Helmet Help

[GGRJR]

Okay. I have decided it is time for a new helmet. I have narrowed it down to three, 1) Shoei X11, 2) ARAI XD, and 3) Suomy Spec 1R. I have looked at, and tried on all 3, all seemed to fit fairly well. I have read good reviews on all three, with the X11, and 1R being a little more high end, and definitely lighter. I would like some impressions from anyone that has one of these helmets, especially if you have experience with more than one.

[Greg]

Not sure if that helps much, but i have Shoi rf-1000, great helmet, fits very well, very light, but(yes theres always this one but) the shield SUCKS!. I cant even breath on the semi-cool day without the shield foggin. Today was 48 in the AM, and i had to had shield partially open so it wouldnt fogg too much. Other then that LOVE IT. Before that had Suomy Ducati edition(I think it was Spec 1R-not sure), great helmet, a little heavier then Shoei, but the shield didnt fog!!!. All 3 helmets there are great helmet, just watch those shield fogging. Hope it helps.

Greg
'06 DL1K red(ish)

[Big B]

Have you tried the HJC AC-11? I had Shoei in the past....NEVER AGAIN! :roll: My buddy has an ARAI....he said "never again"! :lol:

[STROMETTE]

I've worn just a/b every major manufacturers FF lid I think. What one person defines as "great" might be what another "hates." You may not have a "Shoei" head or maybe you rank "quietest" at the top of your list (um, anyone vote Shoei out on this one?!) whereas "value" (any Arai votes here?) or "functionality" (such as anti-fog, ease of changing shields, flipup, venting, etc) or maybe sheer weight tops others list; it's difficult to say what's best. That said, my Scorpion EXO400 got the most miles last year. The saying is "the difference between an Arai and a Scorpion is about $300" which I agree. I picked it up as 2nd rider helmet and it became my fav. Super quick to change shields, all shields anti-fog (never, ever fogged), liner removed easy for cleaning, vented well, etc. Plus, I crash tested it. It did it's most important job. I'm planning on picking up another one b/f summer from Jeff at Helmet Harbor (www.helmetharbor.com). Best of luck in your search and good for you for even investigating brain buckets! :wink:

[GGRJR]

Stromette thanks for the input, I have had a Scorpion 700 for about a year now. It has always been a little tight in the cheeks, and temples, so I am replcaing it.
Went to the show in Atlanta yesterday, and looked at the XD, and X11. Like both however the Xd is a little heavy, and would be a little strange for track days on the VFR. I ended up ordering the Shoei from Sport Tour this morning for 509.95 delivered.
Antone looking for an Arai, should make it a point to get to a show or race, and see the Service Pavilion, these guys know there stuff, and will take the time to change out pads and custom fit, all included in price, which is generally 10 to 20 percent below suggested retail. I will probably be getting a XD form them later this year.

[STROMETTE]

looked at the XD, and X11. Like both however the Xd is a little heavy, and would be a little strange for track days on the VFR. I ended up ordering the Shoei .

X11 is a *super* helmet, very light - you'll love it, especially on the track. Two thumbs up choice IMHO! (..ditto on the Viffer!)

[revel22]

Okay. I have decided it is time for a new helmet. I have narrowed it down to three, 1) Shoei X11, 2) ARAI XD, and 3) Suomy Spec 1R. I have looked at, and tried on all 3, all seemed to fit fairly well. I have read good reviews on all three, with the X11, and 1R being a little more high end, and definitely lighter. I would like some impressions from anyone that has one of these helmets, especially if you have experience with more than one.

Shoei and only Shoei. But it really depends on the shape of your head my friend. Buy the best fitting one and be happy.

[Rabbott]

Motorcyclist Mag did a rather extensive test (not every kind) of helmets and the lowly Z1R helmet came out as the best (that they tested) in protecting your head. Rated as delivering the least G forces to the head over all the helmets, apparently because it's cheap and made of polycarbonate which "gives" and absorbs more energy. I've got a Shoei RF1000 and love the fit and ventilation, Z1R is not as comfortable or as breezy, more noise, but still acceptable, around $80 delivered. I wear the Z1R around town and the Shoei on long trips. I volunteer in the ER and can't tell you how many people I've seen with closed head injuries because of being ejected from the vehicle, which is just like what happens to a motorcyclist except we (I hope) wear helmets.

[GGRJR]

Went with the Shoei, a couple short rides on both bikes and I am thourghly impressed. Will probably have to change crown padding for a slightly tighter, will need more time to be sure. Flows air like crazy, but nearly as loud as I was led to believe. Will post more impressions, once I get a few more miles on it.

[GGRJR]

OK. I have had my X-11 Lawson replica for almost a month. I love it. It is not nearly as loud as I expected. Will still wear ear plugs. This thing is light, no neck fatigue. Will be doing a couple of longer rides over the next few months, so we shall see how it goes long term, I will report more later.

[GGRJR]

Ok. Ihave this puppy about 4 months. It's still awesome. Have put about 2500 miles on it split between two bikes. Well worth the money, definitely shop around though. Best flowing helmet, I have had, but just as quiet as the least flowing. Shields are holding up well, no scratching yet. Of course when not on my head it stays in the supplied bag, even sitting on my desk at work.