Touring Helmets?

Hey guys, what's everyone using for a touring helmet?

The helmet I currently have from my '82 Magna V45 is a 1/2 type, so not so great for highway travel.

I'm looking at Modular helmets and want one that has a built in sun visor, pinlock, modular, and has room for sound. I'm not against a regular full face, but there's got to be an upside.

What's everyone using / preferences? I just want to get a baseline for when I go shopping / trying some on.

EDIT: FWIW, I have the Givi Touring screen installed.

 

I sure hope you get some response on this one. As you know, we are not all that opinionated aboot things like oil, tires and all things wearable.

If you want the real poop check oot ABATE. It's real poop.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_motorcyclists'_rights_organizations

 

As tempting as the modular helmets are, in my unprofessional opinion, the weakest point of that helmet is where the flip up face hinges. But I know there will be many that don't agree with me.

Pinlock rocks. I've tried everything to keep the fog off the visor. Many of the things recommended here. The only thing I found that kept the fog away was to smear dish washing liquid on the inside. You have to get used to that slightly dirty view but it works. Unfortunately it has to be redone often. That lead me to the Pinlock system. I have never looked back.

One thing you need to also consider when you are buying a helmet for long distance riding is the weight. It may not seem like a big thing, but 10 - 14 hours in the saddle with the cheaper heavier lids is really hard on the neck. You will pay more for the lighter lids though.

Mine is a Shoei X Twelve. It fits my noggen well. But a little noisy. That's what you give up to get good ventilation.

 

I'll check them out. I may buy 2 helmets, one for summer and one for the beginning / tail end of the season.

I was looking at Nolan N104 as a possible option. Any experience with this helmet?

 

Can't say I know them. I initially bought an HJC which fit fine but was kinda heavy. Replaced that with a Sharke after about a year. That one was light as could be, but it did not stand up well to bumps and grinds. Next one was my X12 which is great for me. Think is is getting close to the time that it should be replaced. I've had it for about 5 or so years now.

I have only been riding since 06 so really there are others here who may have far more experience than me.

 

Since we're on the topic of touring, how do you like that Sargent seat?

I've owned Corbin seats in the past, but they are always very hard and first and take a while to break in.

I'm going to spend some time in the stock saddle before I make any decision on this area, just curious more than anything.

 

I have not heard anyone here say anything but good things about Sargent seats. I bought mine based on all the good reporting here. But to be honest with you, I did not notice a big difference between the stock and the Sargent. I had also done a long ride down to California and back in a week or so, on the stock as well so I did give the seat a good ride. I think that also is one of those personal preferences.

Mine is showing its age now. Foam is probably breaking down a bit. I am thinking of going down toe Seattle to Rich's and getting a custom seat done. Soon as I get my CPP which will be this summer.

 

That will be a nice ride.

I might actually be taking a ride out to Spokane area (Coeur d'Alene actually) via #3/95 (Creston) this summer for an RC Helicopter event.

 

You may want to go on partzilla and check out ther tech video on the new Shoei NeoTec. Out here in LA, it can be had for $490 at WHEELS IN MOTION in chatsworth.

 

Canadian loonie is worth between $.77 and $.80 USD. Even Partzilla may not be great for us right now, Hope that changes soon. Otherwise you guys are going to have to subsidize my 2016 R3 trip. Or I have to come down there and sell part of my liver. I am sure it is big enough to spare some.

 

Hmm. I'll check it out thanks, duccmann!

Randy, what's R3?

 

An annual event that has been going on since somewhere around 2007 or so. Been down there four times now. Basically a party with a ride embedded. Great time.

http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthre...Roundup-v-7-0?highlight=2012+memorial+weekend

 

Now that looks like a whole lot of trouble .... and fun.

Man, that's easily 3,400km's one way for me. Hmmmmm. I *AM* a Crazy Canuck.

 

But your #2

 

Hmmm ... maybe us Canuck's should start a MC .... "Sons of Monarchy"? God Save the Queen and all ...

 

Okay, I'll weigh in the Nolan helmet. I have the Nolan N103 and it isn't too bad of a helmet. I'd like to try the N104 but it won't work with my Scala Rider because of the position of the sun shield control. Be aware that the modular helmets are about the heaviest helmets out there, so don't be surprised when you first pick one up. Personally I wouldn't have a helmet that wasn't modular and with a built-in flip down sunshield. Once you've used one you'll be spoiled. I wear glasses so being able to put my full face (modular) helmet on with my glasses in place is sweet. The modular do tend to be noisy although the new Schuberth is supposed to be very quiet, as is the Neotech. But they do want some serious coin for those two helmets.

I have the Sargent seat and couldn't ride my VFR very far without it. The stock seat killed my butt in less than 50 miles. We just didn't get along. The Sargent is good for many, many miles. I had a Corbin for my FJ and didn't like it much. The Sargent required no break in as far as my butt was concerned.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img31/2673/fjh6.jpg

 

FJ12 ... thanks for the awesome feedback. Everything I've read seems to be right in line with what you're saying.

duccmann ... now those are some serious ape hangers.

 

Sons of Monarchy...
Haha......

 

Jeff,

I just upgraded to a Nolan N91 and cannot say enough good things about it; it is comfortable and pretty darn quiet for a modular. Revzilla has them on sale for $220 with free shipping right now.

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/nolan-n91-helmet