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Old 23rd April 2024, 15:40   #4081
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Re: Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

Quote:
Originally Posted by minzanurag View Post
Same query as shyamg28, I always had this curiosity whenever I see helmets with attached beak (not sure about the correct term). Wont that push the head back and put pressure on the neck at highway speeds considering the windscreen will not deflect the wind at that point? Or is it aerodynamically designed to prevent that. I think it does helps in reducing fatigue from glare when the sun is directly overhead.

I have seen similar helmets with longer beaks used in motocross and somehow I always relate it to off-roading and motocross but not with highway touring.
Thanks.
As somebody who's been using the Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS helmet for the past few years, what I can say is that well designed helmets are very important in how the wind is handled.
The MX-9 handles highway riding beautifully well. At triple-digit speeds, it's absolutely not a problem in terms of pushing the head back. If the rider were to be looking up at any instant, then yes, the beak would catch the wind and pull back, but ever so slightly.

The benefits of Adv helmets are the more relaxed fit with a lot more breathing space, much better ventilation typically, an immense field-of-view, and that beak providing a bit of shade.

MX & offroad specific helmets typically don't come with visors, and have slightly different shapes.
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Old 23rd April 2024, 18:29   #4082
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Re: Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaushalswarup View Post
As somebody who's been using the Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS helmet for the past few years, what I can say is that well designed helmets are very important in how the wind is handled.
The MX-9 handles highway riding beautifully well. At triple-digit speeds, it's absolutely not a problem in terms of pushing the head back. If the rider were to be looking up at any instant, then yes, the beak would catch the wind and pull back, but ever so slightly.

The benefits of Adv helmets are the more relaxed fit with a lot more breathing space, much better ventilation typically, an immense field-of-view, and that beak providing a bit of shade.

MX & offroad specific helmets typically don't come with visors, and have slightly different shapes.
Thanks for your feedback regarding the beaked helmet. For my riding it shouldn't be much of a problem.

I will try it out but the question is very few dealers have any stock of these helmets and I really want to try one out before I take the plunge. Else, I will have to take leap of faith if I get a sweet deal from FCMoto.de.

Cheers !
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Old 23rd April 2024, 23:21   #4083
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Re: Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

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Originally Posted by minzanurag View Post
Thanks for your feedback regarding the beaked helmet. For my riding it shouldn't be much of a problem.

I will try it out but the question is very few dealers have any stock of these helmets and I really want to try one out before I take the plunge. Else, I will have to take leap of faith if I get a sweet deal from FCMoto.de.

Cheers !
If by ‘it’ you mean the Arai XD5, I’d suggest you maybe start with something that’s more easily available here, to understand if you’re comfortable with this type of helmet. LS2 have a few options at different price ranges, and one that’s carbon fibre too. The airoh commander is available too, it’s mentioned here on this thread.
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Old 24th April 2024, 14:06   #4084
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Re: Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaushalswarup View Post
If by ‘it’ you mean the Arai XD5, I’d suggest you maybe start with something that’s more easily available here, to understand if you’re comfortable with this type of helmet. LS2 have a few options at different price ranges, and one that’s carbon fibre too. The airoh commander is available too, it’s mentioned here on this thread.
Sorry, ambiguity is my forte

I meant to say helmets from Arai or similar manufacturers. On Airoh helmets, even I recall the post where someone mentioned Airoh now has ISI certified helmets. I haven't seen Airoh helmets in any of the showrooms I visited so far. Most of the online dealers only have pre-order option.

Last option is to ask friend/relative to carry it when they visit India.
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Old 24th April 2024, 15:31   #4085
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Re: Axxis Wolf DS Hydra

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Originally Posted by man_of_steel View Post
Hello! If you are talking about Outrigger bracket on the googles, I can assure you that it doesn't do much compared to the FOV offered by an ADV helmet with the visor or a normal full face helmet! My LS2 google has the same.

Attachment 2597964
So net net, if I want style I can buy a cheaper alternative, no need to spend big bucks on Barstow or else as I said clear sports glasses is the way to go!!
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Old 24th April 2024, 18:11   #4086
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Re: Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

Here's some good news for the Indian people! The Axor Apex is now ECE 22.06 Certified. Whilst the helmet is heavy at 1600 gms, this brings one of the best safety standards out there to the masses at a relatively affordable price point.

Their website is currently down for maintenance I believe, but their official IG page has confirmed it. Since the Apex also has a D Ring System, its a positive sign for sure!
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Old 25th April 2024, 00:59   #4087
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Re: Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

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Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR View Post
Cross posting from my ownership thread


Better half picked up this stunning new carbon fiber helmet for herself - the LS2 FF805 Thunder Plus Carbon.
Hi. Do you mind posting the head circumference of the user and the size of the helmet? Also, the LS2 website describes the helmet shell shape as Long Oval. Was that a consideration when purchasing?
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Old 25th April 2024, 01:37   #4088
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Re: Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

Quote:
Originally Posted by WhiskeyTangoFox View Post
Here's some good news for the Indian people! The Axor Apex is now ECE 22.06 Certified. Whilst the helmet is heavy at 1600 gms, this brings one of the best safety standards out there to the masses at a relatively affordable price point.

Their website is currently down for maintenance I believe, but their official IG page has confirmed it. Since the Apex also has a D Ring System, its a positive sign for sure!
Yes, the Apex series are now coming with the updated ECE 22.06 certification.

I myself picked up the Apex Hex2 in Bangalore, and it’s not too heavy on the head. The price was ₹4,800/- for the helmet, which came pre-installed with a pinlock 30 insert.
The only minor inconvenience I found was that the slide down sun visor seemed to be optically incorrect, having a slight distortion effect.

It’s great to see ‘safer’ helmets at more accessible prices!

Last edited by kaushalswarup : 25th April 2024 at 01:38. Reason: Change of spelling
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Old 25th April 2024, 10:12   #4089
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Re: Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaushalswarup View Post
Yes, the Apex series are now coming with the updated ECE 22.06 certification.

I myself picked up the Apex Hex2 in Bangalore, and it’s not too heavy on the head. The price was ₹4,800/- for the helmet, which came pre-installed with a pinlock 30 insert.
The only minor inconvenience I found was that the slide down sun visor seemed to be optically incorrect, having a slight distortion effect.

It’s great to see ‘safer’ helmets at more accessible prices!
As an Axor Apex user I can tell you that it might not feel that heavy on the head but aerodynamically it is a very bad helmet. If you are riding a naked with no wind protection once you cross 80kmph the helmet starts moving no matter how snug the fit is. My neck hurts so bad after spending 10-15 minutes above 90kmph. Also, if you shoulder check on those speeds the helmet gives you a whiplash. It is still a very good helmet for the price but I wish Axor start making all round helmets and maybe charge a bit more for them.
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Old 28th April 2024, 22:55   #4090
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Re: Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

Hey guys, bought an LS2 FF800 Storm II a month back and I've ridden for around 500kms with it. Here are my thoughts:
  • Light weight/Good weight distribution: Compared to the MT MT Thunder 3, Axor helmets the LS2 felt the lightest which I loved.
  • All basic features included: ISI, ECE 22.06, Pin lock 70 with anti-fog included in box. Dual visor.
  • Wind Noise: For Anything above 70 Km/h with vents open, there is wind noise. With vents close, the noise reduces but it's still present. Will have to look at earplugs. The helmet is M. L and M both fit me well, I chose M because it was more snug + natural wear in will make it loose.

The KYT TT Course (~7.5K) was a runner up because it felt similar in weight but the anti fog film was an extra 2K which brought the price close to that of LS2. I chose the LS2 because it ticked all feature requirements + looked better that the available TT Course selection.

Got it for ₹10,200 from Biker Station, Edapally (A sister shop of D J Helmets).
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Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet-ls2-ff800-storm-ii-racer-blue.jpg  

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Old 1st May 2024, 07:39   #4091
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Re: Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

It's a very good choice. Weight distribution is good and comfortable. Try Autoqueen shop as well next time. They offer 10% discount when I enquired over the phone without any haggling. Got another helmet from there recently.
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Old 1st May 2024, 08:30   #4092
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Re: Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

Quote:
Originally Posted by shyamg28 View Post
If you could share, does the beak affect you when riding at 100-120kph? Or is there any point where the beak does affect you due to buffeting?
Quote:
Originally Posted by minzanurag View Post
Same query as shyamg28, I always had this curiosity whenever I see helmets with attached beak (not sure about the correct term). Wont that push the head back and put pressure on the neck at highway speeds considering the windscreen will not deflect the wind at that point? Or is it aerodynamically designed to prevent that.
….
I have seen similar helmets with longer beaks used in motocross and somehow I always relate it to off-roading and motocross but not with highway touring.
MX / Motocross helmets and adventure touring helmets have quite distinct design differences. Top flight adventure touring helmets like Arai’s XD4 series now XD5) and Shoei Hornet for instance have very well designed beaks with suitable vents to allow wind flow with minimal discomfort to the rider.

I have used the Schuberth E1 (a modular adventure touring helmet with a beak) some years ago and the Shoei Hornet (direct competitor to XD4) and I have not faced any neck whiplash issues whatsoever on these while using on upright oriented adventure style bikes (obviously one would not wear these on sports bikes where you are crouched down).

MX helmets are a different ball game altogether. They don’t have the same kind of openings for wind flow etc and at least the one model I had briefly used a few years ago (Leatt something, can’t recall model number), had massive neck whiplash issues at triple digit speeds. So much so that while touring in Rajasthan once where I made an ill-informed decision to use one, I actually unscrewed the beak while on a 200 kms+ point to point longer ride between two cities. I put the beak back on only while going on shorter rides during that trip. For fast highway cruising, you’d definitely find the MX style helmets quite troublesome on the whiplash factor.

Images below from the internet are the three models I’m referring to from personal experience: top to bottom - Shuberth E1, Shoei Hornet (equivalent to Arai XD4) and Leatt MX helmet.

Hope this helps.


Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet-img_9269.jpeg
PS: Please ignore the red XXXX marks on the image. Pic collage just put that in some pre-baked format which I picked up. Has no relevance to the post.

Last edited by Axe77 : 1st May 2024 at 08:31.
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Old 1st May 2024, 14:37   #4093
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Re: Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

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Originally Posted by razorback View Post
Hey guys, bought an LS2 FF800 Storm II a month back and I've ridden for around 500kms with it. Here are my thoughts
I am enjoying the internal sun visor on the Storm 2 during these scorching hot days. Not sure what they have done, it has a pretty good cooling effect on the eyes.
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Old 1st May 2024, 23:11   #4094
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Re: Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

Hello everyone, I'm looking for recommendations to replace my HJC CL17. I accidentally dropped it recently and broke the female screw threads for the visor mounting plate which are moulded into the helmet. Luckily it was getting pretty old (nearly 10 years!) and I was thinking of replacing it anyway.

My budget is about 15k and my requirements are
1. ECE 22.06 certified
2. Double D rings
3. Has to be available in white or yellow shades (just a preference)
4. Eyeglass grooves
5. Preferably a dual sport or ADV helmet

Sadly I've not been able to find anything in India that ticks all these boxes. Axor, LS2 and Axxis all have ADV helmets, but only 22.05 certified. But I do have the option of having a friend of mine carry it for me from Italy. I really like the Bell MX-9, it ticks all my boxes, specially price. I'm open to other suggestions as well.

Lastly, I've never had anything brought to the country like this, any tips? I'll be asking my friend to remove all tags and carry it without the packaging box.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cyborg View Post
Remember to get VAT cash back at Singapore airport if you have done the necessary paperwork at the shop.
Cheers
Does this work in Italy too? And what is the process exactly?
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Old 2nd May 2024, 11:34   #4095
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Re: Which Helmet? Tips on buying a good helmet

Quote:
Originally Posted by razorback View Post
Hey guys, bought an LS2 FF800 Storm II a month back and I've ridden for around 500kms with it. Here are my thoughts
What a coincidence, I also bought the FF800 a few weeks back - with the same graphics.

I've used it for about 1200 KM now including quick tours to Solan and Tehri. My previous helmet was a Caberg Duke 2, comparing the FF800 with it I found the following minor issues:
  • I don't like the mechanism for the internal sun visor. I have to feel around for that knob for a couple seconds before I can engage the mechanism. In contrast, the Duke 2 had a very nice slider on the top of the helmet - it always took less than a second to use the sun visor.
  • The main visor doesn't seem to have any intermediate positions if I want to keep it open slightly on a really hot day. The Duke 2's visor had notches on the side of the visor so you could keep it open at high speeds without having it close automatically.

Aside from these minor issues, I'm pretty happy with the helmet. The wind noise and weight, etc is at the same level.

I'm probably going to get an extra clear visor for night rides. I've installed the pinlock and that causes issues when riding at night.
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