the comfort of your computer keyboard. Here is the video section link... http://www.thehelmetcenter.com/Motor...iews-sp-9.html Just my 2 cents... __________________ May your Power Crystal always be pointing North!! Last edited by Blue-Sun; 06-16-2010 at 11:12 PM.

06-17-2010, 01:32 AM	#6 (permalink)
Detrich Senior Member Bike: 2009 Yamaha FZ6-R - Blue, 2010 Yamaha YZF-R6 - Blue Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,988 Thanks: 636 Thanked 261 Times in 212 Posts	I'm actually beginning to kinda like HJC more... I 've tried on the Scorpion EXO-1000, but ultimately returned it because I found the opening to be super tight & still too wiggly inside... I've tried on Bell & Shoei in the store too, but they all just fit me kinda weird... HJC's seem to fit my head better for some reason. I'm currently trying out an HJC IS-16 Scratch, which Home \| Helmet Harbor gave very high marks on- despite it being only DOT. It feels very high quality and has the one touch inner sunshield with some nice graphics to boot... I'm really hoping that i find nothing else that bugs me and that this is my new helmet. But, we'll see... Scratch MC-2 (BLUE) Full Face \| Helmet Harbor __________________ 2009 Yamaha FZ6-R - Blue [1.23.2010] - ProGrip CF Tank Protector, Yamaha Blue Seat Cowl, TechSpec SS Tank Grips, Intuitive Racing NC Frame Sliders 2010 Yamaha YZF-R6 - Blue [4.9.2011] - ProGrip CF Tank Protector, Yamaha White Seat Cowl, Shogun NC Crash Kit View My Virtual Garage

06-17-2010, 05:06 AM	#8 (permalink)
mas4489 Member Bike: 09 FZ6R - Blue Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hilliard, OH Posts: 99 Thanks: 21 Thanked 22 Times in 17 Posts	Shoei has a pretty good selection at a descent price. got an RF1100 myself, you can buy different padding for the inside and different visors, the visors are really easy to pop off and pop on, has 7 vents and a lever to lock the visor down if you wanted to. really like it, great fit.

06-17-2010, 11:58 AM	#9 (permalink)
bjs045 Senior Member Bike: 09' FZ6R Raven Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 454 Thanks: 125 Thanked 143 Times in 82 Posts	I would recommend Arai, Shoei, and the new Bells. I'd stick to 400-500 dollar range. Personally I have the Shoei RF-1100 and I love it. But I'm considering picking up the new Bell Star and getting the new self tinting visor though. As I see it.....THERE'S NO PRICE TO PAY TO PROTECT YOUR DOME! Arai \| Shoei \| Bell Star \| Bell Vortex p.s. Oh and test fit them all. Pick one that fits the size and shape of YOUR head. __________________ *Bone Mofo Stock! YouTube Channel*

06-17-2010, 01:53 PM	#10 (permalink)
jspansel Super Moderator Bike: 09 R6 Raven Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bend, OR Posts: 2,540 Thanks: 977 Thanked 1,173 Times in 621 Posts Blog Entries: 17	I have a Scorpion EXO-700 and think its great. Can get them for good prices too. VERY easy to swap the shield on and off. __________________ -Jay Don't cage me, bro! -But you can REP me!!! I intend to live forever. So far, so good...

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