Helmet Shopping

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Currently using a Bilt (Cycle Gear) Techno 2.0 Modular. Bought from their website about 5 years ago. Repeated attempts for a replacement for the scratched visor online always comes up out-of-stock. Pads are tired and some goofy corner on the inside is beginning to rub me the wrong way, literally. The bluetooth audio from the included SENA unit is meh, just OK. The internal flip down dark screen is nice but clunky to operate with gloves on. Thought I would head to the closest CG store in Harrisburg this weekend and shop for a new helmet.

A removable bill (ADV) style would be nice but not absolutely necessary. Modular(flip up chin) has been nice but I'd be OK with a full face non-modular as well. I feel I should be able to get a decent helmet for under $300. I kind of have it narrowed down to 2 from their website. I don't believe either has a pinlock option. I think that would be nice, as well. Bluetooth is a must.

I haven't looked at any helmets that don't include, but have the capacity for a bluetooth install, and buy separate BT unit, have them install at the store. They offer free install (atleast I think I read that somewhere). Would like to still keep in the $300 range. Any experience with either of these helmets would be very helpful, good or bad. Or what else?

Sedici Viaggio Parlare Sena Bluetooth ADV Helmet - Cycle Gear

Built with the adventure rider in mind, the Sedici Viaggio Parlare helmet features an integrated Sena DWO-5 Bluetooth v3.0 System, an injection molded…

www.cyclegear.com
and
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https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/scorpion-exo-at960-exo-com-helmet

 

[Rob S.]

Got my last helmet, a Bilt at Cycle Gear on Long Island. They tried to sell me a larger size. They also 'forgot' that a paddock stand I was buying once was on sale. A couple of other incidents; they're very 'bait & switch'-y at that location.

Buyer beware!

I don't go for those "modular" styles. Tried to dissuade my brother from buying one. (Also was not pleased that he bought a 1670cc V-twin for his very first bike!)

 

[Nessism]

I've been using Scorpion for a number of years now and like them, even though they tend to be tight on the cheeks for me.

 

[Big T]

It looks like many online retailers will be having helmet sales soon. A new ECE standard is coming in.

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

I’m all about last year’s colors/models, colose-outs and open box items to save a few bucks, so if you know of something specific, Todd, then please share. I’ve not read or seen anything about a new standard or impending big sales. I’m not in a super hurry to get a new lid. Would like to pick one up soon. Happen to have some free time this weekend. There aren’t a lot of places near me where you can actually go and try on a bunch of different helmets.

 

[bccap]

Revzilla has a good selection of helmets and they are accompanied by a video review. I'm not recommending the one on the link just showing it as an example of their video reviews .....
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bell-srt-modular-helmet

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Thanks Cap. I’ve watched more than a couple of their videos. Very thorough. Cycle Gear has a bunch of videos on their site too.

 

[Baatfam]

There aren’t a lot of places near me where you can actually go and try on a bunch of different helmets.

This is the important part. Fitment.
A while back, (20 years ?), I was buying HJC helmets and they were OK.
But 10-12 years ago we went to the Chicago motorcycle show and tried dozen of helmets until we found a great fit.
For me, it turned out to be a Shoei RF1200. Expensive, yes. But boy does a good fit make a difference.
Anyway, needing a new one myself, it will probably be the RF1400.

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Fitment is why I’m going to a store to try a bunch. As far as I know, Cycle Gear is the only place I can go to do that. Motorcycle dealers only have a small offering.

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

I bought the Sedici. Thanks for all the input.

they had a replacement shield for my old helmet too in store.

 

[rphillips]

Remembering the old poster hanging in our local shop, I think an ad for Bell... "IF YOU'VE GOT A $10 HEAD WEAR A $10 HELMET"... Being as young and dumb as I was back then, It still sure got my attention.

 

[dpep]

I bought the Sedici. Thanks for all the input.

they had a replacement shield for my old helmet too in store.

Rich, I would like to hear how you find the "Adventure" style helmet for street riding particularly for longer trips and higher speeds. I have never used anything but the standard (3/4 or full face) helmet my whole life but I can see some qualities to the off road type that I might appreciate.

I am curious it there is much additional wind noise. I know they are supposed to be more noisy but I am also thinking they may have more room to add noise muffling or noise cancelling modifications.

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

I wanted the peak because I’ve often thought some additional sun screening would be helpful, especially in the woods riding in and out of bright sun into shade with heavy tree cover. Thinking like, a baseball cap style bill would be super helpful. The internal drop-down sunshade is not near as dark as on my old helmet. And that’s a plus, as I often found the old one too dark. Short ride yesterday afternoon and a longer ride today were particularly windy. The design of the peak allows air to flow under and through it. Did get up to @70 and wasn’t bothered at all. 80 mph interstate runs may be a different story. Looks like a couple nice days coming up. Will try to get out on I-80 a bit. I’m also experimenting with height and angle of my wind-screen on the Tiger.

I noticed no more wind noise than with my old full-face modular. If anything, the new helmet is quieter. The sound quality of the Bluetooth unit is marginally better than the previous gen bottom-of-the-line Sena unit in the old helmet. So far, I’m very impressed, for a $200 helmet.

 

[argonsagas]

I have been very happy with Scorpion modulars.
I was almost instantly sold on the inflatable bladder that makes it fit my head perfectly and the easy-flip integral sunshade is wonderful!
It will also take communication electronics, but I have not tried that...
The first one stayed good for many years but was fraying here and there so I bought a new one last year at a great price while at the Motorcycle super show in Toronto..
I have no negatives to offer about Scorpion.