New Helmet?

[Frosty]

While at the 2026 Spearfish Rally, someone asked how I liked my modular helmet. I said it was good, but so old, it was probably not available anymore. When I got home, I checked. It was manufactured 2/2016. I am guessing it is time for a replacement.
I noticed a Shoei at Cycle Gear and then kicked myself. I was in Tokyo for 11 days in April. The SHOEI Gallery TOKYO was a 35 minute, $2 subway ride from my hotel. The prices are less than 60% of US prices. A reservation custom helmet fitting is $22 with a helmet purchase. Remember, this is Japan and they use special equipment not a tape measure. DOH!
I just sent off for a Lid Picker report from previous measurements.

Recommendations for a Modular Helmet?

 

[Mellow]

I like my Klim mostly because it has a transitions shield so I don't have to mess with the drop down inner shields.. I tried a neo tec a few years back and hated it.

 

[ST1100Y]

I OTOH like my Neotec's (I & II)...

But the questions of brand and models are mute, first of all has that lid to fit your skull... perfectly...
enough clearance for the ears, no pressure points anywhere
(not even the slightest... two~three hours down the road it'll feel like someone is driving a self-tapping screw into your head...)

flip front
sun visor (not slamming the ridge of your nose)
wide enough channels for the temples of prescription glasses/end-pieces
view-field
ventilations
intercom ready
all operateable with your gloves on (even the thick winter-mittens...)
not/prefer to wear a head cap underneath
preferred type of chinstrap buckle
enough space to breath with face-shield closed
any legal requirements in your area/state (reflective portions, DOT, SNELL, EC-mark...)

like with shoes I hardly by online...

 

[mikesim]

Over the years I have had several Nolan helmets which I have liked very much. Nolan lost their long-time distributor in the US several years ago and are in the process of appointinting a new one.

Mike

 

[coaster]

Over the years I have had several Nolan helmets which I have liked very much. Nolan lost their long-time distributor in the US several years ago and are in the process of appointinting a new one.

Mike

First of all the helmet has to fit the shape of your head, I had 1 Nolan helmet, bad choice, after an hour or so I experienced discomfort on the forehead.
I have been happy with the HJC helmets for many years, good helmet good price and they fit the shape of my head.

 

[Yoda]

Several years ago I bought the Lid Picker kit. After measuring my dome and submitting it to them, I received a report on all the brands and models they said would fit my long narrow head. A quality brand that I had never considered was AGV made in Italy.
I bought my first one 5 years ago, a dual sport style with peak, and it fit perfectly.

I purchased my most recent one, a K6 carbon/aramid full face just a few months ago. It was initially very snug, but after wearing a few rides is comfy, quiet, and one of the lightest helmets at only 2.9 pounds. It also meets US DOT and European ECE requirements. At a close out price of $529, it ain’t cheap, but a LOT less than Arai or Shoei.

I highly recommend Lid Picker to help find a good fit for your unique head.

 

[Manfred]

First of all the helmet has to fit the shape of your head, I had 1 Nolan helmet, bad choice, after an hour or so I experienced discomfort on the forehead.
I have been happy with the HJC helmets for many years, good helmet good price and they fit the shape of my head.

Same here, regarding HJC.

 

[Coyote Chris]

For me, there was no choice. years ago, I discovered the LS2 Valant. The XXL was a bit tight but broke in nicely. I did a bit of work remodeling the eye glass channel and went out and bought another, both on sale...but the years went by and it was time for a newer helmet...the heavy old ones didnt really bother my neck but the LS2 Advent-X weight loss was a plus. So now I have two of them to take to the grave. I like the fact that there is an emergency release for the parametics although I suspect they have cutters. I like the fact that the face shield will lock in a number of positions, as will the inner sun shade. The chin bar back or forward is a huge plus for me as is the chin bar and top venting suystems. I feel much less clastraphobic with the chin bar back.
I dont worry too much about an exact fit. My old LS 2 valiant is now way too loose. I think over 60 years all my helmets have loosened up a bunch. I kept 2 for taking down branches. I can see if you have an odd shaped head, a fit kit might be nice but nothing beats trying one on in a store.

 

[Frosty]

I ended up buying the Klim TK1200. Lightweight and strong. It fit as predicted by Lid Picker. I ended up buying different cheek pads. I did not ride with it yet. Still have to fit the Brake Free and Sena.

 

[junglejim]

Over the many years I had (I think) 1Nolan, 2 HJCs, 3 Shoeis, and 2 Arais. I used to go to motorcycle shows and try on many of the offerings. The factory reps would fit the helmet to my head using different pads. Motorcycle shows are about gone now. Currently I've gravitated to the Arai Signet X because of my long oval head shape. This 2-year old helmet is the most comfortable and by far the quietest one I've ever had. Not the lightest or the least costly, but when I travel my head is in there most of the day. Comfort is everything.

I've only road tested one helmet. It worked. That was when I was rear ended while making a right turn into my driveway off a 2-lane road by a driver attempting to pass me on my right (off the roadway). I saw the car coming and aborted my turn. As I straightened the bike up and was hit by the left front corner of her van. I wasn't seriously injured, but the helmet, riding jacket and pants, were, and the bike was totaled. I got a a new (to me) motorcycle, helmet, riding suit, boots, gloves courtesy of the driver's insurance company with no questions asked. But I don't recommend getting your bike and gear that way.

 

[ARKNT]

Road testing helmets not a good idea for us general riders.
If you see one in person that has been road tested and envision what the damage to your head would look like it makes you a believer in helmets and safety gear. I can still remember one that was road tested by a friend back about 1970. Gouges in the skull bones would be very bad.

Arknt