Modular helmets? (NOT HJC.)

TekNinja81

TekNinja81

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So I just nearly destroyed my HJC SyMax II helmet in a fit of rage. I will not be buying another helmet from that brand.

Not that it was worth doing, but I'm sick of how HJCs tend to have issues with the visor not wanting to close properly, and sometimes even jamming when they actually do close. I bought mine last year, and the first thing I noticed after my first day wearing it, was the visor wouldn't close properly. Brought it back shortly after, and they wouldn't do anything for me of course, since helmets are final sale. Tried adjusting the mechanisms on the sides of the helmet, and didn't help -- actually, made it worse more often than not. I wound up purchasing a 2nd visor as I scratched the first one, and had the same issue. So far as I can tell, the unit I purchased might be defective, or is just result of overall poor quality. To add insult to injury, parts of the mechanisms broke off this morning when I was removing the visor to clean it. Hence rage-fit mode.

I need a good, *lighter* modular helmet that doesn't have this kind of problem. The HJC is awkwardly heavy and wants to drag my head forward, I know this is probably going to be typical of modulars due to all the extra hardware, but there has to be something at least a bit better out there.

From those of you who have compared, or have at least used others like the Scorpion EXO-900, or the Shoei Multitec, or other brands -- what would you recommend and why?

Also, I use a Scala G4 on my helmet, so a model that would accomodate that would be preferable. I know the Scorpion EXO-900 requires that you use the sticky pad mount vs the clamp -- I'd rather avoid this if possible, but will make do if need be.
 
Interested to hear what people say too. I had the HJC Symax and CL12 and both were some serious junk for all the reasons you mentioned and wind noise on the highway was really bad.

I miss having the versatility of the modular. Webbikeworld does pretty good reviews of products and has reviewed many of the modular ones - but it takes some time to read through them all and the user comments.
 
shanekingsley said:
Interested to hear what people say too. I had the HJC Symax and CL12 and both were some serious junk for all the reasons you mentioned and wind noise on the highway was really bad.

I miss having the versatility of the modular. Webbikeworld does pretty good reviews of products and has reviewed many of the modular ones - but it takes some time to read through them all and the user comments.
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Ah yes, I completely forgot to mention the wind noise. Hasn't been such an issue lately because my V-Strom has the Givi windshield, but I remember it being almost painful back with the Ninja when I didn't have anything to help block the wind. That said, buffeting was bad for me then too...

WBB does seem like a good resource. I'm thinking of heading over to GP in a bit to try on some of the modulars; before I picked up the HJC, I had been planning on picking up the Scorpion EXO-900 at GP, but the only one they had in my size at the time was broken. If I remember right, the Scorpion was considerably lighter and I liked its sunshield visor better -- haven't tried the Shoei Multitec yet though, and it seems like a lot of people are recommending it over any of the others... If I pick anything up, I'll definitely be posting my views on it.
 
The Shark Evoline 2 is the best modular style helmet out there. Its simply amazing. I know someone who rode a VStrom with it, and now is on a Ninja. Absolutley swears by it. Check it out! - I think webbikeworld reviewed it
 
Schuberth C3. The best modular helmet in the world. Lightest, quitest, 5 year warranty, integrated sun visor included.
 
Scorpion Exo-900, You can take the whole modular part off and attach a peak (comes with) to make it a 3/4 helmet should you choose. They have anti-fog lens, moisture wicking padding, as well as an air pump in the padding so you can make it as snug as you desire. I know it comes in Silver, Neon, and a dark grey, possibly others. It's not a very light helmet but like I think most modular ones aren't

Zox Genesis, comes with flip down glasses built in, no need for sunglasses anymore. Pretty easy to open up.

Zoan Coyote, pretty cool looking shaped helmet. I'd wear it if it wasn't modular. Nothing fancy about it, just looks the coolest in my books. I also think it's one of the lightest.

Vega Summit, comes with a spot for blue tooth, can also buy the version that already has it. Bulky looking helmet. Also has flip down sunglasses like the Zox.

Gmax54s, I find them a bit more of a paint to open. Built in flip down glasses, and LEDs on the back with 3 flashing settings. Says they're anti-fog and scratched, but I haven't tested the anti-fog part. Comes in a bunch of colours and design.


Hope this helps
 
Thanks for the replies so far guys. Went to GP today and tried on a few helmets; man I've been there way too often lately lol.


kiwi said:
The Shark Evoline 2 is the best modular style helmet out there. Its simply amazing. I know someone who rode a VStrom with it, and now is on a Ninja. Absolutley swears by it. Check it out! - I think webbikeworld reviewed it
Click to expand...

I didn't think to try it on myself, but my girlfriend did when we were at GP recently. She liked the helmet, except that when you flip its visor back she felt it puts too much weight on the back of the head. I'll have to try one and see how it feels for me.


Nofear said:
I have a shoei multitec, I like it.
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At this point, the Multitec seems to be the one I'm leaning toward most. I have an RF1100 as my main helmet, and love it. The odd thing I found, was that while I wear my RF1100 as an XL, the Multitec fits me much better in an L. That said, my chin is almost directly resting against the chin bar in the L, which also presents complications to installing my Scala headset. The XL leaves plenty of room there, but I can twist it around my head a little too much.


earditi said:
Schuberth C3. The best modular helmet in the world. Lightest, quitest, 5 year warranty, integrated sun visor included.
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I've actually only seen I think one of these, if I remember right it may have been Rob MacLennan here that uses one? (Rob is that right if you're reading this?) If I remember right, he swore by that helmet, but I've got no idea where to find one. Didn't notice if GP had any.


Amazon said:
... (Scorpion Exo-900 / Zox Genesis / Zoan Coyote / Vega Summit / Gmax54s comparisons)
Click to expand...

Thanks a ton for the details on these -- of those 5, I've tried the Scorpion before and I think I liked it at the time. Wanted to try one again today but there weren't any on display at GP. (Yes I could've asked to open one, but it was closing time anyway so I got outta there..) Never tried any of the others, though I do remember a Gmax my GF was looking at that had the LEDs on the back. Interesting concept, though perhaps more a distraction than a safety feature for some.

I also tried on a Nolan N103 while I was there. A little odd having the visor lip in the center, but I like the fact it has the built-in pinlock, and sun visor; it also felt pretty light and comfortable, except that when wearing it, I could not get my glasses to fit in comfortably. Maybe that would work itself out with some wear. However, I read a few reviews online saying this helmet is quite loud, and some mentioned issues with cheap plastic parts in the visor/hinge area?

All that said -- I'm going to have to do another round of helmet tests and see what really works best I guess. I'm still leaning toward the Shoei Multitec, but I really wish the Large size had a bit more room in the chin area. Other than that, so far I like it a lot. Very light and comfy.


Any further suggestions or feedback would be quite welcome!
 
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I have the Zox Genesis with the flip down glasses, combined with the dark shield I do not have to wear sun glasses (on the bright days in summer I used to combine a dark shield with sunglasses, my eyes are sensitive to light).

it is a little noisy but I ride with ear plugs or ear phones.

shields are 20-30 dollars and look like they may even be compatible with a couple other brands.

most important is fit, if it doesn't fit properly don't bother with it
 
My 2 cents.

Schuberth is available at Riders Choice.

Skip the Scorpion, Zox and other budget helmets. They are all China made, and rickety. Not unlike the HJC.

Nolan 102, and 103. Very noisy and heavy helmets.

Multitec is nice. Schuberth, although expensive, is a very good choice. Also, try the BMW System 5 and 6. Available at any BMW bike dealer and they are essentially rebadged Schuberths.

I'd love to add a modular to my arsenal, if Shoei ever does a revised and updated Multitec, Id be all over it.


I take it you already went through all the reviewed helmets in wBw?
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm

.
 
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Yes, Schuberth is available at Riders Choice. You can only get them at a few dealers, in Canada. I don't know if they have the C3 Carbon, which is the lightest version, but also more expensive. The C3 isn't cheap, to start with, at around $800.00. You will find that the chin bar fits very close.

Pics of the C3: http://www.morallyambiguous.net/multimedia/.gallery301/index.php/110618_schuberth

I also have a Shoei Multitech, that I got at a good deal. I have always loved the Shoei visor system, and have worn more Shoei helmets than anything else in my time riding, but the Multitech hasn't been out of the box since I got the C3. It just feels like a plastic toy by comparison to the C3. The chin bar has obvious flex. The latching mechanism, for the chin bar, feels weak. It feels far more likely to lever off from the back in a crash, than does the C3, which has a strap setup that's specifically designed to resist that.

My understanding is that Schuberth makes the BMW System helmets.
 
I think Oakville Yamaha might also have the schuberth helmets if thats closer for you, give them a call & see what they have out maybe.

Simpsons are supposed to have a good rep, but I don't know anyone that carries them so they can be tried on.
 
SyMax was my first helmet, because at the time I could not afford the Shoei Multitec... I HATED the concession I made and the HJC was gone after not even a full season.

Schuberth (and the BMW versions) are VERY comfy, but very 'round' looking. Made me feel like a bobble-head

Shoei gets my vote
 
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SunnY S said:
My 2 cents.

Schuberth is available at Riders Choice.

Skip the Scorpion, Zox and other budget helmets. They are all China made, and rickety. Not unlike the HJC.

Nolan 102, and 103. Very noisy and heavy helmets.

Multitec is nice. Schuberth, although expensive, is a very good choice. Also, try the BMW System 5 and 6. Available at any BMW bike dealer and they are essentially rebadged Schuberths.

I'd love to add a modular to my arsenal, if Shoei ever does a revised and updated Multitec, Id be all over it.


I take it you already went through all the reviewed helmets in wBw?
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm

.
Click to expand...

Shoei is releasing a new modular named the Neotec, according to a thread on Advrider: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=740765
 
Btw - the shark evoline can be flipped up and over so you am have open face in slow traffic or a hot day etc.
Still the best design in my opinion.
 
I've had a couple modulars. A KBC FFR which was junk. If you think HJC is bad then you haven't had this one.

I do have and still use an HJC IS-MAX (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/hjc/is-max/) and its actually pretty decent. Couple problems though. The lever that you pull forward to bring down the sun visor breaks off and its a common problem with this helmet. Opening and closing the visor and/or flip up cause scews to loosen periodically around the mount plates. As long as you keep an eye on this to make sure its tight, its all good but if not then you might find yourself in traffic with your helmet about to fall apart (like I did)..

Overall, I don't have a negative opinion on HJC. I find their products to be fairly decent value for money. The extra moving parts in a modular helmet to me means that its more likely to have some issues than a true full face and thats why a true full face is my preference for daily rides.
 
Your HJC has a warranty - check into that next time before killing the helmet.

I have used HJC modulars for years now, still do on test rides

This time around I wanted a better helmet, ended up with the Scorpion - awesome lid!

Donald
 
I've got the system 6 from bmw. Awesome helmet. Very quiet, light, sun visor built in. Does not like having the clip on communicator. I tried the sticky and that didnt work either. Ended up rewiring it so you can make it work. Down side is price. Very expensive! They size them in CM so there is no S/M/L it's ever couple CM so you end up with an awesome fit too. Has a quick connect/release clip for putting it on/off. Super easy to use and very convenient but you can't lock the helmet to the bike.
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